Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: May 9, 1983
• Invested on: September 09, 1983

Levi George March, M.B.
Eric Stanley Pretty, M.B.
Leonard Roy Pretty, M.B.
Glen Reid, M.B.
Jerry Lloyd Reid, M.B.
Charles Smith, Jr., M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On 15 December 1980, Eric and Leonard Pretty, Glen and Jerry Reid, Levi March and Charles Smith participated in the dangerous but successful rescue of four stranded hunters from the shoals of Trinity Bay. The hunters were within sight of land when their engine failed; as they fought high seas to regain shore a storm struck, driving them onto the shoals. Oars broke, and only the anchor prevented them from breaking up on the rocks. Their predicament was noticed in Dildo and a rescue attempt organized. Eric Pretty's long liner was chosen, despite faulty fuel lines and he and the others launched into a 100 km/hr. gale with visibility severely restricted by blowing snow. They found the floundering boat after half an hour but could not get close enough to bring the hunters off. Gill-net balloons were floated to the wreck but an anchor prevented the smaller boat from being pulled to deeper, safer water. On the third try the victims managed to free the anchor and were towed from the shoals. With much effort, and despite six to seven metre waves tossing both boats wildly, the six rescuers hauled the exhausted hunters on board. All returned safely.