Obverse: A shipwreck (right) supported by the royal crown above with laurel sprays and a flag on either side; a man with a telescope and gun apparatus (left) and a body on a beach, stormy sea and rocks behind. Legend: 'Shipwrecked Fishermen and Mariners Royal Benevolent Society ESTABD . A . D . 1839 INCD BY ACT OF PARLT . 1850'. Reverse: Inscription: 'PRESENTED FOR HEROIC EXERTIONS IN SAVING LIFE FROM DROWNING. JOB XXIX.13'. Legend: 'ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY'. The medal is suspended from a blue ribbon by a silver bar. The words ‘William Lewes 1851’ are engraved on the rim of the medal.

This medal was awarded to William Lewis (1815-1871) master mariner of the cutter 'Tryall' for his efforts in rescuing the crew of the French brig Etoile de la Mer in 1851 on the Longsand, in the North Sea off the coast of Essex, United Kingdom..