This medal is the Admella shipwreck bravery award. Medals were awarded to each of the 88 people involved in rescue attempts after the steamer Admella hit a reef during a storm and broke in two. Although the wreck was close to land, severe weather conditions meant that a week passed before the last of the 24 survivors (out of 114) could be rescued.

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Obverse – Scene at the wreck site as rescuers attempt to launch their boats into heavy seas. The wrecked Admella lies just beyond the breaking waves. Other steamers stand off at sea unable to assist. Above on a ribbon wrapped around an anchor is the legend HOPE TO THE LAST. Around it is ADMELLA STEAMER WRECKED ON HER PASSAGE FROM ADELAIDE TO MELBOURNE OFF CAPE NORTHUMBERLAND (6 AUG. 1859).		Reverse – Within a wreath and beneath the All Seeing Eye is AWARDED TO CHARLES PATTERSON BY THE VICTORIAN COLONISTS FOR HEROIC EXERTIONS IN SAVING LIFE (UNDER DIVINE PROVIDENCE) FROM THE WRECK OF THE ADMELLA.

Donated by Wannenmacher, about 1930.