Gold, 'Ministry of Marine' life saving medal. Obverse: Head of King Louis Philippe laureate (L) Legend: 'LOUIS PHILIPPE I ROI DES FRANCAIS'. Reverse: Within a wreath of oak tied with a rosette, on an oval ground. Inscription: 'MINISTERE DE LA MARINE A MANTLE (JOHN) GARDECOTE. COURAGE ET DEVOUEMT PR SAUVER DES MARINS FRANCAIS EN DETRESSE 1839'. Fitted with a loop and ring and tricolour ribbon, suspended by a brooch bar.

A French vessel 'Marie Louise' was wrecked in Weymouth Bay on 29 November 1838. Coastguard John Mantle (1806-1879) noticed people on deck, and swam out to her through heavy seas. He found two boys and the master on board. He took the two boys back to shore and returned with a rope so the master could be pulled to safety. Mantle then checked the cabins for any other survivors. In addition to this medal, he received the silver Royal Humane Society Medal, the Lloyds bronze medal and an inscribed watch from the inhabitants of Weymouth. Mantle was born in Woolwich and retired to nearby Rochester. He served as a naval rating before and after his employment in the coastguard.