The prestigious Victory Medal was awarded to John Puddy at the Society for Nautical Research Annual Dinner, held at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter on 7 June.
This national award recognises exceptional dedication to preserving maritime heritage. John received the honour for his remarkable, long-term commitment to saving the historic Royal Navy vessel, SS Freshspring—a ship recognised as being of national significance.
In 2010, with SS Freshspring facing imminent demolition, John mobilised a team of supporters and established a registered charity in 2013. He purchased the ship for £1 and began the formidable task of securing her future. By 2016, he had found her a permanent berth in Bideford and raised £155,000 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund to move and stabilise her.
Since then, John has worked tirelessly to restore the vessel, develop an outreach programme, and commission a feasibility study to explore her return to operational service as a passenger vessel. Thanks to his leadership, SS Freshspring has not only survived but is now a celebrated part of the town’s heritage. Her presence in Bideford contributed to the town being granted Heritage Harbour status in 2024.
SS Freshspring tells an important story about the post-war period and the support vessels that served Royal Navy fleets at home and overseas. Her hull and superstructure remain largely intact, and her steam engines are in outstanding condition, thanks to the dedication of Trust volunteers.
Her original form not only reflects her role as a naval water carrier but also represents the general cargo vessels that powered Britain’s maritime trade from the early 1900s to the 1950s. Plans to return her to full working order—while retaining her authentic external appearance—would make her the only operational ship of her kind in existence. For now, as a static exhibit in Bideford, she is the only ship of her type and age accessible to the public.
John with Sandra aka Britannia 🔱🇬🇧
