Queen Victoria instituted the Albert Medal, named for her late husband, to recognise acts of outstanding civilian bravery in the rescue of people in peril on the sea. The following year, the award was divided into two classes and in 1877 extended to saving life on land. The award was replaced by the George Cross in 1949. The first award went to Devon farmer who saved four men from the sea that same month. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation
"Chronicle," The Annual Register: A Review of Public Events at Home and Abroard for the Year 1866 (London: F. & J. Rivington, 1867), 12-13.