On 7 December 1929 in the Bay of Biscay "Arlanza" and a German ship went to help the Italian cargo ship , which was sinking. "Arlanza" rescued all of the crew except three, who were rescued by the German ship. the Italian Government, Lloyd's of London and RMSP awarded medals and made presentations to a number of "Arlanza"s crew for the bravery and outstanding seamanship they showed in the rescue. Able Seaman William Bonas, for example, received a bronze Lloyd's Medal for Saving Life at Sea and a bronze Medaglia al valore di Marina.