Watch List notes:

Ship Rescue Award, Newcastle, rescue recognition fob in voided gilt silver (32mm), handcrafted by P&Co, with scroll and ring top suspension, obverse, a shield inscribed 'Newcastle/27.9.09', and engraved with a scene of two men with a rocket launcher for firing rescue ropes and a floundering ship out in the high seas, around this is a life buoy inscribed, 'Rocket Brigade', and around this is a coiled rope, reverse inscribed, 'Newcastle's/Recognition/For/Services Rendered/P.Stratton.'. Very fine.

This recognition fob was for services rendered by P. Stratton for the rescue of crew and passengers from the American four-masted schooner, Alpena, at Stockton Beach at Newcastle.

In The Daily Telegraph on Friday 1 October 1909, page 8 it was reported.

THE SCHOONER ALPENA

BRAVERY TO BE RECOGNISED

NEWCASTLE, Thursday. - A public meeting was held last night for the purpose of considering what steps should be taken to recognise the heroic conduct of the crew of the lifeboat Victoria, in rescuing all hands from the schooner Alpena on Monday, last. The Mayor (Ald, J. C. Reid) presided. The following resolutions were carried: -

1. That in the opinion of this meeting the heroic conduct of the lifeboat crew, and also of the master and crew of the pilot steamer Ajax, in going to the assistance in the height of the gale of those on board the schooner Alpena, when in great danger, off the port of Newcastle, on last Monday morning, and rescuing all hands, including a lady (the captain's wife) is worthy of all commendation, and sympathetically appeals to all classes of the community.

2. That all present form themselves into a committee (with power to add to their number) for the purpose of practically carrying out the previous resolution.

3. That subscription lists be opened for the purpose of obtaining funds for this worthy object.

The town clerk (Mr. Scott Holland) was appointed treasurer. A collection taken up at the meeting realised a substantial sum.

With research.