Albert Medal (1st class) awarded to Captain Peter Sharp of the ‘Annabella Clark’ for helping to rescue the crew of the French vessel ‘Melanie’. The report from Lloyds List dated 25 November 1878 is as follows: ‘The Melanie (French) loaded with 600 barrels of petroleum while moored in Boucan Roads awaiting fine weather to cross the bar took fire about 6pm yesterday and continued burning until 11 pm. The vessel and cargo were totally destroyed. The crew except the ship’s boy were saved. The master, Peter Sharp and a sailor named James M’Intosh of the ANNABELLA CLARK of Ardrossan both got somewhat burnt in rescuing two men from the burning vessel; their injuries however are not serious’.

Captain Sharp was born in Ardrossan in 1838. He passed his master’s certificate 16 September 1869. He was also awarded the Lloyds Medal for Saving Life at Sea. The ‘Annabella Clark’ was a brig of 153 tons owned by A. Guthrie and registered in Ardrossan.

The medal is made of gold and consists of a badge in the form of a garter, crowned. In the centre of the badge is the monogram ‘V A’ on an anchor on a blue enamel background. Round the edge of the badge on the obverse is inscribed, ‘FOR . GALLANTRY . IN . SAVING . LIFE . AT . SEA’. On the reverse is inscribed, ‘PRESENTED IN THE NAME OF HER MAJESTY TO CAPTAIN PETER SHARP OF THE ANNABELLA CLARK OF ARDROSSAN FOR SERVICES RENDERED TO THE CREW OF THE MELANIE OF BOUCAN IN THE RIVER ADOUR ON 20TH NOVEMBER 1878’. Stamped ‘No 28’. Fitted with a ring and blue ribbon with four white stripes.