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ALBERT MEDAL IN BRONZE (FOR SAVING OR ATTEMPTING TO SAVE LIFE AT SEA)

BEARD, Edward S., Stoker PO, RNCVR

Issued: 3-May-1919, Canada Gazette

"On the 6th December 1917, the French steamer 'Mont Blanc', with a cargo of high explosives, and the Norwegian steamer 'Imo" were in collision in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. Fire broke out on the 'Mount Blanc' immediately after the collision. The Commanding Officer of H.M.C.S. Niobe, which was lying in the harbour, on perceiving what had happened, sent away a steam-boat to see what could be done. Mr. Mattison and six men of the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve volunteered to form the crew of this boat, but just as the boat got alongside the 'Mont Blanc' the ship blew up, and Mr. Mattison and the whole boat's crew lost their lives. The boat's crew were fully aware of the desperate nature of the work they were engaged on, and by their gallantry and devotion to duty they sacrificed their lives in the endeavour to save the lives of others."