Prestigious Victory Medal awarded to Bideford man who saved the SS Freshspring

The man who rescued the SS Freshspring steamship and brought her to Bideford has been awarded with the prestigious Victory Medal for exceptional services to preserving the nation’s maritime heritage.

John Puddy was presented with the award at the Society for Nautical Research Annual Dinner, held at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter for his years of commitment to restoring the historic Royal Navy vessel.

The SS Freshspring is recognised as being of national significance but in 2010 she was facing demolition until John rallied a team of supporters and bought the ship for £1 before beginning the formidable task of securing her future.

He established a registered charity in 2013 and by 2016, had found her a permanent berth in Bideford and raised £155,000 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund to move and stabilise her.

Work continues to this day to complete her restoration and restore the SS Freshspring to full working order.

Historically, the Victory Medal was awarded to those who demonstrated exceptional commitment and support in serving on Nelson’s famous flagship HMS Victory and in its preservation. But since 2012, the medal has been awarded to anyone who has shown similar dedication to any vessel.

Above: A close up of the prestigious national Victory Medal, only given to those who have demonstrated exceptional service to maritime heritage. Credit: Caitlin Pharoah/Hummingbird's Photography

John, who is chair of the Steamship Freshspring Trust, said: “It’s a tremendous honour to receive the Victory Medal, but this recognition really belongs to everyone who has supported SS Freshspring over the years.

“Saving the ship has been a team effort, powered by volunteers, funders, and the wider community.”

Thanks to John, SS Freshspring has not only survived but is now a celebrated part of the town’s heritage and her presence in Bideford contributed to the town being granted Heritage Harbour status in 2024.

The ship was a naval water carrier but also represents the general cargo vessels that powered Britain’s maritime trade from the early 1900s to the 1950s and is rare survivor of 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.

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.

The SS Freshspring is berthed at Landivisiau Walk, Bideford and welcomes visitors every Sunday from April 13 to September 28, between 11am and 4pm.

For more information about the ship, please visit www.ssfreshspring.co.uk.