Bidspirit auction | A rare C.Q.D. (Come Quick

A rare C.Q.D. (Come Quick Danger) Commemorative Medal. Obverse with portrait of holed ship with 'C.Q.D.' over & 'The SS Republic' beneath; reverse with text 'From the Saloon Passengers of the RMS Baltic & RMS Republic To the Officers and Crews of the SS Republic, Baltic & Florida For Gallantry commemorating the rescue of over 1700 souls. Jan 24' 1909'. Built in 1903, RMS 'Republic' was the flagship of the White Star Lines Boston service & known as the 'Millionaire's Ship' due to the number of wealthy passengers aboard. In 1909 she was struck by SS Florida in heavy fog, off the coast of Nantucket & issued a 'CQD' distress signal from her Marconi radio. RMS Baltic located her & transferred the passengers aboard. This incident was the first important maritime rescue made possible by radio.