A NOBLE BELLOW.

Kumara Times, Issue 1126, 8 May 1880, Page 3

A NOBLE BELLOW.

A noteworthy incident which Occurred in in one of February's gales, a little to the north of Bod dam Harbor, not far from Peterhead, is recorded by a correspondent. A Swedish schooner was there driven on the rocks, and thence on to the beach, where she remained stranded) the sea making a clean breach over her. By means of the Mattby rocket apparatus a line was flung on board, but the crew O’ther did not know what to do with it or paralysed by fear and cold. Seeing this, a noble fellow named George Oatley, a gunner’s mate,- and drill instructor of the Naval Reserve at Peterhead, stripped and swam out to the vessel through the breakers. He reached her in safety, made fast the line, and then put on a few clothes which the crew gave him, after which he sent the crew—who numbered five in all—ashore in a cradle, one after the other. Bast of all he came back himself, and as bis form) out and bleeding from contact With the rocks and benumbed with cold, Was drawn to land, the crowd of spectators Who had witnessed the gallant deed cheered him to the echo. He was pressed to take some brandy, but refused - it, Saying he was a/teetotaller 5 and on being told he would die if he did not take it, he replied that he would rather die than take it. He did not take it, and he is as Well again as ever, he was. Oatley is 36 years of age, has been in the Royal Navy for S3O years, and has the China and Abyssinian medals. The Duke of Edinburgh has marked his appreciation of his gallant conduct,. «s above narrated, by recommending him for the Albert medal.of the first classs. The Earl of Errol, whose seat is near PeterheacL started a subscription for a testimonial to him, and the movement was officially taken in hand by ’the Provost and Council of that town, Who have received many donations from all parts of the country.