Services by the Life-boats of the Institution

and by Shore-boats during 1940

During the year life-boats were launched 1,081 times. Of these

launches 640 were to vessels and aeroplanes in distress through
attack by the enemy or from other causes due to the war.

The Record Month by Month

Vessels
Number Lives which Lives
of Rescued Life-boats Rescued
1940 Life-boat by Saved or by
Launches Life-boats Helped Shore-boats
to Save

January 143 383 5 31

February 114 390 8 4
March 87 109 8 79
April 53 40 5 16
May 52 33 5 15
June 67 178 7 16
July 70 49 12 9
August 113 119 12 17
September 64 62 5 35
October 96 231 3 8
November 121 170 13 41
December 101 292 7 18

Totals . 1081 2056 90 289

1
 Forty-eight Medals for Gallantry

FALMOUTH, CORNWALL

On the 19th January, 1940, the Falmouth life-boat rescued the crew of thirty-
five of the S.S. Kirkpool, of West Hartlepool.
COXSWAIN JOHN C. SNELL was awarded the silver medal.
MOTOR MECHANIC CHARLES H. WILLIAMS was awarded the bronze
medal.

BEMBRIDGE, ISLE OF WIGHT

On the 29th January, 1940, the Bembridge life-boat rescued the crew of twenty-
one of H.M. Trawler Kingston Cairngorm.
COXSWAIN HARRY J. GAWN was awarded the bronze medal.

MOELFRE, ANGLESEY

On the 29th January, 1940, the Moelfre life-boat rescued the crew of sixty of the
S.S. Gleneden, of Glasgow.
COXSWAIN JOHN MATTHEWS was awarded the silver medal.
MOTOR MECHANIC ROBERT WILLIAMS was awarded the bronze medal.

WHITBY, YORKSHIRE

On the 3rd February, 1940, three attempts were made by the Whitby life-boat
to rescue the crew of the S.S. Charles, of Bruges.
MOTOR MECHANIC JAMES PHILPOT was awarded the silver medal.
COXSWAIN JAMES MURFIELD was awarded the bronze medal.
LIFE-BOATMAN JOHN R. DRYDEN, acting as second coxswain, was
posthumously awarded a second-service clasp to his bronze medal.
LIFE-BOATMAN CHRISTOPHER WALE, acting as bowman, was post-
humously awarded the bronze medal.
ASSISTANT MOTOR MECHANIC WILLIAM DRYDEN was awarded the
bronze medal.
LIFE-BOATMAN MATTHEW L. WINSPEAR was awarded the bronze
medal.
LIFE-BOATMAN JOHN W. C. WALKER was awarded the bronze medal.

NEWBIGGIN, NORTHUMBERLAND

On the 4th February, 1940, the Newbiggin life-boat rescued the crew of eleven
of the motor vessel Eminent, of Antwerp.
SECOND COXSWAIN GEORGE R. TAYLOR, acting as coxswain, was
awarded the silver medal.
2
 SERVICES 1940 3

FRASERBURGH, ABERDEENSHIRE
On the 8th February, 1940, the Fraserburgh life-boat rescued the crew of five
of the Baradrangur, of Trangisvaag.
COXSWAIN DAVID HAY was awarded the bronze medal.
CAPTAIN ANDREW STEPHEN, harbour master and joint honorary secre-
tary, acting as second coxswain, was awarded the bronze medal.

ARBROATH, ANGUS
On the 9th February, 1940, the Arbroath life-boat rescued the seven survivors
of the crew of the hopper Foremost 102, of Aberdeen.
COXSWAIN WILLIAM SWANKIE was awarded the bronze medal.

THE HUMBER, YORKSHIRE

On the 12th February, 1940, the Humber life-boat rescued the crew of nine of
the steam trawler Gurth, of Grimsby.
COXSWAIN ROBERT CROSS was awarded the gold medal.
MOTOR MECHANIC JOHN S. MAJOR was awarded the silver medal.
SECOND COXSWAIN WILLIAM R. JENKINSON was awarded the silver
medal.
BOWMAN WILLIAM J. T. HOOD was awarded the silver medal.
ASSISTANT MOTOR MECHANIC SAMUEL CROSS was awarded the
silver medal.
LIFE-BOATMAN SAMUEL F. HOOPELL was awarded the silver medal.

EASTBOURNE, SUSSEX
On the 20th of March, 1940, the Eastbourne life-boat rescued the captain of the
S.S. Barnhill, of London.
LIFE-BOATMAN ALEC F. HUGGETT was awarded the bronze medal.
LIFE-BOATMAN THOMAS ALLCHORN was awarded the bronze medal.

FRASERBURGH, ABERDEENSHIRE
On the 24th September, 1940, the Fraserburgh life-boat rescued the crew of ten
of the steam trawler Northward, of Grimsby.
CAPTAIN ANDREW STEPHEN, harbour master and joint honorary secre-
tary, acting as coxswain, was awarded the silver medal.
MOTOR MECHANIC GEORGE F. DUTHIE was awarded the bronze medal.
LIFE-BOATMAN JOHN D. MAY, acting as second coxswain, was awarded
the bronze medal.

MARYPORT, CUMBERLAND
On the 9th October, 1940, the Maryport life-boat rescued the crew of four of
the herring drifter Mourne Lass, of Workington.
COXSWAIN THOMAS Q. REAY was awarded a clasp to his bronze medal.
4 SERVICES 1940

DONAGHADEE, CO. DOWN

On the 21st November, 1940, the Donaghadee life-boat rescued seven of the
crew of the S.S. Coastville, of Liverpool, and on the 6th December, 1940, landed
nine of the crew of the S.S. Hope Star, of Manchester.
COXSWAIN SAMUEL NELSON was awarded the bronze medal.

BARRY DOCK, GLAMORGANSHIRE

On the 6th December, 1940, the Barry Dock life-boat rescued the crew of ten
of the S.S. South Coaster, of London.
COXSWAIN DAVID LEWIS was awarded the bronze medal.

SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, ESSEX

On the 6th December, 1940, the Southend-on-Sea life-boat rescued eight men.
the crews of the barges Cambria, Decima, Glencoe, and Nelson.
COXSWAIN SIDNEY H. B. PAGE was awarded the silver medal.
MOTOR MECHANIC FRANK A. JURGENSEN was awarded the bronze
medal.
SECOND COXSWAIN WILLIAM A. DEER was awarded the bronze medal.
BOWMAN HERBERT G. MYALL was awarded the bronze medal.
SIGNALMAN SAMUEL H. G. THOMAS was awarded the bronze medal.
ASSISTANT MOTOR MECHANIC REGINALD H. SANDERS was awarded
the bronze medal.

TROON, AYRSHIRE

On the 6th December, 1940, the Troon life-boat rescued the crew of seven of the
S.S. Moyallon, of Belfast.
COXSWAIN WILLLIAM McAUSLANE was awarded the silver medal.
MOTOR MECHANIC ALBERT J. FERGUSON was awarded the ‘bronze
medal.

ARRANMORE, CO. DONEGAL

On the 7th December, 1940, the Arranmore life-boat rescued the eighteen
survivors of the S.S. Stolwijk, of Rotterdam.
COXSWAIN JOHN BOYLE was awarded the gold medal.
MOTOR MECHANIC TEAGUE WARD was awarded the silver medal.
BOWMAN PHILIP BOYLE, acting as second coxswain, was awarded the
bronze medal.
LIFE-BOATMAN PHILIP BYRNE, acting as bowman, was awarded the
bronze medal.
ASSISTANT MOTOR MECHANIC NEIL BYRNE was awarded the bronze
medal.
LIFE-BOATMAN PATRICK O’DONNELL was awarded the bronze medal.
LIFE-BOATMAN JOSEPH RODGERS was awarded the bronze medal.
LIFE-BOATMAN BRYAN GALLAGHER was awarded the bronze medal.
 SERVICES 1940 5

TYNEMOUTH, NORTHUMBERLAND
On the 8th December, 1940, the Tynemouth life-boat rescued the crew of twenty-
two of the motor vessel Oslo Fjord, of Norway.
MR. EDWARD SELBY DAVIDSON, honorary secretary, was awarded the
bronze medal.
COXSWAIN GEORGE LISLE was awarded the bronze medal.
 Accounts of Services by Life-boats
JANUARY was needed by a vessel in distress at Galley
Head. A strong E.S.E. gale was blowing,
Launches 143. Lives rescued 383. with a very heavy sea. The motor life-boat
J ANUARY 1 ST . - WEYMOUTH, DORSET. Sarah Ward and William David Crosweller
At 9.25 P.M. a message was received from the was launched at 11.30 P.M. and found the oil
naval authorities that a steamer had gone tanker Athelbeach, of Liverpool, ashore.
aground in Weymouth Bay. An E.S.E. gale With considerable difficulty in the high seas,
was blowing, with a rough sea. At 10.5 P .M. the life-boat got alongside, but the crew
the motor life-boat William and Clara declined to leave. They asked the life-boat
Ryland was launched and found the Jugo- to run out anchors and to stand by till high
Slav steamer Neti, of 4,500 tons, loaded with water. This she did, but as there was no
iron ore, and bound for Antwerp. She had chance of the Athelbeach refloating until the
dragged her anchors and had gone ashore on sea had gone down and as she was in no
a sandbank. The life-boat went alongside, immediate danger, the life-boat returned to
but the crew would not leave their ship. As her station, after arranging with the captain
the heavy gale and surf made it dangerous to to send a wireless message if he needed her
remain alongside, the life-boat returned at help. She got back at 3.40 P.M., after
1.5 A.M. to harbour, remaining within call of sixteen hours of arduous service. Tugs
the steamer. At 7.30 A . M . the next day she arrived later, and two days later the Athel-
went out again and remained alongside the beach was towed off. - Rewards, £21 2s. 6d.
steamer until 9 A . M . Then, as her help was
not needed, she returned to her station at J ANUARY 4 TH. - FOWEY, CORNWALL.
10 A.M. - Rewards, £19 15s. 6d. At 3.10 A . M . a message was received that
distress signals were being fired from a vessel
J ANUARY 1 ST . - POOLE AND BOURNE- off Chapel Point, near Mevagissey. A fresh
MOUTH, DORSET. On New Year’s Eve, E.S.E. wind was blowing, with a very heavy
at about 9.30 P .M., the coastguard notified the sea. The weather was very misty. At
life-boat authorities that a boat was ashore 3.45 A.M. the motor life-boat C.D.E.C. was
on Christchurch Bar, but not in immediate launched and found the S.S. Ardangorm, of
danger. A moderate E. wind was blowing Glasgow, of 5,000 tons, ashore on the Gwineas
with a heavy ground swell and the night was Rocks, with heavy seas breaking over her.
dark and foggy. Later it was decided to The coxswain told the captain that he would
send out the motor life-boat Thomas Kirk be quite safe until daybreak, but that if he
Wright, and she left at midnight. She found wished the life-boat could rescue him and
the motor cruiser Sea Mist, which had his crew by breeches buoy. The captain
launched her dinghy, but it had been decided to remain on the steamer and asked
swamped and two oars lost. Two of the the coxswain to stand by. This he did and
crew of the Sea Mist were taken aboard the at daybreak the life-boat went alongside and
life-boat, two of whose crew boarded the rescued eleven of the steamer’s crew. Then,
cruiser, which was leaking badly. The Sea after making sure that the twenty-five men
Mist was towed into Christchurch Harbour remaining on board were in no danger, she
and put on the mud, her crew being put landed them at Fowey. She asked that two
ashore at Mudeford. The lifeboat returned tugs should be sent out to the steamer,
to her station at 7.30 A.M. - Property salvage returned to her, and stood by until 2.30 P.M.
case. An Admiralty tug had arrived and, after dis-
cussion, it was decided to abandon the steamer,
as there seemed no hope of saving her. The
JANUARY 3RD. - FRASERBURGH, life-boat took off the remaining 25 men and
ABERDEENSHIRE. At 9.58 A.M. a mes- returned to her station at 4.18 P .M. A letter
sage was received from the coastguard that a of appreciation was sent to the coxswain and
vessel had been mined ten miles N.E. from crew, and an increase in the usual money
Kinnaird Head. A N.W. wind was blowing, awards on the standard scale was made to
with a very heavy ground swell. At 10.5 A.M. each member of the crew. - Standard rewards
the motor life-boat John and Charles Kennedy to crew, £19 15s. 6d. ; additional rewards to
was launched. The life-boat met H.M.S. crew, £16 ; total rewards, £35 15s. 6d.
Oak which had on board eleven survivors from
the Swedish cargo steamer Svarton, of J ANUARY 4 T H . - RUNSWICK, YORK.
Stockholm. The steamer had sunk, and SHIRE. The motor life-boat Robert Patton
twenty of her crew had been lost. The life- - The Always Ready was launched at 1 P .M
boat took on board the eleven rescued men in an E.S.E. wind with a heavy sea, as the
and landed them at Fraserburgh at 11.20 A.M. Staithes fishing fleet was out and there would
- Rewards, £7 6s. 6d. be considerable danger for it in entering
Staithes harbour. She escorted in the
JANUARY 3RD. - COURTMACSHERRY fishing boats Flora, Minnie, Silver Line, and
HARBOUR, CO. CORK. During the night Star of Hope, and returned to her station at
Valentia Radio Station reported that help 2.30 P.M. - Rewards, £15 11s.
18
 SERVICES 1940 19
JANUARY 4TH. - ALDEBURGH, AND making distress signals off Worthing. A
LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK. At 6.5 P.M. light northerly wind was blowing, with a
a message was received from the Aldeburgh slight swell. The motor life-boat Rosa
coastguard that a steamer, about five miles Woodd and Phyllis Lunn was launched at
at sea, was making signals on her siren, 12.20 A.M. on the 5th and found the S.S. Ben
but that they were not recognizable as Olliver, of London, laden with crude oil and
distress signals. At 8.15 P . M . the motor bound from Southampton to London. She
life-boat Abdy Beauclerk was launched but had gone aground. With the life-boat’s help
found no ship in distress. She then spoke she refloated at 3.45 A . M ., but she came off
a trawler, which told her that the trawler very suddenly and before the life-boat could
Adrian, of Lowestoft, had been in collision get clear, the steamer had damaged her
with an unknown steamer, and was believed rudder. The life-boat escorted the steamer
to have sunk. Her crew had been picked up to within a mile of Shoreham Harbour and
by the steamer, and would be landed at then lost her in fog. The steamer anchored
Leith. At Lowestoft the next day at and the life-boat returned to her station at
3.50 P.M . two trawlers were seen three miles 5.30 P.M. - Property salvage case.
at sea, about one mile S.E. from the South
Holm Buoy. They were sounding distress JANUARY 5TH. - PORT ASKAIG,
signals. A S.E. wind was blowing, with a ARGYLLSHIRE. At 12.50 A . M . news was
moderate sea. At 4 P .M. the motor life-boat received through the coastguard that an
Michael Stephens was launched, and found S.O.S. had been sent out by the Union Castle
that one of the trawlers was the Adrian, with Line steamer Rothesay Castle. She was a
a large hole on her starboard bow below the vessel of over 7,000 tons and bound from New
water line. Her crew had abandoned her York to Glasgow. The life-boat crew were
after the collision. The other trawler was assembled and further information awaited.
towing her. The life-boat stood by, until a At 3.5 A.M. the Rothesay Castle’s position
tug arrived and then escorted the Adrian was given as five miles N.W. of Coull Point
while the tug towed her, stern first, across on the west coast of Islay, and the motor
Newcome Sands into harbour and there life-boat Charlotte Elizabeth put out. The
beached her. The life-boat returned to her weather was thick and the sea moderate, with
station at 5.50 P.M. - Rewards, Aldeburgh, a S.E. wind blowing. In the absence of
£45 10s. ; Lowestoft, £20 9s. lights the life-boat stood out from the shore
until daylight, and eventually found the
J ANUARY 4 T H . - EASTBOURNE, SUS- steamer, at 9.15 next morning, several miles
SEX. At 8.45 P . M . the coastguard reported north of the position given. She was on a
that a vessel was ashore off the York Hotel, sunken reef. The crew would not leave her,
Eastbourne. A light N.E. wind was blowing, and the life-boat stood by throughout the
with a moderately rough sea. The motor day and the next night. In the meantime
life-boat J a n e H o l l a n d was launched at a tug arrived and also stood by. On the
8 . 5 2 P . M . and found the Belgian trawler morning of the 6th the life-boat took off
Georges Edouard, of Ostend, with a crew of fourteen of the crew of the steamer and put
twelve aboard. She stood by throughout the them on the tug. Towards noon, as the
night. The trawler refloated next morning, weather was moderating and the remainder
and the life-boat returned to her station at of the crew had decided to stay on board, the
7.29 A.M. - Rewards, £31 17s. 9d. life-boat returned to her station, arriving at
3 P . M . She had been at sea for thirty-six
JANUARY 4TH. - NEW BRIGHTON, hours. The remainder of the crew of the
CHESHIRE. At 11.2 P . M . a confidential Rothesay Castle were taken off by the tug on
message was received from the Mersey Dock the following day. - Rewards, £44 1s.
Board that H.M. Destroyer Whirlwind was
ashore on the West Training Wall off C.14 J ANUARY 6TH. - BROUGHTY FERRY,
Red Buoy. A S.E. breeze was blowing and ANGUS. At 11.6 A.M. a message was
the sea was smooth, with an ebbing tide. received from the Carnoustie coastguard that
The No. 1 motor life-boat William and Kate the twin-screw steamer City of Marseilles, of
Johnston was launched. After she had set Glasgow, of 8,300 tons, bound from Calcutta
out a message was received from the senior to Dundee, had been mined off the Fairway
naval officer that she was not to go. The Buoy. A light, variable breeze was blowing,
Whirlwind had a crew of one hundred and with a moderate sea. At 11.23 A.M. the
twenty-four, and over one hundred were motor life-boat Mona was launched and
taken aboard the life-boat. The remainder found that, just before the steamer had struck
left the destroyer in a motor boat of the the mine, a pilot cutter had put a pilot
steamer Salvor, and the life-boat then put aboard her. She was only about 50 yards
the men she had rescued on the Salvor. away when the explosion took place, and
She then stood by until flood tide, when the picked up all the steamer’s crew of one hun-
destroyer refloated. It was then 4.45 A . M . dred and sixty-three with the exception of
on the morning of the 5th. The life-boat one man who had been killed. Thirteen
put back on the destroyer 24 men from the were injured. The life-boat met the cutter
Salvor and returned to her station at 8.45 A.M. returning with the rescued men. Some were
- Rewards, £14 1s. 6d. on board her, and the remainder in the ship’s
boats which she had in tow. The master of
JANUARY 5TH. - SHOREHAM HAR- the City of Marseilles asked the life-boat to
BOUR, SUSSEX. Shortly before midnight put him and his officers back on their ship
the coastguard reported that a vessel was again. This the life-boat did, the steamer
20 SERVICES 1940

being then three and a half miles S.E. of struck a mine and had sunk. The life-boat
Abertay Lightship. The life-boat stood by landed the twenty-four men at Margate at
until 2.40 P . M . A mine-sweeper was then 6.35 P.M. - Rewards, £14 2s.
standing by and the life-boat returned to
her station at 4.15 P .M. The following morn- J ANUARY 8 T H . - EASTBOURNE, SUS-
ing, an attempt was made to tow the steamer SEX. At 1.10 A.M. a message was received
up river to Dundee, and at 8.20 A.M. , at the from the coastguard that the Belgian trawler
request of the Harbour Master, the life-boat Monte Carlo, of Ostend, appeared to be too
was again launched to help. At Broughty close to Langney Point. There was fog and
Ferry Pier she took on board fifteen of the a north wind was blowing, with a slight sea.
steamer’s crew, and transferred them to At 1.50 A.M. the motor life-boat, Jane Holland
their ship, and then stood by until the City of was launched, and found that the trawler
Marseilles had been brought safely in. She had grounded at the Sewage Outfall, Langney
returned to her station at 12.45 P.M. - Point. The trawler refloated. but she was
Rewards, £13 4s. leaking badly and the life-boat escorted her
to Newhaven. On the way the coxswain
J ANUARY . 7 TH . - RAMSGATE, KENT. At signalled the coastguard at Beachy Head to
10.15 A.M. a message was received from the ask Newhaven to have a tug ready and to
Ramsgate coastguard that the North Good- see that the trawler was got past the examina-
win Light-vessel had reported that an explo- tion vessel and on to a slip as quickly as
sion and repeated blasts on a steamer’s siren possible. This was done and the sinking
had been heard about three miles N.E. of the trawler got in just in time. The life-boat
light-vessel. A light W.S.W. breeze was returned to her station at 1.55 P.M. - Rewards,
blowing, with dense fog, and the sea was £39 14s. 6d.
smooth. At 10.30 A . M . the motor life-boat
Prudential was launched. She found boats J ANUARY 9 TH. - REDCAR, YORKSHIRE,
from the steamer Cedrington Court alongside AND HARTLEPOOL, DURHAM. At about
an Admiralty trawler. The steamer had 5 A.M. information was received through the
been sunk by enemy action and. owing to Cullercoats Wireless Station that a vessel was
the fog, had not been seen. Her crew, in distress. The weather was calm and fine,
thirty-four in number, were on board the but cold. The motor life-boat Louisa Polden
trawler. One had a broken leg, and most was launched at 5.45 A.M. , with Captain E.
of the men were only half dressed. The Combes, the honorary superintendent, on
life-boat took them on board, made them as board. She found the steamer Montauban, of
comfortable as possible, and gave each man Nantes, on the Salt Scar Rocks. The steamer
a ration of rum. She landed them at Rams- was of’ 2,500 tons, she had a crew of thirty-
gate, where the injured man was taken to nine, and was bound in convoy, laden with
hospital, and the remainder were given coal, from Newcastle to Marseilles. In two
clothing and accommodation by the naval trips the life-boat rescued thirty-five of the
authorities. The life-boat returned to her crew, who were taken from the life-boat to the
station at 12.12 P.M. - Rewards, £8 15s. 6d. shore by the motor boat Supreme. The
JANUARY 7TH. - WALMER, KENT. At captain and three others remained on board
12.45 P.M. a message was received from the the Montauban, and the life-boat. stood by
Deal coastguard that a Steamer was ashore until about 3 P.M. when they too decided to
at Kingsdown. There was dense fog, a abandon her. The life-boat, took them off
light S.W. breeze was blowing, with a and returned to her station at about 5 P.M. ,
moderate sea. At 12.55 P.M. the motor life- after being out over eleven hours. The
boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2) Montauban was expected to become a total
was launched, and found that the British wreck.
steamer Fulham IV, of London, and the At Hartlepool a message had been received
.Jugoslav steamer Izgled, of Dubrovnik, had from the coastguard that a vessel was ashore
gone ashore on Kingsdown Reach, within a on the sands north of Hartlepool, and at
hundred and fifty yards of each other. The 5.25 A . M . the motor life-boat The Princess
life-boat put a member of her crew on board Royal (Civil Service No. 7) was launched.
each steamer. Admiralty tugs then arrived, Later it was found that the vessel was on the
and the naval salvage officer asked that the Salt Scar Rocks, near Redcar, and as the
life-boat should stand by until high water, Redcar life-boat had gone out, and did not
when attempts would be made to refloat the need help, the Hartlepool life-boat was
steamers. At 8.30 P . M . the steamers were recalled, and returned to her station at
towed off the beach, and the life-boat 7 A . M . Additional rewards were rnade to
returned to her station at 9 P.M. - Rewards, the Redcar crew. - Rewards : standard
£43 13s. rewards to Redcar crew and helpers,
£13 9s. 3d. ; additional rewards to crew and
J ANUARY 7 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. At helpers. £4 8s. 9d. ; total rewards, £17 18s.
3.55 P.M. a message was received from the Hartlepool rewards, £9 18s.
Margate coastguard that two ship’s boats (See Redcar “ Services by Shore-boats.”
had been seen near the Tongue Light-vessel. page 142.)
A southerly breeze was blowing, and the sea
was smooth. At 4.5 P.M. the motor life-boat J ANUARY 9 TH . - CROMER, NORFOLK.
The Lord Southborough (Civil Service No. 1) At 11.13 A.M. a message was received from
was launched and, on reaching the light-vessel, the coastguard that a vessel 2 1/2 miles S.E.
found that she had on board the crew of of No. 85 light-vessel, appeared to be in
twenty-four of the S.S. Towneley, which had distress. An easterly breeze was blowing,
 SERVICES 1940 21
with a moderate sea. At 11.18 A . M . the which took it and the four members of her
motor life-boat H. F. Bailey was launched, crew back on board. The life-boat returned
and found the S.S. Upminister, which had been to Aberdeen, where she landed the other
bombed and machine-gunned from the air. four men, and then put to sea again to help
Two of her crew had been killed and their the Danish steamer Feddy, also of Copen-
bodies were pinned down amongst the hagen, which had been bombed and set on
wreckage of the bridge. No one was on fire. Only the captain and one of the crew
board. As it seemed possible to salve the were still on board. The life-boat stood by
steamer, the coxswain decided to send for until 6.50 P . M ., when the captain decided to
tugs, and the life-boat remained standing by. abandon her. He and the members of his
At 5 P.M . a London steamer arrived and crew were taken on board the life-boat which
offered to tow the Upminister. The life-boat then returned to her station, arriving at
connected the two vessels but the tow-rope 7.20 P.M.
soon parted. As the Upminister was in the At 2 P . M . the next day, 10th January, the
channel used by shipping, the life-boat’s Emma Constance was again launched to
riding light was put on board her and the stand by the Feddy. She was still on fire,
life-boat stood by her all night. At 2.30 A.M. but was being towed to port. By 4.15 P.M.
the following morning news reached the life- the steamer had been moored and the fire
boat that a tug had left the Humber, but brigade had gone on board. The life-boat
the decks of the Upminister were now level then went to sea again and stood by the
with the water, and at 11 A.M. she sank. Ivan Kondrup, which had been damaged in
She was then about five miles W.N.W. of the the engine-room. She helped in an attempt
Haisboro’ Light. The life-boat returned to to connect tugs with the steamer, but the
her. station at 3.30 A.M. She brought with darkness, tide, wind and sea combined to
her from the steamer a life-boat collecting prevent it. The life-boat returned to her
box containing a 10s. note and 5s 6d. in station at 6.46 P.M., and was kept ready
silver and copper. - Rewards, £39 13s. 6d. for immediate service during the night. It
was not until 11.30 next morning, 11th
J ANUARY 9 T H . - WALMER, KENT. At ,January, 46 hours after she first put out,
12.45 P.M. a message was received that one of that she returned to her moorings. - Rewards:
the crew of the Italian steamer Buccari, 9th January, £20 9s. ; 10th January,
which was anchored in the Downs, was £9 19s. 6d.
seriously injured and needed medical atten- (See Aberdeen, “ Services by Shore-boats,”
tion. A light easterly breeze was blowing, page 142.)
with a moderate sea. At 1.5 P.M. the motor
life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2) JANUARY 9TH. - LERWICK, SHET-
was launched with Mr. James Hall, M.B., LANDS. At 11 P .M. a message was received
B.S., F.R.C.S., on board. The man had from the senior naval officer that a Greek
broken his back, and the lifeboat brought steamer was sinking north of Unst, and that
him ashore. She returned to her station at the life-boat should go to Balta Sound and
2.45 P.M. - Rewards, £14 12s. 6d. await further instructions. Then came a
second message that the steamer was ashore
J ANUARY 9 TH . - ABERDEEN. At 11.40 somewhere between Fetlar and the north
A.M. a message was received from the end of Unst, and that the life-boat should
coastguard that machine-gun fire and the search the coast. A fresh S.W. wind was
sound of bomb explosions, from an attack blowing, with a moderate sea, and it was very
by enemy aircraft on shipping, had been dark, and the visibility was poor, when, at
heard east of Downie Point. A fresh midnight, the motor life-boat Lady Jane and
S.S.W. wind was blowing and the sea was Martha Ryland was launched. At 8 A.M . the
smooth. At 1.10 P.M. the No. 1 motor life- next morning she found the S.S. Tonis
boat Emma Constance was launched, but she Chandris, of Piraeus, with a crew of twenty-
found only wreckage. Among it she picked two, stranded on the Vere Reef, two and a
up a life-buoy and name-board belonging to half miles from Balta Isle Light. She was
the S.S. Gourie, of Aberdeen. She then made making water. She stood by until noon,
a thorough search for survivors but without when she put into Balta Sound for her crew
result. On her way home, as it was getting to get a meal, and to report to the senior
dusk, she saw a bluish-white light on the naval officer. While she was there news
surface of the sea and found first a ship’s came that a tug would arrive the next morn-
boat upside down, and then another ship’s ing at day-break, and the life-boat was asked
boat with seven men in it. As the life-boat to stand by the steamer through the night.
approached the second boat, the men on Instead of at daybreak it was not until noon
board called out that there were other men in next day that the tug St. Mellons arrived
the water. The life-boat turned on her and took the steamer in tow. The life-boat
searchlight and saw a man floating face stood by until 2 P . M . and then returned to
upwards about 100 yards away. She picked her station, arriving at 6.45 P .M. on the 11th.
him up and then returned to the boat con- She had been on service nearly 43 hours.
taining the seven men, who jumped on board The next day the tug arrived at Lerwick.
her. The boat and four of the men belonged She had the crew of the steamer on board,
to S.S. Finland, which was nearby, and the but the steamer had had to be abandoned.
other men belonged to the Danish steamer - Rewards, £40 9s. 4d.
Ivan Kondrup, of Copenhagen, which had
also been attacked by aeroplanes. The life- JANUARY 9TH. - GREAT YARMOUTH
boat towed the boat to the Finland, AND GORLESTON. NORFOLK. At
22 SERVICES 1940
10 A.M. an explosion was heard to the JANUARY 11TH. - ILFRACOMBE,
north-east of the life-boat station, and DEVON. At 5.45 A . M . a message was
the Gorleston coastguard reported that the received from the Croyde Coastguard that
Caister Look-out had seen aircraft diving distress signals had been received from the
towards the sea, apparently dropping bombs S.S.. Princess, in a position near Elwill Bay.
eastward of Caister. At 10.30 A . M . the tug An easterly breeze was blowing, with a heavy
George Jewson was seen getting under way, ground sea. At 6.27 A . M . the motor life-
and news reached the life-boat station that boat Rosabella was launched, but later she
she was going to the help of the Trinity was recalled, as another message had been
House Vessel Reculver. The life-boat crew received that the crew of the Princess had
continued to stand by until 12.30 P.M. been picked up by another steamer, and were
Then a message was received that the naval being taken to Cardiff. On the return
authorities did not need the life-boat's help. journey the life-boat spoke H.M. Trawler
At 1.15 P .M. a further message was received Dandora, which asked for a pilot to take her
from the coastguard that the naval authori- into Ilfracombe Harbour. The second cox-
ties did, after all, want the life-boat launched, swain of the life-boat was put on board her
and at 1.25 P . M . the motor life-boat Louise and piloted her in. The life-boat returned
Stephens put out. A moderate E. breeze to her station at 7.12 A.M. - Rewards, £14 4s.
was blowing with a moderate sea. The
life-boat found the Reculver one mile W.N.W. J ANUARY 11 TH. - CROMER, AND SHER-
of the Cross Sand Light-vessel. She was INGHAM, NORFOLK. At 10.39 A.M., the
being towed by a trawler and tug, with a coastguard reported explosions about eight
naval yacht standing by. The yacht sig- miles to the N.N.E. of Cromer. The weather
nalled the life-boat alongside, put on board was cold, with a light easterly wind blowing
her two stretchers and a frame, and asked and a smooth sea. At 10.45 A.M. the
her to bring from the Reculver injured men, Cromer No. 1 motor life-boat H. F. Bailey,
as, owing to the seas, she could not get along- was launched, and about 12.30 P.M. she
side herself to take them off. The life-boat found the S.S. Traviata, of Genoa, a vessel of
then went alongside the Reculver and found about 7,000 tons, eighteen miles N.E. by
that she had been bombed and machine- E. of Cromer. She had been mined and her
gunned from the air, and that all her boats crew of thirty and a pilot were rowing in two
had been blown away, with the exception of boats to the Italian steamer Marte. They
one which was leaking badly. With great all went aboard her except the English
difficulty, owing to the rough seas, she took pilot, who was taken into the life-boat. At
on board six injured men, two of them being about 1.30 P.M. a destroyer came up, and the
stretcher cases, a doctor and a sick-bay life-boat took the Traviata’s captain round
attendant. While she was doing this she his ship to see if it were possible to salve her.
was hit and slightly damaged herself by the It was not, and at about 4.30 P.M. she sank
Reculver, which had had her steering gear Her crew were then taken into the life-boat
damaged and was sheering violently about. from the Marte. As the life-boat was on
It was decided that the life-boat should take her way home, a German aeroplane circled
the injured men ashore, to save the risk of round her and then attacked a trawler, about
hurting them in putting them aboard the a mile away, with bombs and machine-guns.
yacht, and also to save time. She made direct Swooping round again near the life-boat the
for the harbour, signalling for ambulances. aeroplane then made another attack on the
which were waiting at Lower Ferry Steps trawler. The life-boat at once sent word of
when she arrived at 5 P.M. - Rewards. it to the coastguard by wireless, and then
£12 5s. 6d. turned round and made for the trawler. It
was then about 5 o’clock. The trawler
JANUARY 10TH. - SHOREHAM HAR- was H.M. Holyrood. Coxswain Blogg boarded
BOUR, SUSSEX. At 11.48 A.M . a message her and found that her captain had been
was received that an aeroplane had come injured and his engines put out of action
down in the sea off Brighton Palace Pier. A He put one of his crew on board to give first-
light N.E. breeze was blowing, with a aid and took the trawler in tow. The life-
moderate swell. At 12.20 P . M . the motor boat towed for three hours, and during this
life-boat Rosa Woodd and Phyllis Lunn was time the Holyrood was able to repair her
launched, with the Honorary Secretary engines. She then went on her way and the
Captain C. T. Keigwin, R.D., R.N.R., on life-boat returned to her station, arriving at
board, as her crew was short. The life-boat 9 P.M.
found that the naval aeroplane K.4627 had News of the aeroplane’s attack was sent to
been made fast to two shore boats, and that Sheringham, and the motor life-boat Foresters
the pilot had been rescued. As the shore Centenary was launched at 5.7 P.M., but she
boats were unable to tow the aeroplane or was recalled when it was learned that her help
get it to the surface, the life-boat crew was not required. She returned to her
hooked it with a grapnel and, after passing a station at 6.15 P.M.
hawser round the tail, towed it to within A framed letter of appreciation was sent to
fifty yards of the beach. The hawser was the Cromer Station commending the crew for
then passed to helpers on the beach, who their services on this occasion and on the
hauled in the aeroplane. The life-boat following day. - Rewards: Cromer, £39 13s.6d.,
returned to her station at 2.45 P.M. - Rewards, Sheringham, £28 9s. 6d.
£4 18s. 6d.
(See Brighton, “ Services by Shore-boats," J ANUARY 11 TH. - THE HUMBER, AND
page 143.) BRIDLINGTON, YORKSHIRE. At 5.26
 SERVICES 1940 23
P.M. a message was received from the Spurn and the sea was smooth. At 7.30 A . M . the
Point Royal Naval Signal Station that S.S. motor life-boat Samuel and Marie Parkhouse
Pitwines had been attacked by enemy was launched and found the Italian tramp
aeroplanes eighteen miles south of Flam- steamer Pozzouli, of Naples, with a crew of
borough Head, and was on fire. There was a forty-five. She was at anchor two and a half
light breeze and the sea was calm. At miles S.S.W. of Bolt Head, badly damaged. In
5.30 P.M. the motor life-boat City of Bradford the darkness and fog she had struck the
II was launched, but when she reached the Mewstone Rock below Bolt Head, but had
position given, she could find nothing. At floated clear on the rising tide. The second
8.40 P.M. the life-boat spoke a trawler which coxswain of the life-boat went on board, and,
was on patrol duty, and she and the trawler with the life-boat escorting, piloted the
searched a wide area, but without result. Pozzouli into Plymouth. As most of the life-
At 2.30 next morning the life-boat met two boat crew had gone on service without having
vessels, which were not showing any lights, had any food, they went ashore for a meal.
twelve miles N.N.E. of the Humber Light- The life-boat returned to her station at
vessel. These two vessels were a destroyer 5.30 P.M. - Property salvage case.
and the Pitwines in tow of her. The
destroyer signalled the life-boat to come J ANUARY 16 TH . - SUNDERLAND, DUR-
alongside, and the commander asked the HAM. A vessel was seen to be very near the
life-boat to search for a tug, which was trying Whitburn Steel Rocks, flying distress signals.
to find the steamer in order to take over the An E.N.E. gale was blowing, with snow
tow. The life-boat could not find her, and squalls. The sea was rough. At 10.20 A . M .
at 5 A.M. spoke to the destroyer again. The the motor life-boat Edward and Isabella
commander then asked her to return to the Irwin was launched. She found the vessel
Humber and send out another tug. This to be the S.S. Stanlake, of London, a collier,
she did. The tug R. H. Wheeldon was sent bound for the River Tyne. She was a quarter
out and towed the Pitwines into the Humber. of a mile off the shore, N.N.E. from Roker.
The life-boat returned to her station at She had gone on the rocks. The life-boat
8 A.M. on the 12th January. stood by, and later put back for tugs, but in
At 4.30 P.M. on the 11th January the mes- the rough weather none would go out, so the
sages for help sent out by the Pitwines were life-boat returned to the Stanlake and stood
picked up at Bridlington on the assistant by her until she was able to get off the rocks
motor mechanic’s wireless set. Messages under her own power. She made for the
continued to come from the Pitwines saying Tyne and the life-boat returned to her station
that she had been hit by a bomb and was at 2.20 P.M. - Rewards, £10 17s. 1d.
on fire, that her crew were taking to the boats
and that they were being machine-gunned. JANUARY 16TH. - RAMSEY, ISLE OF
The messages gave her position as 17 miles MAN. At 12.30 P.M . the officer in command
south of Flamborough Head. At 5.20 P . M . of the R.A.F. station asked for the life-boat
the motor life-boat S t a n h o p e S m a r t was to go to the help of an R.A.F. speed-boat,
launched. She went to the position given with a crew of three, which was in distress
and spoke several steamers, but was unable off Ramsey, and also to put men on board
to find the Pitwines. She returned to her two other speedboats which were at anchor.
station at 11.30 P.M. - Rewards : The A N.N.E. gale was blowing, with a very heavy
Humber, property salvage case ; 11s. 3d. ; sea. At 1 P.M. the motor life-boat Lady
Bridlington, £22 2s. 6d. Harrison was launched, through very heavy
seas breaking on the beach. She escorted
J ANUARY 12 TH . - CROMER, NORFOLK. the launch into harbour, but in the heavy
At about 4.30 in the afternoon the coastguard seas it was not possible to put crews on board
reported that Light-vessel No. 85 was being the two launches at anchor. The life-boat
attacked by enemy aeroplanes. The No. 1 returned at 2.30 P.M. but she could not be
Cromer motor life-boat H. F. Bailey was rehoused until 5 P.M. - Rewards, £11 12s.
launched at 4.50 P.M. She reached the
light-vessel at 7.45 P.M. No one on board her JANUARY 16TH. - LOWESTOFT, SUF-
had been injured, but the crew’s nerves had FOLK. At 1.15 P.M. it was reported that a
been badly shaken, especially as the German barge, disabled and burning distress flares,
aeroplane had sunk a trawler with all hands was driving towards the Newcome Sands.
about three miles away. Two of the light- A whole N.E. gale was blowing, with a very
vessel's crew collapsed while the life-boat was heavy sea. At 1.30 P.M. the motor life-boat
alongside, and they, and one other man, Michael Stephens was launched. She crossed
were landed by the life-boat, which got back the Newcome Sands, continuously swept
to her station at 3.30 A .M. on the 13th by heavy seas, and found the barge Britisher
January. A framed letter of appreciation about two and a half miles out, drifting
was sent to the Cromer station commending before the gale across the sands towards the
the crew for their services on this occasion S.E. Newcome Buoy. It was here that the
and on the previous day. - Rewards, life-boat had hoped to meet the barge and
£33 1s. 6d. to rescue her crew. A tug, however, had
also put out and had got the Britisher in tow,
J ANUARY 14 TH. - SALCOMBE, DEVON. and the life-boat escorted them into harbour.
At 6.55 A.M. a message was received from the The barge had had all her canvas blown
Hope Cove coastguard that a vessel half a away and her small boat was waterlogged.
mile S.S.W. of Hamstone Rock required As she entered the harbour she struck the
help. A light easterly breeze was blowing north pier, suffered further damage, and had
24 SERVICES 1940
her small boat smashed. The life-boat motor life-boat Princess Mary was launched.
returned to her station at 4.5 P .M. - Rewards, The master of the launch asked to be taken
£15 4S. 6d. into harbour. He had a very rough
passage from Penzance, the launch had
J ANUARY 1 6 T H . - GREAT YARMOUTH been slightly damaged, and one of the
AND GORLESTON. NORFOLK. At crew was suffering from concussion, having
1.51 P.M. the coastguard reported that a been struck on the head by a falling hatch
motor vessel was flying a distress signal cover. The life-boat coxswain boarded the
south of Palling Look-out. A moderate launch and berthed her in the cove to wait
N.E. gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea. for high water. Then escorted by the life-
There were snow squalls and the weather boat, he took her into Padstow Inner Har-
was extremely cold. At 2.14 P . M . the motor bour. The life-boat then returned to her
life-boat Louise Stephens was launched. station at 4 P.M. - Rewards, £4 3s.
Visibility at times was only a boat’s length,
but the life-boat found the motor vessel J ANUARY 1 6 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT.
Ashanti north of Horsey, with a crew of nine. At 7 P.M. a message was received from the
The Ashanti had anchored three-quarters Ramsgate coastguard that the Italian
of a mile from the beach, and her anchor had steamer Ernani had collided with the Brake
been dragging in the heavy sea, but when the Light-vessel, and that the light-vessel was
life-boat arrived at four o’clock the master in danger of sinking. At 7.40 P.M. the
had hauled down his distress signal and was motor life-boat John and Mary Meiklam of
trying to get an offing. He said that he did Gladswood, on temporary service at Rams-
not need help at present, but asked the life- gate, was launched. A fresh N.E. gale was
boat coxswain what he had best do in the blowing, with a rough sea. As the life-boat
circumstances. It would soon be getting was rounding the pier-head a naval signal-
dark, his vessel was sailing light, the wind man hailed her and told her to go to H.M.S.
was dead on shore, and the sea was heavy. Holdfast, which had survivors from the
The coxswain advised him to make for shelter light-vessel on board. A light, the signal-
in Yarmouth Roads and the master then man said, would be shown to guide her.
asked if he could get through the Cockle Gat. No light, however, could be seen, so the life-
The coxswain replied that he thought he boat made for the light-vessel, and found her
could if he followed the life-boat. The life- still afloat. The life-boat hailed her, but
boat then bore away at once, with the got no reply. She turned her searchlight on
Ashanti following her closely, and reached her, but could see no one. She searched the
the Cockle Light-vessel just as night was neighbourhood and could find nothing, so
coming on. The life-boat then piloted the she returned to harbour for further instruc-
Ashanti through the Cockle Gat which was tions. She was given the exact position of
closed to traffic as there were in it unmarked H.M.S. Holdfast, and a signal was made to the
wrecks of vessels which had been mined in Holdfast asking her to show a guiding light.
the fairway, and it was suspected unexploded Then, however, it was decided that the life-
mines as well. To add to these difficulties, boat should wait for day, as it was feared that
all lights were extinguished. Both boats the risk of transferring the men to her from
however got safely through into Yarmouth the Holdfast, in the darkness and heavy seas,
Roads and the Ashanti anchored under the would be too great. The life-boat returned
lee of Scroby Sands. The life-boat then went to her station at 9.45 P.M. There, she learned
alongside to ask if the master needed any that, while she had been out, messages had
further help. He said that he did not, and come from the coastguard that another
was very grateful to the life-boat for the help Italian steamer, Premuda, was in distress
which it had already given them. The near the North Goodwin Buoy. As is
coxswain then approached the examination described in the next account, she went out
vessel and asked that the harbour lights might to the help of this vessel, but found that the
be put on to enable her to enter harbour. Margate and Walmer life-boats were coming
This was done and the life-boat returned to out on the same errand. lt was then eight
her station and was ready for service again o’clock on the morning of the 17th. H.M.S.
at 6.45 P . M . The weather was so cold when Goodwin then came up and told the life-boat
the life-boat returned after her four hours at to go to H.M.S. Holdfast. On board her
sea that her decks were covered with ice and were seven survivors of the light-vessel.
the crew’s life-belts were frozen to them. The life-boat took them off and landed
A letter of appreciation was sent to them at Ramsgate. Meanwhile a Trinity
C OXSWAIN C. A. J OHNSON , and an increase House tender had gone to the light-vessel
in the usual money awards on the standard and found that she was still afloat and was
scale was made to each member of the crew, not going to sink. When this had been
- Standard rewards to crew and helpers, reported, the Ramsgate life-boat was asked
£15 9s. 6d. ; additional rewards to crew to take the survivors out either to the tender
£10 ; total rewards, £25 9 S. 6d. or the light-vessel and, after supplies of
petrol had been got from the naval authori-
JANUARY 16TH. - PADSTOW, CORN- ties, she set out again at 12.43 P.M. , took
WALL. At 1.50 P .M. a message was received the men to the light-vessel and returned to
from the Stepper Point coastguard that a Ramsgate at 1.54 P.M. The Superintendent
large R.A.F. launch, which had arrived of Trinity House sent his thanks to the life-
under Pentire Head, needed help. A fresh boat, and a donation towards the expenses
N.N.E. breeze was blowing with a rough sea. was received from Trinity House. - Rewards,
It was very cold. At 2.40 P . M . the No. 1 £15 9s. and £21 14s. 3d.
 SERVICES 1940 25
J ANUARY 1 6 T H . - MARGATE, RAMS- away, and at eight o’clock she reached the
GATE. AND WALMER. KENT. At 9.30 Premuda.
P . M . a message was received at Margate The Margate life-boat arrived eight
from the Margate coastguard that an Italian minutes later, and both life-boats went
steamer was sinking close to the North Good- alongside the steamer. Margate rescued
win Light-vessel. A strong N.E. wind was eight of her crew and Walmer 24, including
blowing, with heavy snow storms. The sea the Trinity House pilot. The Walmer life-
was very rough. At 9.50 P . M . the motor boat arrived back at her station at 9.45 in
life-boat The Lord Southborough (Civil Service the morning. The Margate life-boat made
No. 1) was launched. and although the light- for Ramsgate, where she arrived at 10.10..
vessel was showing no light, she succeeded In the heavy seas running it would have been
in finding her in the darkness. The master impossible to get the life-boat back into her
of the light-vessel told the life-boat that house at Margate, so her crew left her at
nothing had been seen of the steamer and Ramsgate until the next day, when they
that the Ramsgate coastguard had sent a brought her back to her station, arriving at
message to him that no further news of her noon. - Rewards : Margate, £34 7s. ; Wal-
had been received The life-boat searched mer, £21 18s. 9d. ; Ramsgate, included in
all night over a wide area, and went to several the rewards for the service to the Brake
ships which were at anchor, but none of them Light-vessel.
was in distress. At daybreak she again went
to the light-vessel, and this time was told J ANUARY 1 8 T H . - CROMER, NORFOLK.
that a vessel was aground on the Goodwin At 6.52 A.M. a message was received from the
Sands. The light-vessel gave her position. coastguard that the Belgian steamer Meuse
There the life-boat arrived at 8.38 in the was aground near the Haisboro’ Sands.
morning of the 17th and found the S.S. A W.N.W. wind was blowing with a moderate
Premuda, of Genoa, of 4,000 tons. She was sea. The weather was very cold. At
hard aground half a mile S.E. of the North- 7 . 1 5 A . M . the No. 1 motor life-boat H. F.
West Goodwin Buoy and the seas were Bailey was launched and searched the whole
breaking over her. length of the sands but found nothing. The
The Margate life-boat reached the Premuda coxswain decided to make for Gorleston,
to find that the Ramsgate and Walmer boats and on the way heard No. 85 Light-vessel
had arrived shorty before. The reserve making distress signals on her fog-horn.
motor life-boat .John and Mary Meiklam of He went to her and was told that a ship-
Gladswood, on temporary service at Rams- wrecked crew in a ship’s boat had been trying
gate, had been out the previous evening to to reach the light-vessel, but had failed,
the help of the Brake Light-vessel, with that a boat with four men had been launched
which another Italian steamer had collided, from the light-vessel to help them, and
as described in the previous account. On that both boats were adrift and unable to
returning to Ramsgate at 9.45 A.M. she reach the light-vessel. The life-boat found
learned that, while she was out, the coast- them three or four miles away to the south-
guard had reported that the Premuda was east. The shipwrecked men, eleven in
in distress near the North Goodwin Buoy, number, were part of the crew of the Greek
and that the Margate life-boat had gone out steamer Asteria, of Piraeus, which had struck
to her. A further message from the coast- a mine the previous day and had sunk in
guard came shortly after two in the morning six minutes, with the loss of her captain, the
of the 17th that the Premuda was in urgent English pilot and eleven of her crew. The
need of help and that there was no sign of survivors were very exhausted, and had to be
the Margate life-boat, so at 3.35 A . M . the helped on board the life-boat. One man
Ramsgate boat left her moorings. The gale was already dead from exposure. His body
had increased and the sea was very rough, was also taken on board. The four men
breaking so heavily in the harbour entrance from the light-vessel were then rescued and,
that the life-boat was compelled to wait with their boat in tow, the life-boat made for
under the shelter of the quay. She was able Yarmouth, first signalling for medical help
to get out of the harbour at 6.20. She to be waiting for the shipwrecked men.
was the first, to reach the Premuda, and She arrived at about 3.30 P .M. Seven of
found that the crew were in no hurry to the men were taken to hospital, where one
abandon their ship. As she could see the of them, who had been very badly scalded,
Margate life-boat, near the North Goodwin died. The life-boat then went to Gorleston,
Light-vessel and the Walmer motor life-boat as the weather was too bad for it to be
Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2) approach- possible to get her up the slipway at Cromer.
ing, she left the Premuda to them and went She returned to her station next day at
on to take off some more survivors of the 10.30 A.M. - Rewards, £23 9s. 6d.
Brake Light-vessel who had been rescued by
H.M.S. Holdfast.
The Walmer station had received at 5.25
in the morning a message that a vessel was SILVER MEDAL SERVICE
ashore near the North Goodwin Buoy, and AT FALMOUTH
that the Ramsgate life-boat could not get
out to her help. The work of launching the JANUARY 19TH. - FALMOUTH,
life-boat, which is off skids on the open CORNWALL. The Falmouth motor
beach, was greatly hindered by the fact
that the beach was frozen and covered life-boat Crawford and Constance Cony-
with snow, but at 6.30 the life-boat got beare arrived at her station from the
26 SERVICES 1940

building yard on the 7th of January, stretcher and thirteen firemen were
1940. Twelve days later, on the 19th, put on board her, and the life-boat
she was called out on her first service. made for Falmouth. As she left, the
A gale was blowing that morning captain of the Kirkpool asked when
from the south-east. The weather she would be back again.
was hazy. A very heavy sea was She landed the 14 men at 11.30
running. At 9.30 the life-boat left and returned as quickly as possible
her moorings in answer to a mes- to the wreck. Again the coxswain
sage that a large steamer was dragging took her through the heavy breaking
her anchors off Castle Beach in Fal- seas, into the surf between steamer and
mouth Bay, and was flying signals of shore, and putting her alongside the
distress. steamer, with the seas breaking rigid
Ten minutes later the life-boat over her, he rescued the other 21 men.
reached her. She was the Kirkpool, By 1.15 in the afternoon they had been
of West Hartlepool, with a crew of landed safely at Falmouth.
35 men. She was loaded and was The life-boat was handled by the
drawing 22 feet of water. Two tugs coxswain with great skill and daring.
were at anchor in the neighbourhood, and the mechanics and crew responded
but they were unable to get near the splendidly to his orders. The Institu-
Kirkpool, and were riding heavily to tion made the following awards :
the gale with seas breaking over them. To COXSWAIN J. C. SNELL, the silver
The Kirkpool herself was dragging medal for gallantry, and a copy of the
rapidly towards the shore. Her cap- vote inscribed on vellum ;
tain hailed the coxswain and asked To C. H. WILLIAMS, motor-mechanic,
him to take a line from the steamer to the bronze medal for gallantry, and a
one of the tugs. The coxswain copy of the vote inscribed on vellum :
attempted to get alongside on the To each of the other six members of
port side and failed ; tried then on the the crew, L. MORRISON, second-cox-
starboard side ; got near enough for swain, H. TONKIN, bowman, C.
the line to be thrown, and took it to B ROWN , assistant motor-mechanic,
one of the tugs ; but the tug could R. TONKIN, N. MORRISON, T. SOULT,
make no headway. The Kirkpool con- the thanks of the Institution inscribed
tinued to drag, and a few minutes on vellum ;
later struck the beach and lay there To the coxswain and each member
broadside on to the breaking seas. of the crew £2 in addition to the
Her boilers lifted as she struck and the ordinary scale reward of 19s. Stan-
engine-room was filled with steam. dard rewards, £6 17s. 6d. ; additional
Her captain then asked the cox- rewards, £16. Total rewards,
swain if he would take off an injured £22 17s. 6d.
man on a stretcher (he was very ill and J ANUARY 19 TH. - FLEETWOOD, LANCA-
died next day) and the firemen. SHIRE. At 10.10 A.M. information was
Terrific seas were running round the given by an incoming trawler that the mast
Kirkpool’s bow and stern. Seas were and sail of a vessel could be seen above water
breaking clean over her. Their rise about a mile west of Wyre Lighthouse. A
southerly wind was blowing, with a moderate
and fall was fifteen feet, while on the sea. It was snowing heavily. At 10.45 A.M.
leeside of the steamer, between her and the motor life-boat Ann Letitia Russell was
the shore, there was not more than launched. She found the prawn boat
twelve feet of water. The coxswain Capella, a half-deck cutter, which was on
her way to Fleetwood from the builders at
took the life-boat round the bows of Conway. Life-boatmen went on board,.
the steamer and got between her and but no trace was found of the two men.
the shore. As she came round the father and son, who were known to have
bows she was lifted almost to the level been on board. The life-boatmen then
borrowed a small boat from a trawler nearby
of the fo’csle. She looked from the and went ashore in her. On landing they
shore to be almost smothered in the found the dead body of the elder man, but
surf, and then to be standing on end. there was no trace of his son, Harry Wright,
But the coxswain took her safely who was the bowman of the Fleetwood life-
boat. The life-boat brought the body
through the surf and alongside the ashore, and returned to her station at
steamer. The injured man on the 2.15 P.M. - Rewards, £5 13s.
 SERVICES 1940 27
J ANUARY 1 9 T H . - PWLLHELI, CAER- wegian steamer was ashore near the North
NARVONSHIRE. The steam trawler Lydia Goodwin Light-vessel and that the naval
Eva, which was acting as a tender to the authorities were sending a tug to investigate.
R.A.F., was seen to be dragging her anchors A second message from the coastguard said
towards a lee shore An ensign knotted in that the light-vessel had reported the con-
the tail was seen hoisted, which was taken to tinuous firing of rockets to the south. At
be a call for help. A strong southerly gale 6.47 P.M. the motor life-boat John and Mary
was blowing, with snow squalls, and the sea Meiklam of Gladswood, on temporary duty
was rough. At 2.55 P .M. the motor life-boat at Ramsgate, was launched, and found the
William Macpherson was launched, and S.S. Ila, of Trondhjem, aground and listed
reached the trawler when she was a quarter heavily to starboard. There was a confused
of a mile east of the harbour entrance. In sea, a strong wind was blowing with heavy
the rough seas it was impossible to take off squalls, and there was almost continuous
her crew, so the trawler slipped her cables snow. It was too dangerous to attempt to
and, escorted by .the life-boat, got into har- get alongside at once, and the life-boat stood
bour under her own power. The life-boat off until the tide turned. Then she went in
returned to her station at 3.45 P .M. A letter and rescued the crew of eighteen, shipping
of thanks was received from the owners. large quantities of water the while. She
- Rewards, £7 16s. 6d. returned to her station at 9 A.M. the next day.
- Rewards, £19 7s. 3d.
J ANUARY 2 0 T H . - FALMOUTH, CORN-
WALL. At 11.20 A . M . the coastguard at J ANUARY 22 ND . - RAMSGATE, AND
St. Anthony reported that a vessel was flying WALMER, KENT. At 10.55 A . M . a mes-
a distress signal three miles S.W. of St. sage was received at Ramsgate from the
Anthony. A fresh S.S.E. wind was blowing, coastguard that H.M. Destroyer Brilliant
with a nasty swell. The motor life-boat h a d r e p o r t e d t h a t t h e S . S . R y n a n a , of
Crawford and Constance Conybeare was Limerick, was aground a mile west of the
launched at 11.35 A.M. She found the tanker East Goodwins Light-vessel. The weather
Caroni River, of London, a motor vessel of was very cold. A gentle N.N.E. breeze was
nearly 8,000 tons, sinking rapidly after blowing, with a moderate sea. The supplies
striking a mine. She had just left harbour of petrol normally carried on board the
to undergo tests Twenty-seven of the crew Ramsgate life-boat had been used up the
were rescued by the life-boat, and others by a night before when the life-boat was out for
drifter. The life-boat returned to her 14 hours, and fresh supplies could not be
station at 1.30 P.M. - Rewards, £6 17s. 6d. got from the storage tank at the life-boat
station, as the water in the tank had frozen
J ANUARY 21ST. - THE MUMBLES, (the petrol is obtained from the top of the
GLAMORGANSHIRE. At 9.15 A.M. a tank, which works on the Bywater System,
message was received from the coastguard by the entry of water at the bottom). Petrol
that a vessel, which was thought to have was got from the naval authorities, but this
been mined, was sinking about six miles delayed the launch and the motor life-boat
W.S.W. of Mumbles Head. The sea was John and Mary Meiklam of Gladswood, on
smooth, with a moderate easterly breeze temporary duty at Ramsgate, was not away
blowing, but it was misty and cold. At until 1.25 P.M. She found the steamer
9.35 A.M. the motor life-boat Edward Prince high on the sands, with banks of silted sand
of Wales was launched, and found the S.S. on either side. This sand and the low tide
Protesilaus, of 9,500 tons. A patrol boat was made it impossible for the life-boat to get
alongside her and had taken off fifty-three near enough to take off the crew. In
of the steamer’s crew. The remaining attempting it she went aground and shipped
twenty-two, of whom eight had been injured, a great deal of water. She stood by until
were rescued by the life-boat and, brought 6 P . M . and then made further attempts, but
ashore. The life-boat was back at her still could not get alongside. The weather
station at 12.15 P . M . The owners of the now began to moderate, and as the crew of
steamer, Messrs. A. Holt and Co., made a the steamer were not in immediate danger,
donation of £20 to the Institution. - Rewards, the life-boat returned to her station at
£7 14s. 6d
9.45 P.M. It was then decided that the
JANUARY 21 S T . - SCARBOROUGH, Walmer life-boat, being of lighter draught,
YORKSHIRE. A strong N.E. gale was should be launched, and at 10.30 P . M . the
blowing, with snow storms. The sea was Walmer station was informed by the Rams-
very rough. Two local motor fishing boats, gate coastguard that the Ramsgate life-boat
Pride and Sceptre, were at sea, line-fishing, was unable to get alongside the steamer. At
and at noon the motor life-boat Herbert 7 . 1 0 A.M. the next morning the Walmer
Joy II was launched in case they were in motor life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service
difficulty. The Pride was picked up two No. 2) was launched. The wind was then
miles to the N.E. and escorted to harbour. from W.N.W., with a moderate sea. Just
The life-boat then put to sea again, found before she launched, a message came from
the Sceptre one and a half miles to the E.N.E. the Deal coastguard that distress flares had
and escorted her in. The life-boat returned been seen two miles N.N.E. from the St.
to her station at 3.15 P.M. - Rewards Margaret’s coastguard station. The life-
£19 14s 6d. boat went there first and found a steamer
thawing out her deck machinery. She then
J ANUARY 2 1 S T . - RAMSGATE, KENT crossed the sands, reached the R y n a n a at
At 4 P . M . news was received that a Nor- 9 o’clock, and rescued her crew of thirteen
28 SERVICES 1940
She returned to her station at 10.32 A . M . - The coxswain got her head to sea and counted
Rewards : Ramsgate, £23 5s. 6d. ; Walmer, his crew. It was 11 P .M. when the life-boat
£14 12s. 6d. entered the harbour. It was then decided
that she should return to her station.
J ANUARY 29 TH . - PEEL, ISLE OF MAN. Leaving the harbour she again met heavy
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Passenger seas, and used oil to make them smoother
and Mail Boat, Rushen Castle, with 150 pas- while running for the beach. Again she
sengers and crew on board, left Liverpool took heavy seas on board and was laid on her
at 10 A . M . on the 27th January, 1940, and beam ends, and again the coxswain got her
arrived in Douglas Bay at 5 P . M . A south- head to sea and checked his crew. She
east gale was blowing, with snow and a very reached the beach safely at one in the morn-
rough sea. It was impossible to land any ing of January 30th. - Rewards, £31 12s.
passengers. The steamer went on to Peel,
arriving there next morning, Sunday, the JANUARY 29TH. - SELSEY, SUSSEX.
28th January. Here too it was found to At 4.30 A.M. the coastguard telephoned that a
be impossible to land, and the steamer vessel was in distress off the coastguard sta-
anchored about two miles out. The manager tion and needed a tug. The coxswain
of the steamship company then asked that assembled the life-boat crew and stood by.
the life-boat should go out in case food and Then a second message came from the coast-
water were running short on board, and at guard asking that the life-boat should go to
1 0 A.M. on the 29th January, the motor the vessel’s help, and the motor life-boat
life-boat Helen Sutton was launched. Nothing Canadian Pacific put out at 7 A.M. A strong
was wrong on board the steamer, but pro- north-east to east breeze was blowing with a
visions were getting low, so the life-boat took slight sea. It was snowing heavily. The
out supplies. She then brought ashore life-boat reached the vessel at 11.30 A.M.
twelve passengers, including a medical and found her to be the naval trawler Stella
specialist who had come to the Isle of Man Sirus, aground near the Mixon Rocks. An
for a consultation. After they had been Admiralty tug had arrived, but the water
landed the life-boat remained afloat in case was too shallow for either the tug or the life-
she should be needed, as about thirty vessels boat to get near the trawler. They waited
had sought shelter at Peel. She was not for the tide to rise. The life-boat then went
rehoused until 3 P.M. on 30th January. alongside the trawler and got a rope from
The Rushen Castle had then been safely her to the tug. At 2 P .M. the tug succeeded
moored at Peel, her voyage from Liverpool in refloating the trawler, and the life-boat
having taken three days instead of the returned to her station. She arrived and
usual four hours. - Rewards, £14 17s. 6d. was moored at 4.30 in the afternoon, but,
in the the driving snow and growing dark-
JANUARY 29TH. - BRIDLINGTON, ness, the crew could see neither the life-boat
YORKSHIRE. At 1.50 P.M. a message house nor the shore, and in the sea which was
came from the Bridlington coastguard that running it was impossible for a shore-boat
rockets had been seen eight to ten miles to put out to land the crew, so they remained
E.S.E. of the coastguard station. A strong on board, at moorings, until 8.30 next
E.S.E. gale was blowing, with a heavy sea. morning. - Rewards, £32 11s.
At 2 P .M. the motor life-boat Stanhope Smart
was launched. While on her way to the JANUARY 29TH. - CAMPBELTOWN,
position given by the coastguard she saw the ARGYLLSHIRE. At 1.35 P . M . information
S.S. Gripfast, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, mak- was received from the tug Englishman, in
ing for Bridlington Bay with distress signals Campbeltown Harbour, that she had picked
flying. The life-boat spoke her, and found up a message on her wireless, from a vessel
that she had been bombed and machine- ashore at Cleats Point, Isle of Arran. An
gunned by enemy aeroplanes, some of her E.S.E. wind was blowing, with a rough sea,
crew had been wounded, and the steamer was and the weather was cold, with snow showers.
making for Bridlington to get a doctor. The tug put out at once, and the motor life-
Two of the life-boat’s crew were put on board boat City of Glasgow also followed at 1.55 P.M.
her to pilot her in. The captain of the She reached Cleats Point at 3.15 P .M., close
Gripfast said that the S.S. Stanburn had been behind the tug, and found the S.S. Badgistan,
bombed and sunk, and that there were four of Newcastle, abandoned. She put the
men on a raft about ten miles to the south- tug master on board, but he could find no
east. The life-boat went at once in search one there. The steamer was fast on a reef.
of the raft through very heavy seas and snow The life-boat returned to her station at
squalls, and in the darkness searched all round 5.40 P.M. - Rewards, £10 6s. 3d.
the area for about sixteen miles, but could
find nothing. She then made for her station J ANUARY 29 TH. - WALTON AND FRIN-
and, when off Bridlington, again spoke the TON, ESSEX. At about 6.30 P.M. the
Gripfast which was then attempting to enter coastguard reported a steamer burning flares
the harbour. The weather was getting some three miles N.E. of the Knock Light-
rapidly worse and the captain of the Gripfast ship. A fresh E.S.E. gale was blowing, with
asked her to stand by. The Gripfast failed a very rough sea and snow squalls. Two
to make the harbour, was driven behind the extra men were taken. With great difficulty
south pier and stranded on the beach. The the crew got aboard the motor life-boat
life-boat then made for the harbour through E.M.E.D., which lies at moorings, and put
heavy broken water and took a heavy sea on out at 7.40 P.M. They searched until
board which threw her on her beam ends. 2 A.M., when they found the S.S. Highwave,
 SERVICES 1940 29

of London, with her engine broken down. message came asking her to take off
The life-boat tried to find the lightship, in all the Gleneden’s crew.
order to send a wireless message for a tug,
but failed, so she returned to her station. As soon as the life-boat had put out
and passed the request for the tug to the the honorary secretary telephoned to
coastguard. It was then 10 in the morning, the life-boat station at Holyhead, and
and she had been out for fourteen hours. it was agreed that the Holyhead motor
An increase in the usual money awards
on the standard scale was made to each life-boat should also go, as there were
member of the crew. - Standard rewards to more men on board the Gleneden than
crew, £38 12s. 6d, ; additional rewards to the Moelfre life-boat could safely take
crew, £11 ; total rewards, £49 12s. 6d., off. Then the honorary secretary made
and £9 12s. in allowances to a life-boatman
suffering from frostbite as a result of this arrangements at Beaumaris for the
service ; making a total amount of £59 4s. 6d. accommodation of the Gleneden’s crew
paid in allowances and rewards there and the berthing of the life-boat.
Meanwhile the life-boat was having
J ANUARY 29 TH . - TORBAY, DEVON. At a very rough passage to Puffin Island.
10.14 P .M. a message was received from the She was under water all the way, and
Berry Head coastguard that a Belgian
trawler was seen to be dragging her anchors, the sea froze on the men’s oilskins
close to Daddyhole A strong E.S.E. wind until they were as stiff as boards. A
was blowing, with a very rough sea. At gale was blowing from the north-east,
10.30 P .M. the motor life-boat George Shee and the sea was very rough.
was launched, and found the motor trawler
Jan Denye, of Ostend, about two hundred The life-boat reached Puffin Island
yards off the shore. She escorted her into about 11.30. The coxswain did not
Brixham Harbour, and returned to her wait for high water. He made his
station at 1.5 A.M. - Rewards, £16 7s. attempt at once. It was very difficult,
but he took the risk. It succeeded.
He came safely alongside the Gleneden
SILVER MEDAL SERVICE and rescued 49 lascars. The eleven
AT MOELFRE white officers remained on board.
There was no moon. It was pitch
dark. The lascars could not under-
JANUARY 28TH - 29TH. - HOLY- stand the coxswain’s orders and
HEAD, AND MOELFRE, ANGLESEY, crowded first to one side of the life-boat
AND LLANDUDNO. CAERNARVON- and then to the other, making naviga-
SHIRE. At 7.30 in the evening of the tion very difficult. The coxswain had
29th of January, 1940, a message came extra life-lines rigged and but for
to the Moelfre life-boat station from them many of the lascars would have
an Admiralty salvage officer asking been washed out of the crowded boat.
for the life-boat to stand by the The life-boat made for Beaumaris,
Glasgow steamer Gleneden. The and as soon as she had landed the
Gleneden was a steamer of nearly lascars, seeing nothing of the Holyhead
7,000 tons, with a crew of sixty, life-boat, she returned to the Gleneden
loaded with maize. She was on her for the eleven officers. Just as she
way from Saigon to Liverpool, and was taking them off the Holyhead
she had gone ashore on Dutchman’s life-boat A.E.D. arrived. It was then
Bank by Puffin Island. There she 2.30 in the morning of the 30th.
had been for three days. On the 28th The A.E.D. had put out at 10.40 and
the Llandudno motor life-boat had had had a very difficult and dangerous
gone out to her, but her help was not journey of thirty miles. The coxswain
needed. Then came the message from had driven her at full speed, taking
the salvage officer to Moelfre on the inside passages and cutting off corners
29th. He asked that the life-boat in the darkness, with all his crew on
should stand by for two hours during the lookout.
high water. There was fear that the It was a fine service by Moelfre in
steamer would break in two. The life- very bad weather. The crew showed
boat G. W. put out at nine o’clock, great endurance and the coxswain
so as to arrive shortly before high handled his life-boat with great skill.
water. Only then could she go along- Holyhead also had faced very bad
side. As she was leaving another weather, and had done the dangerous
30 SERVICES 1940

journey in remarkably quick time. the 28th, £34 3s. ; £11 15s. 6d. to the
After the risks they had taken it was Llandudno coxswain as compensation
hard for the crew to find that they were for illness due to the service.
not needed after all, but, as the Total rewards paid in connexion
coxswain said, “ I’d sooner go 100 with the Gleneden, £153 14s. 6d.
times for nothing but disappointment
than once have a life lost for want of
me being there.” BRONZE MEDAL SERVICE
The Institution made the following AT BEMBRIDGE
awards :
M OELFRE J ANUARY 29 TH. - BEMBRIDGE,
To. C OXSWAIN J OHN M ATTHEWS , ISLE OF WIGHT During the after-
the silver medal for gallantry, with noon an easterly blizzard was raging
a copy of the vote inscribed on at Bembridge in the Isle of Wight.
vellum ; The wind had been blowing hard for
To R OBERT W ILLIAMS , the motor- several days and a very heavy sea was
mechanic, the bronze medal for gal- running. It was snowing hard. At
lantry, with a copy of the vote in- times it was impossible to see anything.
scribed on vellum ; It was very cold. The tide was at
To SECOND-COXSWAIN RICHARD M. three-quarter ebb. About five. in the
E VANS , the thanks of the Institution afternoon the life-boat station, heard
inscribed on vellum ; from the coastguard that a trawler
T o C O L O N E L L. W I L L I A M S , t h e was ashore north-west of Selsey Bill,
honorary secretary of the station, a and the motor life-boat Jesse Lumb
letter of thanks ; put out at 5.20. The coxswain made
To the coxswain and each of the for the examination vessel and was
eight members of his crew, a reward told that a pilot boat was ashore
of £3 in addition to the ordinary scale near No Man’s Fort. He was unable
reward of £1 17s. 6d. Standard to find any vessel near the fort, so
rewards to crew and helpers, he made again for the examination
£15 16s. 6d. ; additional rewards to vessel. He was told that the first
crew, £27 ; total rewards £42 16s. 6d. signal had been made in error, and
Other payments to Moelfre in con- that there was a vessel ashore between
nexion with this service amounted to Ryde and Seaview. It was then
£37 14s. 6d., making a total of £80 11s. about 7.30 in the evening.
The life-boat set out again and
HOLYHEAD found a vessel high and dry and in no
To COXSWAIN R. JONES, a letter of danger. The coxswain, decided to
thanks ; anchor and stand by until high water.
To L I E U T E N A N T L. A. C. M A Y , The life-boat’s radio telephone had
R.N., honorary secretary of the not been working properly. It must,
station, a letter of thanks ; have been damaged when the life-boat
To the coxswain and each of the was launched. While she was at
seven members of his crew a reward anchor, the mast was lowered and the
of £2 in addition to the ordinary scale motor-mechanic repaired the apparatus
reward of £1 17s. 6d. Standard - in the circumstances a most trying
rewards, £11 5s. ; additional rewards, and difficult job.
£16 ; total rewards, £27 5s. About three o’clock next morning
the examination vessel signalled to the
BEAUMARIS life-boat to come alongside for in-
formation and told the coxswain that
To COLONEL A. F. G. PERY-KNOX- a vessel was ashore at the entrance to
G ORE , D.S.O., honorary secretary of Chichester harbour. The coxswain
the station, a letter of thanks. gave the examination vessel partic-
ulars of the ship which he had seen
LLANDUDNO high and dry and was told that a tug
Standard rewards to the Llandudno was coming out from Portsmouth to
crew and helpers for their launch on her help.
 SERVICES 1940 31

The life-boat then made for the whole time he had to steer by
Chichester bar. The tide was now compass and he was not once out in
about high water and the coxswain his position.
was able to take the life-boat across The Institution made the following
the bank. He found the vessel. awards :
She was H.M. Trawler Kingston Cairn- To COXSWAIN HARRY J. GAWN, the
gorm, with twenty men on board, in bronze medal for gallantry, with a
command of Lieut.-Commander P. E. copy of the vote inscribed on vellum ;
Vaux, D.S.C., R.N., the chief inspector To H. E. WATSON, the motor-
of life-boats, who had been recalled to mechanic, the thanks of the Institution
the Navy on the outbreak of war. inscribed on vellum ;
She had been bumping and rolling on To MR. W. COULDREY, the honorary
the bar for twelve hours. Commander secretary, a letter of thanks ;
Vaux had hoped to get her off as the To the coxswain and each of the
tide rose, but that was impossible as seven members of his crew a special
she was flooding fast, and there was reward of £3 each in addition to the
danger of her rolling right over as the ordinary scale reward of £2 16s. 6d.
tide ebbed each. Standard rewards to crew and
It was now 4.30 in the morning, and helpers £26 7s. 8d. ; additional re-
the weather was a little better, but it wards, £24 ; total rewards £50 7s. 8d.
was not an easy task to go alongside.
There was a heavy swell ; where the JANUARY 30TH. - BROUGHTY FERRY,
trawler was lying the tide runs in a ANGUS. At 1.45 P.M. the Carnoustie
coastguard reported a vessel ashore on the
circle ; the trawler herself. was lurch- Abertay Sands, and ten minutes later the
ing heavily, with her decks awash. motor life-boat Mona was launched. A
The first attempt failed. The second strong gale was blowing from the south-east,
succeeded, and in half an hour the with a heavy sea and snow showers. The
life-boat found the S.S. Stancourt, of London,
twenty-one men had been taken off. with her bows ashore. The life-boat cox-
The life-boat then made again for the swain dropped anchor in order to veer the
examination vessel, and as it would life-boat alongside the steamer, but the
have been impossible, in that weather, anchor did not hold, and while he was trying
a second time the steamer shifted and lay
to put her back on her slipway at broadside on to the seas. The steamer now
Bembridge she got permission from gave the life-boat a lee, so the coxswain hove
the examination vessel to make for in the anchor and took the life-boat under the
Portsmouth. There she arrived at steamer’s lee side. A man from the steamer
jumped for her, but she was moving about so
7.30 in the morning and reported violently that he fell into the sea. Before
to her station, It would still have he was swept away life-boatmen had seized
been impossible to rehouse her at him and dragged him aboard. Then the
Bembridge. Seas were running high, remaining twenty men of the steamer’s crew,
watching their opportunity, jumped aboard
and the slipway was like a sheet of the life-boat and she returned to her station
glass. So the honorary secretary at 4.35 P.M. - Rewards, £9 18s.
instructed the coxswain to take the
life-boat to Cowes and her crew then JANUARY 30TH. - FLAMBOROUGH;
YORKSHIRE. At about 12.45 P .M. the coast-
returned to Bembridge by train. guard asked that the life-boat should be
Although the actual rescue had not launched to search the steamship channel be-
been very difficult, the whole service tween Flamborough Head and Filey Brigg, as
had been carried out in intense cold firing or explosions had been heard. An E.S.E.
gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea
and in weather of exceptional severity. and snow squalls. The motor life-boat
The deck of the life-boat was covered Elizabeth and Albina Whitley was launched
with ice; the cable was frozen ; it at 1.15 P . M . and made an extensive search,
took the crew half an hour to weigh but found nothing but the bodies of three
sailors. They were brought ashore by the
anchor. The life-boat was at sea for life-boat, which returned to her station at
fourteen and a half hours under these 4 P.M. - Rewards, £28 15s.
conditions, and her crew showed
magnificent endurance. The cox- J ANUARY 30 TH. - CROMER, NORFOLK.
swain himself was at the wheel from The No. 1 life-boat H. F. Bailey was at
Gorleston, where she had put in after a
beginning to end of the service ; and service. While she was there news was
his navigation was perfect, Practically received that a vessel was being attacked by
32 SERVICES 1940

enemy aircraft in Yarmouth Roads and JANUARY 5TH. - FRASERBURGH,

needed help. The Great Yarmouth and ABERDEENSHIRE. A vessel had been
Gorleston life-boat was off service, and at reported to be signalling by siren, but no
5.20 P .M. the Cromer life-boat put out, with vessel in distress could be found. - Rewards,
the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston coxswain £14 9s. 6d.
also on board. A strong E.S.E. breeze was
blowing, with a moderate sea. The life-boat JANUARY 6TH. - CAMPBELTOWN,
found the steam trawler Pelton, and the ARGYLLSHIRE. A liner had gone ashore
Cromer coxswain went on board. The naval S.W. of Islay, but she refloated. - Rewards,
officer in charge of the Pelton, asked the life- £20 0S. 6d.
boat to guide him to a good anchorage off JANUARY 8TH. - NEW BRIGHTON,
the harbour, as all the trawler’s navigating LANCASHIRE. The Norwegian steamer
instruments had been made useless by the Maurita, of Bergen, had stranded, but she
attack. He also wanted part of his crew did not need help as she was in no immediate
landed. The life-boat took the Pelton to danger. - Rewards, £8 2s.
an anchorage, brought ten of her crew ashore,
and then took a pilot out to her. When the J ANUARY 8 T H . - SOUTHWOLD, SUF-
tide was suitable she was brought into har- FOLK. A motor vessel had signalled, but it
bour, and moored at 10.30 P .M. The Cromer was found that she did not need help. -
coxswain had remained on board her all the Rewards, £20 12s.
time. The life-boat remained at Gorleston
for the night, and arrived back at Cromer at JANUARY 9TH. - WHITBY, YORK-
2.30 P .M. next day. - Property salvage case. SHIRE. A vessel had been attacked by
enemy aircraft but she was able to go on her
JANUARY 31ST. - MARGATE, KENT. way. - Rewards, £7 6s. 6d.
At 9.33 A.M. a message was received from the
coastguard that a vessel was sinking a mile J ANUARY 9 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. A
E.S.E. of the Tongue Light-vessel. A motor liner had struck a mine and sunk, but
moderate S.E. breeze was blowing, with other vessels rescued the survivors. - Re-
thick fog, and the sea was choppy. At wards, £9 8s.
9.45 A.M. the motor life-boat The Lord South-
borough (Civil Service No. 1) was launched, JANUARY 9TH. - ALDEBURGH, SUF-
but could not find the vessel. She must have FOLK. An aeroplane had been reported to
sunk. The life-boat then saw a floating have come down in the sea, but nothing could
mine. She stood by it ; informed the Rams- be found. - Rewards, £22 14s. 6d.
gate coastguard of its position and warned the
S.S. Accomac, which was approaching, and JANUARY 10TH. - WALMER, KENT.
which altered her course accordingly. Later Red flares had been seen, but they were from
the life-boat was recalled by the Ramsgate R.A.F. aeroplanes on night exercises. -
coastguard and returned to her station at Rewards, £29 0S. 6d.
1.30 P.M. - Rewards, £9 8s. J ANUARY 10 TH . - CROMER, NORFOLK
The following life-boats were launched but A steam trawler had stranded on the Hais-
no services were rendered for the reasons boro’ Sands, but she refloated without help -
given : Rewards, £26 9s. 6d.
.J ANUARY 1 S T . - PETERHEAD, ABER- J ANUARY 1 1 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT.
DEENSHIRE. An explosion had been An explosion had been reported, but it was
heard, but nothing could he found. - caused by a drifting mine striking the sands.
Rewards, £14 16s. 6d. - Rewards, £15 9s.
JANUARY 1ST. - NORTH SUNDERLAND, JANUARY 12TH. - DUNBAR, EAST
NORTHUMBERLAND. A German aircraft LOTHIAN. An R.A.F. aeroplane had been
had been reported down in the sea, but reported down in the sea, but nothing could
nothing could be found. - Rewards, £22 18s. be found. - Rewards, £10 6s. 3d.
J ANUARY 2 N D . - SHERINGHAM, NOR- JANUARY 12TH. - WHITBY, YORK-
FOLK. Flares had been reported, but SHIRE. A motor fishing boat was overdue,
nothing could be found. - Rewards, £23 15s. owing to the failure of her engine, but she was
JANUARY 3RD. - BUCKIE, BANFF- able to put it right. - Rewards, £10 11s. 3d.
SHIRE. An aeroplane had come down in
flames in the sea, but nothing could be found J ANUARY 12 TH. - FLAMBOROUGH, AND
either by the life-boat or by aeroplanes. - BRIDLINGTON, YORKSHIRE. Fishing
Rewards, £7 12s. trawlers, an Admiralty trawler, and a steamer
had been bombed and machine-gunned, but
JANUARY 4TH. - PETERHEAD, ABER- all were able to go on their way except a
DEENSHIRE. An aeroplane had been fishing trawler which another vessel towed
reported to have crashed into the sea, but into Scarborough. - Rewards : Flamborough,
nothing could be found. - Rewards, £11 6s. 9d. £38 14s. 3d. ; Bridlington, £21 7s. 6d.
JANUARY 4TH. - FRASERBURGH, J ANUARY 13 TH. - BLYTH, NORTHUM-
ABERDEENSHIRE. A vessel had been BERLAND. Signals for help from a ship’s
reported to be burning flares, but nothing siren had been heard, but no ship in need of
could be found. - Rewards, £7 6s. 6d. help could be found. - Rewards, £16 7s.
 SERVICES 1940 33

J ANUARY 13 TH . - BLYTH, NORTHUM- could not get out to sea. Instead the life.
BERLAND. Loud explosions had been boat was carried up the river, in the ice, by
heard, but they came from enemy mines the flowing tide, until a tug helped to tow
being destroyed. - Rewards, £5 8s. 6d. her clear. The life-boat did not reach her
station again until 2.45 P . M . on the 18th,
JANUARY 13TH. - BLYTH, NORTHUM- twenty-two hours after she had put out.
BERLAND. Distress signals on a ship’s During all that time her crew had had no
siren had been heard, but no vessel could be food and all were suffering from slight frost.
found. Two mines were seen and reported. - bite.
Rewards, £6 7s. 6d. An increase in the usual money award on
the standard scale was granted to each
J ANUARY 13 TH - CROMER, NORFOLK. member of the crew. - Standard rewards to
Flares had been seen several miles off Mun- c r e w a n d h e l p e r s , £ 3 5 1 5 s . ; additional
desley, but the life-boat could find nothing - rewards to crew, £14 ; total rewards,
Rewards, £26 9s. 6d. £49 15s.

JANUARY 15TH. - DONAGHADEE, JANUARY 17TH. - STROMNESS, ORK-

CLOUGHEY, AND NEWCASTLE, CO. NEYS. Distress signals had been reported,
DOWN. A steamer had gone ashore. The but neither the life-boat nor a naval aeroplane
life-boats searched in the fog without finding which took part in the search could find
her, for she had got off and had gone on her anything. - Rewards, £21 2s. 6d.
way to Belfast. - Rewards : Donaghadee,
£20 0S. 6d. ; Cloughey, £26 4s. 9d. ; New- JANUARY 17TH. - WALMER, KENT. A
castle, £49 13s. call had been received from a steamer for the
port doctor. The weather was severe and
J ANUARY 15 TH . - WALTON AND FRIN- the life-boat could not find the steamer. She
TON, ESSEX. A steamer had been mined, must have gone on her way. - Rewards,
but was able to reach safety, with the help of a £15 11s. 6d.
tug and trawler. - Rewards, £32 6S.
JANUARY 17TH. - WALMER, KENT.
.JANUARY 16 TH . - WALTON AND FRIN- Flares had been reported, but they were
TON, ESSEX. A motor barge had been found to come from burning waste on a
reported in distress, but she went on her way steamer with which the crew were trying to
without waiting for help. - Rewards, £11 15s. thaw out a frozen windlass. - Rewards.
£29 0s. 6d.
JANUARY 16TH. - HYTHE, KENT. A
fishing boat was overdue as her engine had JANUARY 17TH. - NEW BRIGHTON,
broken down ; but she was able to repair it CHESHIRE. A steamer had been mined,
and make harbour under her own power. - but she could not be found, and later the
Rewards, £16 5s. naval authorities reported that she had sunk
without any loss of life. - Rewards,
JANUARY 16TH. - ILFRACOMBE, AND £14 11s. 3d.
LYNMOUTH, DEVON, AND MINEHEAD,
SOMERSET. An oil tanker had caught fire JANUARY 20TH. - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA.
and had sunk in the Bristol Channel after an ESSEX. Clouds of smoke had been seen,
explosion, thought to have been caused by a but the life-boat could find nothing. The
mine, but the life-boats and an Admiralty cold was severe, and the life-boat returned
vessel failed to find any survivors and it was covered with ice from stem to stern. - Re-
thought that all had been lost. - Rewards : wards, £7 14s. 6d.
Ilfracombe, £26 0s. 3d. ; Lynmouth,
£33 13s 9d. ; Minehead, £15 3s. 3d. J ANUARY 21 ST. - ST. IVES, CORNWALL.
An aeroplane was thought to have crashed
J ANUARY 1 7 T H . - WELLS, NORFOLK. into the sea, but she had only dived very
At 3.53 P.M. the coastguard reported a small steeply. - Rewards, £37 0s. 6d.
tug disabled and drifting in the Wash. A
fresh N.W. wind was blowing, with a rough JANUARY 21ST. - WICK, CAITHNESS-
sea, and the weather was described as SHIRE. The Danish steamer Hekla had
”arctic.” The motor life-boat Royal Silver been torpedoed, but her crew were picked up
Jubilee - 1910-l935 was launched at by the Norwegian steamer Iris. - Rewards,
4.45 P.M, and on reaching Wisbech Channel £9 19s. 6d.
at 9.30 P.M. searched all likely places but found
nothing. Actually the tug was then known JANUARY 21ST. - NEWBIGGIN, NOR-
to be safe, but efforts to recall the life-boat THUMBERLAND. A steamer had struck
had been unsuccessful. By an arrangement a mine and had sunk, but the life-boat found
already made the life-boat then put into nothing. Survivors were picked up by
King's Lynn to refuel, but the ice was so another vessel. - Rewards, £13 19s. 6d.
thick that she could not reach Lynn Dock.
She had to be beached two miles away, and JANUARY 21ST. - BLYTH, NORTHUM-
the coxswain walked to King’s Lynn to get BERLAND. Explosions had been heard,
the petrol. By this time ice an inch thick but nothing could be found. The life-boat’s
had formed all over the life-boat. The engine broke down, but she carried on under
coxswain returned with the petrol, only to sail until taken in tow by a pilot cutter. -
find that she was fast in the ice and that they Rewards, £6 7s. 6d.
34 SERVICES 1940
J ANUARY 2 2 N D . - WICK, CAITHNESS- the usual money awards on the standard
SHIRE. A vessel had been reported on scale to each member of the Port St. Mary
fire, but the life-boat found nothing. - crew. - Standard rewards to crew and
Rewards, £6 13s. helpers, £26 2s. 6d. ; additional rewards to
crew, £16 ; total rewards to Port St. Mary,
JANUARY 23ND. - NORTH SUNDER- £42 2s. 6d. A letter of thanks was sent to
LAND, NORTHUMBERLAND. The Nor- Mr. J. Clugston.
wegian steamer Pluto and another steamer
had been mined, but fishing boats nearby J ANUARY 26 TH . - CROMARTY'. A vessel
picked up the crews of both steamers. - was sinking, but the survivors had been taken
Rewards, £14 18s. off by an Admiralty tug. - Rewards, £11 5s.
(See North Sunderland, “ Services by
Shore-boats,” page 143.) J ANUARY 2 6 T H . - NEWBIGGIN, NOR-
THUMBERLAND. Red flares had been
J ANUARY 2 5 T H . - HOLY ISLAND, AND reported, but a search revealed nothing. -
NORTH SUNDERLAND, NORTHUMBER- Rewards, £29 15s. 6d.
LAND. The Norwegian steamer Gudveig,
of Oslo, and the Latvian steamer Everene, of JANUARY 26 TH . -NEWBIGGIN, NOR-
Riga, had been sunk by mine or torpedo, THUMBERLAND. An explosion had been
but other steamers had picked up a number heard but nothing could be found. - Rewards,
of survivors, and the life-boats found none. - £14 4s.
Rewards : Holy Island, £15 7s. 6d. ; North
Sunderland, £30 2s. 6d. J ANUARY 26 TH . - SUNDERLAND, DUR.
HAM. The Dutch steamer Otterland, of
J ANUARY 25 TH. - CLOGHER HEAD, CO. Rotterdam, had gone aground, but she was
LOUTH. A motor vessel was reported to refloated by tugs. - Rewards, £14 18s. 6d.
be in distress fourteen miles south-east of
the life-boat station, but the help of the life- J ANUARY 27 TH. - ANGLE, PEMBROKE-
boat was not needed. - Rewards, £5 3s. SHIRE. The Greek steamer Adamantios J.
Pithis, of Chios, had been totally wrecked at
J ANUARY 25 TH . - CROMER, NORFOLK. St. Ann’s Head, but a naval patrol vessel had
An unknown Belgian steamer had stranded picked up the crew. - Rewards, £8 18s.
near the South Middle Haisboro’ Buoy, but
refloated and went on her way.-Rewards, J ANUARY 27 TH. - PORT ASKAIG, ISLE
e41 0s. 6d. OF ISLAY. A naval trawler had been
reported damaged and sinking off Gigha
J ANUARY 26 TH . - PORT ST. MARY, ISLE Island, but the life-boat found nothing. -
O F M A N . T h e s t e a m t r a w l e r M e r i s i a , of Rewards, £29 15s.
Fleetwood, while on her way to the northern
fishing grounds, struck the rocks in Bulgham J ANUARY 28 TH. - CROMER, NORFOLK.
Bay, north of Laxey, in the Isle of Man. A heavy explosion had been heard to the
The time was about 6.30 P.M. , and the tide north of the Life-boat Station, but nothing
was low-water spring tides. A whole S.E. was found. - Rewards, £32 19s.
gale was blowing with a heavy sea. At
times there was much fog and the cold was JANUARY 28TH. - LONGHOPE, ORK-
intense. The news reached Ramsey at NEYS. The Norwegian steamer Faro, of
about 7.15 P .M., but it was found impossible, Oslo, had gone ashore in Tarncliff Bay.
either then or throughout the night, to Deerness, but the crew of seven were rescued
launch the motor life-boat owing to the heavy from the shore by the coastguard life-saving
sea. The Douglas motor life-boat was off apparatus. - Rewards, £8 17s. 6d.
service for the overhaul of the engine, and
the Port St. Mary motor life-boat Sir Heath J ANUARY 28 TH. - GIRVAN, AYRSHIRE.
Harrison was launched at 9 P.M. Mr. J. A steamer had stranded, but she refloated
Clugston, a retired coasting captain, went with and went on her way.-Rewards, £10 6s. 3d.
her and was of very great help. The seas were
so violent that they broke the bulbs of her J ANUARY 29 TH . - WALMER, KENT. The
searchlight and she was unable to use it. Dutch motor barge NORA, of Voorburg, had
She could not find the Merisia, and returned been mined, but she was beached by naval
to her station at 6 o’clock next morning. tugs and the life-boat stuck fast in a mudbank
Meanwhile the coastguard life-saving and was unable to go on. - Rewards,
apparatus company had found her. She £14 12s. 6d.
was hard and fast on the rocks, with steep
cliffs to leeward, and all the company’s J ANUARY 29 TH. - GREAT YARMOUTH
efforts to reach her crew failed. As the tide AND GORLESTON, AND CROMER, NOR-
rose the Merisia was submerged and all her FOLK. News was received at Great Yar-
crew were drowned. The district inspector mouth and Gorleston that an open boat con-
investigated the matter and found that taining sixteen survivors from the Latvian
everything which could be done had been steamer Taut Mila, which had been damaged
done. It was impossible to launch the by enemy action, was drifting a quarter of a
Ramsey life-boat, and even had the Port of mile N.N.E. of the Cross Sand Light-vesscl.
St. Mary life-boat found the wreck he doubted Nothing could be found, and it was later
if she could have done anything. The learned that the men had been picked up in
Institution made an extra award of £2 on Yarmouth Roads. The next day it was
 SERVICES 1940 35
reported at Cromer that the steamer had gone her station. The crew changed into dry
ashore on Walcott Beach, near Barton, and clothing, but remained on duty, and at 5.45
the No. 1 life-boat put out. She found the in the morning the motor life-boat again went
Taut Mila high up on the beach and those out to continue the search, but again she
still on board her had been able to land. - found nothing. She returned to her station
Rewards : Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, for the second time at 8.30 A.M. It was then
£29 12s. ; Cromer, £57 1s. 6d. reported that three floating mines had come
ashore where the life-boat had been searching.
J ANUARY 29 TH . - SHERINGHAM, NOR- Meanwhile, at Southwold, a message had
FOLK. The Dudgeon Light-vessel had been been received from the coastguard at
bombed and marhine-gunned, but the life- Benacre at 9.50 P . M . that a boat had been
boat, which went out twice, found no one on seen near Covehithe, about 200 yards from
board. - Rewards, £23 0S. 3d. and £19 9s. 6d. the shore, and at 10.10 P . M . the motor life-
boat, Mary Scott, was launched. She used
JANUARY 30TH. - SCARBOROUGH, flares, and for several hours made a thorough
YORKSHIRE. A vessel was reported to search, going close inshore, but she found
have been bombed, but the life-boat could nothing. It was so dark that the coxswain
find nothing. A German bomber flew close decided to lie off the harbour and not to
above her as she was searching. - Rewards, attempt to enter until daylight. When he
£21 13s. took the life-boat in, just after seven in the
morning, she ran aground, but refloated as
JANUARY 30TH. - LONGHOPE, ORK- the tide rose and reached her station at
NEYS. A steamer had been bombed and 10 A.M.
sunk by enemy aircraft, five miles from The Royal Crown, it was learned later,
Muckle Skerry, and one of the ship’s boats had been machine-gunned and bombed by a
with sixteen men on board had been seen off German aeroplane and four men were killed
Grimness, South Ronaldshay. The life-boat on board. Two of the ship’s boats were
found nothing, and it was learnt later that the damaged by a bomb, and the crew had taken
boat had been driven ashore and the men been to the other two boats. The one that came
drowned before the life-boat could reach the ashore had had 22 men in her, but 7 were
place. - Rewards, £23 15s. 6d. washed out and drowned. The other
15 landed safely, but very much exhausted.
J ANUARY 3 0 T H . - WICK, CAITHNESS- The second boat must have capsized and all
SHIRE. An unknown vessel had been on board been lost.
reported in distress some nineteen miles N.E. An increase in the usual money award on
of Wick, but the life-boat found nothing. - the standard scale was made to each member
Rewards, £30 5s. 6d. of the Southwold crew. - Rewards : South-
wold, standard rewards to crew and helpers.
J ANUARY 30 TH. - CROMER, NORFOLK. £40 18s. ; additional rewards to crew, £9 15s. :
It had been reported that a steamer was being total rewards, £50 13s. ; Lowestoft,
attacked by enemy aircraft off Haisboro’ £44 16s. 6d. Total rewards for the service,
and two loud explosions had been heard about £95 9s. 6d.
seven miles south of the Hairsboro’ Light-
vessel, but nothing c o u l d b e f o u n d . - JANUARY 31ST. - FRASERBURGH,
Rewards, £18 4s. ABERDEENSHIRE. The Danish steamer
Ellensborg, of Copenhagen, had been mined
JANUARY 30 TH . - LOWESTOFT, AND or torpedoed eighteen miles N.E. of Kinnaird
SOUTHWOLD, SUFFOLK. At 7.15 P . M . Head, but nothing could be found. -
a message was received at Lowestoft from Rewards, £18 2s. 9d.
the coastguard that a boat belonging to the
S.S. Royal Crown, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, had J ANUARY 31 ST. - SALCOMBE, AND TOR-
come ashore eight miles south of Lowestoft, BAY, DEVON. The Greek steamer Avra,
and that the men on board said that another of Andros, had gone ashore at Yealm River,
boat, with twenty men, was still at sea. No but she was able to refloat, and although
position could be given, and the coxswain badly damaged, managed to reach Plymouth
made enquiries by telephone up and down - Rewards : Salcombe, £7 17s. ; Torbay,
the coast until at 9.10 the naval base was £6 7s. 6d.
able to give the position as abreast of Benacre
Point just above Kessingland and on the
inside of Newcome and Barnard Sands.
At 9.30 the motor life-boat Michael Stephens FEBRUARY
was launched. A whole E.N.E. gale was Launches 114. Lives rescued 390.
blowing with a rough sea, and it was very
dark, with squalls of hail and snow. The FEBRUARY 2ND. - THE HUMBER,
life-boat went south to the position given. YORKSHIRE. At 10.35 A.M. a message
She was continuously swept by heavy seas, was received from the Mablethorpe coast-
and one sea filled the engine-room canopy, guard through the Royal Naval Shore Signal
nearly sweeping overboard two of the crew. Station at Spurn, that a trawler was ashore
Finding nothing, the life-boat turned north N.W. of Donna Nook. A fresh E.S.E. breeze
and continued to search, but still without was blowing, but the sea was smooth. At
success. It seemed certain that no small 11 A.M. the motor life-boat City of Bradford II
boat could have lived in such seas, and at was launched, and found the steam trawler
1.45 next morning the life-boat returned to Barbados stranded two miles N.N.W. of
36 SERVICES 1940

Donna Nook. The trawler was anchored dale was being attacked by enemy aeroplanes
from the stern, and a wire had been buoyed ten to twenty miles N.E. of Spurn, and that
ready to be picked up by the tug Lynx, which her crew were taking to the ship’s boats.
was then approaching. Owing to the shallow At 12.15 P .M. the motor life-boat Stanhope
water and ground sea, the tug could not get Smart was launched. A strong S.E. wind
near enough, and the life-boat picked up the was blowing, with a heavy sea. It was very
buoyed wire and took it to the tug. The tug cold, with snow showers. After going seven
then tried to tow the trawler off, but failed. miles the life-boat saw a steamer which was
The life-boat stood by until after high water, being carried by wind and sea towards the
and then returned to her station at 2.30 P .M. shore. She was the Harley, of London. She
On the 5th February the owners of the too had been attacked by aeroplanes and her
trawler asked that the life-boat should again crew had abandoned her. The life-boat put
stand by, as a further attempt was going to two men on board to get steam up and to
be made to refloat her on the afternoon tide. try to keep her from going on the beach. She
At 12.45 P .M. the life-boat was launched, but then went on her way to find the Kildale and
no attempt could be made to tow the trawler searched a wide area, but she could find
off because, as the tide flowed, the sea got up, nothing of her and returned to her station.
and the trawler swung broadside on to it. Before she arrived, the crew of the Harley,
Seas were breaking over her and the crew which had been picked up by another vessel,
shouted to be taken off. The life-boat went had been landed at Bridlington. On the life-
in under the trawler’s lee, rescued the eleven boat’s return it was decided that she should
men on board and transferred them to the put the Harley’s engineers on board her again.
tug, which took them to Grimsby. The life- The wind had now increased to a gale, with
boat returned to her station at 5.40 P . M . heavy seas, and it was only with great diffi-
Next day the life-boat was again launched at culty that the life-boat got the two engineers
1.55 P.M. , at the request of the underwriters, on board. She herself was damaged by being
to stand by the trawler while another attempt flung against the steamer. The steamer was
to refloat her was made. It was unsuccessful, riding on a lee shore, and the lift-boat, after
and the life-boat returned to her station at returning to harbour, stood by all night, in
6 P . M . The lifeboat again stood by on the case her help should be needed. She con-
7th February, while yet another attempt was tinued standing by until 11 A.M. next day
made to refloat the trawler, but again with- when she returned to her station.
out success. At high water the weather be- The same message which was sent to Brid-
came much better, and as the men on the lington, that the S.S. Kildale was being
trawler were in no danger, the life-boat attacked by enemy aircraft, was sent also to
returned to her station at 6 P.M. - Permanent The Humber, and there it was received at
paid crew : rewards, 4s. 6d. No expense to 12.10 P.M. At 12.35 the motor life-boat City
Institution for services on the 5th, 6th and of Bradford II was launched. A moderate
7th February. E.S.E. wind was blowing, but the sea was
smooth. Visibility was very poor. The life-
FEBRUARY 3RD. - SCARBOROUGH, boat searched until 4 P.M. and found nothing.
YORKSHIRE. At 8.35 A.M. a fisherman She then spoke a destroyer which told her
reported that two ships were being attacked that the Kildale was making for The Humber.
by enemy aircraft. This was confirmed by An hour later she saw the Kildale in tow of
the coastguard. A light breeze was blowing, the tug Yorkshireman. Her crew had been
with a moderate sea. At 8.45 A.M. the motor taken on board a patrol vessel, and men from
life-boat Herbert Joy II was launched and, a the destroyer’s crew had been put on the
mile to the east of Scarborough, met the Kildale. The Kildale had been attacked by
trawler Rose of England. She had been two German aeroplanes which had not only
bombed and machine-gunned, and one of the dropped bombs but swept the decks with
crew was slightly injured. The skipper asked machine-gun fire, and one of the bombs had
for a pilot, and two of the life-boat’s crew killed three of the engine-room’s staff. The
were put on board. The life-boat then went wind had now increased and the sea was very
to the cargo steamer Yewdale. She too had rough. The Kildale was leaking and had a
been attacked a mile from the shore. Her dangerous list to port. The life-boat was
master had been killed by machine-gun fire, asked to stand by ready to take off the men
when in the wheel-house. Two of her crew if things got worse. The life-boat coxswain
were wounded, so seriously that they could told them to put out a ladder on the star-
not be transferred to the life-boat. The board side, and this was done at once.
steamer asked for a pilot. A motor keel boat Another tug, The Seaman, had now arrived,
had just arrived, and on the instructions of and followed astern. At 6.15 P .M. the Kildale
the life-boat coxswain she put one of her signalled that she was leaking so badly that
crew on board the Yewdale to pilot her into the men on board wished to abandon her.
harbour. Meanwhile an aeroplane had been The life-boat put all her fenders out on the
dropping flares further out at sea, and the port side and turned her searchlight on to
life-boat went to investigate, but found the Kildale’s side. The tug The Seaman also
nothing. She returned to her station at turned its searchlight on her, and by these
12 noon. - Rewards, £20 8s. two searchlights the life-boatmen were able
to see the ladder. Three men were already
F EBRUARY 3 RD . - BRIDLINGTON, AND clinging to it. The coxswain ran the life-
THE HUMBER, YORKSHIRE. About boat alongside, and the three men were
noon a message was received at Brid- seized and pulled aboard. The sea then
lington from the coastguard that the S.S. Kil- struck the life-boat, crashing her against the
 SERVICES 1940 37
steamer. Two of her fenders were torn away help. A strong S.E. wind was blowing, with
and one of them was drawn into the port a rough sea. Visibility was bad. At 2 P.M .
propeller and put her port engine out of the motor life-boat John R. Webb was
action. With only one engine working, she launched, and found the steamer fast on the
went alongside again and, with great difficulty, rocks in Drinkem Bay, Caldy Island. The
rescued the six men still on board. She captain would not let the crew leave, and the
arrived back at her station at 12.35 next life-boat returned to her station at 3 P . M .
morning with the nine rescued men. - The next day, Sunday, it was found that the
Rewards : Bridlington, property salvage crew had left the steamer, and got on to the
case ; The Humber, permanent paid crew, island. They were in an old shed, and were
13s. 6d. very short of food. Next day, Monday, the
5th February, the life-boat again went to the
FEBRUARY 3RD. - FLAMBOROUGH, island, taking with her the Norwegian consul
YORKSHIRE. Shortly before 1 P . M . in- from Milford, a doctor, and the chief coast-
formation was received from the Flam- guard. Twenty-seven of the steamer’s crew
borough Royal Naval Shore Signal Station were brought back to Tenby by the life-boat,
that a vessel was in distress off Flamborough and, after having been given a hot meal, were
with her boats out. An easterly wind was, sent to Swansea by the consul. Four men
blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life- were left on the island, one of them being ill.
boat Elizabeth and Albina Whitley was - Rewards : first launch, £9 10s. Expenses
launched at 1 P . M ., and after going about of second launch paid by Norwegian consul.
two and a half miles E.N.E., found the S.S.
Mertainer, of Stockholm, in ballast, bound FEBRUARY 3RD. - LERWICK, SHET-
for the Tyne. She had been bombed and LANDS. At about 2.30 P.M. information
machine-gunned by enemy aeroplanes. and was received from a resident at Bresay
the crew, thirty-five in number, had taken Island that two of his sons had gone across
to the boats. As they saw the life-boat to Noss Island about twelve days before
approaching the master and several engineers to look after sheep. On account of the wild
returned to the Mertainer, and the mate weather they had been unable to return, and
handed the ship’s papers to the coxswain for their father feared that their stock of food
safe custody. The second-coxswain and a life- was exhausted. A strong south-easterly
boatman went on board the steamer, and her wind was blowing, with a rough sea and
crew were persuaded to return to her. The snow showers. The motor life-boat Lady
life-boat then put back to her station for J a n e a n d M a r t h a R y l a n d was launched at
more men and put three more on to the 3 . 1 0 P . M . and went to the island. The two
Mertainer to help her crew and give them men declined to leave, but they were very
confidence. Accompanied by the life-boat grateful for the food which the life-boat had
the streamer went on her way, but after a taken for them. They pulled it ashore by
time the life-boat, finding everything to be means of a line. The life-boat returned to
all right, returned to her station, arriving at her station at 6 P.M. - Rewards, £8 16s.
5 P .M. With the second-coxswain of the life-
boat acting as pilot, the Mertainer arrived F EBRUARY 4 TH . - TEESMOUTH, YORK-
safely at Tynemouth the following day. - SHIRE. At 12.30 A . M . a message was re-
Property salvage case. ceived from the Teesmouth coastguard that
the S.S. Baron Ruthven, of Glasgow, was
F EBRUARY 3RD. - EYEMOUTH, BER- ashore on the North Gare, and that a tug
WICKSHIRE. At 1.5 P.M. a message was was standing by. Half an hour later another
received from the coastguard that a ship’s message came that the help of the life-boat
life-boat about 1 1/2 miles N. of Carr Rock, was wanted at once. A moderate E.N.E.
Berwick-on-Tweed, with men on board, was wind was blowing, and the sea was smooth.
in need of help. A full E.S.E. gale was At 2 A . M . the motor life-boat J. W. Archer
blowing, with a very heavy sea. At 1.20 P.M. was launched. She took twenty-five men off
the motor life-boat Frank and William Oates the steamer and landed them. The captain
was launched, and she found the boat with and officers stayed on board, but asked that
eight men on board. They were part of the the life-boat should remain afloat. By nine
crew of the Norwegian steamer Tempo, of in the morning the weather had grown worse,
Oslo, which had been bombed and sunk earlier and seas were breaking over the steamer.
in the morning by enemy aircraft. The boat The life-boat again went out and took off the
was almost waterlogged. The men were suf- nine men still on board. She returned to her
fering badly from shock and exposure. The station at 11.30 A.M.
captain of the steamer was one of them, and Attempts were made to salve the steamer
he said that another boat with six men was and, a week later, at 9.30 A . M . on the 11th
adrift nearby. The life-boat searched for her, February, a message was received that the
but could not find her and it was learnt later steamer was being swept by a strong north-
that she had gone ashore near Berwick, and easterly sea. There were twenty-three men
five of the six men had been drowned. The on board, and they might wish to be taken off.
life-boat returned to her station at 4.10 P.M. At 2.45 P.M. the life-boat was launched,
- Rewards, £17 1s. taking with her, at the request of the coast-
guard, supplies of petrol, six sparking plugs
F EBRUARY 3 RD . - TENBY, PEMBROKE- for motor pumps, and food. These were put
SHIRE. At 1.41 P.M. a message was received on board the steamer and the life-boat stood
from the coastguard that the Norwegian by until 5 P .M. She then went alongside and
steamer Belpariel, of Oslo, was in need of took off six men. The remainder said that
38 SERVICES 1940

they would remain on the steamer, and would but the acting coxswain brought her
signal if they wanted help. The next day
the life-boat was launched at 4.10 P .M., again safely in. She was hauled up, and put
went to the steamer, and took off the seven- on her carriage again. It was then
teen men still on board. She returned to her 6.30 in the morning. As soon as it was
station at 5.15 P.M. - Rewards: 4th February, light, the honorary secretary and the
£24 7s. 6d. ; 11th February, £10 12s. 6d. ; acting coxswain went to the north side
12th February, £13 19s. 3d.
of the point, where the wreck lay;
and found her on the rocks. They
SILVER MEDAL SERVICE decided that the only way to reach
AT NEWBIGGIN her was by taking the life-boat across
F E B R U A R Y 4 T H . - NEWBIGGIN, the point by land. Just after 7.30 she
N O R T H U M B E R L A N D . O n t h e set out, with forty-five launchers
night of the 3rd of February, 1940, hauling her. Between twenty and
the Belgian motor vessel Eminent, of thirty of them were women. They
Antwerp, with a crew of nine men, took her up the cliff, over the town
was on her way to Newcastle-on-Tyne. moor, and across sand dunes to the
She arrived off the port to find that shore opposite the wreck. They had
it was closed to shipping on account to contend with the gale, with driving
of the bad weather. She had to remain sleet, and, worst of all, with blowing
at sea. A gale was blowing and she sand. This journey of a mile took
was driven ashore half a mile north of about an hour, and at 8.10 the life-
Newbiggin Point. boat was launched for the second time.
The news of the wreck reached the The only possible launching place was
Newbiggin life-boat station at 4.30 in made difficult by rock and stones, but
t h e m o r n i n g o f t h e 4 t h . T w e n t y the life-boat got safely away. She had
minutes later the motor life-boat only a short run through broken water
Augustus and Laura was launched. to the wreck, which was lying inside
The coxswain was ill and the second- the heavy breakers. Her chief risk
coxswain took command. The New- was striking a rock.
biggin boat was of the light surf type, As the wreck lay she gave a lee, and
32 feet long and weighing just over the life-boat was able to get alongside
four tons. The gale was from the her. Lines were thrown aboard and
south-east and the seas were breaking the rescue began. The life-boat’s
heavily in the bay. The night was crew had to tend the ropes carefully,
very dark, and intensely cold, with and haul on them each time a run of
hard squalls of rain and sleet. The water came round the stern of the
life-boat station is on the south side wreck, and carried the life-boat away.
of Newbiggin Point. The wreck lay on It took half an hour for the eleven
t h e n o r t h s i d e . A s t h e l i f e - b o a t men of the Eminent, watching their
rounded the point she met very high opportunity, to jump aboard. The
breaking seas, for the tide was running life-boat then made for the shore, but
out against the gale. The seas kept when within a few yards of it, she
breaking over her bows, filling her struck a submerged rock, and the
completely, washing the crew off their helpers had to wade out to carry the
feet. One man was washed from one rescued men ashore, and to refloat the
end of the life-boat to the other. life-boat.
The crew were in danger of being She was safely beached and dragged
swept right out of the life-boat, and back to Newbiggin where she was in
if her head had fallen off the sea, and her house again at 10.45 in the morn-
she had been struck on the beam, she ing.
would have been overwhelmed. The The life-boat. was most skilfully
coxswain wisely decided to put about, handled by the acting coxswain in
and ran back to the beach, using his very dangerous conditions, and the
drogue. Twice heavy seas broke right Institution made the following awards:
over the life-boat’s stern. It was a To ACTING-COXSWAIN ( S ECOND-
hazardous journey in the darkness, COXSWAIN) GEORGE R. TAYLOR, the
with no lights showing on shore, for silver medal for gallantry and a copy
on either side of the bay are rocks, of the vote inscribed on vellum ;
 SERVICES 1940 39

To A C T I N G - S E C O N D -C O X S W A I N breeze was blowing, and the sea was smooth.

(BOWMAN) THOMAS McL. DENT, G. R. It was foggy. The motor life-boat The
Lord Southborough (Civil Service No. 1) was
ARMSTRONG, assistant motor-mechanic launched at 4.55 P . M . with Dr. Groome on
acting as mechanic, and J. W AKE , board, and after considerable difficulty found
acting assistant motor-mechanic, each the S.S. Dulwich about 7 P . M . The doctor
the thanks of the Institution inscribed went aboard and found that the chief
engineer had been dead for two or three
on vellum hours. His body was put on board the life-
To the WOMEN OF NEWBIGGIN, the boat and she returned to her station, arriving
thanks of the Institution inscribed on at 9 P.M. - Rewards, £23 16s.
vellum ; F EBRUARY 4 TH . - WALTON AND FRIN-
To MR. J. F. GIBSON, the honorary TON. ESSEX. At about 7.20 P .M. the coast-
secretary, a letter of thanks ; guard reported that information had been
To the acting-coxswain, the acting- received from the Kentish Knock Light-
second-coxswain, and the two vessel that a vessel to the W.N.W. was
sounding S.O.S. on her siren. A S.W. breeze
mechanics, who all took part in both was blowing, there was thick fog, and a very
launches. a reward of £2 each in heavy swell on the sands. The motor life-
addition to the ordinary scale rewards boat E.M.E.D. was launched at 9 P . M . She
of £2 16s 6d. each for the two launches; found the motor vessel Flores, of Amsterdam,
bound from Rotterdam to Swansea with pig
To the other three members of the iron, ashore on the Kentish Knock Sands.
crew who took part in the first launch She had a crew of seven, but one of them
only, a reward of £2 each in addition had gone adrift in the ship’s boat. Her rudder
to the ordinary s c a l e r e w a r d o f and steering gear had both been carried
away and she was making water. The life-
£1 17s. 6d; boat went to the light-vessel and asked her
To the other three members of the to signal for a tug in a hope of saving the
crew who took part in the second vessel, but the Flores signalled her to come
back. The life-boat found that she was
launch only, a reward of £1 each in making water fast, and took off the six men.
addition to the ordinary scale reward It was a difficult rescue in the thick fog and
of 19s. each ; heavy swell, and the life-boat was slightly
To each of twenty-six of the helpers damaged. She searched for the missing boat,
but without success, and returned to her
in the second launch who waded out station at 11 A.M. on the 5th. February,
well over their waists both in launching having been out for fourteen hours. An
and beaching the life-boat, 10s., in increase of 10s. in the usual money awards
addition to the reward on the ordinary on the standard scale was made to each
member of the crew. Standard rewards to
scale of 4s. 6d. crew and helpers, £32 6s. ; additional
Standard rewards to crew and rewards to crew, £4 10s. ; total rewards,
launchers for the first launch, £28 2s. ; £36 16s.
for the second launch £18 1s. 6d. ;
FEBRUARY 5TH. - FRASERBURGH,
additional rewards to the crew for the ABERDEENSHIRE. A request for the
first launch, £14 ; to crew and help of the life-boat was received from a.
launchers for the second launch, £16. medical officer at Pennan. He had a woman
Total rewards, £76 3s. 6d. patient whom he wanted to send at once to
the Fraserburgh hospital, but she could not
This is the second time that a go by ambulance as heavy snow made the
vellum of thanks has been awarded to roads impassable. He asked that the life-
the women of Newbiggin. The first boat should take her by water. A fresh S.E.
time they won it was on the 26th of breeze was blowing, and there was a heavy
swell. At 3 P .M. the motor life-boat John and
January, 1927, when the fishing fleet Charles Kennedy was launched, with a nurse
was at sea and a sudden gale sprang up. on board. It was arranged that the coast-
Nearly all the regular members of the guard should signal her if, in the meantime,
crew were out with the fishing boats, a call came for her services at sea. No such
call came, and the life-boat landed the nurse
but the coxswain got together a at Pennan by small boat. The same boat
scratch crew, and twenty-five women brought out the nurse and the patient to the
helped to launch the life-boat. With- life-boat ; they were both taken on board, and
out their help it could never have been she landed them safely at Fraserburgh at
seven in the evening. - Rewards, £10 19s. 9d.
launched through the heavy surf.
FEBRUARY 5TH. - BARMOUTH, MER-
F EBRUARY 4 TH. - MARGATE, KENT. At IONETHSHIRE. At 9.30 P.M. a message
4.45 P .M. a message was received from the was received from the coastguard that a
coastguard that a doctor was wanted on Greek steamer had stranded in a position
board the S.S. Dulwich, of London. A gentle thought to be south of Bardsey Island.
40 SERVICES 1940
Half an hour later a second message reported received from the coastguard that a vessel
flares in the direction of St. Patrick’s Cause- was ashore west of Fast Castle Point. The
way. A southerly wind was blowing with a motor life-boat Annie Ronald and Isabella
moderate sea. Visibility was bad. At 11.15 Forrest was launched at 11.30. A moderate
the motor life-boat Lawrence Ardern, Stock- S.E. wind was blowing, with a choppy sea.
port, was launched and found the S.S. Emmy, of There was dense fog, and it was two-and-a-
Argostoli, of 7,000 tons, with a general cargo, half hours before the life-boat found the
bound from New York to Liverpool, hard vessel. She was the S.S. Verbormilia, of
and fast on a stony bottom. The second London, a steamer of 3,275 tons, bound in
coxswain of the life-boat went on board, and ballast from Dundee to Newcastle. She had
the master, expecting the steamer to refloat a crew of 31, and the boatswain’s wife was
at high water, asked that the life-boat should also on board. She had gone ashore at the
stand by until then, which she did. The foot of the cliffs, but the coastguard life-saving
Emmy did not get clear at high water. The apparatus could not get near her owing to
life-boat then went alongside, and eight of the heavy snowdrifts. The life-boat stood
the steamer’s crew, including the 2nd officer, by for a time, and then, as conditions got
were taken ashore by the life-boat, which worse, took, off 24 of the crew and the boat-
reached her station at 9.45 next morning. swain’s wife. The officers remained on board.
At 4.30 P.M. the same day, the 6th, the She landed them at 6.40 A.M. and returned to
2nd officer asked the life-boat to put him and the Verbormilia. Conditions were now worse,
three of the crew back on the steamer. Owing so she took off six officers and landed them
to bad visibility it was not thought advisable at 10.40 A . M . The captain, however, still
to do this until daybreak, and at 6.30 A.M. refused to leave the ship. He had wirelessed
on the 7th the life-boat was launched, to the salvage department of the Admiralty,
taking with her also an officer from the and when two Admiralty salvage officers
Liverpool & Glasgow Salvage Association; arrived at St. Abbs, the life-boat put to sea
After she had put them on board the Emmy, again with them. The weather had now got
the life-boat stood by while the Admiralty still worse. Heavy seas were breaking over
tug Superman tried to pull the steamer off, the steamer, and she was filling with water.
but again without success. At 11 A . M . the Nothing could be done to save her. The life-
life-boat was signalled alongside the Emmy, boat rescued the captain and returned to her
and she then took the salvage officer to the station, arriving at 5.30 P.M. on the 7th -
tug for a conference with the master, and Rewards, £25 17s.
later took soundings round the steamer. She
then returned to Barmouth with a message FEBRUARY 6 TH . - AITH, SHETLANDS. At
to Lloyd’s Agent, to confirm the action 8 A.M. the coastguard reported that a vessel
already taken by the salvage officer, and also was ashore on Forewick Holm, Papa Stour.
to get permission to stand by again that night. A moderate southerly gale was blowing, with
At 3.30 P.M. the life-boat again went to the a rough and increasing sea, and it was
steamer, taking out a representative of the snowing. The motor life-boat The Rankin
London Salvage Association. A dense fog was launched at 8.20 A.M. , and at 10 A.M.
now made operations more difficult. Then a reached the vessel. She was the Highcliffe,
strong wind sprang up, with heavy rain. A t of South Shields, of 3,847 tons, bound from
high water at 8 P.M . the Emmy successfully Narvik to Methil. She had a crew of 35
refloated herself and was anchored at The life-boat stood by until 2 P.M . when the
St. Tudwall’s Roads, off Abersoch, the life- master of the Highcliffe decided that part of
boat standing by all the time. The life-boat her crew should abandon ship. The life-boat
then returned to her station, was rehoused took 28 of them on board and returned to
and was ready for service again by mid- Aith, leaving the master and six officers on
day on the 9th. - Rewards : first launch, board to wait the arrival of salvage surveyors.
£26 10s. 6d. ; 2nd and 3rd launches, property As soon as she had landed the 28 men the
salvage cases. life-boat returned to the Highcliffe and stood
by her for the remainder of the day and
F EBRUARY 6 T H . - PETERHEAD, ABER- through the following night. By noon next
DEENSHIRE. At 9.40 P . M . the coastguard day, the 7th, the water-tight compartments
reported a vessel ashore at Buchanness. A of the Highcliffe were giving way, and an
strong S.E. wind was blowing, with a heavy hour later the master decided to abandon
sea and poor visibility. The motor life-boat ship. The life-boat rescued him and his his
Julia Park Barry of Glasgow was launched officers and landed them at Aith at three
at 9.55 P . M . and found the S.S. Zitella, of in the afternoon. She had then been on
London, broadside on to the sea in a small service for 31 hours in severe weather. The
bay. She had a crew of thirty-three and steamer became a total wreck. An increase
was bound from Norway to Leith. Her decks of £2 on the usual money awards on the
were awash and the crew on the bridge. As standard scale was made to each member of
the life-boat was dropping anchor the coast- the crew. Standard rewards to crew and
guard life-saving apparatus got a line aboard helpers, £27 11s. 6d. ; additional rewards to
from the shore, and rescued the whole crew crew, £16 ; total rewards, £43 11s. 6d. The
while the life-boat stood by. The life-boat owners made a donation to the Institution
returned to her station at 1.45 A.M. - of £20.
Rewards, £12 19s.
FEBRUARY 7TH. - PENLEE, CORN-
F EBRUARY 6 TH . - ST. ABBS, BERWICK- WALL. At 9.20 A.M. the coastguard at
SHIRE. Just after 11 P.M. information was Porthleven reported a vessel apparently in
 SERVICES 1940 41

distress half a mile to the S.S.W. A W.S.W. to the south of Fraserburgh. Very
wind was blowing, with a rough sea. The heavy seas were running in the bay and
motor life-boat W. and S. was launched at
9 . 4 0 A . M . , and found the Belgian motor there was heavy rain. The ship was seen
trawler Jeannine, of Ostend, dragging her about 11.15 by Captain A. Stephen, the
anchors. Another trawler had already got a harbour master and joint honorary
line aboard the Jeannine and towed her to secretary of the life-boat station. He
Newlyn Harbour, with the life-boat in attend-
ance. The life-boat returned to her station called out the motor life-boat John
at 2.15 P.M. - Rewards, £8 9s. a n d C h a r l e s K e n n e d y , which was
FEBRUARY 7TH. - THE MUMBLES,
launched at 11.42 under the com-
GLAMORGANSHIRE. At 1.27 A . M . the mand of Coxswain David Hay.
coastguard at The Mumbles telephoned that. Captain Stephen himself went as
a vessel was ashore at Port Eynon and was acting-second-coxswain.
burning distress signals. A strong S.E. Ten minutes later the life-boat
breeze was blowing, with a very heavy ground
swell. The weather was thick with rain. reached the wreck, which was well lit
Visibility was poor. The motor life-boat up by a flare burning on her after deck.
Edward Prince of Wales was launched at She was lying about 150 yards from
2.15 A.M., and at 4 A.M. found the S.S. Eldon
Park, of Glasgow. She was a steamer of the shore and head on to it. She was
3,299 tons, laden, and carrying a crew of right inside the broken water ; her
thirty-seven. Except for the wheel-house, deck was awash ; heavy seas were
where the entire crew had taken refuge, the breaking over her stern ; her crew
steamer was under water. It was impossible
to rescue the crew until the tide ebbed, and were all in the fore rigging on the star-
the life-boat stood by. She then took off the board side.
whole crew, and returned to her station at The life-boat anchored to seaward
10.30 A.M. She had been on service for over and dropped down on her cable.
eight hours. The Eldon Park became a total
wreck. Heavy seas were breaking over her.
It was a service in which skill and fine As she came close to the wreck one sea
seamanship were displayed by the coxswain flung her under the counter and she
and crew, and the Institution awarded its was slightly damaged ; and the water
thanks inscribed on vellum to C O X S W A I N
W. E. DAVIES, and an increase of 10s. in the was so shallow that more than once
usual money awards on the standard scale to the crew felt her touch the sandy
the coxswain and each member of the crew. bottom. But her coxswain handled
Standard rewards to crew and helpers, her very skilfully and brought her in
£23 0S. 6d. ; additional rewards to crew, £4.
Total rewards, £27 0 S . 6d. A donation of until she was abreast the fore rigging
£26 5s. Od. was received from owners. on the starboard side. Then the life-
boatmen threw a rope to the Danish
FEBRUARY 7TH. - FRASERBURGH,
ABERDEENSHIRE. At 12.57 A.M. a crew. They made it fast to the rigging
message was received from the coastguard and the life-boatmen hauled the life-
at Kinnaird Head, that a rocket had been boat close to the wreck. As she came
seen a mile east of Rosehearty. A strong alongside the five Danes jumped aboard
S.E. wind was blowing, with a rough sea.
At 1.15 A.M.. the motor lifeboat, John and her all together. The rope was cut
Charles Kennedy, was launched and found the and the life-boat moved seaward again
Polish motor vessel Bug, of Gdynia, stranded to her anchor. The cable was cut, and
on the east side of Rosehearty Harbour on she made for her station, arriving at
the Inch Rocks. The lifeboat went alongside
and took off six of the crew. The other six twenty minutes after midnight. The
refused to leave their ship. At 6.25 A.M. the whole service had taken just 38
life-boat again went to the Bug, and stood by. minutes, but in that short time, in
The vessel then began to submerge and the the breaking seas and shallow water,
life-boat rescued the remaining six men. She
returned to her station at 1.10 P.M. - the life-boat had been in considerable
Rewards, £21 16s. danger.
The Institution made the following
awards :
BRONZE MEDAL SERVICE
AT FRASERBURGH To COXSWAIN DAVID HAY, the
bronze medal for gallantry, and a
FEBRUARY 8TH. - FRASER- copy of the vote inscribed on vellum ;
BURGH, ABERDEENSHIRE. In To C A P T A I N A N D R E W S T E P H E N ,
the night the Danish motor vessel acting-second-coxwain, the bronze
Baradrangur, of Trangisvoag, with a medal for gallantry, and a copy of the
crew of five, went ashore on the sands vote inscribed on vellum ;
42 SERVICES 1940

To G EORGE F. D UTHIE , the motor F EBRUARY 9 TH. - HASTINGS; SUSSEX.

mechanic, the thanks of the Institu- At 7.47 A . M . a message was received from
the Fairlight coastguard that a vessel was
tion, inscribed on vellum ; ashore half a mile off Winchelsea. A
To J OHN D OWNIE M AY , a member moderate easterly breeze was blowing, and
of the crew, who was in charge of the the sea was smooth. At 8.5 A . M . the motor
cable, the thanks of the Institution life-boat Cyril and Lilian Bishop was launched,
and found the fishing vessel Venus, of Rye,
inscribed on vellum ; aground in a dangerous position a quarter of
To the coxswain and each of the a mile from the shore.. With great difficulty
eight members of the crew a reward in broken and shallow water the lifeboat went
of £2 in addition to the ordinary scale alongside and rescued the three men on hoard
her. The skipper was suffering from exposure,
reward of £1 17s. 6d. Standard and had injured his leg. He had to be taken
rewards to crew and launchers, to hospital. The lifeboat returned to her
£14 9s. 6d. ; additional rewards to station at 10.10 A.M.. - Rewards, £26 14s. 3d.
crew, £16 ; total rewards, £30 9s. 6d.

FEBRUARY 8TH. - NORTH SUNDER-

BRONZE MEDAL SERVICE
LAND, NORTHUMBERLAND: The coast- AT ARBROATH
guard reported a raft at about 1..40 P . M .,
floating one and a half miles north of the F E B R U A R Y 9 T H . -ARBROATH,
Farne Islands. A moderate S.S.W. wind was ANGUS. At 10.35 in the morning
blowing, with a heavy swell. As the raft distress signals were heard south-east
might have come from a sunken vessel and by east of Arbroath, and the motor life-
have men on board, the motor life-boat
W.R.A. was launched at 2 P . M . She found boat John and William Mudie was
no one on the raft, but as it was a danger to launched at once. It was very hazy. A
navigation she towed it ashore, arriving at moderate sea was running. When she
4.15 P.M. - Rewards, £13. had travelled about six miles the life-
boat found two minesweepers, and
F EBRUARY 8 TH . - ST. HELIER, JERSEY. about half-a-mile away a hopper-barge.
At 10 A.M. news was received from a fisherman
that a French fishing boat was ashore on the The barge had stopped, and the life-
rocks about one mile S.E. of the island. A boat made for her to see if she was in
light northerly wind was blowing with a distress. When she was about a
moderate sea. As the fishing boat was in no
immediate danger, her position was inspected,
quarter-of-a-mile away from her, two
before the motor life-boat Howard D. was German bombing aeroplanes appeared
sent to her help. She left at 3 P.M. with out of the mist and attacked the barge
Lieut.-Commander T. Le B. Pirouet, the with bombs and machine-guns. Both
honorary secretary, on boat in order to
reach the fishing boat as the tide was rising, of them passed only 8 few feet above
and arrived at 4.45 PM. She found the the life-boat. The minesweepers at
fishing boat to be the S u z a n n e R e n e e , of once opened fire on the bombers. The
Camaret. The Suzanne Renee refloated at life-boat was now under fire both from
5 P . M ., apparently undamaged, and the life-
boat escorted her to St. Helier, arriving at the German aeroplanes and from the
6 . 2 0 P . M . A letter of thanks was received minesweepers, but she held straight on
from the French consul. - Rewards, £14 7s. 3d. for the barge. Ten bombs from the
aeroplanes dropped close to her. Their
F EBRUARY 9 T H . - SHERINGHAM, NOR- explosion, the men said afterwards,
FOLK. Information was received through “ seemed to lift the life-boat out of
the coastguard at 12.15 P . M . that the life-
boat might be needed. Half a gale was the water and made all the air-cases
blowing from the east, with a rough sea, and inside her rattle “, but she still held on.
the weather was thick. Then it was learned Then an English fighter aeroplane
that a vessel had been bombed off Cley, and appeared and drove the bombers off.
the motor life-boat Foresters Centenary was
launched at 12.33 P . M . She found the boat Neither the hopper-barge nor the life-
of the S.S. Boston Trader, of Great Yarmouth, boat had been hit.
with the crew of seven aboard. Their The life-boat went alongside and
steamer had been badly damaged by bombs, found that the barge was the Fore-
and they had been machine-gunned. In the
hope of saving the steamer the life-boat went most, of Aberdeen. She had had a
to her, but found her so thoroughly on fire crew of nine men on board, but she
that nothing could be done. The life-boat had previously been bombed and two
then brought the rescued men ashore, and of the men had been killed. The life-
those who had been wounded were attended
to. The life-boat was rehoused at 4 P . M . - boat rescued the other seven men and
Rewards, £18 10s. 6d. brought them ashore.
 SERVICES 1940 43

A letter of congratulation from towed her in, arriving at 8.15 P.M. - Rewards,
H.M. the Queen was sent to the cox- £14 11s. 6d.
swain and crew :
“ The Queen has heard with great F EBRUARY 1 0 T H . - NEWBIGGIN, AND
BLYTH, NORTHUMBERLAND. At
interest of the fortitude displayed by 8.20 P . M . fishermen reported that a vessel
the crew of the Arbroath life-boat who was ashore on the Outer Carrs Rocks, north
put out recently, undeterred by their of Newbiggin Point. A light wind was
lack of defence, to the aid of a dredger blowing, with a moderate sea. It was foggy.
At 8.50 P.M. the motor life-boat Augustus and
which was being attacked by a German Laura was launched and found the S.S. Yew-
bomber. glen, of Glasgow, stranded. Her coxswain
“ Her Majesty well remembers decided to stand by the steamer until the
launching the life-boat at Arbroath, tide rose. After the life-boat had stood by
for one and a half hours, water was found to
and whilst it is no surprise to learn of be entering the engine room of the life-boat,
the gallantry of her fellow-country- and the life boat returned to her station at
men, she would be glad if you would 11.40 P .M. She is driven by Hotchkiss Cone
convey to Mr. William Swankie and Propulsion, and it was found that a plate
inside the cone covering had sprung and that
all his crew her congratulations on the impellers were forcing water through the
their gallant performance.” cavity into the engine room. Repairs were
For this courageous rescue the quickly made and at 3.15 A . M . the life-boat
Institution made the following awards : put out again to the steamer, and stood by
until she refloated at 5.30 A.M., and was able
To C OXSWAIN W ILLIAM S WANKIE , to go on her way. The life-boat then returned
the bronze medal for gallantry, and a to her station at 6.10 A.M. While the repairs
copy of the vote inscribed on vellum ; to the machinery of the Newbiggin life-boat
To each of the six members of his were being made, the life-boat crew at the
neighbouring station of Blyth stood by in
crew, DAVID BRUCE, second-coxswain, case their life-boat was wanted. - Rewards :
R OBERT C ARGILL , bowman, H ARRY Newbiggin, 1st launch, £25 14s. 6d; 2nd
SWANKIE, motor-mechanic, WILLIAM launch, £25 14s. 6d. ; Blyth, £3 15s.
SCOTT, JOSEPH CARGILL and CHARLES
SMITH, the thanks of the Institution FEBRUARY 10TH. - ANSTRUTHER,
inscribed on vellum ; FIFESHIRE. At 11.24 P . M . the coastguard
To the coxswain and each member reported a vessel ashore at Fifeness. The
night was calm, with a light northerly wind,
of the crew a reward of £3 in addition but the wind freshened later, with squalls of
to the ordinary scale reward of 19s. snow. The motor life-boat Nellie and Charlie
Standard rewards to crew and was launched at 11.53 P .M. with the coxswain
launchers, £8 ; additional rewards to - on leave from the Navy - in charge. She
reached Balconie Brigs at 1 A . M . and found
crew, £21 ; total rewards, £29. Cox- the S.S. Goteborg, of Gothenburg, Sweden,
swain Swankie was also awarded the bound with a general cargo for London. She
British Empire Medal. was ashore in a dangerous position and was
leaking. The master asked for a tug, and a
F EBRUARY 9 TH. - NEWBURGH, ABER- signal was made to the coastguard who tele-
DEENSHIRE. At 2.20 P.M. news was phoned to Rosyth. Meanwhile the life-boat
received from the Collieston coastguard that stood by, but before a tug arrived the Gote-
a vessel appeared to be aground at the mouth b o r g had refloated on the rising tide. The
of the Ythan. The weather was cold, with a life-boat made fast a wire rope to her bow
moderate southerly wind and a moderate sea. and towed her into such a position that she
The pulling and sailing life-boat John and could get clear. The life-boat then went
Robert C. Mercer was launched at 3.30 P.M. ahead of her taking soundings, and guided
and found the motor vessel Auchmacoy, of her through the rocks into safe water. The
Newburgh, ashore. She rescued her crew of coxswain then went aboard and piloted the
six and returned to her station at 4.30 P .M. steamer to a position between Anstruther
- Rewards £13 12s. 6d. and May Island where she could remain in
safety until daylight. The life-boat returned
to her station at 7 A.M. - Property salvage
FEBRUARY 9TH. - ABERDEEN. On case.
returning to port at 6.12 P.M. the motor yawl
Olive reported that she had spent an hour
searching for the motor yawl Lily, of Aber- F EBRUARY 11 TH. - WALMER, KENT. At
deen, which had been last seen disabled off 12.55 A.M. a message was received from the
the mouth of the River Don. A light S.W. Deal coastguard that a Norwegian tanker
wind was blowing, with a moderate swell. had been mined east of Kingsdown. A light
The weather was cold. The No. 1 motor southerly breeze was blowing, with a
life-boat Emma Constance was launched at moderate sea. The weather was fine, but
6.50 P .M. and found the Lily about one and hazy. At 1.15 A.M. the motor life-boat
a half miles N.E. of the River Don. She Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2) was
44 SERVICES 1940
launched and found the Norwegian tanker cable before the gale, the tide, running
Gallia, of Oslo, two miles east of Kingsdown, at right angles to it, would carry him
laden with petrol, bound for Amsterdam.
The fore compartment of the tanker was off his course. Nevertheless he an-
full of water. The naval authorities and the chored to windward. He anchored
captain of the tanker asked the life-boat to 160 yards away from the trawler: and
stand by until daylight. She put one of her with his engines working slowly began
crew on board the Gallia, and when it was
light enough took the captain of the tanker to move stern first towards her. The
round his ship so that all damage could be seas followed him. When he thought
inspected from the outside. At 7 A . M . the that one would break on the life-boat
life-boat took ashore telegrams addressed to he called on the mechanic to go full
the owners. She then returned to the Gallia
and piloted her into shallower water in the speed ahead to meet it, and rode over
Downs, where she was anchored. The life- it before it broke. The bowman
boat returned to her station at 12.45 P.M. - was tending the cable. As the heavy
Property salvage case. seas made it impossible for him to
stand up forward to do this, two tums
of the cable were taken round the
GOLD MEDAL SERVICE AT samson post and two more round the
THE HUMBER bollard in the foreward cockpit. This
enabled the bowman to work the cable
FEBRUARY 12 TH. - THE HUMBER, from the cockpit.
YORKSHIRE. During the evening The seas were breaking continuously
there was bitter winter weather on the over the life-boat. Both cockpits were
Humber. A strong north-north-east full to the top of the combing, and the
wind was blowing on shore, with motor-mechanic, standing in the after
squalls at gale force. Snow was falling cockpit at his engine controls, was only
heavily and continuously. The night just able to keep his chin above water.
was pitch dark. It was very cold. Repeatedly the men were thrown down
At 6.30 a message reached The on the deck by the seas. They were
Humber life-boat station, through the bruised and shaken, but, by clinging to
Donna Nook coastguard, that the the hand-rails, they just succeeded in
Royal Naval Signal Station had seen keeping themselves from being washed
flares east-south-east of Donna Nook. overboard.
The life-boat City of Bradford II was The coxswain dropped down until
launched. Owing to illness Coxswain the life-boat was almost in the surf.
Robert Cross had only five men with But the tide had carried her 150 yards
him in the boat, instead of the usual down the coast. She was almost as
crew of seven. On such a night these far from the trawler as when she had
two men could ill be spared. anchored. The coxswain told the second
The coxswain set a course which motor-mechanic to make a line fast to
would take him just outside the Haile the cable and to bring it to the star-
Buoy. When he reached the buoy he board after bollard. The life-boat was
saw a glimmer of light to the south- now held fore and aft. The cable
ward, and steering towards it found itself held her head on to the seas, but
the steam trawler Gurth, of Grimsby, by hauling on the quarter line the
returning from the fishing grounds coxswain could bring her beam on to
with nine men on board. She was the seas and head on to the tide, so
drifting rapidly towards the shore. that she could steam up against the
She struck. The surf swept over her tide towards the wreck. This was a
and her stern disappeared. device which Coxswain Cross had often
As the life-boat drew near, the cox- used with great success. These arrange-
swain realised that if he approached ments made, the coxswain told the
the trawler from the starboard side, second-coxswain and the one remain-
where he would get a slight lee, the ing member of his crew to stand for-
flood tide, which was running across ward and be ready to seize the men on
the seas, would carry him on top of the wreck as the life-boat came along
her. side.
On the other hand, if he anchored to It was now that the two absent
windward and dropped down on his members of the crew were most missed.
 SERVICES 1940 45

The motor-mechanic was alone at the was weighed. When she was well
engine-controls. The coxswain was clear of the broken water, the scuttle
alone at the wheel. There was not above the port propeller was lifted,
even a man free to work the search- and the rope was cut away with a
light. In pitch darkness the coxswain knife which Coxswain Cross himself
must watch for his chance to get along- had invented. It took ten minutes.
side the wreck It was now 8.15. With both engines working the life-
By working the engines and by boat then made for Grimsby. She
hauling on the cable and on the line, arrived there at 10.35. She had been
the coxswain succeeded in nosing the out for three and a half hours and the
bow of the life-boat against the tide actual rescue had taken an hour and a
up to the forecastle of the trawler. quarter. The honorary secretary at
One of the trawler’s crew was Grimsby, who welcomed the two crews,
pulled aboard by the two men waiting found the life-boatmen much more
to rescue them. Then the life-boat exhausted than the men rescued from
had to go astern again. Again and the trawler. They were suffering
again the coxswain brought her up to badly from bruises and exposure. The
the trawler in the same way. Several life-boat herself had not made an
times the seas, lifting her higher than inch of water, but outside she looked,
the trawler, nearly flung her on board, as one eye-witness described it, “ like
and the coxswain had to go hard a battle-scarred warrior “.
astern. to get clear, without rescuing In the opinion of the Institution the
anyone Even when he could get courage, endurance and skill of the
to her, he could only hold the life- coxswain were beyond praise, and the
boat there long enough for one man unfailing confidence of his crew in him,
at a time to be taken off. Then the and their unhesitating obedience to
whole thing had to be done over again. his every order, enabled them, short-
After twenty such attempts, which handed though they were, to carry out
had taken an hour, six men had been successfully one of the most difficult
rescued. Then the life-boat’s port and gallant rescues in the history of
engine stopped. A rope had been the Life-boat Service.
washed out of the after-cockpit The Institution made the following
and had got round the propeller. awards :
It was impossible to attempt to To C OXSWAIN R OBERT C ROSS , the
clear it, and with only one engine gold medal for conspicuous gallantry
running the coxswain - his confidence and a copy of the vote inscribed on
unshaken. although the danger was vellum ;
doubled - went on with the work. To J. M AJOR , the motor-mechanic,
There were still three men to be the silver medal for gallantry and a
rescued. Several attempts were copy of the vote inscribed on vellum ;
made before, one by one, they were To each of the other four members
taken off, and in the course of them of the crew, SECOND-COXSWAIN W. R.
the life-host’s bow fender and its iron J E N K I N S O N , the bowman, W. J. T.
support were carried away ; the port H OOD , the second motor-mechanic,
wale was split ; the stem-head fitting, S. CROSS, and S. HOOPELL, the bronze
which carries the cable, was broken. medal for gallantry.
Then the difficult business began of The life-boatmen of The Humber
taking the lifeboat out of the broken are a permanent paid crew, but the
water, with only one engine working. Institution made a special award
The line attached to the cable was let of £10 to each of the six men.
go and her stern swung towards the Total rewards to crew and helpers,
shore. Before she could move sea- £60 18s.
wards her stern hit the bottom several Coxswain Cross was also awarded the
times. Her rudder was split and the George Medal.
whole stern post was started ; but the
rudder could still be worked. Severely F EBRUARY 12 TH . - WALMER, KENT. At
7.32 A.M. the Deal coastguard reported that
damaged, but under control, the life- a collision had occurred near the Fork Buoy.
boat moved out to her anchor, which A fresh southerly wind was blowing, with a
46 SERVICES 1940
moderate sea. It was snowing. The motor cold, with a light N.N.E. wind and a moderate
life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2) sea. The motor life-boat City of Bradford II
was launched at 7.50 A.M. and found that the was launched at 7.15 P . M ., and found the
two Belgian steamers Kabalo and Flandres, S.S. Castor, of Bergen, with a crew of eighteen,
both of Antwerp, had been in collision. The ashore on the Haile Sands. She had been
latter had only received her papers from the damaged by striking a wreck and the captain
contraband control an hour or two earlier. was afraid that water might reach the cargo,
She was badly damaged and sinking, only which contained carbide. The life-boat stood
the captain and two officers being on board. by until noon on the following day, returning
The rest of the crew, between 40 and 50 men, to her station at 12.5 P.M. Later she went
had already left in motor boats. The life- out again, but no further help was needed.-
boat took off the three officers and stood by Paid permanent crew. Rewards, 18s.
until 11 A.M. The steamer’s decks were then
down to water level. The life-boat returned FEBRUARY 15TH. - TYNEMOUTH,
to her station at 11.35 A.M. - Rewards, NORTHUMBERLAND. At 10.30 P . M . a
£14 12s. 6d. message was received from the coastguard
that a collision had occurred between two
FEBRUARY 12TH. - PETERHEAD, vessels, off the Spanish Battery Point, and
ABERDEENSHIRE. At 12.25 A.M. a that the Swedish steamer Walborg, of Stock-
message was received from the coastguard holm, had gone ashore. A gentle SW.
that rockets had been seen two miles S.E. breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea.
by E. A strong E.N.E. wind was blowing, It was foggy. At 11.5 P . M . the motor life-
with a rough sea. It was snowing heavily. boat John Pyemont was launched and found
At 12.40 A.M. the motor life-boat Julia Park the Walborg, badly damaged. She went
Barry of Glasgow was launched and found alongside and took off fourteen of the crew.
the Danish motor vessel Axel driving fast Four remained on board. After landing the
towards the rocks two miles south of Peter- fourteen men the life-boat returned to the
head. With difficulty a rope was passed steamer and stood by her while tugs success-
between the Axel and the life-boat, and made fully refloated her, and then accompanied
fast just as the Axel was going on the rocks. her to a safe anchorage. While she was
The life-boat towed her, and her crew of six, landing the fourteen men, the life-boat had
into the harbour, and returned to her station been given a message that H.M. trawler
at 4 A.M. - Property salvage case. Melbourne had gone ashore at the harbour
entrance. As soon as she was free from the
FEBRUARY 12TH. - ST. IVES, CORN- Walborg the life-boat went to the trawler,
WALL. At 3.25 P .M. the coastguard reported but found that she was in no immediate
that a vessel was in difficulties near Hayle danger, and that no help was wanted. She
Bar. The motor life-boat Caroline Oaks Aver returned to her station at 8.10 AM -
and William Maine was launched fifteen Rewards, £23 13s. 6d.
minutes later. She found the Admiralty
motor cruiser East Morn, bound from Ply- F EBRUARY 16 TH . - RAMSEY, ISLE OF
mouth to Milford, with a crew of four. Her MAN. At 12.30 A.M. it was reported that a
engine had broken down. The life-boat steamer was ashore one and a half miles S.W.
towed her into St. Ives Harbour, arriving at of Maughold Head and was making distress
4.25 P.M. - Rewards, £16 5s. 6d. signals. A S.E. wind was blowing, with a
moderate sea. It was foggy. At 1.15 A.M.
FEBRUARY 13TH. - CROMER, NOR- the motor life-boat Lady Harrison was
FOLK. At 12.40 P .M. a message was received launched and found the S.S. Glendun, stranded
from the coastguard that a ship’s boat was on the rocks. Her crew of ten had just left
drifting five to six miles off Cromer. A north- the steamer in the ship’s boat, which was
east wind was blowing, with a moderate sea. very close to the rocks and in grave danger
At 1.13 P.M. the No. 2 motor life-boat Harriot of being smashed to pieces against them..
Dixon. was launched. She found the boat, The life-boat went alongside the boat,
but it was empty. She then saw another rescued the men, and returned to her station
boat two miles farther east. This also had at 3.45 A.M. - Rewards, £24 13s. 6d.
no one on board. A large tanker was then
seen at anchor and the life-boat went to her FEBRUARY 16 TH . - FALMOUTH, CORN-
for information. The tanker told her that WALL. At about 2.30 P .M. information was
the boats were from the tanker British received through the St. Anthony coast-
Triumph, of London, which had been mined guard that a steamer was in difficulty in
and wrecked. She had taken on part of the Gerrans Bay. A S.E. gale was blowing, with
British Triumph’s crew and had then trans- a very heavy sea. The motor life-boat
ferred them to a tug. The life-boat returned Crawford and Constance Conybeare was
to her station, with the two ship’s boats launched at 3.15 P . M . and found the S.S.
in tow arriving at 6.20 P.M. - Rewards, Westown, of London. She was bound, in
£20 14s: 3d. ballast, from Plymouth to Newlyn, and carried
a crew of twelve. The master said that he
FEBRUARY 14TH. - THE HUMBER, had lost his two anchors, and at his request
YORKSHIRE. At 7 P . M . information was the life-boat sent a wireless message for a tug.
received from the Humber naval authorities The life-boat then stood by until he was able
that a Norwegian vessel, about six and a half to get his vessel out of Gerrans Bay, and
miles from Spurn, had sent out an SOS as proceed to Falmouth. The life-boat accom-
she was leaking badly. The weather was panied the Westown until she was moored in
 SERVICES 1940 47
Falmouth Roads and returned to her station Always Ready was launched. She found them
at 7.15 P.M. - Rewards, £16 9s. six miles out. The gale was then at its worst,
and the boats were in great danger, but,
FEBRUARY 17TH. - NEWHAVEN, escorted by the life-boat, they all reached
SUSSEX. At 1.40 A.M. a barge was reported Staithes Harbour safely. The life-boat
by the coastguard to be in distress off Sea- returned to her station at 2.15 P.M. - Rewards,
ford and burning red flares. A very strong £15 6s. 6d.
southerly wind was blowing, with heavy seas,
fog and blizzards of snow. At 2.25 A.M. the FEBRUARY 28TH. - WHITBY, YORK-
motor life-boat Cecil and Lilian Philpott was SHIRE. The fishing fleet was out and all
launched and found the sailing barge Veravia, the boats had returned by 1 P . M . with the
with a crew of three, loaded with stone, exception of two, Success and Provider. A
dragging her anchors, towards a lee shore. strong E.N.E. wind was blowing, with seas
The life-boat was unable to get the barge in breaking three-quarters of a mile outside
tow, and the crew would not leave her, so the the harbour entrance. The Success was
life-boat then stood by until the Veravia had sighted at 3 P . M . making for the harbour.
been taken in tow by a tug and escorted her As the weather was getting worse, the No. 1
into port. - Rewards, £20 18s. 3d. motor life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was
launched at 3.15 P.M. to her help and
FEBRUARY 21ST. - PENLEE, CORN- escorted her into harbour, arriving at
WALL. At 10.50 P . M . the coastguard re- 3.45 P.M. It was then found that the Provider
ported that a vessel was ashore near the had transferred her catch of fish and two
Penzer Rocks The weather was foggy, with of her crew to the Success, and had been
a southerly wind and a moderate sea. At prevented from returning herself owing to
11.15 P.M. the motor life-boat W and S was trouble with her fishing lines. The life-boat
launched, and found the S.S. Westown, of went to sea again, searched for the Provider
London, which five days before had been in without result, and returned to harbour at
difficulties in Gerrans Bay and had been 4.30 P.M. There she was moored at the Fish
escorted to safety by the Falmouth life-boat. Quay, ready to put out again. About 7 P.M .
She had refloated by the time the life-boat news was received that the Provider had
arrived, and was at anchor. Her captain passed Kettleness Point and was coming
decided to make for Newlyn, and the life- south. The life-boat put off again, escorted
boat escorted him. They arrived at Newlyn her safely into harbour, and returned to her
at 2 A . M . The life-boat was rehoused the station at 7.45 P.M . - Rewards, £15 15s. 9d.
following day. - Rewards, £20 12s. FEBRUARY 28TH. - RAMSEY, ISLE OF
MAN. At 4.30 A.M. a message was received
FEBRUARY 22ND. - DUNBAR, EAST from the coastguard that the motor vessel
LOTHIAN. At 2.5 P . M . information was Ulster Queen, of Belfast, with about 120
received from the coastguard that a vessel passengers and crew on board, had gone
was on fire several miles to the east of Dun- ashore at Maughold Head. A light, freshen-
bar. She had been seen by the Observer ing, S.S.E. wind was blowing, with rain and
Corps post on the coast. A moderate
westerly breeze was blowing, but the sea fog. There was a slight sea. At 5.15 A . M .
the motor life-boat Lady Harrison was
was smooth. The weather was thick. The launched and found the Ulster Queen, lying
motor life-boat George and Sarah Strachan on the rocks under a steep cliff. She went
was launched at 2.40 P.M. , and found the
Norwegian steamer Akabahra, of Horten. alongside, took off twenty passengers, and
She had been bombed by German aircraft towed two boats, filled with passengers, to
the Duke of Lancaster lying near by. In
and set on fire. but her crew had got the fire putting them on board her she was damaged.
under control As she was leaking, the life- The weather meanwhile had been getting
boat stood by until repairs had been made
and then returned to her station at 6.30 P.M. worse. The wind had veered to the N.E.
and was blowing a gale. The life-boat had
- Rewards. £11 14s. 9d. taken in tow five other small boats which
had gone adrift, but in the gale she could not
FEBRUARY 22ND. - GIRVAN, AYR- continue to tow them, so she took on board
SHIRE. At 7 P.M. the police reported distress
signals from a fishing boat six miles south of the ten men of their crews and let the boats
Girvan. A strong S.S.W. breeze was blowing go adrift. She returned to her station at
with a rough sea The motor life-boat Lily 9 A.M. - Rewards, £18 14s. 3d.
Glen - Glasgow was launched at 7.30 P.M., and F EBRUARY 2 9 T H . - PWLLHELI, CAER-
found the motor fishing boat Jeanie, of NARVONSHIRE. At 2.45 P . M . the armed
Girvan, with her engine broken down. patrol yacht Boyne Water, which was
Another fishing boat Aliped IV had taken anchored in St. Tudwalls Roads, signalled
her in tow, and the life-boat escorted the for a doctor, and Dr. Lloyd Hughes, of Aber-
two boats to Girvan Harbour, where they soch, asked the life-boat to take him out as
arrived about 9 P.M. - Rewards, £9 16s. 6d. no other boat was available at Abersoch or
Pwllheli. A fresh E.N.E. wind was blowing,
F EBRUARY 23 RD . - RUNSWICK, YORK- with a moderate sea. At 3.25 P.M. the motor
SHIRE. At 6 A.M. four Staithes motor life-boat William Macpherson was launched
fishing cobles went out to fish. By 9.30 A.M. with the doctor on board, and found that
it was blowing a strong gale from the E.N.E., the master of the Boyne Water was ill. The
with a heavy sea and rain. At 11.55 A.M. life-boat returned to her station at 6 P.M . -
the motor life-boat Robert Patton - The Rewards, £8 17s. 9d.
48 SERVICES 1940
The following life-boats were launched, but boat’s searchlight could not pierce it
no services were rendered for the reasons for more than a boat’s length.
given :
The motor life-boat M a r y A n n
FEBRUARY 1ST. - SCARBOROUGH, Hepworth was launched at 9.20. It
YORKSHIRE. A vessel had been reported was so dark that the coxswain never
ashore at Speeton Cliffs, but the life-boat realised that he had put out one man
found nothing. - Rewards, £20.
short of his crew.
FEBRUARY 1ST. - CROMARTY. Flares Under the 200-feet cliffs the dark-
had been reported, but nothing could be ness was like pitch. There nothing
found. - Rewards, £13 2s. 6d. whatever could be seen. Then the
FEBRUARY 1ST. - FLAMBOROUGH, lights of the coastguard life-saving
YORKSHIRE. A large raft was seen about apparatus appeared on the shore under
a mile east of the North Southwick Buoy, the cliffs. They gave the life-boat the
but no one was found on board. - Rewards, approximate position. The wreck was
£31 4s.
on Saltwick Nab, at the very spot
FEBRUARY 2ND. - SUNDERLAND, where the hospital ship Rohilla was
DURHAM. A collier had been driven ashore wrecked in October 1914, and the
north of Roker Pier, when trying to enter Whitby life-boats took part in the
the Port of Sunderland, but the crew of
thirteen were able to land in their own boats. outstanding life-boat service of the
- Rewards, £23 3s. last war.
The coxswain had with him as
FEBRUARY 2ND. - WHITEHILLS, second-coxswain an old and very
BANFFSHIRE. A naval trawler had been
reported sinking off Banff, but nothing could experienced fisherman and life-boat-
be found. - Rewards, £11 16s. 8d. man, John Dryden, who had returned
to the life-boat to relieve a younger
FEBRUARY 2ND. - FRASERBURGH, man for war service. Dryden was in
ABERDEENSHIRE. Flares had been re-
ported two miles off Troup Head, but nothing the after cockpit behind the coxswain,
could be found. - Rewards £7 6s. 6d. giving him the help of his greater
experience of the coast. Was there
FEBRUARY 2ND. - LONGHOPE, ORK- enough water for the life-boat to get
NEYS. A raft or ship’s boat had been
reported off Duncansby Head, but nothing close to the wreck? Dryden was
could be found. - Rewards, £13 17s. 6d. certain that there was, if they
approached from the westward. To-
FEBRUARY 2ND. - HOLY ISLAND, gether the coxswain and second cox-
NORTHUMBERLAND. The S.S. Prins
Knud, of Copenhagen, had stranded, but swain took the life-boat in towards
her crew would not leave her. - Rewards, Saltwick Nab, until they could see the
£17 5s. stern of the wreck projecting beyond
the darkness of the cliffs.
FEBRUARY 2ND. - CROMARTY. A raft
with seven men on it, believed to be survivors The crew of the life-saving apparatus
of a vessel sunk by enemy action, had been on the shore could now see what the
reported thirty-six miles N.E. by E. of life-boat was attempting. One of the
Tarbat Ness, but they were rescued by naval crew was an ex-coxswain of the life-
trawlers. - Rewards, £6 13s.
boat. He was certain that she would
be wrecked. He shouted - the whole
crew of the life-saving apparatus
SILVER MEDAL SERVICE shouted - to the life-boat to keep out ;
AT WHITBY but in the gale their shouts were not
FEBRUARY 3 RD. - WHITBY, AND heard.
SCARBOROUGH, YORKSHIRE. Two M EN O VERBOARD
At nine o’clock at night the coast-
guard telephoned to the life-boat The life-boat was feeling her way
station at Whitby that a vessel was through the darkness, beam on to the
ashore near Saltwick. The tide was seas, when suddenly a sea rose at her
at half flood. A gale was blowing from out of nowhere. As it broke it hit the
the south-east with a rough sea. life-boat on the port side and threw her
There was mist and rain. By all over on her beam ends.. It threw the
accounts it was the darkest night in coxswain over the starboard side. The
Whitby for many years. The life- starboard rail was under water and he
 SERVICES 1940 49

saw the port rail right above him. He but they could not convince him. He
expected the life-boat to turn clean was determined to go. He was mad
over on top of him, but she righted to go. The motor-mechanic, while
herself. Though he had been flung still looking after his engines, had to
overboard he had kept his grip of the hold him in the boat by force.
wheel with his left hand, and as the
life-boat. righted herself he dragged T HE C OXSWAIN I NJURED
himself aboard again. At that All this time the coxswain, who had
moment he felt her touch bottom wrenched his left arm when he went
forward. He knew then that he was overboard, could not understand why
right among the “ hummock ” rocks the water from his sou’-wester kept
which at low water stand ten feet high, running into his eyes. Not until one
and at high water are covered by the of the crew came after to the compass
sea. His one thought was to get the was it discovered that it was not water,
life-boat out from among them. He but his own blood, which was running
knew she was in extreme peril. Then down his face from a deep cut at the
she touched again. He must bring top of his nose. He was half-blinded ;
her out at once Not until he was in covered with blood ; his left arm
deeper water did he look round. The hurt. But he had brought the life-
second-coxswain who had been behind boat out of a place where it was
him in the cockpit was no longer there. little less than a miracle that she
The coxswain shouted for him. There had not been lost with all her crew.
was no answer He called the muster The coxswain felt that there was
of the crew. The second-coxswain nothing more that he could do, and
was gone. So too was the acting bow- he took the life-boat back to Whitby.
man, Christopher Wale. He, like John There he found that the third man
Dryden, was an old life-boatman who whom he had believed lost was alive.
had returned to the boat to relieve a He himself was treated by the doctor
younger man. He had taken the place who sent him straight to bed. It was
of his own son who was serving in the then about 10.30.
navy. Both had gone overboard in Meanwhile the life-saving apparatus
the darkness, unseen and unheard. had been at work. Its crew had
Wale had been standing on the port climbed down to the shore at the foot
side of the after shelter getting a rope of the cliffs of Saltwick Nab ; had fired
ready. On the starboard side another a rocket to the wreck, the Belgian
man was standing with the search- steamer Charles, of Bruges, with a crew
light in his hand. He too had gone of ten ; and had rescued four of
overboard, between the rails, but he them. The life-saving apparatus crew
had kept his grip of the searchlight. were then driven off the shore by
It had jammed against a stanchion the rising tide.
and held him half in half out of the
boat until another member of the crew A SECOND ATTEMPT
had hauled him aboard again. Wale Whitby men are not easily defeated.
must have been thrown right over the One of the crew of the life-saving
shelter, and right over this man, who apparatus was John Robert Storr,
was clinging to the searchlight, into a fisherman. When he returned to
the sea. The coxswain believed that Whitby he went to the coxswain’s
yet a third man was lost. It was not house to ask if he might get together
until he returned ashore that he found another crew and make another
that, in the darkness, he had gone out attempt with the life-boat. The cox-
one man short swain told him that it was impossible
The assistant motor-mechanic was until daybreak. At daybreak, he sug-
John Dryden’s son. As soon as he gested, the pulling and sailing life-
heard that his father had gone over- boat should be taken overland until
board, he wanted to go after him. The she was opposite the wreck and she
others knew that nothing could be could then approach it from inshore.
done, They knew that if the son went But Storr wanted to make an attempt
overboard it would be to his death, at once with the motor life-boat. He
50 SERVICES 1940

quickly assembled a crew. It was a steamer which had been pounded by

new crew except for the motor the seas, and when, later, several
mechanic, who had been out on the bodies were found they were close to
first service. The mechanic went the wreck.
again, without question, although he The Whitby life-boat got back for
had been badly shaken. the third time at 9.15 in the morn-
The life-boat set off at 2.30 next morn- ing of the 4th, just twelve hours
ing. As she was turning in the river she after she had first set out. Shortly
hit the fishing boat Easter Morn. Both afterwards the Scarborough life-boat
were damaged, but the life-boat went left for her station and arrived just
on. The darkness was still intense. after mid-day. She too had been out
Nothing under the cliffs could be seen. nearly twelve hours.
There were now not even the lights of The story does not end there. The
the rocket apparatus as a guide. Storr gallantry of that dark night was not
realised that the coxswain was right. confined to the men who manned the
Until daybreak any attempt at rescue life-boat. After she had returned for
was impossible. He put back to the first time, two men, John Robert
harbour to wait. It was now 4.30. Dryden, home on leave from the
Navy (he was no relation of John
A THIRD ATTEMPT Dryden, the acting-second-coxswain),
and Norman Russell, got a rope ladder
At 7.30, with the same crew, he set from the life-saving apparatus and,
out for the third attempt, but before shortly before midnight, went down
he set out some information had been the 200-feet of cliff on Saltwick Nab
got from one of the rescued Belgian in search of the two men who had been
sailors who could speak a little English. washed out of the life-boat. The cliff
He said that some of the crew were on face was covered with ice and snow.
a raft. The life-boat made first for the To descend it on a pitch black night
wreck. She could see no sign of life was most hazardous. They found the
on board. She then searched the coast body of Christopher Wale on the shore
for the raft. While she was carrying and helped to bring it up the cliff.
out this search the Scarborough motor Then they kept watch until five in the
life-boat Herbert Joy II arrived at morning when they saw another body
Whitby. Just after midnight the on the rocks. They went down again
Scarborough station had heard that and brought up John Dryden. .
the Whitby boat had been unable to So ended this gallant attempt to
get to the wreck and that two life- rescue the crew of the Charles. Two
boatmen had been washed overboard. lives had been lost. No lives had been
The Scarborough life-boat had been rescued by the life-boat, but the
launched at quarter to one in the attempt had shown the splendid spirit
morning, but when she reached the of the men of Whitby. “ While there
neighbourhood of Saltwick Nab, it was are men in Whitby able to stand up,”
so dark that she decided to wait until said John Storr to the district, inspector
daybreak. Then she found the of life-boats afterwards, “ the life-boat
steamer. The seas were smashing her will never be short of a crew.”
up. It was impossible to go along- The attempt recalls memorable ser-
side her, but the life-boat could see vices of the past. The position of the
from the lines which had been run wreck recalls the great service to the
across her that the life-saving appara- Rohilla twenty-six years before. The
tus had been at work. The life-boat name of John Storr recalls that heroic
then made for Whitby. and tragic day at Whitby, the 8th of
The Whitby motor life-boat had February, 1861, when all but one of
now searched the coast, but had found the life-boat crew - going out for the
no raft. It seems probable that the seventh time in the one day - were
Belgian had been misunderstood, that drowned, and when - yet another
what he had said was not that men vessel being in distress - another crew
were “ on a raft “, but that they were at once came forward. It recalls that
“ aft “, for it was the after end of the day, for the first name on the memorial
 SERVICES 1940 51

in the parish church to the twelve men Total cost to the Institution, in-
who lost their lives is “ John Storr, cluding the funeral expenses, but with-
coxswain". out the pensions and the repairs of
J OHN D RYDEN and C HRISTOPHER the motor life-boat, £166 2s. 6d.
WALE were the first life-boatmen to The Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees
lose their lives in the war. The awarded certificates and £15 each to
Institution paid their funeral expenses J o h n R o b e r t D r y d e n a n d N o r m a n th
and pensioned their widows, who were the men had been sailors, soldiers or
airmen killed in action.
T HE R EWARDS
The Institution also made the
following awards :
To J A M E S P H I L P O T , the motor-
mechanic, who took part in all three
launches, the silver medal for gal-
lantry, with a copy of the vote
inscribed on vellum, and £5 ;
To the late JOHN R. DRYDEN,
acting-second-coxswain, a clasp to his
bronze medal, with a copy of the vote
inscribed
F EBRUARY on 3vellum ;
R D . - ARBROATH, ANGUS.
A Totanker
eachhadofbeen
the attacked
other fiveby German
men who air-
craft about seven miles off Arbroath, but she
took part
could not be in the- Rewards,
found. first launch, the
£7 10s. 6d.
bronze medal for gallantry and a copy
ofF EBRUARY
the vote3 Rinscribed on vellum,
D . - EASTBOURNE, AND
CHASTINGS,
OXSWAIN JSUSSEX.
AMES MURFIELD The Dutch
, thesteamer
late
Laertes, of Amsterdam, had struck a mine
C HRISTOPHER
S.E. of the Royal WALE , acting
Sovereign bowman,
Lightship, and
W.
had D RYDEN
caught , assistant
fire, but she was motor-mechanic,
able to reach a
MDutch
A T Tport
HEW Wher
under I N Sown R a n -d Rewards
P E Apower. JOHN :
Eastbourne, £54 4s. ; Hastings, £51 2s. 6d.
FEBRUARY 4TH. - ALDEBURGH, SUF-
WALKER FOLK. The French cargo steamer Com-
To the coxswain and each of the mandant Charles Merie had been mined six
five members of the crew, except the miles N.E. of Sunk Light-vessel, but her
crew of twenty-nine were picked up by a
motor-mechanic, who took part in the Dutch motor vessel. - Rewards, £39 15s.
first launch, a reward of £3 in addition
to the ordinary scale reward of FEBRUARY 4TH. - TYNEMOUTH,
£1 17s. 6d. ; NORTHUMBERLAND. The Norwegian
steamer Jernfjeld had been driven ashore, but
To JOHN R. STORR, acting-coxswain, her crew had got ashore in their own boats.
who took part in the second and third - Rewards, £19 4s.
launches, the thanks of the Institution
inscribed on vellum, binoculars, and a FEBRUARY 4TH. - BRIDLINGTON,
YORKSHIRE. The local fishing vessel
money. reward on the ordinary scale Victory had not returned, after having taken
of £2 16s. 6d. ; l the captain of the steamer Harley back to his
To JOHN R. STORR and each of the ship, which had been attacked by enemy
six men, not including the motor- aircraft the previous day, and abandoned.
The life-boat could not find the Victory, and
mechanic, who went out with him it was learnt later that she had gone on to
on the second and third launches, Grimsby. - Rewards, £15 6s. 9d.
a reward on the ordinary scale of
£2 16s. 6d. FEBRUARY 4TH. - DUNMORE EAST, CO.
WATERFORD. A large pontoon was
Rewards to Whitby on the ordinary drifting south-east of Hook, but no one was
scale, £32 16s. ; additional rewards, on board. - Rewards, £5 16s. 6d.
£23 : total rewards. £55 16s. Rewards
to Scarborough, £53 1s. 6d. FEBRUARY 5TH. - SUNDERLAND,
In addition the Institution paid for DURHAM. A raft with a person on board
had been reported off Marsden Pit Heap,
the cost of repairs to the Easter Morn, but it was found to be a paravane.-
£15. Rewards, £7 15s. 6d.
52 SERVICES 1940
FEBRUARY 6TH. - TYNEMOUTH, F EBRUARY 9 TH . - SALCOMBE, DEVON,
NORTHUMBERLAND. The Dutch motor AND THE LIZARD, CORNWALL. The
vessel Gerco had run ashore, but she was in S.S. Georges Mabro, of Alexandria, had been
no immediate danger and her crew refused reported out of control to the south of Start
to leave her. - Rewards, £18 4s. Point, and the Salcombe motor life-boat put
out at 1.40 P.M., but was signalled from Prawl
FEBRUARY 6TH. - ALDEBURGH, SUF- Point to return. Later the steamer was
FOLK. A very heavy explosion had been reported off The Lizard and that motor life-
heard five to six miles E.S.E. of Aldeburgh. boat put out at 12.15 A . M . on the 10th,
The life-boat found a large patch of oil or but found nothing. - Rewards : Salcombe,
coal dust and followed it for two miles, but £6 17s. 6d. ; The Lizard, £23 7s. 6d.
found no vessel. Later a message was
received that a seaplane had come down FEBRUARY 10 TH. - ST. MARY’S, SCILLY
between Southwold and Dunwich, but again ISLES. The Dutch steamer Burgerdijk, of
a thorough search revealed nothing.- Rotterdam, had been torpedoed about sixty
Rewards, £65 17s. miles south of the Bishop Rock, but her crew
were saved by another Dutch steamer. The
FEBRUARY 6TH. - NEWHAVEN, life-boat covered over one hundred and thirty
SUSSEX. Heavy explosions had been heard miles in under seventeen hours. - Rewards,
about two miles south-east of Newhaven, £23 10s. 6d.
but they were found to have been caused
by the destruction of mines. - Rewards, FEBRUARY 4TH. - WHITEHILLS,
£9 15s. 6d. BANFFSHIRE WICK, CAITHNESS-
SHIRE, AND FRASERBURGH, ABER-
F EBRUARY 7 T H . - BROUGHTY FERRY, DEENSHIRE. At 1.20 A . M . a message was
ANGUS. The steamer Anu, of Esthonia, received at Whitehills from the coastguard
had sunk after being mined, and some at Banff that flares had been reported about
survivors had landed at Buddon Ness, but ten miles N.E. of Whitehills. They appeared
the life-boat searched for others without to be the reflection of the flames from a
result. - Rewards, £6 12s. burning tanker. A N.W. wind was blowing,
with a moderate sea. The motor life-boat
FEBRUARY 7TH. - DUNBAR, EAST Civil Service No. 4 put out at 2.15 A.M. and
LOTHIAN. Two steamers had been reported searched a wide area, but found nothing.
in collision in the Firth of Forth, but nothing She returned to her station at 6.45 A . M .
was found. Later it was learned that one Meanwhile, at 12.52 P.M. a message had been
steamer had been damaged and been brought received at Wick from the coastguard that a
into port by tugs, and that the other had vessel was on fire about twelve miles to the
been able to go on her way. - Rewards, south-east. At 1.25 A.M. the motor life-boat
£7 12s. City of Edinburgh was launched and found
the burning tanker Gretafield, of Newcastle,
F EBRUARY 8 T H . - DUNGENESS, KENT. abandoned. She had been torpedoed. Later
A fishing boat with two men aboard left Rye she sank. The life-boat searched for sur-
for Camber but did not arrive. In bitter vivors with an R.A.F. speed boat until an
weather the life-boat searched without success hour after daylight, but found nothing and
for several hours. - Rewards, £32 0S. 6d. returned to her station at 9.30 A.M. Later it
was learnt that most of the crew had been
FEBRUARY 8TH. - THE HUMBER, picked up. At Fraserburgh it was reported
YORKSHIRE. A red flash or distress signal at 1.4 A.M. that a large glare had been seen
had been seen off Withernsea, but nothing N.W. of Kinnaird Head about 10 miles
could he seen or heard, and after six hours distant. The motor life-boat John and
at sea during the night the life-boat returned. Charles Kennedy was launched at 1.25 A.M. ,
- Permanent paid crew ; Rewards, 9s. and went in the direction of the glare for
about 40 miles, but found nothing. She
FEBRUARY 8 TH . - HOWTH, CO. DUBLIN. anchored and resumed the search when it
A small fishing boat with two men on board was daylight, but again found nothing, and
was long overdue, but while a search was returned to her station at 7.50 A.M. -
being made for her she got in without help. - Rewards : Whitehills, £13 5s. 6d. ; Wick,
Rewards, £14 0s. 6d. £19 15s. 6d. ; Fraserburgh, £18 2s. 9d.

F EBRUARY 9 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. A FEBRUARY 16TH. - CROMER, NOR-

vessel had gone aground on the North Shingle FOLK. The Italian steamer Giorgio Ohlsen,
Shoal, but what she wanted was a tug. - of Genoa, had struck a mine, and one of the
Rewards, £26 6s. steamer’s boats was reported adrift three
miles east of Cromer, but the men in it had
FEBRUARY 9TH. - AMBLE, NORTH- already been rescued. - Rewards, £21 19s. 6d.
UMBERLAND. An R.A.F. machine had
come down in the sea, but a steamer picked FEBRUARY 15TH. - SUNDERLAND,
up one man from her. - Rewards, £6 13s. DURHAM. A steamer had gone ashore,
but the crew were found to be in no imme-
F EBRUARY 9 T H . - BOULMER, NORTH- diate danger. - Rewards, £14 18s. 6d.
UMBERLAND. Three drifting rafts had
been reported, but only one was found, and FEBRUARY 16TH. - MARGATE, KENT.
this had no one on board. - Rewards, £9 10s. An open boat had been reported drifting with
 SERVICES 1940 53
the tide, off Birchington, but the only thing FEBRUARY 28TH. - AMBLE, NORTH-
found was a very large barrel. - Rewards UMBERLAND. The Swedish S.S. Storfors,
£9 8s. of Uddeholm, had been sunk in collision, and
her crew had taken to the boats. They were
FEBRUARY 16TH. - MARGATE, KENT. seen to overturn, but. only an overcoat was
A message from the coastguard reported that found. Later it was learned that the crew
an R.A.F. aeroplane had come down in the had been picked up by another vessel and
sea two miles north of the Reculvers, On taken to the Tyne. - Rewards, £7 12s.
her way out the life-boat picked up on her
wireless the position of the aeroplane which FEBRUARY 29TH. - BRIDLINGTON,
the North Foreland Wireless Station was YORKSHIRE. Red rockets, thought to
broadcasting. Three aeroplanes and a mine- have come from a vessel which had been in
sweeper joined in the search, and it went on collision, had been reported, but no vessel in
for three hours but nothing could be found. need of help could be found. - Rewards,
At 5.30 P.M . the life-boat returned to her £21 7s. 6d.
station. - Rewards, £14 2s.
F EBRUARY 16 TH. - FENIT, CO. KERRY. MARCH
A steamer had been torpedoed, and one of Launches 87. Lives rescued 109.
her boats with fifteen survivors in it was
reported drifting two miles north of Loop- MARCH 1ST. - WELLS, NORFOLK. At
head. The life-boat could not find them, 12.55 P . M . the coastguard reported a ship’s
and later it was learned that the message boat adrift about two miles N.N.W. of their
was incorrect and the search should have lookout. A moderate easterly wind was
been made two miles south and not north of blowing, with a moderate sea. The motor
Loophead. - Rewards, £13 11s. 6d. life-boat Royal Silver Jubilee 1910-1935, was
launched at 1.15 P . M . and found the boat
FEBRUARY 20TH. - CROMER, NOR- with no one on board. She belonged to the
FOLK. A steam trawler had been attacked French steamer P.L.M. 25, of Rouen, which
by enemy aircraft several miles off the had sunk as a result of enemy action. There
Cromer Knoll Lightship, but she beat them were two explosions, and twenty minutes
off and reached port without help. - Rewards, later the steamer sank. Four men lost their
£41 9s. 6d. lives, but the remaining twenty-seven were
saved by a British warship. With the boat
FEBRUARY 20TH. - ARRANMORE, in tow the life-boat reached her station again
CO. DONEGAL. Survivors of the S.S. at 2.45 P.M. - Rewards, £11 13s. 3d.
Steinstad, of Oslo, which had been torpedoed
on the 16th February, had reached land in MARCH 1ST. - WALMER, KENT. At
one of the ship’s boats, and reported that 5 P . M . a message was received from Doctor
another boat was missing, but the life-boat’s Hall, the port medical officer, that a member
search for it was without result. - Rewards, of the Norwegian steamer Primo, of Oslo, had
£19 11s. fractured his leg. The vessel was about two
miles E.S.E. from the life-boat station. A
FEBRUARY 20 TH . - BRIDLINGTON, AND strong N.N.E. wind was blowing and the
FLAMBOROUGH, YORKSHIRE. It had seas were too heavy for motor boats to put
been reported that a steamer had been off from the beach. At 5.25 P . M . the motor
attacked by German aircraft some seventeen life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2)
miles S.E. of Flamborough Head, but nothing was launched with the doctor on board.
could be found A floating mine passed She went to the Primo, took off the injured
within a few yards of the Flamborough life- man and brought him ashore, where he was
boat. - Rewards : Bridlington, £31 12s. ; sent, to hospital. She returned to her
Flamborough, £50 10s. station at 7.30 P.M . - Rewards, £29 0 S . 6d.

F EBRUARY 2 2 N D . - BALTIMORE, CO. MARCH 1ST. - SHERINGHAM, NOR-

CORK The Finnish steamer Brita had been FOLK. At 3.15 P.M. a ship’s boat was
torpedoed and abandoned by her crew fifty reported by the life-boat motor-mechanic to
miles south of Cape Clear. The life-boat be adrift a mile from the shore, to the west
searched widely for the crew but could not of Sheringham. The coastguard at Skeldon
find them and later it was learned that they Hill had also seen the boat, and reported that
had returned to the steamer and she had it was water-logged and that no one alive
been able to go on her way. - Rewards, was on board. It was decided not to launch
£25 6s the life-boat. About half an hour later a
second ship’s boat was seen two to three
FEBRUARY 24TH. - SHERINGHAM miles out at sea. A fresh easterly wind was
NORFOLK. A heavy explosion and machine blowing, with a heavy swell on shore. At,
gun fire had been heard and aeroplanes seen 4.10 P.M. the motor life-boat Foresters
but no vessel in need of help could be found. Centenary was launched and found that this
- Rewards. £19 9s. 6d. boat belonged to the steamer Jevington
Court, which had been previously sunk by
F EBRUARY 2 6 T H . - ARRANMORE, CO. enemy action. No one was on board, and
DONEGAL. A steam trawler appeared to the life-boat then went to the first boat,
be in difficulties, but she reached shelter which was drifting to the westward, but it
without help. - Rewards, £8 8s. had gone ashore at Spallow Gap before it
54 SERVICES 1940

could be secured. It was later found that M A R C H 5 T H . - GALWAY BAY. A man

this boat belonged to the steamer Clan was seriously injured in a bad accident on
Morrison, also sunk by enemy action.- the island of Kilronan, and it was necessary
Rewards, £22 13s. 3d. to take him to hospital on the mainland.
All the local boats were out fishing. So at
MARCH 2ND. - SHERINGHAM, NOR- 1.30 P . M ., the motor life-boat K.E.C.F. was
FOLK. At 1.55 P.M. a small white mast launched. A light breeze was blowing and
with a flag was seen about six or seven miles the sea was smooth. The life-boat brought
E.N.E. of the life-boat station. It was the injured man to the mainland and returned
thought to be a raft with people on board. to her station at 5.20 P.M . - Expenses paid
A light easterly breeze was blowing and the by Galway Board of Health.
sea was smooth.. At 2.19 P . M . the motor
life-boat Foresters Centenary was launched M ARCH 5 TH . - REDCAR, YORKSHIRE.
and found that the object was a buoy to At 6.15 A.M. a message was received from the
which three round metal floats were attached, coastguard at Marske that a steamer was
with a mast about eight feet high and a piece firing distress rockets four miles east of
of cloth attached as a flag. After making Marske. A strong N.E. breeze was blowing,
sure that there was no danger of it exploding with a heavy sea. At 7.20 A.M . the motor
the crew took the buoy on board and brought life-boat Louisa Polden was launched, and
it ashore. The life-boat returned to her found the S.S. Cordale at anchor. Her rudder
station at 4.20 P.M . - Rewards, £19 9s. 6d. had been damaged and she had been blown
towards the shore. Her captain and crew
did not wish to leave her, as a tug was expec-
M A R C H 2 N D . - NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX. ted, and the life-boat stood by until the tug
At 5 P . M . the naval authorities reported that had taken her in tow. She returned to her
the S.S. Domala had been bombed by eriemy station at 10.30 A.M. - Rewards, £9 11s. 6d.
aircraft in the Channel, and that the Dutch
steamer Jonge Willem was off Newhaven, MARCH 7TH. - GREAT YARMOUTH AND
with survivors on board. An easterly breeze GORLESTON, NORFOLK. At 9.45 P . M .
was blowing and the sea was smooth. At a message was received from the Gorleston
5.25 P .M. the motor life-boat Cecil and Lilian coastguard that the South Knoll Light-vessel
Philpott was launched and took off the Jonge had reported a ship on fire two miles N.E.
Willem fifty-one survivors of the Domala, of the light-vessel. The life-boat crew
nine Europeans and 42 Indians. Many were assembled but the naval authorities advised
injured and all were suffering from shock. her to wait, and later informed the station
She landed them, and again went to the that four vessels had been sent to help and
steamer and took off three dead bodies, that a fifth was standing by. It was decided
members of the crew who had been killed however to send out the life-boat, and at
during the attack. Then the Dutch steamer 10.52 P .M. the reserve motor life-boat John
made a request for the return of clothing, and Mary Meiklam of Gladswood, on tem-
blankets, etc., which had been lent to the porary duty at Gorleston, was launched.
survivors, and the lifeboat, which was still A light W.S.W. breeze was blowing and the
lying afloat, took them out to her. She sea was smooth. The Smith’s Knoll Light-
returned to her station at 9.55 P.M.- vessel told the life-boat that the Italian
Rewards, £18 7s. 6d. steamer Amelia Lauro, of Naples, had been
bombed and set on fire, and had last been
M A R C H 2 N D . - REDCAR, YORKSHIRE. seen at midnight, two to three miles to the
At 11 A . M . it was reported that H.M. Tug N.E. The life-boat went in this direction,
Fairplay II had stranded on the West Salt and when about seven miles from the light-
Scar Rock, near Redcar. At 11.45 A . M . the vessel found the Italian steamer Titania, of
motor life-boat Louisa Polden was launched. Genoa, at anchor. She went alongside and
The weather was calm, with a slight swell. the second-coxswain went on board and found
There was dense fog. Owing to the rocks the there survivors from the Amelia Lauro, three
life-boat could not get alongside, but she stood of them seriously injured. He was asked to
by, as the tug had a heavy list, and it was take them ashore. There were no stretchers,
possible that, she might fall over on to her side. and the injured men were lowered into the
Four of the tug’s crew got into her small boat,, life-boat in cots, and made as comfortable as
were taken into the life-boat, and then, as they possible amidships, wrapped in blankets and
were wet through, were put on board the motor covered with the sail. It was a difficult
fishing boat Lady Zetland, which took them operation in the swell that was running and
ashore. Next day, after attempts to tow off took over an hour. Several times the life-
the Fairplay II failed, the Lady Zetland in boat bumped heavily against the steamer.
two trips brought ashore eleven more of the The other 26 members of the Amelia Lauro’s
Fairplay's crew, and another motor fishing crew were then taken on board, and the life-
boat, May Queen, brought off the remaining boat started back at 4 in the morning. On
four men and also towed ashore the tug’s her way she spoke the Cross Sand Light-vessel
small boat full of baggage. The life-boat and asked the master to wireless ashore for
returned to her station at one in the morning an ambulance and conveyances to be ready.
of 3rd March, having been out for 13 hours. The life-boat arrived at Gorleston at 8 A.M.
- Rewards : Life-boat £31 10s. 6d. ; shore- An ambulance was waiting. The injured
boat, £12 17s. 6d. were taken to hospital, and the other rnen
(See Redcar, “ Services by Shore-boats,” to the Sailors’ Home. The life-boat returned
page 144.) to her station at 9.15 A . M . on 8th March.
 SERVICES 1940 55

Later the steamer was towed into Yarmouth from the coastguard that the Swedish steamer
Roads and part of her crew were put aboard O. A. Brodin, of Stockholm, had gone ashore
her again. - Rewards, £35 16s. 0d. north of St. Bees. There was dense fog,
with a smooth sea. At 10 A . M . the motor
M A R C H 8 T H . - THE HUMBER, YORK- life-boat Joseph Braithwaite was launched and
SHIRE. At about 8.30 P .M. it was reported found the steamer a mile north of St. Bees.
by the Spurn Point Royal Naval Signal She was fast by the head, but was on an even
Station that a vessel was ashore N.E. of the keel. A tug was expected. The coxswain
lighthouse. As it seemed likely that the of the life-boat went on board the steamer,
vessel would become high and dry, as the and found that she had been badly holed.
tide ebbed, the coxswain and members of With the help of the coasting steamer
the crew decided to walk as near to the vessel Dromaine the life-boat refloated the O. A.
as possible and investigate. As they ap- Brodin, and the coxswain brought her in
proached, distress rockets were fired, and it under her own power, and anchored her in
was found that the vessel ashore was the Whitehaven Roads. The life-boat then
steam trawler Vindelecia, of Grimsby. The brought the captain of the steamer ashore,
skipper asked for help. The coxswain so that he could communicate with the insur-
returned to the station, and reported to the ance brokers. She then went to Workington
underwriters, who asked that the life-boat where her crew landed. At 9.45 P . M ., when
should stand-by and give help as required. they were returning to the life-boat, and were
A light S.W. breeze was blowing and the crossing the harbour bridge, the second-
sea. was smooth. At 11.15 P . M . the motor coxswain missed his footing in the darkness
life-boat City of Bradford II was launched and fell fifty feet into the River Derwent
and stood by the trawler until the tide flowed. beneath. Fortunately no bones were broken,
She then took out a kedge for her, and the but he was bruised and suffered badly from
Vindelecia was refloated at 5.15 A.M. the next shock. He was taken to his home at Mary-
day. - Property salvage case. port by taxi. The life-boat left Workington
and reached her station at 12.30 A . M . the
M A R C H 9 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT. At next morning, where the Ladies’ Auxiliary
2.10 P .M. information was received from the Red Cross kindly provided hot soup and
naval authorities that a steamer was in need sandwiches for the crew and helpers. -
of help to the north of the North Goodwin Rewards, £31 17s.
Light-vessel. A light S.W. wind was blowing,
with a slight sea. The motor life-boat MARCH 13TH. - RUNSWICK, YORK-
Prudential was launched at 2.17 P . M . and SHIRE. Shortly after 1 A . M . the Kettleness
found the S.S. Ashley, of Sunderland, with a coastguard reported distress signals from a
crew of seventeen bound, with coal, from vessel ashore on Kalder Steel. A moderate
Sunderland for Southampton. She was ashore northerly breeze was blowing, with a slight
on the Goodwin Sands. The life-boat stood sea and heavy rain. At 2 A . M . the motor
by until the following afternoon. She then life-boat Robert Patton - The Always Ready
put back to Ramsgate for fuel and food, was launched, women launchers helping her
returned to the Ashley and continued to to get away. She found the Dutch motor
stand by. In the early morning of the 11th vessel Buizerd, of Groningen, with the seas
the steamer broke her back at the fall of the washing over her deck. She was leaking
tide and the life-boat rescued her crew of 17 badly. In spite of the darkness and the
and returned to Ramsgate arriving at water, breaking on a rocky shoal, the life-boat
2.40 A.M., thirty-six hours after she had first rescued the crew of six. She reached her
set out. - Rewards, £46 11s. station again at 4 A.M. - Rewards £30 16s.
MARCH 11TH. - GREAT YARMOUTH M A R C H 1 3 T H . - SUNDERLAND, DUR-
AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK. At HAM. At 4.17 A . M . the coastguard reported
10.56 A.M. a message was received from the that the naval examination vessel was ashore
coastguard that the Italian steamer Amelia inside the New South Pier, and needed help.
Lauro, of Naples, anchored in the roadstead A strong N.E. wind was blowing, with a
off Britannia Pier, was making distress signals. rough sea. The motor life-boat Edward and
The steamer had been attacked by enemy Isabella Irwin was launched at 5 A . M . She
aeroplanes on the 7th March, and set on fire ; found the vessel and stood by until the crew
her crew had been rescued and the steamer of eleven had been rescued from the shore
herself had later been towed into Yarmouth by the coastguard life-saving apparatus.
Roads and part of her crew put aboard her She returned to her station at 9.20 A . M .-
again. A light S.W. breeze was blowing and the Rewards, £11 13s. 3d.
sea was smooth, when, at 11.5 A.M., the reserve
motor life-boat John and Mary Meiklam of M A R C H 1 3 T H . - BLACKPOOL, LANCA-
Gladswood, on temporary duty at Gorleston, SHIRE. At 10.24 A.M. an R.A.F. twin-
was launched. She found that the chief engine fighter monoplane landed on the sands
engineer was seriously ill, and brought him about 250 yards west of Bispham Slade, and
ashore, where an ambulance, for which she was unable to take off again. At 11.40 A . M .
had signalled, was waiting to take him to a message was received from the commanding
hospital. The life-boat returned to her officer asking for the help of the life-boat and
station at 12.15 P.M. - Rewards, £12 19s. 6d. life-boat tractor. The tide had risen and the
aeroplane, although remaining afloat, was
M ARCH 11 TH . - MARYPORT, CUMBER- now nearly submerged. A light S.E. breeze
LAND. At 6.10 A.M. a message was received was blowing and the sea was smooth. At
56 SERVICES 1940

1 1 . 5 5 A . M . the motor life-boat S a r a h A n n and there was danger of the trawler breaking
Austin was launched, and found that a rope up At 11.15 A.M. the motor life-boat
had been put aboard, and was being held by William and Harriot was launched and
a number of R.A.F. men. The life-boat brought the master of the trawler ashore.
coxswain made the rope fast for towing, With another trawler the life-boat went
and the life-boat then towed the aeroplane back to the Regnault and got a tow rope fixed
round some piles into a bay opposite the between the two trawlers. The second
foot of the promenade hulking, near where trawler then towed the Regnault into harbour,
the Slade comes down to the shore. The with the life-boat escorting them. There the
life-boat’s tractor was now hooked on to Regnault, which was making water badly,
the towing rope and pulled the aeroplane was beached. The life-boat returned to her
right up to the face of the hulking. The life- station at 1.5 P.M. - Property salvage case.
boat and tractor then returned to their
station, arriving at 2 P . M . The rudder of the M ARCH 17 TH. - PENLEE, CORNWALL.
lifeboat was slightly damaged. - Rewards, At 2.45 P . M . the coastguard reported that
£8 13s. the French steamer Louis Marguerite was in
need of help ten miles S.W. of Penzance. A
MARCH 14TH. - RUNSWICK, YORK- strong S.W. wind was blowing, with a rough
SHIRE. At 7.46 A . M . four Staithes fishing sea and thick fog. The reserve motor life-
cobles put off to the fishing ground. As the boat B.A.S.P., on temporary duty at the
weather was threatening, two of the boats station, was launched at 3.5 P . M . On her
returned, but the other two began fishing. way to the help of the Louis Marguerite, she
As the weather got worse the motor life-boat found the S.S. Miervaldis, of Riga, making
Robert Patton- The Always Ready was straight for the rocks near Penzer Point.
launched at 11 A.M. A very strong N.E. She directed the Captain to go full speed
wind was then blowing, with a heavy sea and astern, and he just managed to clear the
snow showers. The life-boat arrived off rocks. The life-boat then searched for the
Staithes at about 11.30 A . M . and escorted Louis Marguerite but could not find her. She
into harbour the two fishing cobles Minnie put into Newlyn at 11.15 P .M., re-fuelled and
and Star of Hope. She returned to her continued the search until 7.30 next morning,
station at 1.30 P.M. - Rewards, £15 11s. but again found nothing. It was learnt later
that the steamer had safely reached a port.
MARCH 15TH. - ANSTRUTHER, FIFE- The lifeboat put into Newlyn again and
SHIRE. At about 10.15 A . M . news was re- returned to her station on 19th March.-
ceived through the coastguard that a fishing Rewards, £31 1s. 9d.
boat was on fire to the west of May Island.
A strong westerly breeze was blowing, with M A R C H 1 7 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. At
a moderate sea. The weather was cold. The 2.58 P.M. a message was received from the
motor life-boat Nellie and Charlie was launched Margate coastguard that a vessel was sinking,
at 10.40 A.M., and learned from the naval patrol after an explosion, about two miles S.E. of
vessel stationed west of May Island, that she the Tongue Light-vessel. A moderate
had on board the crew of eight of the motor southerly breeze was blowing. The sea was
fishing boat Kate Cowie of Eyemouth. smooth. At 3.15 P.M . the motor life-boat The
rescued crew were transferred to the life-boat Lord Southborough (Civil Service No. 1) was
which landed them at Anstruther at launched. The weather had become very
11.45 A.M. - Rewards, £9 3s. 6d. thick and the coxswain went first to the
Tongue Light-vessel for further information.
MARCH 15TH. - DUNGENESS, KENT. There was none to give him, and the life-boat
At 8.40 P.M. information was received from began her search. She found wreckage and
the coastguard that a steamer had stranded an empty ship’s boat. She then found the
S.E. of the coastguard station at Jury’s Gap. French collier Capitaine Augustin, of Havre,
A fresh westerly wind was blowing, with a which had been mined, and the minesweeper
heavy ground sea. The motor life-boat T.97. which had picked up the collier’s
Charles Cooper Henderson was launched at survivors. Among them was the captain,
9.12 P.M. and found the Greek steamer and he asked the life-boat to put him aboard
Panaghiotis, of Piraeus, ashore. She had a the ship again to get the ship’s papers, but
crew of twenty-four aboard, and was bound she was too far submerged. The life-boat
for Antwerp with a cargo of iron ore. The then returned to the minesweeper and took
life-boat coxswain went on board her, and off twenty-six of the collier’s crew, two of
the life-boat stood by until, with the rising them injured. The captain and mate re-
tide, she got off under her own power and mained on board the minesweeper to see the
went on her way. The life-boat returned to last of their own ship, and the life-boat
her station at 1.30 A.M. the following landed the 26 men at Margate and returned
morning. - Rewards, £32 5s. 6d. to her station at 6 P.M . - Rewards, £14 2s.

M ARCH 17 TH. - STORNOWAY, ISLAND MARCH 19 TH . - NORTH SUNDERLAND.

OF LEWIS. The steam trawler Regnault, of NORTHUMBERLAND. The motor life-
Hull with a crew of twelve and laden with boat W.R.A. was launched at 2.20 P.M. as
fish, stranded at the entrance to Stornoway news had come that the engine of the local
Harbour. Repeated attempts to refloat her motor fishing boat Glad Tidings had broken
were unsuccessful. On the morning of the down. A light S.E. breeze was blowing with
17th March a moderate southerly. gale was a heavy swell. The life-boat towed in the
blowing, with a heavy swell and rain squalls, Glad Tidings, arriving at 3.35 P.M., and as
 SERVICES 1940 57
two other boats were out, she stood by until She was fully loaded with a general
they were all safely in. - Rewards, £13
cargo and a deck cargo of timber.
MARCH 19TH. - CLOVELLY, AND ILFRA- She had a crew of over thirty men.
COMBE, DEVON. At 3.10 A.M. a message When off Beachy Head, about six
from the coastguard, Hartland Point, was miles out in the Channel, she was
received at Clovelly that a steamer was on
fire six miles north of the point. A whole attacked by German aeroplanes. A
W.S.W. gale was blowing, with a very heavy bomb struck her amidships and set
sea. At 3.26 A.M. the motor life-boat City of her on fire.
Nottingham was launched and found the The news of the attack reached the
S.S. Albionic, of Hull, burning fiercely amid-
ships. Part of her crew had left in two of Eastbourne life-boat station just before
the ship’s boats, and the remainder intended eleven that night, and at 11.15 the
to leave later. The life-boat then went to motor life-boat Jane Holland was
a trawler, City of Aberdeen, which was near launched. The night was fine, with
by, and asked the captain to search for the
ship’s boats while she herself continued to a fresh breeze from the west. The
stand by the Albionic. After an hour the fire sea was choppy and there was a
lessened and the life-boat went to another heavy swell.
vessel, the British Intelligence, which had When the life-boat reached the
picked up one boat with eight of the Albionic’s
crew on board. With great difficulty in the Barnhill at 1.40 next morning, she
heavy seas the life-boat took them on board. found that a Dutch vessel had picked
She then returned to stand by the Albionic. up eighteen of her crew who had
The City of Aberdeen returned with five of escaped from her on a raft. They
the Albionic’s crew, whom she had picked up,
including the captain. The life-boat took were taken aboard the life-boat, which
them on board, and continued to stand by then went alongside the Barnhill’s
the Albionic. Those on board her still did not quarter. The steamer was burning
wish to leave and as, in the very heavy seas, furiously ; the bridge had been blown
the risk of attempting to put the thirteen
men in the life-boat on board the Albionic forward on to the fore well-deck ;
was too great, the lifeboat put them on there were frequent explosions. The
board the City of Aberdeen which was now in life-boat took off ten more men, and
the roads. She returned once more to the then, satisfied that she had on board
Albionic, and stood by for another two hours.
Those on board her still not wishing to leave, all the survivors of the Barnhill’s
the life-boat returned to the City of Aberdeen, crew, she made for home. She arrived
took off the thirteen men, and landed them. at three in the morning. At 4.45
She returned to her station at 7.15 P .M. another message came. It was from
At 12.14 P.M . news was received at Ilfra-
combe from the coastguard that a ship’s boat a tug which was standing by the
was adrift two miles north of Widmouth Barnhill, and it ran : “Send life-boat
Head. The Ilfracombe life-boat station at once for injured man on forecastle.
communicated with the Clovelly station, and Please send doctor with life-boat.”
was told that two boats were adrift, one con-
taining important ship’s papers. They were The life-boat put out again at once,
boats from the Albionic. The motor life-boat taking a doctor with her, and reached
Rosabella was launched at 12.45 P . M . and the Barnhill for the second time at
found a drifting boat, waterlogged, two miles six o’clock. The steamer had mean-
north of Hangman’s Hill. It had the ship’s
papers on board. The life-boat towed the while drifted north-eastwards and
boat to Ilfracombe, and she returned to her was nearer to the shore. She was
station at 4.35 P .M. An increase in the usual abeam to wind and sea and was
money award on the standard scale was rolling. The tug Foremost No. 22 was
granted to the Clovelly crew. - Rewards :
Clovelly, standard rewards to crew, £61 1s. 6d. ; lying near. The flames from the
additional rewards to crew, £7 ; total, Barnhill were now from 70 to 90 feet
£68 1s. 6d. : Ilfracombe, £11 4s. 3d. high. The fire was spreading fore and
aft. There were still frequent and
heavy explosions.
BRONZE MEDAL SERVICE
AT EASTBOURNE
ABOARD THE BURNING SHIP
M ARCH 20 TH . - EASTBOURNE,
HASTINGS, AND NEWHAVEN, Two of the life-boatmen volun-
SUSSEX. During the night the teered to go on board, and they were
London steamer Barnhill, of 5,430 taken by the tug close to the steamer,
tons, was in the English Channel on just forward of the bridge deck. Day
her way from Nova Scotia to London. was just breaking. They jumped, and
58 SERVICES 1940

found themselves among a mass of courage and determination to rescue

debris, the remains of the deck cargo, a British captain from this burning
flung about by the explosions. vessel. I would be grateful should
They had to keep as much amidships those men be decorated and I would
as possible, owing to the rolling of the be able to look back with pride to that
steamer, and as they went forward night, as I was also trying to do my
the master of the tug played the hose duty to King and Country that fateful
behind them to check the advancing night.”
fire. On the forecastle they found
the injured man. He was now scarcely THE REWARDS
conscious, but he had managed to
attract the attention of the tug by The Institution made the following
shouting and by ringing the forecastle awards :
bell. To A LEC F RANCIS H UGGETT and
The life-boat came alongside. The THOMAS ALLCHORN, the two members
doctor instructed the two life-boatmen of the crew who went aboard the burn-
what to do with the injured man and ing steamer, bronze medals for gal-
they lowered him into the life-boat. lantry, with copies of the votes
She made at once for Eastbourne, inscribed on vellum ;
arriving at 7.20 that morning. To C OXSWAIN M ICHAEL H ARDY a
She had only been back 40 minutes framed letter of appreciation ;
when she was launched for the third To M R . A LEXANDER R OBERTSON ,
time to help the tug Foremost in fight- honorary secretary of the station, a
ing the fire. She returned from this letter of appreciation ;
third launch. just after midday, thir- To the coxswain and each member
teen hours after she had first put out. of the crew a reward of £4 5s. on the
The Barnhill was ultimately beached standard scale, for the three launches.
in Pevensey Bay. Total rewards, £60 9s. 6d.
The injured man was the master of The Newhaven and Hastings
the Barnhill. He had been blown motor life-boats were also launched.
from the bridge to the forecastle and Rewards : Newhaven, £16 16s. ;
his men had thought that he was lost. Hastings, £45 19s. 6d.
He had a fracture of the collar bone A letter of appreciation and a dona-
and a double fracture of the arm; five tion of 100 guineas were received from
of his ribs were broken ; one rib had the owners.
pierced the lung ; he had violent con- (See-Hastings “Accounts of Services
cussion. Less than three months later, by Life-boats, 1940,” page 134, and
on the 11th of June, he was well enough Eastbourne “Accounts of Services by
to attend the annual meeting of the Life-boats, 1941,” page 65.)
Eastbourne Ladies’ Lifeboat Guild
and publicly to thank the men who M ARCH 20 TH . - RAMSGATE, KENT. At
9 . 1 0 A . M . the coastguard reported that a
had rescued him. vessel had been mined. A S.W. breeze was
A fortnight before the master had blowing and the sea was moderate. The
written from hospital : motor life-boat Prudential was launched at
9.22 A.M. and found the S.S. Phobos, of Rotter-
“ Having reached the stage of nearly dam, several miles S. by E. of the North
convalescent, I wish to get the follow- Goodwin Light-vessel. Six of her crew had
ing off as soon as possible, to show my been killed and forty-nine had been rescued
deep gratitude and gratefulness for by another vessel. The life-boat brought
ashore thirty of them and a naval launch
being rescued from a burning ship, nineteen. Tugs took the Phobos in tow in
when suffering from severe injuries the hope of beaching her. At 2.30 P.M. on
on the 21st of March. Looking back the following day it was learned that the
Ph o b o s was still afloat and that her crew had
on such matters now, it appeared to
returned to her. The weather was moderate,
me at the time an almost impossibility but the life-boat was requested to stand by.
for anyone to approach the deck of the She launched at 2.55 P.M. and remained with
steamer while the whole midships was the Phobos throughout the night. When
ablaze and the deck cargo afire. tugs arrived in the morning she returned to
her station at 8.20 A.M. As the pumps could
“ The two life-boatmen, whosoever not control the incoming water, the Phobos
they may be, certainly showed grit, made for Thameshaven, with the tugs in
 SERVICES 1940 59

attendance. - Rewards ; £7 16s. 6d., and and the captain said that the Ryal’s rudder
£27 3s. 9d. A donation of £50 was received was badly damaged, his small boat stove in
from the owners of the Phobos. and his life-raft had washed away. On the
advice of the life-boat coxswain he allowed the
MARCH 20TH. - WICK, CAITHNESS- Ryal to drive up through Cockle Gap, and
SHIRE. The Danish steamers Bothal and when he was under the lee of Scroby Sand
Viking had been sunk by torpedo, with the he anchored. The life-boat again went along-
loss of thirty lives. and the survivors were side, and after making certain that the Ryal
left adrift on rafts. Two of these rafts were was in no immediate danger, she returned to
seen by an RAF machine about twenty- Britannia Pier and signalled the coastguard
eight miles S.E. of Wick during the evening. to send a tug. She then returned to the Ryal
A N.N.W. breeze was blowing, with a moder- and put some of her own crew on board to
ate sea. At 7.45 P . M . the motor life-boat help the Ryal’s crew, who were all exhausted,
City of Edinburgh was launched, and after in getting up the anchor. The tug R. Lee
midnight picked up two survivors of the Barber now arrived, and after the tug’s
Viking's crew of seventeen. A further search hawser had been made fast, Ryal’s anchor
resulted in the rescuing of another five men, was heaved up. This took about two hours,
the only survivors of the crew of twenty of as the motor winch had broken down. The
the Bothal. One of them had both legs tug then tried to tow her, but could not do
broken. The men reported that both vessels it. The Ryal was unmanageable as her rudder
had been torpedoed without warning. After was fixed across the stern. The life-boat
a further search over a wide area the life- once more put back to harbour and arranged
boat returned at 6.30 A.M. - Rewards, for another tug to be sent out to help. She
£15 17s returned to the Ryal and stood by until later.
With the help of the two tugs the Ryal was
M A R C H 2 2 N D . - ARKLOW, CO. WICK- brought into harbour. The life-boat then
LOW At about 8.45 A . M . information was returned to her station at 2.40 P.M. - Property
received that the Greek steamer Mount Taurus, salvage case.
of Syra, was on the Arklow Bank. Another
vessel was standing by her. A moderate M A R C H 2 7 T H . - WALMER, KENT. The
southerly breeze was blowing, with a moder- Deal coastguard reported that a collision had
ate sea, The motor life-boat Inbhear Mor occurred near the south-west Goodwin Buoy.
was launched at 10.15 A . M . and found that A fresh northerly breeze was blowing with
the Mount Taurus had a crew of twenty-six a very heavy swell. At 4.50 A . M . the motor
aboard The vessel standing by was the life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2)
Irish Lights vessel Alexandra. As the day was launched, and found the steamer Italo-
passed the weather got worse and the life- Balbo, of Genoa, which while at anchor,
boat stood by until the steamer refloated. She probably at the Contraband Control Base,
returned to her station at 8.10 P.M. - Rewards, had been run down by the Danish steamer
£23 4s Annam of Copenhagen, about two miles east
of Leathercoats. A life-boatman was placed
M ARCH 25 TH . - NORTH SUNDERLAND on board her and the life-boat stood by.
NORTHUMBERLAND. At 7.30 P . M . naval Although badly damaged above the water
authorities at North Shields asked that the line the steamer was in no immediate danger,
life-boat should be sent out to land an injured and the life-boat was able to return to her
man from a minesweeper. The wind was station, arriving at 8.30 A.M. - Rewards,
light with a slight swell. At 7.42 P . M . the f36 6s. 9d.
motor life-boat W.R.A. was launched, and
found the minesweeper about five miles to M ARCH 30 TH . - WHITBY, YORKSHIRE.
the N.N.W She brought ashore the master At 3.30 A.M. a small vessel was reported to be
and one of the crew, both injured. After the aground on Whitby Rock, but no distress
master had been given medical attention, signals had been made. Fishing boats leaving
the life-boat took him back to his vessel and harbour had gone to her help. A strong
returned to her station at 12.45 A . M . The northerly wind was blowing, with a moderate
other injured man was taken to hospital. sea. At 4.15 A . M . the No. 1 life-boat Mary
- Rewards, £19 14s. Ann Hepworth was launched, as it was thought
that the fishing boats might not be able to
MARCH 26TH. - GREAT YARMOUTH get alongside. She found the Dutch motor
AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK. At vessel Frederik, of Zwartsluis, fast on the
7.17 A . M . a message was received from the rock. Her crew had put out bow anchors to
Gorleston coastguard that distress signals hold her on the rising tide. The life-boat
were being made by a vessel off Caister. A stood by, and at about 7 A . M . the Frederik
fresh N.E. breeze was blowing, with a moder- refloated and was brought into the road-
ate sea, At 7.38 A . M . the motor life-boat stead for examination. After it was found
John and Mary Meiklam of Gladswood, on that the Frederik had not suffered damage,
temporary service at Gorleston, was launched. the life-boat returned to her station, arriving
When she was north of Yarmouth she found a at 7.30 A.M. - Rewards, £15 15s. 9d.
ship’s raft. but no one was on it. When she got
abreast of Caister she saw the motor vessel MARCH 31ST. - GREAT YARMOUTH
Ryal with a crew of eleven, including two AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK. At
gunners, ashore on Cockle Shoal but, just 10.20 A.M. a message was received from the
before she reached her, the Ryal swung round Gorleston coastguard that the motor yacht
and refloated The life-boat went alongside, Alecia, on naval service, was aground on the
60 SERVICES 1940

Scroby Sand, and that her dinghy, with two life-boat could find anything, and news was
men on board, was rapidly drifting away from received later that other vessels engaged in
her. A fresh S.W. breeze was blowing, but the search had found her. - Rewards :
the sea was smooth. At 10.40 A.M. the motor Dungeness, £32 9s. 6d. ; Eastbourne, £40 15s.
life-boat John and Mary Meiklam of Glads-
wood, on temporary service at Gorleston, was M A R C H 5 T H . - WALMER, KENT. Two
launched, and found the Alecia aground, and large barges, which had broken away from
the dinghy also aground about a quarter a tug, were drifting towards the Goodwin
of a mile away. The life-boat went towards Sands. The life-boat went alongside them
the dinghy, and when she was in six feet of and made sure that there was no one on
water, the coxswain let go his anchor ; and board. She could not take them in tow, and
drove the life-boat full speed astern until she as they were getting near a minefield, she
grounded on the sands. She was still abandoned them. - Rewards, £14 12s. 6d.
twenty yards from the dinghy. A line was
fired to her by the line-throwing gun, and M A R C H 5 T H . - THE HUMBER, YORK-
she was hauled out to the life-boat and the SHIRE. A vessel attached to the balloon
two men taken on board. The life-boat’s barrage service had been reported to be in
engines were then put to full speed ahead, difficulties, but did not need help. - Perma-
and she refloated. She towed the dinghy to nent paid crew. Rewards, 6 S . 9d.
H.M.D. Rose Hilda, which was standing by
in the roadstead, and then went towards the MARCH 5 TH . - AMBLE, NORTHUMBER-
yacht. She again anchored, in about seven LAND. An explosion had occurred five
feet of water, veered down, and again struck miles east of Cresswell, and the lights of a
the sands heavily She fired a line from her ship had disappeared, but the life-boat found
line-throwing gun and by means of it got a nothing. - Rewards, £22 12s.
hawser from the yacht and made it fast.
Then her engines were put full speed ahead MARCH 5TH. - ARRANMORE, CO.
and the yacht’s full speed astern, and after DONEGAL. A vessel had been reported
about twenty minutes the Alecia refloated. showing flares, but no vessel in distress could
The life-boat escorted her into the roadstead, be found. - Rewards, £15 15s. 6d.
put on board her the two men rescued from the
dinghy, and returned to her station, arriving M A R C H 5 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT. A
at 12.25 P.M. - Property salvage case. vessel had been reported ashore and burning
flares, but evidently had got off and gone
MARCH 31ST. - TOBERMORY, ARGYLL- on her way as she could not be found -
SHIRE. At 10.5 A.M. a message was received Rewards, £7 16s. 6d.
from the Island of Coll that a vessel was on
the rocks a mile from Arinagour. A strong M ARCH 8 TH. - FILEY, YORKSHIRE. A
S.W. wind was blowing, with a moderate sea. flare had been reported but nothing was
At 10.35 A.M. the motor life-boat Sir Arthur found. - Rewards, £34 3s.
Rose was launched and found the Norwegian
steamer Nydalen, of Oslo, with her bows MARCH 6TH. - RUNSWICK, YORK-
submerged and her stern out of the water. SHIRE. Information had been received
Her crew of fourteen had taken to the ship’s that a vessel was in distress off Whitby and
boats, and were sheltering under the stern. that that life-boat was unable to put out
The life-boat went alongside the two boats owing to the heavy seas. The Runswick
and took on board the fourteen men. She life-boat was launched but could not cross
returned to her station at 5.20 P.M.- the bar. The vessel was helped by a tug. -
Rewards, £9 19s. 6d. Rewards, £15 6s. 6d.

The following life-boats were launched, MARCH 6TH. - SEAHAM, DURHAM.

but no services were rendered for the reasons Enemy aircraft had been reported to he
given : bombing and machine-gunning vessels, but
nothing could be found. - Rewards, £15 8s. 6d.
MARCH 1ST. - FILEY, AND FLAM-
BOROUGH, YORKSHIRE. Two steamers, M A R C H 6 T H . - ABERDEEN. The coast-
one Latvian and the other Norwegian, had guard had reported that a vessel was being
been attacked by German aeroplanes. bombed and machine-gunned, but nothing
Nothing could be found of the Latvian could be found. - Rewards, £14 11s. 6d.
steamer, and the Norwegian got into Bridling-
ton Harbour without help. - Rewards : M ARCH 7 TH . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR.
Filey, £21 14s. 6d. ; Flamborough, £16 12s. SUSSEX. Flares had been reported several
miles off Worthing, but no vessel in need of
M ARCH 1 ST . - ALDEBURGH, SUFFOLK. help could be found. - Rewards, £15 7s. 6d.
An Italian steamer Maria Rose of Genoa,
had struck a mine and sunk eighteen miles MARCH 8TH. - SELSEY, SUSSEX. An
off Lowestoft. Two of her boats got away aeroplane had been reported down in the sea
from her and both reached shore without off Chichester Harbour, but only oil was found,
help. - Rewards, £22 14s. 6d. and it was presumed that the aeroplane
was lost. - Rewards, £17 12s. 6d.
MARCH 4 TH . - DUNGENESS, KENT, AND
EASTBOURNE, SUSSEX. A steamer was M A R C H 9 T H . - ST. ABBS, BERWICK-
reported to have been torpedoed, but neither SHIRE. An object, reported to look like a
 SERVICES 1940 61

drifting raft, had been reported, but it was striking a mine, but other vessels, which
found to be a tree trunk. - Rewards, were nearby, took off the crew. - Rewards,
£16 14s. 6d. £11 14s. 9d.
MARCH 9 TH . - HARTLEPOOL, DURHAM. M ARCH 20 TH. - NORTH SUNDERLAND,
A steamer had been in collision a mile east NORTHUMBERLAND. A fishing boat’s
of Heugh Light and had sunk, but the twenty- engine had broken down, but the crew were
three survivors were picked up from their able to repair it. - Rewards, £8 19s. 6d.
own boats by another vessel. - Rewards,
£14 9s. 6d. M A R C H 2 3 R D . - MONTROSE, ANGUS.
A drifter had gone aground near Johnshaven,
MARCH 11TH. - BOULMER, NORTH- but she refloated and was able to go on her
UMBERLAND. Distress signals had been way. - Rewards, £16 2s. 3d.
seen five miles east of Newton, but no vessel
could be found. - Rewards, £14 3s. MARCH 23RD. - GOURDON, KINCAR-
DINESHIRE. An S.O.S. had been received
MARCH 11 TH . - SALCOMBE, AND TOR- from about six miles off Tod Head, and it is
BAY, DEVON. A steamer had sunk after believed that a destroyer and a trawler had
being in collision, twenty miles south by east of been in collision, but nothing could be found.
Berry Head, but the survivors were rescued - Rewards, £38 10s. 3d.
by another vessel. - Rewards : Salcombe,
£15 9s. ; Torbay, £13 1s. MARCH 23RD. - DOVER, KENT. An
R.A.F. Hawker Hurricane aeroplane had
MARCH 11 TH . - RAMSGATE, KENT. The been reported down in the sea about five
Greek steamer Niritos, of Ithaca, had struck miles off Dover, but nothing could be found.
a mine E.N.E. of the North Goodwin Light- - Rewards, £14 2s. 6d.
vessel, but her crew were rescued by another
steamer. - Rewards, £8 15s. 6d. M ARCH 24 TH . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR,
SUSSEX. Flares had been reported south of
MARCH 14TH. - ST. ABS, BERWICK- Brighton but nothing could be found. -
SHIRE. Rockets had been reported, but Rewards, £15 7s. 6d.
nothing could be found. - Rewards,
£16 14s. 6d. MARCH 25TH. - HOLY ISLAND,
NORTHUMBERLAND. A vessel had been
MARCH 16TH. - BARRY DOCK, reported signalling to the E.S.E., but nothing
GLAMORGANSHIRE, AND MINEHEAD, could be found. - Rewards, £15 7s. 6d.
SOMERSET. The Yugo-Slav steamer Slava,
of Susak, had been torpedoed five and a half MARCH 27TH. - CROMER, NORFOLK.
miles N.E. of Foreland Point, near Lyn- An aeroplane had been reported down in the
mouth, but the survivors were picked up by sea, and parachute flares were seen, but
another vessel. - Rewards : Barry Dock, nothing could be found. - Rewards, £34 12s.
£6 8s. 6d. ; Minehead, £14 2s. 3d.
M ARCH 17 TH . - PORT ST. MARY, AND MARCH 28TH. - EXMOUTH, DEVON.
DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN. A steamer had Flares had been reported, but nothing
stranded, near Fort Island, Isle of Man, but could be found, and it was thought that
the crew were rescued from the shore by the they had come from aeroplanes which were
coastguard life-saving apparatus. - Rewards : manoeuvring at the time. - Rewards, £27 13s.
Port St. Mary, £25 8s. 9d. ; Douglas,
£15 2s. 6d. M A R C H 2 8 T H . - BEAUMARIS, ANGLE-
SEY. Flashes had been reported, but nothing
MARCH 18TH. - AITH, SHETLANDS. could be found. - Rewards, £19 18s. 6d.
News had been received through Wick Radio
that the Italian steamer Verbania was in MARCH 28TH. - WELLS, NORFOLK.
distress, seven miles N.E. of Foula, but the Flares had been reported and the Dutch
life-boat, which was out for fifteen hours, motor vessel Wilhelmina was found, appar-
could find nothing. - Rewards, £21 2s. ently disabled, but the captain denied making
distress signals. - Rewards, £16 17s. 6d.
M ARCH 18 TH . - NORTH SUNDERLAND,
NORTHUMBERLAND. An explosion had M ARCH 29 TH . - BRIDLINGTON, YORK-
been heard at sea, but nothing could be SHIRE. A steamer was reported to have
found. - Rewards, £13. been attacked by enemy aircraft, fifteen
miles S.E. of Flamborough Head, but nothing
M A R C H 1 8 T H . - GOURDON, KINCAR- was found. - Rewards, £21 7s. 6d.
DINESHIRE. Shortly after seven in the
morning the body of a man was found among M A R C H 2 9 T H . - CRESSWELL, NORTH-
the rocks near Gourdon. There was a fog, UMBERLAND. An aeroplane, believed to
and when it lifted a trawler could be seen. be a German Heinkel bomber, had come down
The life-boat put out to her but found no into the sea three-quarters of a mile east of
survivors. The whole crew of six must have the life-boat station, but nothing could be
been lost. - Rewards, £15 8s. 6d. found. - Rewards, £37 8s. 6d.

MARCH 18 TH . - RAMSGATE, KENT. The MARCH 29 TH . - SCARBOROUGH, YORK-

Italian steamer Tina Primo sank after SHIRE. The coastguard reported that a
62 SERVICES 1940
convoy was being bombed by enemy aircraft APRIL 5 TH. - ANSTRUTHER, FIFE-
several miles off, but no vessels were found SHIRE. At 5 A.M . a message was received
in need of help. - Rewards, £39 10s. 6d. from the coastguard that a vessel was ashore
at Balcomie Bay. A strong N.E. breeze was
MARCH 30TH. - HASTINGS, SUSSEX. blowing, with a rough sea. At 5.25 A.M. the
A fishing boat. had been reported missing, motor life-boat Nellie and Charlie was
but the life-boat could not find her. Later, launched and found the Norwegian motor
wreckage was found. The boat must have vessel Bjornhang, of Oslo, aground. Three
been lost with both the men on board.- of her crew had already reached the
Rewards, £36 13s. 2d. shore in the ship’s small boat. The life-boat
went alongside but the captain of the
M ARCH 30 TH . - ILFRACOMBE, DEVON. Bjornhang did not wish to abandon ship,
Lights had been reported, but as they were although most of the crew wished to do so.
thought to come from a naval vessel, and Seven of them came on board the life-boat.
not to be distress signals, the life-boat was but the captain and mate remained on board
recalled. - Rewards. £20 18s. the ship. As the weather was improving,
and they were not in immediate danger, the
M A R C H 3 1 S T . - SKEGNESS, LINCOLN- life-boat returned to her station, arriving at
SHIRE. A barrage balloon had been repor- 8.50 A.M. Later the captain and mate landed
ted down in the sea, but it was picked up by in their small boat. - Rewards, £9 4s.
a trawler. - Rewards, £10 1s. 6d.
A PRIL 7 TH . - BLYTH, NORTHUMBER-
LAND. At 6.25 A . M . the coastguard re-
APRIL ported that an aeroplane had crashed in the
sea three miles south of Blyth. A light S.W.
Launches 53. Lives rescued 40. breeze was blowing with a choppy sea. The
APRIL 1 ST. - FLEETWOOD, LANCA- motor life-boat Joseph Adlam was launched
SHIRE. At 1.30 P.M . a message was received at 6.50 A . M . One survivor from the aero-
from the Wyre Lighthouse that a ship’s life- plane was picked up by a naval speed boat,
boat needed help. A moderate W.S.W. wind and the life-boat found a parachute, but the
was blowing with a slight sea. At 1.40 P . M . other two airmen could not be found, and
the motor life-boat Ann Letitia Russell was the bodies were recovered later by a naval
launched and found the boat, which belonged speed boat. The life-boat returned to her
to Blackpool, with two men on board, one station at 9.30 A.M. - Rewards £4 16s. 6d.
and three-quarter miles E.N.E. of the light-
house. In the shallow water the life-boat A PRIL 9 TH . - LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK.
could not go alongside. She anchored and At 6.50 P .M. the assistant mechanic reported
veered down as near as possible and then a small boat in difficulties. A strong N.N.W.
fired a line, but it fell short of the boat. The wind was blowing, and the sea was rough.
tide however, was rising, and later the life- The motor life-boat Michael Stephens was
boat was able to go alongside the boat, which launched at 7.5 P . M . and found the boat
was half full of water, and rescued the two drifting towards the Newcome Sands. The
men who were exhausted. She returned to three men in her had left the minesweeper
her station at 5.30 P.M. - Rewards, £5 12s. 6d. Waverley for line-fishing, but had lost their
anchor and had exhausted themselves in
APRIL 1ST-2ND. - STORNOWAY, their efforts to make harbour. The life-boat
ISLAND OF LEWIS. During the forenoon rescued them, took their boat in tow and
of the 1st April, a strong easterly wind sprang brought them into harbour at 8.10 P . M . -
up increasing to a whole gale, with a rough Rewards, £20 2s. 6d.
sea. The harbour was very congested with
vessels taking shelter. One of these, the APRIL 9TH. - LYTHAM - ST. ANNES, LAN-
Italian steamer Verbania, of Naples, in ballast, CASHIRE. The police reported at 2.30 A.M.
which had been towed into Stornoway. short that rockets had been seen north of South-
of coal, while bound from Aarhus to New- port Pier, and the motor life-boat Dunleary
castle, dragged her anchors and fouled put out at 3.10 A.M. A moderate N.W.
several coal hulks. The coal hulk Black breeze was blowing, but the sea was smooth
Miner, of Stornoway, was in grave danger and the weather fine. The life-boat found
of being fouled and at 4.30 P . M ., the motor the S.S. Afon Gwili, of Llanelly, on the north
life-boat William and Harriot was launched bank near Salters Buoy. There was not
and landed the twelve men, on board the enough water for her to get near the steamer,
hulk, returning to her station at 5.30 P . M . but she was able to land two of her crew on
The Black Miner held to her moorings. the bank and they walked to the steamer
On the following day the Verbania was and went aboard. The master had sent for
again in difficulties and went ashore near a pilot and a tug. After taking her two men
Holm Point. A light westerly wind was aboard again the life-boat brought out a
blowing and the sea was slight. In response pilot, and with his help the steamer got off
to a red flare the motor life-boat launched on the next tide, without the need of a tug.
at 2.15 A.M., but found the crew were in no The life-boat returned to her station at
immediate danger. She stood by for a time 10 A.M. - Rewards £14 1s. 6d.
and returned to her station again at 3.30 A.M.
The VERBANIA was later refloated with the A P R I L 1 0 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT. At
help of an Admiralty trawler. - Rewards : about 6.50 P .M. the naval authorities reported
£3 5s. 6d. ; and £6 11s. that a tug was ashore on the North Goodwin
 SERVICES 1940 63
Sands. A strong N.N.E. breeze was blowing She did so, with great difficulty, and took off
and the sea was rough. The motor life-boat two men. Then a heavy sea flung her twenty
Prudential was launched at 7.5 P . M ., and yards from the ship, and at the same time
found the steam tug Fairplay I ashore, with slewed the steamer round. The life-boat then
heavy seas breaking over her. Letting go approached from the other side. A heavy
her anchor the life-boat veered down to the sea breaking over the steamer nearly washed
tug, but the captain refused to leave her. the captain and mate overboard, but the
As night was approaching and the coxswain life-boat got alongside and the four men
considered his own position dangerous, the jumped aboard her. As the life-boat drew
life-boat moved to deeper water, after the away from the steamer she struck the bottom
crew of the tug had again declined to abandon heavily, slightly damaging her keel. She
their vessel. Two hours later the tug burned made for Yarmouth, where she landed the
flares and the life-boat again closed in. The six rescued men at 1.30 P .M., and returned to
tug was now lying with a heavy list to port her station, arriving at 2 P . M . An hour later
There was not enough water, and the life-boat, she again went out to the Heemskirk, which
after shipping two heavy seas, struck the had floated off and was adrift in Barley Picle.
sands heavily She also struck the tug and A tug also went out. Life-boatmen went on
was damaged Telling the crew of the tug board the steamer and made fast a tow-rope.
that she would come in again on the rising Then, with the life-boat standing by, the tug
tide the life-boat drew near: with some diffi- brought the steamer into harbour about
culty, and awaited daylight At daybreak 5.30 P.M .
the Fairplay said that she would probably An increase in the usual money awards
float at high water, but that her engine was on the standard scale was made to each
disabled. Tugs came to her help and she member of the crew for the first service.-
was refloated and towed in. The life-boat Standard rewards, £18 18s. 6d. ; additional
returned to her station at 7.50 A . M . after rewards, £11 ; total rewards, £29 18s. 6d.
twelve hours on service An increase in the Second service, property salvage case.
usual money awards on the standard scale
was made to each member of the crew.- APRIL 1 5 T H . - CAISTER, NORFOLK.
Standard rewards : £12 19s. 6d. ; additional During the afternoon a motor fishing boat was
rewards to crew, £9 ; total rewards, seen to be in difficulties. A strong W. by N.
£21 19s 6d. wind was blowing with a heavy ground swell.
The pulling and sailing life-boat Charles
APRIL 15TH. - GREAT YARMOUTH Burton was launched at 7.35 P . M . and found
AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK. Just the motor fishing boat Don’t Know, of Great
after midnight on the 14th April the coast- Yarmouth, with a crew of two, nearly in the
guard reported a vessel to the N.E. by E. of breakers off Caister Shoal. Her engine had
Britannia Pier, which was not showing broken down and her anchor was dragging.
distress signals but which appeared to be The life-boat towed her in and returned to
ashore on Scroby Sand. A S.W. breeze was her station at 9 P.M . - Rewards, £29 5s.
blowing - increasing later to gale force - and
the sea was very heavy. The motor life-boat APRIL 1 6 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT. A
Louise Stephens was launched at 1.20 A.M., steamer was seen ashore on the North
and as she neared the N.W. Scroby Buoy she Goodwin Sands at about 7 P.M. and the
saw morse signals on a hand torch. She found motor life-boat Prudential was launched at
the motor vessel Heemskirk, of Rotterdam, 7.26 P .M. A westerly wind was blowing, with
fast aground. She was bound, laden, from a moderate sea, and at times snow and hail
Blyth to Antwerp and had a crew of six. squalls. The life-boat found the vessel to be
The captain would not leave her but asked the S.S. Alba, of Panama, of over 3,400 tons,
that messages be sent to his agents for a tug. laden with grain for the continent from the
The lifeboat tried but failed to send the River Plate. She stood by her until, at high
message by wireless to Cromer and Yarmouth water the following night, she was refloated
and then stood by, At daylight the tide had by six tugs. The life-boat returned to her
ebbed and the Heemskirk was safe for a time, station at 8.30 P.M. having been out for
so the life-boat went back to harbour and thirty-seven hours. - Property salvage case.
asked for a tug. She then returned to the
steamer and asked the captain if he would A P R I L 1 9 T H . - WHITBY, YORKSHIRE.
take the tug’s hawser He replied that he Early in the morning five fishing boats left
would try to get off himself. The wind was to lift their crab pots. A N.E. wind of gale
now increasing and there was a heavy swell force got up with a rough sea and heavy rain,
making on the sands. When, at ten o’clock, and two of the boats returned. As the
the captain asked if the life-boat would get weather grew worse the No. 1 motor life-boat
him the tug’s hawser, the coxswain had to Mary Ann Hepworth was launched at 10.20
say that the weather was now too bad and A.M., and escorted the other three boats,
asked the captain if he would abandon ship. Success, Venus and Provider, to harbour in
He replied that he would stay on board, and turn. She returned to her station at 1.45 P .M.
he tried to refloat the steamer, but his engines - Rewards, £4 16s. 6d.
stopped Again the coxswain asked what
the captain intended to do, as the weather A P R I L 2 2 T H . - WEYMOUTH, DORSET.
was getting very bad. By 12.20 P . M . heavy At 6.30 P . M . the Wyke Regis coastguard
seas were breaking over her, and the men reported that a motor boat was drifting about
were in the wheelhouse, with their life-jackets a mile off Wyke. A moderate S.E. breeze
on, waving to the life-boat to come alongside. was blowing, with a very heavy swell. The
64 SERVICES 1940
motor life-boat William and Clara Ryland life-boat should take a boy to Galway for an
was launched at 7.15 P .M. and came up with immediate operation. A moderate S.E. wind
the motor boat three and a half miles N.W. was blowing and the sea was calm. All the
of Portland Bill. She was the Edith May, of local boats were away fishing. The motor
Weymouth, with a man and boy on board. life-boat K.E.C.F. was launched at 6 A . M .
Her engine had broken down, and had not the and, as no ambulance could be summoned
life-boat arrived when she did the Edith May to the nearer coast of Connemara, she took
would have been driven ashore, with the the boy to Galway. On arrival he was at
almost certain loss of her crew, for the swell once operated on, and his life saved. The
was breaking with tremendous force on life-boat returned to her station at 5.0 P . M .
Chesil Beach. The life-boat was just in time - No expense to the Institution.
to rescue the man and boy, and with their
boat in tow, she reached her station again A PRIL 27 TH. - WALMER, KENT. Shortly
at 10.50 P.M. - Rewards, £7 10s. before 6 A.M. a Kingsdown boatman reported
A P R I L 2 2 N D . - RAMSGATE, KENT. At that a steamer was ashore in Old Stairs Bay,
Kingsdown. There were patches of fog, with
2.10 P . M . a message was received from the a light south-westerly wind blowing and a
naval base that a vessel was sinking south smooth sea. The motor life-boat Charles
of Gull Buoy. A gentle E.N.E. breeze was
blowing, with a slight sea. At 2.20 P . M . the Dibden (Civil Service No. 2) was launched at
6.6 A.M. and found the Dutch steamer Helder,
motor life-boat Prudential was launched and of Amsterdam. She had a crew of thirty
found that the Norwegian steamer Bravore,
of Farsund, coal laden, had been mined. Only eight on board and was laden with sugar and
wheat from the West Indies. Two Deal
a little of her stern was now above water. motor boats helped the life-boat to run out
No one was on board. Of the crew of twenty-
five of the Bravore, two had been picked up a kedge anchor, and when the tide rose the
badly injured by the Dutch S.S. Budga. Two steamer was hauled off at 2.30 P . M . The
others were picked up by another vessel and life-boat escorted her to an anchorage in the
landed at Deal. The remaining twenty-one Downs, and returned to her station at
3.45 P.M . - Property salvage case.
were lost. The two men on the Budga were
brought ashore by the life-boat, which
returned to her station at 3.50 P.M.- A P R I L 2 9 T H . - WHITBY, YORKSHIRE.
Rewards, £5 3s. At 4.10 P . M . the coastguard reported that a
vessel was ashore at Robin Hood’s Bay, six
APRIL 2 2 N D . - SHERINGHAM, NOR- miles to the south of Whitby. There was a
FOLK. At 5.20 P . M . the Skeldon Hill coast- dense fog, with a light S.E. wind and a strong
guard telephoned that a barge half a mile ground swell. The No. 1 motor life-boat
away was flying a signal. The weather had Mary Ann Hepworth was launched at 4.20
been foggy, with a strong easterly wind P.M. and found the S.S. White Toft, of Middles-
blowing and a moderate sea, but the fog brough, of over 400 tons, laden with steel
cleared and the flag was seen to be the red and carrying a crew of fifteen. She lay on
ensign upside down, a distress signal. At the rocks, full of water and with heavy seas
5.35 P.M. the motor life-boat the Foresters washing over her. Going in stern first the
Centenary was launched. She found the coxswain took the life-boat alongside and
barge Mahelah, of London, laden with rescued the crew. She returned to her
Admiralty stores, and brought ashore the station at 7 P .M. A letter of appreciation was
officer in charge. As the barge was in diffi- sent to the coxswain and an increase in the
culties on a lee shore, it was decided to bring usual money award on the standard scale
ashore the other three members of the crew, was granted to each member of the crew.-
and the life-boat went out again at 6.30 P .M. Standard rewards to the crew and helpers,
The barge was made as safe as possible and £4 16s. 6d. ; additional rewards to crew, £3 ;
the life-boat returned with the three men at Total rewards, £7 16s. 6d.
8.5 P .M. The barge’s cable held and she was
still at anchor on the following day. Later APRIL 3 0 TH. - WICK, CAITHNESS-
her crew returned to her and went on their
way. - Rewards, £19 9s. 6d. SHIRE. At 12.10 A.M. information was
received that a vessel was in distress on the
APRIL 25TH. - THE MUMBLES, North side of Wick Bay. A fresh S.E. breeze
GLAMORGANSHIRE. At 7 P.M. the was blowing, with a heavy sea. The motor
coastguard reported that a trawler had been life-boat City of Edinburgh was launched at
mined and torpedoed some four miles from 12.30 A . M . and found the Aberdeen steam
the signal station. The sea was smooth, with trawler Strathalford, with a crew of ten, hard
a light S.W. wind. The motor life-boat and fast on the rocks. She lay almost
Edward Prince of Wales was launched at surrounded by them and the seas were
7 . 3 0 P . M . and found the vessel to be the breaking over her. The life-boat could not
S.S. Seminole, of London, of 10,000 tons, get alongside, but she was able to pick
bound from Nova Scotia for Swansea. A up one man who had been washed overboard.
naval trawler was already on the scene and Meanwhile the coastguard life-saving appara-
had taken off several injured men. The tus had come into action and, with the life-
life-boat stood by for some time and returned boat standing by and playing her searchlight
to her station at 12.12 A.M. - Rewards, £10 4s. on the trawler it rescued five men. Three
had already been drowned. One man was
APRIL 26TH. - GALWAY BAY. At still on the trawler clinging to the rigging.
5 . 3 0 A . M . the local doctor asked that the After several attempts the life-boat got a
 SERVICES 1940 65

line to him and hauled him aboard. She down in the sea some twenty miles out, but
returned to her station at 5 A.M. - Rewards, nothing could be found. The life-boat
£8 1s. covered seventy miles. - Rewards, £13 12s.

The following life-boats were launched but APRIL 15TH. - RAMSGATE, KENT.
no services were rendered for the reasons Aircraft had been reported down in the sea
given : about thirty miles east of Ramsgate, but
the life-boat was recalled by other aircraft
A P R I L 1 S T . - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA, which had already made a search. - Rewards,
ESSEX. A small yacht, with three men on £7 16s. 6d.
board, was in distress in a gale, but the men
were rescued by a fishing smack. - Rewards, A P R I L 1 5 T H . - LONGHOPE. ORKNEYS.
£8 9s. Vessels had been reported ashore, but only
(See Sheerness, “ Services by Shore-boats,” one was found and she did not need help.-
page 144.) Rewards, £9 6s.
A P R I L 1 S T . - CLOVELLY, DEVON. An A P R I L 1 5 T H . - THURSO, CAITHNESS-
R.A.F. aeroplane had come down into the SHIRE. Two drifting ship’s boats had been
sea very near the shore, but the help of the reported off Dunnet Head, but both were
life-boat was not needed. - Rewards, £8 0S. 6d. empty. - Rewards, £5 3s. 6d.
A PRIL 2 ND . - WALTON AND FRINTON, A P R I L 1 5 T H . - SKEGNESS, LINCOLN-
ESSEX. An R.A.F. Hurricane aeroplane SHIRE. A Blenheim bomber had been
was reported to be in distress near the reported down in the sea, but nothing could
Cork lightship, but nothing could be found. be found. - Rewards, £20 12s. 6d.
- Rewards, £6 12s. 6d.
A P R I L 1 6 T H . - THE HUMBER, YORK-
A PRIL 3 RD . - HARTLEPOOL, DURHAM, SHIRE. An aeroplane had been reported
AND WHITBY, YORKSHIRE. A British down in the sea, but nothing could be found.
Spitfire fighter aeroplane and a German - Permanent paid crew.
Heinkel bomber had come down in the sea
thirty miles east of Hartlepool, but the five A P R I L 1 6 T H . - ROSSLARE HARBOUR,
German airmen and the British pilot were CO. WEXFORD. A fishing boat had gone
rescued by two steamers. - Rewards : aground, but she floated off and did not
Hartlepool, £4 4s. ; Whitby, £4 16s. 6d. need help. - Partly paid permanent crew.
Rewards, £2 7s.
A PRIL 3 RD . - HOLY ISLAND, NORTH-
UMBERLAND. A vessel had been reported A P R I L 1 7 T H . - SKEGNESS, LINCOLN-
to be on fire six miles N.N.E. of the Longstone SHIRE. An aeroplane was reported to have
Lighthouse, but nothing could be found.- fallen into the sea in flames, but nothing
Rewards, £5 2s. 6d. could be found. - Rewards, £6 14s. 6d.

APRIL 5TH. - THE MUMBLES, A PRIL 20 TH . - TOBERMORY, ARGYLL-

GLAMORGANSHIRE. An aeroplane had SHIRE. A little girl had been reported
fallen into the sea, but nothing could be missing on an island, and the life-boat with
found. - Rewards, £11 8s. its searchlight searched the shores of the
island by night without success. Next day
APRIL 7TH. - WESTON - SUPER - MARE, the girl was found by another boat.-
SOMERSET. An aeroplane had been repor- Rewards, £6 5s.
ted down in the sea, but nothing could be
found. - Rewards, £13 13s. APRIL 2 0 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT. A
steamer had struck a mine and had sunk
A PRIL 9 TH . - STROMNESS, ORKNEYS. within three minutes, but her crew were
A raft had been seen, but an aeroplane rescued by another steamer. - Rewards,
reported that there was no life on board, £5 3s.
and the life-boat was recalled by wireless.-
Rewards £4 16s. 6d. A P R I L 2 1 S T . - WALMER, KENT. Cries
for help were heard coming from the sea,
APRIL 1 2 T H . - TENBY, PEMBROKE- and found later to be from a man who had
SHIRE. An aeroplane had been reported jumped overboard from the S.S. Montferland,
down in Carmarthen Bay, but nothing could of Amsterdam, but he was picked up by a
be found. - Rewards, £5 4s. 6d. boat from a Norwegian steamer. - Rewards,
£19 7s.
A P R I L 1 4 T H . - THE HUMBER, YORK-
SHIRE, AND SKEGNESS, LINCOLN- A P R I L 2 2 N D . - HOWTH, CO. DUBLIN.
SHIRE. An R.A.F. aeroplane had been Two small fishing boats were at sea in bad
reported down in the sea several miles off weather, but they made harbour without
Mablethorpe, but nothing could be found.- help. - Rewards, £10 12s.
Rewards : - Skegness, £8 1s. 6d. ; The
Humber, permanent paid crew, 9s. A P R I L 2 2 N D . - SKEGNESS, LINCOLN-
SHIRE. A Hurricane fighter aeroplane had
A P R I L 1 4 T H . - WHITBY, YORKSHIRE. been reported missing, but nothing was
A bombing aeroplane had been reported found. - Rewards, £7 8s.
66 SERVICES 1940

A P R I L 2 3 R D . - RAMSGATE, WALMER, M A Y 8 T H . - SEAHAM, DURHAM. The

AND MARGATE, KENT. A steamer had motor life-boat Elizabeth Wills Allen was
been mined and had sunk off the North launched at 10 A.M. to the help of the motor
Foreland, but her crew were taken off by fishing boat Sceptre, of Sunderland, which
naval vessels. - Rewards : Ramsgate, £5 3s. ; was aground on the rocks to the south side of
Walmer £14 12s. 6d. ; Margate, £9 8s. the harbour. The sea was smooth. The
life-boat stood by until the Sceptre refloated
APRIL 2 5 T H . - PORT ERIN, ISLE OF under her own power, and returned to her
MAN. The French steamer Benerau Mitznigr, station at 1 P.M. - Rewards, £4 19s. 6d.
of Marseilles, had been in collision, but she
was able to go on her way without help.- M AY 13 TH . - HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY.
Rewards, £5 8s. 6d. At 4.30 A.M. it was reported from Rhoscolyn
that a ship was ashore at Penrhos Point, near
APRIL 2 6 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT. A the South Stack. The weather was calm.
vessel had been reported aground on the The motor life-boat A.E.D. was launched at
Goodwin Sands, but was found to be afloat 5 A.M. with only half her crew and found the S.S.
and anchored close to the sands. - Rewards, Kyle Firth, of Glasgow. She had a crew of
£5 3s. nine and a cargo of stone chippinqs. Four
of them had got away in one of the ship’s
A PRIL 26 TH. - CLOUGHEY, CO. DOWN. boats, and the life-boat rescued the other
A motor boat had gone aground in dense five. She returned to her station at 6.45 A.M.
fog, but was able to get off unaided.- - Rewards, £1 18s.
Rewards, £6 15s.
(See Cloughry, “ Services by Shore-boats,”
MAY 14 TH. - SELSEY, SUSSEX. At 1.23
page 145). A.M. information was received through the
APRIL 29TH. - WALMER, KENT. A coastguard from the Commander-in-Chief,
motor boat which had been expected in before Portsmouth, that the S.S. Hamla, of London,
sundown had not returned, but she got in was in distress about twenty miles from Selsey
later without needing help. - Rewards, £19 7s. Bill in a south-easterly direction. A light
southerly breeze was blowing with a smooth
sea, and there was fog. The motor life-boat
MAY Canadian Pacific was launched at 1.55 A.M.
and when she found the steamer at about 6
Launches 52. Lives rescued 33. A . M . , tugs were standing by. The Hamla,
M A Y 2 N D . - LYNMOUTH, DEVON. At which was laden and carried a crew of thirty-
7.15 A . M . the Croyde coastguard reported a five, had been holed in a collision and her
steamer ashore to the east of Lynmouth. A boiler had been put out of action. A des-
light easterly wind was blowing, with a troyer arrived and the life-boat took her
smooth sea, and the weather was hazy. The doctor to the Hamla. The Hamla was then
pulling and sailing life-boat Prichard Frede- taken in tow by the tugs, and the life-boat
rick Gainer was launched at 7.50 A.M. and pulled escorted them to Portsmouth, returning to
to Embelle Wood Bay. There, men sent by her station at 6 P.M. - Rewards, £18 10s. 6d.
car from the life-boat station had found two
steamers ashore, the S.S. Giannoulis Gounaris, MAY 17 TH . - ARBROATH, ANGUS. Late
of Piraeus, bound with coal to the Mediter- at night it was learnt that the local fishing
ranean, and the S.S. Lunineach, of Limerick, boat Floreat was three hours overdue.
with coal for Rouen. Their captains said Although the weather was fine the motor life-
that they hoped to get them off on the after- boat John and William Mudie was launched
noon tide. The life-boat stood by for a time at midnight to search for her. She found her
while efforts were made without success to about two miles out and escorted her home
refloat the steamers, and returned to her at 1 A.M. on the 18th. The Floreat was not
station at 3.45 P.M. The Lunineach was in distress but had been late in leaving the
towed off on the following day, but the other fishing grounds. - Rewards, £4 16s.
vessel had broken her back.
An increase in the usual money award on MAY 19TH. - FRASERBURGH, ABER-
the standard scale was granted to each mem- DEENSHIRE. At 12.12 P.M . a message was
ber of the crew. - Standard rewards to crew received from the Kinnaird Head coastguard
and helpers, £15 16s. 6d. ; additional rewards that a small fishing boat, about a half mile
to crew, £4 17s. 6d. ; total rewards, £20 14s. off shore, appeared unable to get back. At
12.35 P.M. a further message came that she was
M AY 7 TH . - WHITBY, YORKSHIRE. At drifting out to sea. There was a fresh S.S.E.
7.15 A.M. the coastguard reported that a keel breeze blowing, with a light swell. At 1 P.M .
boat three miles off was showing a distress the reserve motor life-boat John Russell, on
signal. She was the Prosperity, of Whitby, temporary duty at Fraserburgh, was launched
with a crew of five. A light westerly wind and found the fishing yawl, Margaret, of
was blowing and the sea was smooth, but Fraserburgh with three boys on board. The
with the possibility of attack by German air- boys were taken into the life-boat which then
craft the Prosperity, could not be left at sea, towed the yawl to Broadsea shore. There
and as no other boat was available, the No. 1 she put the boys aboard her again and stood
motor life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was by until they had safely beached her. She
launched and towed her in, arriving at 9.30 returned to her station at 2.20 P M . - Re-
A.M. - Rewards, £3 11s. 6d. wards, £2 19s.
 SERVICES 1940 67

M AY 22 ND . - WALMER, KENT. At 2.30 MAY 24 TH . - STORNOWAY, ISLAND OF

A. M . a message was received from the Deal LEWIS. At 6.15 P.M. it was reported by
coastguard that a steamer anchored near the the coastguard that the firing of rifles or
South Goodwins had on board four survivors rockets had been heard in Broad Bay. Later
from the S.S. Firth Fisher, of Barrow. She a message was received from another source
had been mined and had sunk. The men that a vessel was ashore near the village of
were injured and urgently needed a doctor. Shader. A light S.W. breeze was blowing,
With a strong easterly wind blowing and a and the sea was calm. but the weather was
heavy swell along shore, the weather was too foggy and visibility was very poor. At 7.15 P.M.
bad for the ordinary shore motor boats to go the motor life-boat William and Harriot was
out, and the motor life-boat Charles Dibdin launched, but the fog became very dense and
(Civil Service No. 2) was launched at 2.50 A.M., on reaching Broad Bay the life-boat had to
with a doctor on board. She brought the anchor, and it was not until about 4.30 A.M.
four men of the Firth Fisher ashore and they on the 25th that she saw the S.S. Stanlake, of
were taken to hospital. The life-boat London, at anchor. The steamer had been
returned to her station at 5.25 A.M . - Re- aground but had floated clear. The life-boat
wards, £19 7s. gave her her position and returned to her
station, arriving at 7 A.M. - Rewards, £8 5s.
M AY 24 TH . - WALMER, KENT. At 4.45
A.M. a message was received from the Deal MAY 25TH. - CAISTER, AND, GREAT YAR-
coastguard that a steamer, with a number of MOUTH AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK.
women and children on board, had been At 12.20 P .M. a heavy explosion was heard at
bombed by enemy aircraft and was drifting Caister, and later it was learnt that the
in the South Downs. A light south-west trawler Charles Boyes, engaged in Admiralty
breeze was blowing and the sea was smooth. service, had been mined near the North
At 4.55 the motor life-boat Charles Dibdin Scroby Buoy. A light S.E. breeze was
(Civil Service No. 2) was launched, and was blowing and the sea was smooth. At 12.30
given the position of the steamer by the P .M . the pulling and sailing life-boat Charles
guardship, with orders not to take anyone Burton put out. All she found was the
off her unless they had been seriously injured. wreckage of the trawler and two of her crew,
The life-boat found the steamer to be the both suffering severely from shock. She
Tlemcen, of Rouen. There were no cases of brought them ashore, where a doctor and
serious injury on board and the life-boat other help were waiting for them, and they
returned to her station. On her way the were taken to the Yarmouth hospital. The life-
guardship signalled to her to speak a French boat arrived back at her station at 2.10 P .M.
tug, which she found to be the Champion, At Great Yarmouth and Gorleston also the
filled with women and children, refugees from explosion had been heard and at 12.40 P . M .
Calais. She reported this to the naval the motor life-boat Louise Stephens was
authorities and was ordered to stand by the launched. She spoke the Caister life-boat.
tug. This she did and distributed her as she was returning with the two men on
emergency rations of chocolate and biscuits board, and then went farther north. There
among the children on the Champion. She she picked up a man, who was floating face
then saw a large steamer with a heavy list downwards, unconscious, and two members
approaching the Downs. She went along- of her crew attempted to revive him. She
side, found her to be the Bhutan, of London, continued her search and another man was
and stood by her until she anchored in the found floating on wreckage. He had been
Downs. The life-boat then went back to the wounded in the back of his head. Life-boat-
tug, signalled the coastguard, and was told to men dressed his wound and the life-boat
return to her station, which she reached at continued her search, but found no more survi-
10.25 A.M. - Rewards, £14 12s. 6d. vors. She then sent a wireless message to
the naval base at Yarmouth, asking for a
MAY 24 TH . - WICK, CAITHNESS-SHIRE. doctor to be in readiness at Britannia Pier,
At 12.30 P .M. a message was received from and returned to Gorleston. There a doctor
the coastguard that distress signals were was waiting. The unconscious man who
being made on a vessel’s siren. The weather had been receiving artificial respiration all
was foggy. There was no wind, but a slight the time was found to be dead. The wounded
sea. At 12.45 P .M. the motor life-boat City of man was landed and the life-boat returned to
Edinburgh was launched, and found the S.S. her station at 3.20 P.M . - Rewards, Caister,
Ford Fisher, of London, close in shore north £14 12s. 6d. ; Great Yarmouth and Gorleston,
of Staxigie. She had been in collision with a £6 13s.
trawler and then had damaged her propeller
on a rock. The life-boat returned to get the MAY 25TH. - RAMSGATE. KENT. At
help of H.M. Drifters Violet Flower and 6.34 P . M . a message was received from the
Prospects Ahead. Ropes were passed by the Ramsgate coastguard that the R.A.F. com-
life-boat, between the Ford Fisher and the mand at Manston had reported an aeroplane
drifters, which then took the steamer in tow, down in the sea approximately five miles
with the life-boat escorting them. The ropes from Dunkirk, and that the naval authorities
parted several times, and once the life-boat had asked that the life-boat should be sent,
had to tow the steamer off the rocks, but in as no other suitable boat was available. A
the end she was brought safely in. The life- light E.N.E. breeze was blowing with cloud
boat returned to her station at 3.30 P . M .- and mist, and the sea was smooth. At 6.55
Rewards £4 7s. 6d. P.M. the motor life-boat Prudential was
68 SERVICES 1940

launched and reached the position given, minesweeper. This left four men on each
about thirty-five miles from Ramsgate, at speed boat. A tug from Yarmouth had now
9.40 P . M . The sea was covered with oil and arrived and the coxswain of the life-boat
wreckage. Aeroplanes were fighting over- advised the captain of the minesweeper that
head. Many explosions were heard very the best way to refloat the boats would be to
near to the life-boat, and one enemy aero- get a gradual strain on the hawsers just after
plane swooped and circled round the life-boat. midnight. At 12.45 A.M. on the 27th the tug
She could find no trace of the aeroplane refloated one of the two boats and the life-
which had been reported in the sea, and after boat went alongside her and found that she
taking on board a 14-feet ship’s dinghy, was quite seaworthy. The tug then towed
which was unnamed, she returned to Rams- this boat to harbour and the life-boat lay
gate. The enemy aeroplane which had alongside the minesweeper while the mine-
circled round the life-boat was seen to be sweeper tried to tow off the other boat with
joined by others, and they then made for the its windlass. At 1.30 A.M. the rope parted.
English coast. The life-boat returned to her The life-boat then went in towards the sands
station at 12.30 A.M. of the 26th. While she to see if she could re-connect the tow ; let go
was being refuelled an air-raid warning was anchor and veered down until she herself was
sounded. She was finally re-moored and touching bottom. The dinghy then brought
ready for service by 1.5 A.M. - Rewards, £11 out a rope to the life-boat, which started to
8s. tow but the rope parted again. The life-
boat veered down again, and until 3 A . M .
M A Y 2 6 T H . GREAT YARMOUTH AND was trying to pull the speed boat off the
GORLESTON, NORFOLK. At 12.35 P . M . sands but without success. The tide was
a message was received from the Caister alert now falling and nothing more could be done
station that two naval speed boats had gone until it rose again. As the weather was fine
aground on the Scroby Sand. A light S.S.E. the captain of the minesweeper told the life-
breeze was blowing ; the sea was smooth, but boat coxswain that he could return to his
there was a mist. At 12.50 P.M. the motor life- station, and that a signal would be made if
boat Louise Stephens was launched and she his help were again wanted. The life-boat
reached the Scroby Sands forty minutes a r r i v e d b a c k a t G o r l e s t o n at 5 A.M.,
later. She found the two speed boats remained afloat until 11 and then, as no
aground on the top of the sand. She signal was made, was rehoused. -
approached them, but grounded herself. A Rewards, £19 14s.
small dinghy from one of the speed boats was M AY 30 TH . - WALMER, KENT. At 4.45
then rowed towards the life-boat, bringing a A.M . a message was received from the Deal
rope for towing with her, but she could not coastguard that a vessel with dead and
reach the life-boat, so the life-boat fired a wounded men on board had arrived in the
line over the dinghy; pulled it alongside; took Downs and that a doctor was wanted. A
the rope on board; and made it fast. The light northerly breeze was blowing and the
life-boat then tried for about three-quarters sea was smooth. It was very foggy. At
of an hour to haul off the speed boats, but the 5.10 A.M. the motor life-boat Charles Dibdin
tide was falling and the life-boat again (Civil Service No. 2) was launched with Mr.
touched bottom. The coxswain bent on two James Hall, M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S., stretchers
mooring ropes, two veering lines and two and surgical appliances on board. The vessel
heaving lines to the tow-rope and moved was the S.S. Yewdale, of Glasgow, and Mr. Hall
away from the sands until he was able to and a life-boatman were put on board.
anchor in ten feet of water. It was then There were about 800 troops and crew on
3 P . M ., but with the tide falling it was im- board, seventy-seven were wounded and
possible for the life-boat to tow any longer. eight were dead. There were too many cases
About 5 P . M . an officer from the speed boat for the doctor to treat himself. He wanted
came out in the dinghy to say that the life- the steamer to get them ashore as soon as
boat could get nearer to the speed boats on possible. It was not easy in the thick fog,
the east side of the sands, but the life-boat and the steamer’s compass and wheelhouse
was now hard aground, and could not get off. had been shot away, but piloted by the life-
It was not until 7.30 that she refloated, and boat the steamer got into Ramsgate harbour
she then went round to the east side. There and was safely berthed. The life-boat
she went alongside a paddle minesweeper returned to her station at 10.15 A.M.-
which had just arrived and its captain asked Rewards, £14 12s. 6d.
the coxswain his opinion of the weather and
the risk run by the men on the two speed MAY 30 TH . - GOURDON, KINCARDINE-
boats. The coxswain told him that the sands SHIRE. At 5 A . M . a vessel was sounding
would be covered with from three to four distress signals on her siren. A light S.W.
feet of water at high tide, and if the weather breeze was blowing and the sea was smooth.
got worse the men on board the speed boats It was foggy. At 5.25 A.M. the motor life-boat
might be in considerable danger ; for the life- Margaret Dawson was launched and found
boat could not get near them. At the the trawler Grenada, of Aberdeen, stranded a
request of the captain of the minesweeper quarter of a mile east of Johnshaven. Her
the coxswain then took the life-boat as near deck was awash. The life-boat stood by
as possible to the speed boats and dropped until she refloated on the rising tide and was
anchor in four feet of water. Four men from able to go on her way to Aberdeen. The
each speed boat were taken on board the life-boat returned to her station at 8.5 A.M. -
life-boat, which transferred them to the Rewards, £15 11s.
 SERVICES 1940 69

EVACUATION OF MEN OF THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY

FORCE AND THE FRENCH ARMY FROM DUNKIRK.*
THE WORK OF THE LIFE - BOATS OF RAMSGATE AND MARGATE.
At 1.15 in the afternoon of Thurs- almost destroyed. German bombers
day, the 30th of May, 1940, the Ministry had descended on them in hundreds
of Shipping called up the Institu- and set. them ablaze. There remained
tion on the telephone and asked it to nothing alongside which ships could
send at once to Dover as many of its berth except, a wooden breakwater.
life-boats as possible. The Ministry It was only five feet wide and had
was told that they would be sent. never been intended for such a purpose,
That was all ; no other information but it was all now left in the port to
was sought or given ; but it was easy to embark an army. Besides that break-
guess for what those life-boats were water were the beaches, sixteen miles
wanted. Three weeks before, on the of flat sand and sand-dunes stretching
10th of May, the German armies had eastwards from Dunkirk to Nieuport.
invaded Holland and Belgium, and They were as difficult as beaches
the French and British armies had could be for such a task. Even at
moved forward into Belgium to meet high water ships could not get within
t h e m . E v e n t s h a d f o l l o w e d o n e half a mile of them. But if the army
another with terrible and increasing were to be embarked those beaches
speed. By the fifteenth the Germans must be used. It was to carry the
had broken through the French line men from them to the waiting ships
and had turned towards the English that the Ministry of Shipping had asked
Channel. By the twenty-third they all the ports of England, from Hull to
had reached it at the mouth of the Southampton, to send every boat that
Somme, So doing they had divided could reach Dover within twenty-four
the British army from the French and hours.
had left the British no way of retreat As soon as the Institution received
but by the sea. It had three ports : that call it telephoned to its eighteen
Boulogne, Calais and Dunkirk. The stations from Gorleston in Norfolk,
Germans took Boulogne on the twenty- 110 miles north of Dover, to Shoreham
third, and Calais three days later. Harbour, in Sussex, 80 miles to the
They were pressing hard on the British west. Each station was asked to send
army’s right. flank. On the twenty- its life-boat to Dover at once for
seventh they forced the surrender of special duty under the Admiralty.
the Belgian army on its left flank. She was to take a full crew, full fuel-
They were now attacking it in front tanks, and a grass warp for towing.
and on both flanks. Behind it was While this urgent message was
the sea and only one port was left to being sent to the life-boats along those
it - Dunkirk. Already the Germans 190 miles of coast, two of them were
had announced that the iron ring had already on their way to Dunkirk.
closed round it, and the Prime Minister That morning the naval officers - in -
had warned the House of Commons to charge at Ramsgate and Margate had
be prepared for hard and heavy tidings. asked their life-boats if they would
Such was the state of the war in France go, and both crews had said at once
and Flanders when, on the 30th of that they would. The Prudential, of
May, the Ministry of Shipping asked Ramsgate, was the first away. She
for life-boats to be sent to Dover. left at 2.20 in the afternoon. Cox-
Certainly it was no. difficult to guess swain Howard Primrose Knight was
why they were to go. in command of her, and he had a crew
Four days earlier - though this was of eight men. They had been given
not known at the time - the Navy had gas masks and steel helmets, and the
started to bring off troops from Dun- life-boat was loaded with four coils of
kirk. but town and port were now grass warp and cans of fresh water
* From the account in Storm on the Waters. for the troops. She took in tow eight
The Story of the Life-boat Service in the War boats, most of them wherries, manned
of 1939-1945. by Charles Vince. by eighteen naval men, and when she
70 SERVICES 1940

reached Dunkirk her part was to tow beaches dangerous. Now a light vari-
the wherries between the beaches and able wind was blowing from the west
the waiting ships. and the surf had gone down.
The Margate life-boat, The Lord
Southborough (Civil Service No. l), was THE RAMSGATE LIFE - BOAT.
under the command of Coxswain The Ramsgate life-boat reached
Edward Drake Parker. He took ten Dunkirk at eight in the evening.
men with him, two more than his There the heavy black smoke from the
usual crew. They were given steel burning oil-tanks hung low above the
helmets, food and cigarettes, and they beaches and the sea. She went on
left, so the naval officer at Margate another two miles to Malo les Bains
said, in the best of spirits at 5.30 in the and lay alongside a Dutch coaster until
afternoon. The life-boat went in com- it was night. The coxswain then sent
pany of a Dutch barge, commanded by off three of his wherries, each with one
a naval officer, and the barge towed life-boatman on board. The men
her. rowed ashore, called into the darkness
The two life-boats had a journey of until they were answered, and filled
about fifty miles by a way which had their boats with men. The coxswain
been hurriedly swept through the now sent off three more of his wherries,
mine-fields when the direct way from with twelve of the naval men on board,
Dover to Dunkirk along the French some to man them, others to be landed
coast came under the fire of German and to help in pushing the boats off
guns at Calais. Those who made that the beach. They were to follow the
journey were amazed and uplifted by three life-boatmen, now pulling to the
the sight of the crowded waters, with shore for the second time, but they
their double stream of traffic, ships must have missed them in the darkness
and boats of every kind hurrying out and gone ashore elsewhere, for they
to the dangers of the beaches, and those never returned. The coxswain then
others on their way back to England, manned a seventh wherry with three
their decks loaded with troops. more naval men, and the four wherries
They are at all times difficult waters plied between beach and life-boat,
with their shallows and strong tides. gathering men, putting them aboard
Now the narrow channels of deeper the life-boat, returning for more.
water through which ships could pass Once, as they came ashore, a voice
were unlighted ; German submarines called to them, “ I cannot see who you
and fast motor boats were moving in are. Are you a naval party ? ” He
them ; German aeroplanes were sowing was answered, “ No, sir, we are men of
them with mines ; already they were the crew of the Ramsgate life-boat.”
studded with wrecks. The air above The voice called back, “ Thank you,
was even more dangerous. Every five and thank God for such men as you
minutes German bombers came over have this night proved yourselves to
to attack Dunkirk or the beaches or be. There is a party of fifty High-
the waters beyond, and by night if a landers coming next.”
motor-boat showed no more than a It was slow and hard work, even to
glimmer of light on her instrument- life-boatmen well used to managing
panel it was enough to bring on her a small boats on a beach. They would
salvo of bombs. take the wherries in stern first, and
There were other perils. Three days hold them in the surf until the soldiers
before men in England had anxiously came. There was no rush nor scram-
watched the reports of a storm which ble. The soldiers moved into the sea
was coming in from the Atlantic and to their officers’ orders, wading out
had wondered which way it would waist-deep. One man only could
move. Mercifully it had turned climb over the stern at a time.
northwards up the west coast of Ire- Eight were a full load.
land, and no more than the fringe of The life-boat herself could take on
it had touched the Straits of Dover, board, in a calm sea, 160 men close-
but this had been enough to raise a sea packed. As the wherries filled her,
at Dunkirk which had made the she in turn put off to a motor-ship that
 SERVICES 1940 71
lay further out So all night the work out their whaler and the boys went
went on, and before day broke the life- back. The last the life-boatmen saw
boat and her wherries had brought off of them they were landing on the beach
some 800 men. By this time the alone.
motor ship herself was filled, and she So the morning passed. In the
made for England. but, her engines had afternoon a destroyer asked the life-
only two cylinders working and her boat to go to La Panne, six miles to
master was doubtful if she would the eastward. She had now only
arrive. Two of the life-boat’s crew three of her wherries left. The others,
had been helping on board, and they broken and leaking, had one by one
went with her. As soon as it was light been left on the beach. And of the
the coxswain. took the life-boat in- twenty-seven men who had sailed
shore to look for his three missing from Ramsgate twenty-four hours
wherries. He found only one, lying before only ten - seven life-boatmen
empty on the beach, one of many boats and three naval men - were still with
washed up and abandoned. her.
With the coming of day the shelling At La Panne she found destroyers
and bombing increased. Now, too, and a monitor anchored as close as
the wind had freshened. It had possible to the shore. Bombers con-
veered to north-west and was blowing tinually attacked them and the ships
right onshore A swell was making answered with their guns. Bombs
and boats were capsizing in the surf. were falling on the beaches and in the
But over the sand-dunes the troops sea, and from the beaches small boats
came in unbroken flow and the life- were struggling out. through the surf.
boatmen baled out their wherries and Some came through, half-full of water.
got to work again. The sea, like the Others were thrown back. The life-
beach, was littered with wreckage and boat went to their help and towed
was thick with oil from bombed and many of them to the monitor and des-
broken motor-boats. With the rising troyers. This work continued through
wind and surf, with the wreckage, that Friday afternoon, through the
with the oil that clogged their oars, the evening and into the night. During
men found it impossible any longer to the night the last of the wherries was
row the wherries. Instead the life- broken by a piece of shell.
boat, lying eighty yards off shore, It was now the third day since the
dropped them down to it on ropes, life-boat had left Ramsgate, and she
each wherry with two men on board, had helped to bring off some 2,800
and hauled them out again. They men. Her crew were exhausted, her
came loaded, shipping water, the wherries gone ; and at 1.30 on the
soldiers baling with their steel helmets Saturday morning she sailed for Rams-
to keep them afloat. gate. When she came home she had
The life-boat found time also to give been away for over forty hours. For
tows to other boats that had broken thirty of those hours she had worked
down or that could not get through the on the beaches ; for nearly all that
surf. Once the coxswain saw soldiers time she had been under fire ; for two
on the beach trying to launch a whaler, nights her crew had been without sleep.
and two boys helping them. They
launched her, but they could do no THE MARGATE LIFE - BOAT
more. They had only three broken The Margate life-boat reached the
oars and the surf began to fill her. The beaches some hours later than the
life-boat ran down to them, threw a Ramsgate boat, for the barge that had
rope and towed them out to a Dutch her in tow went on along the coast from
schuyt. She was part of the Dunkirk Dunkirk fifteen miles eastward to
fleet, with an English officer in com- Nieuport. As they went the crews
mand and the white ensign flying. She could smell Dunkirk burning. It was
took the soldiers on board, and her midnight, when they reached Nieuport,
commander gave the two French boys and they knew at once the difficulties
food and drink. They looked not more awaiting them, for the barge ran
than fourteen years old. Sailors baled aground on a sand-bank. The life-
72 SERVICES 1940

boat was bumping on the sand, but the rifle. He held the banjo. Two
was still afloat. She tried to tow off minutes later he had squatted on the
the barge. This failed, and all that deck and was strumming and humming
she could do was to run out an anchor to himself.
for her and leave her to haul herself Day was now breaking and the life-
off by it when the tide should flow. boat was told to take her men not to
Then, with an anchor of her own out the barge but to the destroyer Icarus,
astern, her engine running dead slow, which lay some distance farther out.
and the barge’s commander wishing her This she did, and went backwards and
good luck, she felt her way through the forwards between the destroyer and the
darkness and the shallows towards still crowded beaches until her cox-
the shore. Her crew heard a voice swain had lost count of her journeys.
calling, and as they got near they Once, as she lay alongside, the officer
could dimly see a dark mass above on the bridge shouted to her to cast
the white edge of the surf. It was off. She obeyed, and at the same
the waiting men. moment a flight of German aeroplanes
They were eighty Frenchmen, and came out of the clouds. For a few
by the time the life-boatmen had seconds the life-boatmen were con-
dragged them all aboard the coxswain scious only of bursting bombs and
was glad that he had brought those machine-guns firing. Then the noise
two extra men with him. The life- was over and they found themselves
boat drew over four feet of water, and still unhurt. When next they went
the soldiers had to wade out until they alongside the destroyer it was not
were up to their arm-pits in the sea. bombs that descended on them, but a
As they stood beside the boat her rail large pot of stew. They could not
was four feet above their heads. To To pause for a meal, but from time to
haul them up those four feet - weary time as they worked they dipped their
men, heavy with water - was work to fingers in the pot and ate a mouthful.
exhaust the strongest. Of their work the commander of the
The life-boat took the eighty out to Icarus wrote later, “ The, magnificent
the stranded barge and went in to the behaviour of the crew of the Margate
beaches again. More men were wait- life-boat who, with no thought of rest,
ing. This time they were from the brought off load after load of soldiers
B o r d e r R e g i m e n t . S h e l o a d e d u p from Dunkirk, under continuous shel-
with them, and their weight sank her ling, bombing and aerial machine-gun
until she was hard on the sands. It fire, will be an inspiration to us as long
was now low water and she waited until as we live.”
the tide flowed and she floated again. Here at Nieuport as farther west at
Then she took the men to the barge, and Malo les Bains, the freshening wind
for the third time returned to the had raised a swell, and by seven
beaches. A British officer swam out o’clock in the morning the surf was so
to her and asked that he might guide heavy that the life-boat could no
her some way along the shore to his longer go near the shore. Instead, on
own men ; but here the beaches were the orders of the destroyer, she went
still thick with troops waiting, and the up and down outside the surf searching
coxswain would not go elsewhere. for men who had put off on rafts or
Out through the surf and darkness wreckage. She rescued many in this
they crowded, not knowing how deep 1way. All the time shells and bombs
they would have to go before they were bursting on the sands, and aero-
reached the boat. Some had taken planes were diving to machine-gun the
off their boots and trousers, but there boats and the patient troops.
was hardly a man who had not his The life-boatmen saw a whaler and
rifle with him. One small soldier a motor boat turn over and sink.
waded out holding high his rifle - and Boats lay wrecked all along the line of
a banjo. As he stood beside the boat, surf. Others were half buried in the
with little more than his head above sand and soldiers were labouring to dig
water, the coxswain told him to drop and drag them out At the water’s
them and come aboard. He dropped edge cattle wandered. But so far as
 SERVICES 1940 73

the life-boatmen could see not a boat through those forty hours now hangs
except their own was afloat. She was in the Ramsgate parish church of St.
alone, and men were wading out to her. George.
Some of them were knocked over by
the surf, struggled, and failed to rise. THE INSTITUTION’ S REWARDS.
Others stepped suddenly from the
shallow water covering the many sand- To the Ramsgate and Margate life-
banks into the deeper channels be- boat stations the Committee of Man-
tween them, and disappeared. The agement sent letters conveying their
life-boat saw men drowning close to “ warm appreciation of the magnificent
her, and could not reach them. To work done by the crews on this
remain near the beach was to tempt occasion, which for ever will remain
them to their death. She drew farther an outstanding example of the courage
off and made westwards to Dunkirk. of the life-boatmen of these islands.”
As she passed Malo les Bains her crew The Institution also made the following
saw, high on the beach, the charred awards:
and twisted remains of their own To RAMSGATE :
familiar pleasure steamer, Crested Eagle, To the coxswain and each member
that used to ply between Margate and of the crew the thanks of the Institu-
Tower Bridge. On her way she tion inscribed on vellum: H OWARD
rescued two officers and fifteen sailors P. C. KNIGHT, coxswain, ALFRED H.
all that were left of a naval party of M O O D Y , acting second-coxswain,
150 who had been working on the ERNEST C. W. ATTWOOD, motor-mech-
beaches for four days. They had anic, T H O M A S H. R E A D , assistant
found a whaler lying in the sand, full motor-mechanic, A LFRED D. L IDDLE ,
of water, and had emptied her. She C H A R L E S E. K N I G H T , E D W A R D C.
had no oars and no rowlocks, but they C OOPER , J OHN T. H AWKES , T HOMAS
had collected oars scattered about the H. GOLDFINCH, life-boatmen.
beach and had lashed them to the gun- To the coxswain and each member
whales with pieces of rope. When of his crew a reward of £8 3s., being
the life-boat met them it was nearly double the scale reward of £4 1s. 6d. ;
nine in the morning, and since day- standard rewards to crew £32 12s. ;
break they had been trying desperately additional rewards to crew £40 15s. ;
to row out to one of the distant ships. total rewards £73 7s.
In that wind and surf the life-boat An inscribed metal plaque was
could do no more, and she made for presented to the coxswain and each
Margate, taking with her those last member of the crew by the Prudential
seventeen, that she had rescued. She Assurance Company, donors of the life-
arrived at three in the afternoon on boat.
Friday, the 31st of May. She had To MARGATE :
then been away for nearly twenty- To the coxswain and each member
four hours, and brought off the of the crew the thanks of the Institu-
beaches some six hundred men. tion inscribed on vellum : E DWARD
D. P ARKER , coxswain, T HOMAS D.
A WARD OF D ISTINGUISHED S ERVICE H ARMAN , second-coxswain, H ENRY
MEDALS. PARKER, bowman, EDWARD J. JORDAN,
Such was the share of the Ramsgate motor-mechanic, WILLIAM B. MACKIE,
and Margate life-boats in the glory of assistant motor-mechanic, D E N N I S
the Dunkirk fleet which snatched over P R I C E , s i g n a l m a n , J O H N LE T L E Y ,
300,000 men out of the hand of the A L F R E D M O R R I S , A R T H U R LA D D ,
enemy as it was closing triumphantly E D W A R D E. P A R K E R and W I L L I A M
on them. Both the coxswains, H OPPER , life-boatmen.
Howard Knight and Edward Parker, To the coxswain and each member
were awarded the Distinguished Ser- of his crew a reward of £4 8s., being
rice Medal for their “ gallantry and double the scale reward of £2 4s. ;
determination,” and the house-flag of standard rewards to crew and helpers.
the Institution which had flown at the £26 4s. ; additional rewards to crew
mast-head of the Ramsgate life-boat £26 8s. ; total rewards £52 12s.
74 SERVICES 1940

T HE W ORK OF S EVENTEEN OTHER L IFE - BOATS AT D UNKIRK AND OF

M EMBERS OF THE INSTITUTION’ S STAFF AT D OVER.
The life-boats called out by tele- another seven, which had travelled
phone from London in the afternoon through the night, were waiting outside
of Thursday the 30th of May got the harbour. Others came in during
quickly away. the day. All but one arrived within
They were : the Louise Stephens; of twenty-nine hours of the summons.
Great Yarmouth and Gorleston ; the The three life-boats that reached
Michael Stephens, of Lowestoft ; the Dover on the Thursday evening were
Mary Scott, of Southwold ; the Abdy from Hythe, Walmer and Dungeness,
Beauclerk and the Lucy Lavers, of and the Hythe coxswain was the first
Aldeburgh ; the E.M.E.D., of Walton to be told what was wanted of him.
and Frinton ; the Edward Z. Dresden, He understood it to be that he was to
of Clacton-on-Sea ; the Greater London run his life-boat on the beach at Dun-
(Civil Service No. 3), of Southend - on - kirk, load her with troops and bring
Sea ; the Charles Dibdin (Civil Service them out to ships. She was a boat
No. 2), of Walmer ; The Viscountess weighing over fourteen tons, and he
Wakefield, of Hythe ; the Charles said that it could not be done. He
Cooper Henderson, of Dungeness ; the could never get her off without the
Cyril and Lilian Bishop, of Hastings ; help of winches, and he would not
the Jane Holland, of Eastbourne ; the attempt at Dunkirk what he knew
Cecil and Lilian Philpott, of Newhaven; that he could not do at Hythe. The
and the Rosa Woodd and Phyllis Lunn, Walmer and Dungeness coxswains
of Shoreham Harbour. The Thomas agreed with him. Their boats were of
Kirk Wright, of Poole and Bourne- the same type as his, but rather
mouth, was sent to Dover by the naval heavier. Then the Hythe coxswain -
officer - in - charge at Poole, and the he had served in the navy in the 1914-
Rowhedge Ironworks, Essex, sent to 18 war - asked other questions. He
Sheerness, manned by life-boatmen asked, in particular, what pensions
from Walton-on-the-Naze, a new, un- would be given to their families should
named life-boat which they had just they be killed. When he was told he
completed. After Dunkirk she was asked to have it in writing. That was
stationed at Cadgwith. A gift of refused him, and he refused to go,
£5,000 from the Girl Guides of the His crew, and the Walmer and
Empire was used to pay for her, Dungeness coxswains and crews, also
and at the request of the Girl Guides refused. The Navy took the life-
Association she was named Guide of boats, sent to Sheerness for naval
Dunkirk. men to man them, and gave the
Of these seventeen life-boats fifteen life-boatmen railway vouchers for their
went to Dunkirk from Dover, and two, journey home.
the Clacton-on-Sea boat and the boat Three weeks later the Institution
from the Rowhedge Ironworks, went held an inquiry at Hythe. It found
from Ramsgate. The coxswain and that the Hythe coxswain had induced
crew of the life-boat at Dover were not only his own crew but the crews of
ready to go, but the admiral command- Walmer and Dungeness to refuse to
ing kept them and their life-boat for take their life-boats to Dunkirk, and
work at Dover. he and the Hythe motor-mechanic
The first of these boats to leave their were dismissed from the service., The
stations were the two from Aldeburgh coxswain had held his position for
on the Suffolk coast. Walmer, from over twenty years, and had won the
Kent, sailed shortly afterwards, then Institution’s thanks on vellum and its
Southend, from the Thames, and Has- silver medal for gallantry. When told
tings and Newhaven from Sussex. the decision he said, “ I have a fishing
Three life-boats arrived at Dover that boat and will not see a man drown if
evening, and by 7.30 next morning, I can get her off.” Two months later
when Ramsgate and Margate were he made good that promise by rescuing
busy on the beaches forty miles away, two British airmen from a crashed
 SERVICES 1940 75

bomber. The motor-mechanic said, three of the rejected and disappointed

i
‘ If the order had come from the crews were being given their railway
Institution to proceed to Dunkirk and vouchers. It was too late to attempt
do the best you can, there would have to put right what had gone wrong, but
been no holding back.” he found at Dover two of the Institu-
When the next seven life-boats tion’s reserve mechanics ready to go
arrived off Dover in the morning a anywhere and do anything. The three
naval launch went out to them, told at once volunteered to go to Dunkirk
their crews for what they were wanted, in charge of two of the life-boats, but
gave them their course to Dunkirk and they were told that there was more
sent them into the harbour to refuel. u r g e n t w o r k f o r t h e m a t D o v e r .
As soon as they went in their boats Besides the fifteen life-boats the Navy
were taken from them by naval men. now had in the submarine dock a large
Not knowing of the refusal of the fleet of motor-boats of all kinds. It
first three crews, they were surprised had officers in plenty from the Royal
and very indignant. Some, if not all, Naval Volunteer Reserve coming to
had guessed ; why they had come to take command of them, but it had no
Dover. Some had made special prep- mechanics to carry out repairs, and as
arations One crew had bought it- the boats returned from Dunkirk there
self steel helmets. Another had taken would be unending work to make them
on board extra emergency-rations and ready for fresh journeys.
first-aid stores. They protested, but So it was arranged. Commander
it was useless. They were allowed no Upton and his mechanics became a
choice. The Navy had decided. It repairing party for all motor-boats
had brought over its own men. Then sailing out of Dover for Dunkirk.
it said it would take the motor- They began their duties that evening
mechanics. The life-boatmen’s reply by teaching the naval stokers how to
was curt : “ All or none.” handle the engines of the life-boats.
Those harassed and overburdened It was of necessity a very brief course,
naval officers at Dover were organizing, three-quarters of an hour of instruction
not in advance but in the heat and b y t h e m e c h a n i c s , f o l l o w e d b y a
pressure of events, a complicated and quarter of an hour’s run round the
perilous operation. They wanted harbour under Commander Upton,
b o a t s . T h e y w a n t e d m e n . T h e y with the stoker himself at the controls.
wanted no more argument. Yet these Then he was passed as a trained
men, ready to go, whom they now engineer. This work went on until it
rejected, knew their boats and engines w a s s t o p p e d b y t h e d a r k n e s s . I t
as no one else knew them. They began again early next morning, and
would have handled them in the diffi- one by one the life-boats left for
cult shallows and currents of the Dun- Dunkirk.
kirk coast as no one else could handle T h e f u l l s t o r y o f w h a t t h e y d i d
t h e m . I n s t e a d , t h e y s a w t h e m there, how they did it, how many men
manned by sailors who had never been they brought off, and what lives were
aboard them before, and their engines lost aboard them, will never be known,
put in charge of stokers, who had first but from time to time, during the next
to be taught how to start and stop five days, they returned bringing with
them. Fortunately men arrived at them fragments of the tales of their
Dover that evening who were able to adventures and scars more speaking
give the stokers a hurried lesson before than any tale. Newhaven, Poole and
they sailed Bournemouth, Walton and Frinton,
On the morning of that day, the 31st Lowestoft and Clacton all worked in
of May, Commander John Upton, Dunkirk harbour itself, carrying men
R.D., R.N.R., the inspector of life- through the crowded darkness to the
boats for the east coast, was at Bright- ships outside. Newhaven was there
lingsea, in Essex, a hundred miles away. for two nights, was herself stranded on
He heard of the trouble at Dover, the beach for over two hours, and
went there at once by road, and arrived brought off over 600 men. Poole and
at 7.30 in the evening, just as the last Bournemouth, loaded with French
76 SERVICES 1940

soldiers, came under fire from German ship’s boats in tow of her, brought off
troops on the shore at less than forty 160 men. Shortly before dawn the
yards, but no one was hurt. Walton commander of the Emperor of India
and Frinton went over in a little com- decided to return to Dover, but Mr.
pany of boats in tow of a tug. Off Dickinson remained with the South-
Gravelines German aeroplanes attacked wold life-boat, went ashore for the
them three times. The blast broke third time, and took on board his third
the tow-rope and threw men into the load of fifty men. It was now
sea. One boat was sunk, others dangerously near dawn. He tried to
turned back, but Walton and Frinton push the life-boat off the beach, but
went on. The officer in command of she was fast. He tried again ; still she
her was killed by a shell, and she would not move. Then a soldier in
returned to Dover with a rope round her bows called out, “ Hoi, mister,
her propeller. A diver went down and you’re pushing against a lorry.” It
cut it away. Then she sailed again must have been run out into the sea to
for Dunkirk. Lowestoft, was twice make a pier until it was almost sub-
rammed by motor torpedo-boats, but merged, and the life-boat had passed
she continued her work and returned it unseen in the darkness. She worked
to Dover under her own power, clear of it, unloaded her fifty men on
Clacton took out her last load about to a ship and returned for the fourth
daybreak on the final day just before time, but her engine stopped and
the last of the boats left the harbour could not be restarted. It was now
and it was closed with block-ships. day and she was helpless on the beach,
On her way home an aeroplane but the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston
attacked her with machine-guns. Of life-boat, making for England with
the two Aldeburgh boats no more is troops on board, came within hail and
known than that one of them worked took off her crew. That afternoon the
in Dunkirk harbour, of Dungeness that Great Yarmouth and Gorleston boat
she arrived off Margate with four arrived at Dover, and there Mr. Dickin-
sailors on board, one of them wounded, son had some sleep, the first for several
and two of her stanchions torn away, days. Next morning - it was now
of Hastings that one of her end-boxes Monday the 3rd of June - he volun-
was damaged, of Walmer that she teered for another trip, and got from
came home with holes in both sides. Commander Upton the Shoreham Har-
One of the inspectors of the Life- bour life-boat. He led a marauding
boat Service, now in the Navy, Sub- party round the dockyard, found a
Lieutenant Stephen Dickinson, found large sheet of steel, which he fastened
himself in command of the Southwold behind the steering-wheel, built a
life-boat. He had already made two screen of fenders on either side, and
trips to Dunkirk, and on Saturday, the with his helmsman so protected, and
1st of June, he went over for the third a white ensign almost as large as the
time on board a paddle-steamer, the boat herself at his masthead, was about
Emperor of India. She had the life- to sail on his fourth journey when he
boat and two other boats in tow. At was stopped. The shelling was now
eleven that night she anchored off reported to be so steady on the beaches
Dunkirk, and Mr. Dickinson was sent that boats were forbidden to go across.
ashore in the life-boat towing two of Another member of the Life-boat
the ship’s boats. High explosive shells Service, also in the Navy, Lieutenant
and shrapnel were bursting all along (E.) R. H. Wallace, an assistant
the beach, and it was empty of troops. surveyor of machinery, returned from
They were sheltering in the town. Dunkirk and went over for a second
The first lieutenant of the Emperor of time in the new life-boat which had
India landed and went in search of come straight from the building yard.
them, while the three boats waited in He joined her by jumping aboard just
the surf under fire. They waited for as she sailed. She was towed across
two hours. It was one in the morning and arrived at dusk, but before she
when the men arrived and in two could cast off the tow-rope it parted
journeys the life-boat, and the two and was carried round her propeller.
 SERVICES 1940 77

All night she drifted off Dunkirk, her was found drifting in the English
crew watching the fires in the town and Channel and was brought into Dover.
listening to the explosions of oil-tanks Her fore-end box was stove in. She
and ammunition-dumps. Next mor- had over 500 bullet-holes in her. She
ning the surveyor stripped and went was full of water. But she had kept
overboard with a knife, but the rope, the word given for her that she would
drawn tight round the propeller’s not sink. She was repaired, but it was
shaft, was hard as iron. He could not not until the beginning of April 1941,
cut it and climbed aboard again ten months later, that she was ready
covered with oil. The crew then to go back to her station.
made sail, using the life-boat’s own At one time it seemed certain that
mizzen and blankets sewn together several of the nineteen life-boats would
with string. which they hoisted on two never leave Dunkirk. The honorary
boat-hooks. These sails gave her only secretary of the Margate station, who
two knots, but her crew now had some went over in a destroyer on the Sunday
control over her. Later, by working morning, saw three of them ashore.
the engine, they were able to loosen But in the end, by devious and mys-
the rope a little and started on their terious ways, all except one returned.
journey back to England, moving She was the Hythe boat, the coxswain
slowly stern first. In the end they of which had refused to run her on the
were found fast asleep on a light-vessel beaches, saying that he could never
in the mouth of the Thames, and the get her off. Nothing was heard of her
life-boat was taken to Sheerness. for three weeks. Then the Admiralty
The naval officers had soon dis- sent word that she had been damaged
covered what manner of boats the and abandoned. The Ramsgate cox-
life-boats were and one of them wrote swain reported later that on the Fri-
afterwards, “ I took the Great Yar- day evening, the 31st of May, he had
mouth and Gorleston life-boat across seen her approaching La Panne : “She
to Dunkirk on two nights. Her per- was put aground. The soldiers waded
formance was a revelation and a out to her, and with the men on board
delight.” Such was the competition she was knocking up on the shore, and
to get command of one of them that a there she stopped.”
wise commander, returning to Dover, The work of the rescuing fleet came
took, no risks. When he handed his to an end on Tuesday the 4th of June.
life-boat over to the repairing party he All ships were ordered to leave Dun-
would leave one of his own crew on kirk by 2.30 that morning. But boats
board as watchman. The watchman were still adrift between England and
would at once fall asleep, but his France, and French soldiers were still
sleeping presence was enough to keep in Dunkirk. In those last hours a
possession. On the Sunday morning life-boat saved a destroyer. At 1.30
a naval officer unshaven and red-eyed, on that Tuesday morning the destroyer
went to Commander Upton. For the H.M.S. Kellet tried to embark 200
past week, he said, he had been French soldiers from the mole, but
bringing men off the beaches. He had some obstruction under water pre-
used every kind, of boat, and every vented her from coming alongside.
boat had sunk under him. Could he The harbour was then being cleared of
be given a boat that would not sink ? what remained in it, and the block
He was given the Eastbourne life-boat, ships were to be sunk at its entrance.
and set off once more for Dunkirk. If she were not to be trapped the
Next day he was back again and told destroyer must leave at once. Her
his tale. A French motor torpedo- bows were touching the beach and her
boat had rammed her. A German commander tried to put her astern,
aeroplane had sprayed her with mach- but again something under water was
ine-gun bullets. Outside Dunkirk her in the way. One of her screws caught
engine had stopped and she had again on it, and try as he would he could not
come under fire. He was forced to aban- move her. There seemed no one left
don her, but when last he saw her she to help him when he saw a life-boat
was still afloat. Two days later she pass full of soldiers. He hailed her
78 SERVICES 1940

and she hauled the destroyer off the tation, but the hour passed with no
beach. By that timely pluck at signal made, and they returned across
the last moment this life-boat saved the the Channel (one of the boats cap-
destroyer and her crew from capture. sizing on the way), their mission,
She was the Greater London (Civil through no fault of their own, unac-
Service No. 3), of Southend-on-Sea. complished, wondering who the mys-
Other life-boatmen besides those terious stranger could have been. It
who took their life-boats to Dover was rumoured that he was Sir Lancelot
answered the summons in their own Oliphant, British Ambassador to Bel-
boats. On the evening of Thursday, gium, who was made prisoner when
the 30th of May, a message came to trying to get from Bruges to Le Havre.
Wells, in Norfolk, asking that all the While these things were happening
fishing boats should go to Lowestoft ; across the sea Commander Upton at
and all went. Seventeen men were Dover had summoned to him others of
aboard them and all but one were life- the Institution’s mechanics until he
boatmen. The life-boat herself was had seven. They were : Mr. J. A.
away at a shipyard being overhauled. Black, district engineer for the east
They went to Lowestoft, then to Har- coast ; Mr. J. Hepper, district engineer
wich and then to Ramsgate. At for the south coast; Mr. P. James,
Ramsgate there was a call for volun- travelling mechanic for the east coast ;
teers to sail on a secret mission across Mr. C. P. Cavell, motor-mechanic of the
the Channel.. Among those who vol- Walmer life-boat ; Mr. C. R. T. Stock,
unteered was the coxswain of the motor-mechanic of the Dover life-boat, ;
Wells life-boat. He was a Dane by Mr, H. Lister, reserve motor-mechanic
birth, and his birthplace had become of the Dover life-boat ; and Mr. C. C.
a base for German seaplanes. He was Foster, reserve motor-mechanic. Com-
ready for any adventure. Four of the mander Upton could call also on ship-
boats were chosen for the mission, but wrights and divers from the naval dock-
they were small to go overseas, open yard as he needed them. Yet more
boats not more than 25 feet long. helpers came unexpectedly, for on the
Each had a small motor and a dipping Saturday morning the Brixham fishing
lugsail. They were sent first to Dover, fleet arrived after a journey of 230 miles
and the coxswain, who had set out up Channel. It arrived only to find that
from Wells a simple fisherman, arrived its boats drew too much water and
there still wearing his life-boat cox- would be useless on the beaches, but
swain’s cap, but now armed with rifle among the crews were several men of
and revolver and declaring that he was the Torbay life-boat and they were
going to fight those Germans. The added to the repairing party.
boat was in charge of an ex-captain of As the shelling and bombing at Dun-
the Indian Army. Two naval gunners kirk increased the beaches had be-
had been added to her crew. She come more and more hazardous by
carried a twin Lewis gun, a bucket of day, and about seven in the morning
hand grenades and a gallon of rum. the small boats that had been working
A naval ship towed her and the three on them all night began to arrive at
other fishing boats from Dover along the Dover for food, fuel, repair and rest.
coast to Dungeness, and from there, They were towed by the trawlers and
by night, across the Channel. Near drifters bringing their loads of troops.
the French coast she gave them their At once they were taken over by the
orders. They were to wait off shore repairing party, and their crews went
for a signal. They were to wait for to sleep. They slept in the sheds.
one hour. If the signal were made They slept on the open quays. They
they must sail in and pick up whoever even dropped asleep in the boats, and
was there. Should they run aground there they continued to sleep, undis-
when close to the shore and not be able turbed by the work which went on
to get off, they were to land, taking round and over them. It took on
their guns with them, and hide in the an average one hour to test and repair
sand-dunes. Then the destroyer left the engines of each boat. The most
them and they waited in great expec- frequent cause of their failure was
 SERVICES 1940 79

ropes and the clothing and web equip- W. Richardson, the honorary secretary
ment of soldiers wrapped round their of the station.
propeller Until it could be arranged At seven in the morning of the 31st of
for divers to go down or for the boats May, a message was received from the
to be lifted out of the water, the naval authorities that two drifters,
repairing party cut the ropes and which were loaded with troops, had
clothing away with a sheath-knife grounded on the North Goodwins. A
fastener. to a broom-handle. light westerly breeze was blowing, with
So the work went on from the first a slight sea. At 7.40 the life-boat was
arrivals at seven in the morning until launched. She found the drifters
ten at night. The repairing party did under way with a tug in attendance.
not leave the dock, and the Navy On her way back she was hailed by a
brought them bread and butter and French destroyer and brought ashore
tinned beef, which they ate in relays from her three seriously wounded men.
at the dockside, so that all day the She returned to her station at 2.30
work never stopped. By dusk all the that afternoon. - Rewards, £4 7s. 6d.
boats which had come in that day were At six in the evening of the 2nd of
ready to sail again, but had it been June, a message was received from the
necessary the work would have gone Leathercoat Point coastguard that the
on all night, One of the mechanics, Swedish steamer Emma had been in
when he arrived, had asked if he should collision with a French steamer two
look for lodgings or if he would be miles east-north-east of Leathercoat,
working night and day. The party and was listing heavily. An easterly
had started their work on the Friday breeze was blowing, with a slight sea.
evening By the Tuesday it was At 6.30 the life-boat was launched, and
finished ; the last ship had left Dun- found the Emma sinking. She rescued
kirk Three days later the admiral six members of the crew of the steamer
commanding at Dover wrote to Com- Andebec, who had been put on board to
mander Upton of his deep gratitude to fix a wire, as the Emma sank. The
him and his men for their invaluable crew of the Emma, 17 in number, had
advice and help ; and on the Tuesday already been rescued by the steamer
morning the second in command of Hebi and they were transferred to the
the small boats had said goodbye to life-boat. She then saw a disabled
them in an exquisitely English phrase. motor boat drifting towards the
“ I hope,” he said, “ to have you with Goodwin Sands. She went alongside
me at my next evacuation.” and found fifteen British soldiers on
The Committee of Management ex- board. They were exhausted. She
pressed their high appreciation of the brought them to Dover. The life-boat
able manner in which Captain E. S. returned to her station at midnight. -
Carver, R.D., R.N.R., chief inspector Rewards, £7 17s. 6d.
of life-boats, acted in this emergency. At 1.15 in the morning of the 5th
of June, a message was received from
the Ramsgate coastguard that the
O THER S ERVICES B Y THE D OVER , hospital ship St. Andrew had reported
RAMSGATE, MARGATE AND DUNGENESS an open boat loaded with French
LI F E - B O A T S , soldiers in distress two miles east - north -
east of St. Margaret’s Bay. A gentle
D OVER easterly breeze was blowing, with a
slight sea. At 2.30 the life-boat was
Three times during the evacuation, launched, and found the boat, four
the reserve life-boat Agnes Cross - miles north-east of Leathercoat Point,
which was on temporary duty at with fifteen French soldiers on board,
Dover while the Dover life-boat was They had been rowing from Dunkirk
being overhauled - went to the help of since the previous day and all were
troops coming across from Dunkirk, and exhausted. The life-boat took them on
for these three services a special letter board and returned to her station at
of appreciation was sent to the crew of six that morning. - Partly permanent
the Dover life-boat and to Dr. J. R. paid crew ; Rewards, £5.
80 SERVICES 1940

RAMSGATE AND MARGATE Southborough (Civil Service No. 1) was

Both lifeboats, after returning from launched, and found that boats from
Dunkirk, carried out services. destroyers and other vessels had just
At six in the morning of the 2nd of picked up the last of the survivors of a
June, a message was received from the French warship. She towed several of
naval base at Ramsgate that an aero- these boats to their ships. Four of
plane had come down on the Goodwin them, belonging to the steamer King
Sands south-east of Manston. A light George V, she towed at the request of
southerly breeze was blowing and their crews to Margate. The fog was
the sea was smooth. The Ramsgate now very dense, and as she approached
motor life-boat Prudential was Margate, a torpedo boat, loaded with
launched, but when she was outside the troops, loomed into sight. She was
harbour she was recalled, as news had heading straight for some rocks. The
come that an R.A.F. speed boat was life-boat was able to warn her just in
going to the help of the aeroplane. time. After she had taken the King
The life-boat then helped to bring George V’s boats to Margate pier, she
seriously wounded men ashore from took their crews out to their steamer.
vessels lying in the roads. She returned Her captain then asked the life-boat to
to her station at nine o’clock - Rewards, bring out a doctor, morphia, stretchers
£4 10s. 6d. and splints. This done, the life-boat
went to H.M.S. Leda, which was filled
At 11.15 on the night of the 4th of with troops, took off sixty-five French
June, a message was received from the sailors, who had been rescued from
Ramsgate coastguard that a vessel was the mined warship, and landed them.
aground at South Calliper. A light The life-boat then returned to her
north-east breeze was blowing, with a station at 11.35. At 12.30, at the
moderate sea. At 11.45 the Ramsgate request of the naval authorities, she
life-boat Prudential was launched and again went to sea, with a naval officer
found a Clan liner at anchor, waiting on board, and visited vessels anchored
off the harbour to leave instructions for
for a pilot. The steamer had seen flares
them. She then returned to her station
nearby, and the life-boat searched until
daybreak, when she found two small at two that afternoon. - Rewards,
boats. One was a motor boat, the other £6 4s. ; £3 2s. 6d.
a ship’s boat, which she was towing.
They were barely making headway. D UNGENESS
Both were loaded with French soldiers, This life-boat performed the final
and had left Dunkirk at six o’clock the service to the men of Dunkirk.
previous morning. There were sixty- At 6.10 in the evening of the 10th of
eight of them, and they had been with- June, a message was received from the
out food or water for about twenty-two Royal Naval Shore Signal Station that
hours. None of them knew anything of three British soldiers had just rowed
the sea, but they had managed to get in a small boat to the lightship, and
the engines of the motor boat running. wished to be landed. A light, south-
The life-boat took them on board, cast west breeze was blowing and the sea
the ship’s boat adrift, and, with the was smooth. It was foggy. At 6.19
motor boat in tow, returned to Rams- the motor life-boat Charles Cooper
gate. She was back at her station Henderson was launched, went to
at 6.20 next morning. - Rewards, the lightship, and took the men on
£9 16s. 6d. board. They were soldiers who had
escaped from France. They were only
At 6.14 in the morning of the 4th of partly clothed and were very tired.
June, a message was received from the The police were waiting with a taxi for
Margate coastguard that a vessel had them when the life-boat returned to
been mined five miles east-north-east of her station at 8.20. - Rewards,
Foreness. A light north-east breeze £16 5s. 6d.
was blowing, and the sea was smooth,
but there was dense fog, At 6.25 the M AY 31 ST . - DOVER, KENT. The life-
Margate motor life-boat The Lord boat landed wounded men from a French
 SERVICES 1940 81
destroyer. For details see “ Evacuation of M A Y 2 4 T H . - STROMNESS, ORKNEYS.
Men of the British Expeditionary Force and A vessel was reported to be making distress
the French Army from Dunkirk,” page 79. signals on her siren, but the life-boat’s help
was not needed. - Rewards, £16 7s.
The following life-boats were launched, but
no services were rendered for the reasons M A Y 2 5 T H . - NEW BRIGHTON, CHE-
given SHIRE. A barge had been reported sunk
after collision, but nothing was found, and it
MAY 2 ND . - DUNBAR, EAST LOTHIAN. was later learned that the barge had been
A small boat had been reported a mile away beached. - Rewards, £11 10s. 6d.
but it was found to be a large tree root. -
Rewards. £9 1s.
MAY 25TH. - DUN LAOGHAIRE, CO.
DUBLIN. A two-seater canoe had been
M AY 6 TH . - BERWICK - ON - TWEED, reported overdue but nothing could be found.
NORTHUMBERLAND. An object drifting - Rewards, £9 13s.
off shore was thought to be a boat, but was
found to be wreckage. - Rewards, £5 l4s.
M A Y 2 6 T H . - CROMER, NORFOLK. It
MAY 8TH, - BUCKIE, BANFFSHIRE. had been reported that an aeroplane had
Red and white rockets had been reported, fallen into the sea about two miles north of
but no vessel in distress was found. - Cromer lighthouse, but the life-boat was
Rewards, £7 16s. recalled when it was later learned that the
aeroplane had come down 100 miles from
Cromer. - Rewards, £17 8s.
MAY 10TH. - THE HUMBER, YORK-
SHIRE. A steamer had struck a mine, but
the eight survivors of her crew of fourteen MAY 26TH. - HYTHE, KENT. A small
were landed by two boats which had put out rubber boat with three men on board had
from Withernsea. - Paid permanent crew. been reported adrift off Dymchurch, but all
that could be found was a large case. -
M A Y 1 0 T H . - BOULMER, NORTHUM- Rewards, £10 10s. 6d.
BERLAND. Distress signals on a vessel’s
siren had been heard, but nothing could be MAY 26TH. - NEW BRIGHTON, CHE-
found. - Rewards. £12 3s. SHIRE. A yacht had been reported cap-
sized, but she had been safely beached. -
MAY 12 TH . SOUTHEND - ON - SEA, ES- Rewards, £4 17s. 6d.
SEX An aeroplane had been reported down
in the sea, but nothing could be found. - M AY 26 TH . - RAMSGATE, KENT. It had
Rewards. £7 10s. been reported that an aeroplane had come
down into the sea, but the life-boat’s help
MAY 17 TH . - GREAT YARMOUTH AND was not needed. - Rewards, £9 1s.
GORLESTON, NORFOLK. An aircraft
had been reported down in the sea, but MAY 27TH. - THURSO, CAITHNESS-
nothing could be found. - Rewards, £6 13s. SHIRE. It had been reported that an aero-
plane had crashed in the sea, but nothing
M A Y 1 8 T H . - BRIDLINGTON, YORK- was found. - Rewards, £5 3s. 6d.
SHIRE. Flares and explosions had been
reported, but nothing was found. - Rewards, MAY 28TH. - DOVER, KENT. It had
£14 5s been reported that two aeroplanes were down
in the sea, but nothing was found. - Rewards,
M A Y 1 9 T H . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR, £2 10s.
SUSSEX. A fishing boat from Worthing
had not returned when expected. Her engine MAY 28 TH . - WALMER, KENT. A French
had broken down, but she made port unaided. motor torpedo boat had struck a submerged
- Rewards, £5 2s. 6d. wreck, but a naval drifter had gone to her
help. - Rewards, £19 7s.
M A Y 2 0 T H . - EASTBOURNE, SUSSEX.
Distress signals had been reported, but M A Y 2 8 T H . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR,
nothing could be found. - Rewards, £15 19s. SUSSEX. A raft with people on board had
been reported three miles south of the pier,
MAY 20TH. - SELSEY, SUSSEX. A but it was found to be a hatch with five gulls
bomber aeroplane had been seen to fall into perched on it. - Rewards, £5 2s. 6d.
the sea, but only wreckage was found. -
Rewards, £7 8s. 6d. M AY 28 TH . - BARRY DOCK, GLAMOR-
GANSHIRE ; ILFRACOMBE, DEVON ;
MAY 23RD. - FLEETWOOD, LANCA- LYNMOUTH, DEVON ; AND MINEHEAD,
SHIRE. An aeroplane which had left SOMERSET. A large steamer had caught
Belfast at 10.40 A.M. was reported to be over- fire and had sunk after an explosion, but the
due, and an unidentified object had been seen crew were rescued by patrol vessels. - Re-
about a mile west of Rossall Shooting Range, wards : Barry Dock, £3 14s. 6d. ; Ilfracombe,
but nothing was found. - Rewards, £14 14s £8 1s. 6d. ; Lynmouth, £13 2s. 6d. ; Minehead,
9d. £5 13s. 6d.
82 SERVICES 1940

MAY 28TH. - RAMSGATE, KENT. On JUNE 4TH. - MARGATE, KENT, The

the instructions of the naval authorities the life-boat rendered assistance after a French
life-boat went to an allotted berth, ready if warship had been mined, and landed sixty
necessary to help in the landing of refugees five French sailors who had been rescued by
from vessels which were expected, but her another ship. Later she went out again, with
help was not needed. - Rewards, £5 3s. a naval officer on board, and visited vessels
anchored off the harbour.
MAY 29TH. - RAMSGATE, KENT. A For details see “ Evacuation of Men of the
Hurricane fighter aeroplane was reported to British Expeditionary Force and the French
have come down in the sea off Ramsgate, but Army from Dunkirk,” page 80.
the life-boat was recalled when news came
that it had been found off Dover. - Rewards, J UNE 4 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT. The
£5 3s. life-boat rescued sixty-eight French soldiers
from two boats.
MAY 29TH. - MARGATE, KENT. An For details see “ Evacuation of Men of the
aeroplane had been reported down in the sea British Expeditionary Force and the French
two miles N.E. of Broadstairs, but the life- Army from Dunkirk,” page 80.
boat could find nothing, and later it was
learned that the crew had been rescued.- J UNE 5 T H . - DOVER, KENT. The life-
Rewards, £5 11s. 6d. boat rescued fifteen French soldiers from an
open boat.
M A Y 2 9 T H . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR, For details see “ Evacuation of Men of the
SUSSEX. An aeroplane had been reported British Expeditionary Force and the French
down in the sea S. by E. of Shoreham Har- Army from Dunkirk,” page 79.
bour, but nothing could be found. - Rewards,
£5 2s. 6d. JUNE 6TH. - RAMSGATE, KENT. At
11.53 A.M. a message was received from the
MAY 3lST. - MARGATE, KENT. An Ramsgate coastguard that a vessel was on fire
aeroplane had been reported down in the sea, in the Gull Stream abreast of the coastguard
three miles south-east of Ramsgate, but the station. A light north-east breeze was
life-boat found nothing. - Rewards, £12 18s. blowing, with a slight sea. At noon the
motor life-boat Prudential was launched and
found that the S.S. Harcola, which had been
June leading a north-bound convoy, had struck a
Launches 67. Lives rescued 178. magnetic mine and had sunk in the Gull
channel. Twenty-two survivors, who had
JUNE 2ND. - RAMSGATE, KENT. The been picked up by various small vessels,
life-boat helped in bringing wounded men were transferred to the life-boat, which
ashore from a vessel. landed them at Ramsgate. She then re-
For details see “ Evacuation of Men of the turned to the Harcola and rescued the master
British Expeditionary Force and the French and eight other officers, naval ratings and a
Army from Dunkirk,” page 80. Trinity House pilot. The life-boat returned
to her station at 4.55 P.M. - Rewards, £4 10s.
J UNE 2 N D . - DOVER, KENT. The life- 6d.
boat rescued twenty-three men from the
Swedish steamer Emma and fifteen. British J UNE 6 TH. - TYNEMOUTH, NORTHUM-
soldiers from a disabled motor boat. BERLAND. At 5.32 P . M . the South Shields
For details see “ Evacuation of Men of the coastguard reported that three boys were
British Expeditionary Force and the French marooned on rocks. The tide was half
Army from Dunkirk,” page 79. flood, and the weather fine, with a slight sea.
A motor boat in charge of the acting cox-
JUNE 4TH. - BEMBRIDGE, ISLE OF swain was immediately sent out and the
WIGHT, AND SELSEY, SUSSEX. At 1.15 motor life-boat John Pyemont followed at
A . M . a message was received at Bembridge 6.5 P .M. with the honorary secretary, Mr. E.
from the Foreland coastguard, that an aero- Selby Davidson, on board. The boys were
plane had come down in the sea south-west of rescued by the motor boat and transferred to
the coastguard hut at Hayling Island. A the life-boat, which then took the motor boat
south-east wind was blowing, with a moderate in tow. Forty minutes after putting out the
sea. At 1.30 A . M . the motor life-boat Jesse life-boat landed the boys at Tyne Dock.-
Lumb was launched, and close inshore found Rewards, £3 9S.
four men in a rubber boat. One was injured.
Their aeroplane had sunk. She took them on J UNE 9 TH. - MARGATE, KENT. At 12.27
board, and after permission had been given by P.M. a message was received from the
the examination vessel, landed them at Haslar Margate coastguard that a vessel had been
Hospital, Gosport. She returned to her mined at the N.E. Spit Buoy. It was calm
station at 5.45 A.M. At Selsey news was and the sea smooth. At 12.30 P .M. the motor
received from the coastguard at 1.20 A . M . life-boat The Lord Southborough (Civil Service
that the aeroplane was down. At 1.40 A.M. No. 1 ) was launched and on her way met the
the motor life-boat Canadian Pacific was motor vessel Brabant, which hailed her. She
launched, but she was recalled when it was went alongside and found that the vessel
learned that the Bembridge life-boat had which had been mined was the steamer
rescued the men. - Rewards, Bembridge, £10 Empire Commerce, and that seventeen sur-
11s. ; Selsey, £11 15s. vivors, three badly injured, were on board
 SERVICES 1940 83

the Brabant. She took them on board, re- JUNE 13TH. - WEYMOUTH, DORSET,
turned at once to Margate and landed them At 7.50 A.M. a message was received from the
at 1.15 P . M . Half-an-hour later she was coastguard that the oil tanker British
again on her way to the Empire Commerce, Inventor, of London, 7,000 tons, had been
part of whose crew was still on board. She torpedoed or mined near the Shambles Light-
found, however, that further help by the life- vessel and was sinking. The weather was
boat was not needed as the tug Plumer and very fine and the sea calm. At 8.10 A.M. the
two drifters were standing by. At the motor life-boat William and Clara Ryland was
request of the master of the Plumer she took launched, the branch honorary treasurer,
in tow an empty barge and brought it into Mr. K. H. Mooring Aldridge, acting as assistant
Margate Roads, returning to her station at motor-mechanic. On reaching the British
4.30. P.M. - Rewards, £5 15s. 6d. (See Inventor she found that an armed yacht had
Margate “ Services by Shore-boats,” pp. 146). already taken off twenty-five of the crew,
eight of them injured. The remainder. fif-
J UNE 10 TH . - DUNGENESS, KENT. The teen in number, including the master, officers
life-boat landed three British soldiers from a and engineers, the life-boat took off. She
lightship. then stood by the steamer until she was
For details see “ Evacuation of Men of the taken in tow by two Admiralty tugs, but
British Expeditionary Force and the French before reaching harbour the steamer foun-
Army from Dunkirk,” page 80. dered at 1.30 P . M . An increase in the usual
money awards on the standard scale was
J UNE 11 TH . - NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX. At made to each member of the crew. - Standard
12.50 P .M. the coastguard reported a vessel rewards, £3 2s. 6d. ; additional rewards to
sinking and men on a raft drifting out to sea, crew, £3 ; total rewards, £6 2s. 6d.
east of Seaford. The weather was calm. At
1.5 P .M. the motor life-boat Cecil and Lilian J UNE 13 TH. - NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX. At
Philpott was launched and found the vessel to 7.45 P.M. a violent explosion was heard off the
be the motor vessel St. Ronaig, of Glasgow. harbour. It was the minesweeper Ocean Sun-
She had a crew of eight and was bound with light which had struck a mine. The weather
potatoes from Jersey for Newhaven. She was fine, with a calm sea and a slight S.W.
was thought, to have struck a mine. A naval wind. At 7.57 P .M. the motor life-boat Cecil
vessel commanded by Lieut. Commander H. and Lilian Philpott was launched, but her help
L. Wheeler, R.N., the Institution’s southern was not needed, as H.M.S. Forward had
district inspector of life-boats, had picked up picked up five survivors of the crew of four-
a body and the life-boat brought this and teen. At the request of the senior naval
another body ashore The Southern Railway officer the life-boat salved gear from the
tug Richmere rescued four men who were minesweeper and brought it in. - Rewards,
injured Nothing was seen of the other two £8 11s. 6d.
members of the crew. The life-boat returned
to her station at 4 P.M. - Rewards, £5 19s. JUNE 16TH. CROMER, NORFOLK. At
7.48 A . M . a message was received from the
J UNE 1 1 T H . - DOVER, KENT. At 4.25 coastguard that the S.S. Brika, of Swansea,
P.M . a message was received from the duty was ashore on the Haisborough Sands. A
staff officer at Dover that a boat was drifting N.N.E. breeze was blowing, with a light sea.
four miles off the Port War Signal Station, It was foggy. At 8.5 A.M. the motor life-boat
and might have people on board. A fresh J. B. Proudfoot, on temporary duty at the
W.S.W. wind was blowing, with a moderate No. 1 station, was launched and found the
sea At 4.45 P . M . the motor life-boat Agnes Brika, 7,000 tons, loaded with iron ore,
Cross, on temporary service at Dover, was stranded a mile east of the North Middle
launched, and saw the boat picked up by one Haisborough Buoy. The life-boat coxswain
of H.M. trawlers. She went alongside and went on board her. The Admiralty tug
found that the boat was the cabin cruiser Muria arrived, and the life-boat passed a
Matilda, which had been drifting with no one rope from her to the Brika. The tug started
on board. She took over the Matilda from to tow at 2.45 P.M . and the Brika refloated
the trawler and towed her into Dover.- and was able to go on her way. The life-boat
Rewards, £4 15s. coxswain remained on board her during the
whole of the operations, advising the captain
JUNE 12 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT. At when the tow should begin and the direction
8.44 A . M . the North Goodwin Light-vessel to be followed in order to refloat the steamer.
reported that a vessel had struck a mine one The life-boat returned to her station at 5.30
and a half miles to the N.W. A light P.M. - Property salvage case.
southerly breeze was blowing and the sea was
calm, At 8.55 A.M. the motor life-boat J UNE 17 TH. - GREAT YARMOUTH AND
Prudential was launched and found that the GORLESTON, NORFOLK. At 9.45 A.M. on
vessel was the Belgian steamer Yvonne. She the 16th June, a vessel in the Barley Picle was
had already sunk. Two of her crew had been flying the “ Not under control ” signal. She
picked up by H.M.S. Arley and landed by was kept under observation. At noon a tug
naval motor boat. No trace of further sur- went out but found that the vessel, the motor
vivors could be found, but the life-boat found vessel Summity, of London, bound for Yar-
and brought ashore two mangled bodies. She mouth with coals, did not need help although
returned to her station at 10.55 A.M . - Re- she was aground. A light N.N.E. wind was
wards. £2 13s. then blowing, with a moderate sea. At 10
84 SERVICES 1940
P.M. the wind was increasing, but the motor Lybster fishing boat Ferny had already got
life-boat Louise Stephens could not go out as the aeroplane in tow. Accompanied by the
the port was closed. When the boom had life-boat, the fishing boat towed it into Wick
been lowered, she put out at 3.45 A.M. on the Harbour, which was reached at 9 P . M . -
17th June and, with the help of the life-boat Rewards, £6 17s. 6d.
and of a sister ship, Grit, the Summity was
refloated at 7 A . M . The life-boat escorted JUNE 23RD. - ST. PETER PORT,
her into Yarmouth Roads and was ready for GUERNSEY. At 1 P . M . the harbour master
service again at 8.52 A.M. - Rewards, £17 1s. telephoned to the coxswain asking for the life-
boat to go to Alderney to take off six people,
J UNE 18 TH . - DOVER, KENT. At 2 P . M . two of whom were injured and would have to
information was received through the coast- travel on stretchers. This was a part of the
guard that a naval cabin cruiser appeared to general evacuation of people from Alderney
be in need of help about three miles from when, after the fall of France. it was im-
Sandgate. A moderate E.N.E. gale was possible to defend the Channel Islands
blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life- against attack by Germany. The weather
boat Agnes Cross, on temporary duty at the was fine, with a moderate N.E. wind, but
station, put out at 2.30 P .M., and at 3.45 P .M. there was a rough sea in the tideways. At
found H.M. auxiliary Dulcibella, with a crew 1.45 P.M . the reserve motor life-boat, Alfred
of four. Her engine had broken down. The and Clara Heath, on temporary duty at the
life-boat towed her in, arriving at 7.30 P .M.- station. was launched, and reached Alderney
Partly paid permanent crew. Rewards, £4 at 6 P.M. She left again with the six people
15s. at 11.15 P.M., but the sea was so rough that she
had to return to Alderney, arriving half an
J UNE 2 0 T H . - DUNGENESS, KENT. At hour after midnight. At 3.45 in the morning
2.55 A.M. information was received from the she set out again and reached St. Peter Port
Dover naval authorities that a torpedoed at 7 A.M. The Rewards, amounting to £11
steamer was lying helpless two miles east of 3s., were not paid at the time, for the Germans
Dungeness. A fresh E.N.E. wind was occupied the Channel Islands a few days later,
blowing, with a choppy sea. At 3.15 A . M . and the Institution’s cheque was returned by
the motor life-boat Charles Cooper Henderson the Post Office. A new cheque was sent in
was launched and found the steamer Rose- 1945.
burn, of West Hartlepool, bound with wood
from Canada to London, sinking slowly. JUNE 25TH. - TORBAY, DEVON. At
Some of her crew, who were in a ship’s boat, 7.13 P . M . a message was received from the
were taken into the life-boat. Another of Berry Head coastguard that a small boat,
the steamer’s boats was missing, but this was with two people on board, appeared to be in
found later to have been picked up by an distress 2 miles S.W. by S. of the Torquay
Admiralty drifter and taken to Dover. A coastguard look-out hut. A W.N.W. breeze
tug attempted to tow the Roseburn to Dover, was blowing, with a moderate sea. At 7.30
but she had to be beached at Dengemarsh P . M . the motor life-boat George Shee was
and the life-boat remained alongside. She launched. She found the boat, which was
landed an injured man, and at 1.30 P .M. put the yacht Elsie, of Torquay, but with great
nine more of the steamer’s crew ashore. As difficulty, as it had capsized and was floating
a tug had arrived and was standing by the with its keel level with the water, and rescued
stranded steamer, which still had some of her a woman who was only half conscious. Later
crew on board, the life-boat returned to her it was learned that the other occupant of the
station, arriving at 2 P . M . - Rewards, £30 boat, a man, had attempted to swim ashore
12s. to get help, but had been drowned. The life-
boat returned to her station at 9.59 P . M .-
J UNE 2 1 S T . - MINEHEAD, SOMERSET. Rewards, £4 19s.
At 8.26 A . M . the coastguard reported that a
ship’s boat was drifting down channel six J UNE 26 TH. - HOLY ISLAND, NORTH-
miles north of Hurlstone Point. A fresh UMBERLAND. At 3.25 P . M . information
easterly breeze was blowing, with a moderate was received from the coastguard that a
sea. The motor life-boat Kate Greatorex put steamer was ashore on Swadman Reef. The
out at 8.49 P . M ., and picked up the boat, weather was fine, with a light S.E. wind, and
which was empty, covered with oil, and the sea was smooth. The motor life-boat
apparently belonged to the S.S. James McGee, Elizabeth Newton, on temporary duty at the
of Wilmington, U.S.A. The life-boat towed station, was launched at 3.44 P .M. She found
it in, arriving at 12.30 P.M . - Property salvage that the vessel on the reef was the Grimsby
case. steam trawler Helios, with a crew of nine,
bound from the fishing grounds for Grimsby.
JUNE 21ST. - WICK, CAITHNESS- The tide was rising and the life-boat stood by
SHIRE. Shortly after 6 P . M . the coastguard until the Helios refloated and was able to go
reported that an R.A.F. seaplane was on the on her way. The life-boat returned to her
sea one and a half miles east of Occumster, station at 5.53 P.M. - Rewards, £4 13s. 6d.
and was drifting, with her engines stopped,
towards Clythness. A fresh S.S.W. breeze J UNE 2 7 T H . - DUNGENESS, KENT. At
was blowing, with a moderate sea. The 12.27 P .M. a message was received from the
motor life-boat City of Edinburgh was Sandgate coastguard that a Hurricane
launched at 6.20 P . M . and found that the fighter aeroplane had come down in the sea
 SERVICES 1940 85

about six miles S.S.W. of Dungeness. A light house, but nothing was found. - Rewards,
westerly breeze was blowing and the sea was £13 14s.
smooth. At 12.50 P . M . the motor life-boat
Charles Cooper Henderson was launched with JUNE 3RD. - BEMBRIDGE, ISLE OF
a scratch crew, most of the regular crew being WIGHT. It had been reported that two of the
away fishing. Women helped to launch her, crew of three of an aeroplane had left their
When the life-boat reached the position given machine by parachute, three miles south of
there was no sign of the aeroplane and she the watch-house, but a piece of parachute
continued her search to the south. Two was all that could be found. News was
aeroplanes then appeared and led the life- received later that the aeroplane had been
boat to a position 15 miles S.S.W. of Dunge- found and that the pilot was safe. - Rewards,
ness. Here she found an airman, unconscious, £9 6s.
but with his head and shoulders above water
One of the life-boat crew jumped overboard JUNE 3RD. - CROMER, NORFOLK. A
and put a rope round him and he was got on vessel had been reported ashore on the Hais-
board the life-boat The crew gave him borough Sands, but she refloated and went on
artificial respiration and this was continued her way. - Rewards, £26 2s.
for twenty minutes when one of H.M. speed-
boats came alongside, and the rescued man JUNE 3RD. - DOVER, KENT. A small
was transferred to it and taken to Dover. boat was reported to have broken down, it was
The life-boat then returned to her station, believed, with troops from Dunkirk on board,
arriving at 5 P.M. - Rewards, £8 1s. 6d. but nothing could be found. - Rewards, £3
15s.
J UNE 28 TH . - ARKLOW, CO. WICKLOW.
At 2.30 P . M . information was received that JUNE 5TH. - MARGATE, KENT. Six
the fishing boat Venturer, of Arklow, was in white rockets had been seen by the Barrow
distress in Courtown Bay. A southerly wind Deep Light-vessel, but no vessel in distress
was blowing, with a rough sea. At 3 P . M . could be found. - Rewards, £18 12s.
the motor life-boat Inbhear Mor was launched
and found that the Venturer’s engine had bro- J UNE 7 TH . - WALMER, KENT. At 10.28
ken down. She had no sails and had drifted P .M. a message was received at the life-boat-
about seven miles when the life-boat reached house from the Royal Engineers Signals at
her. There were two men on board, who Princes Golf Club, that a vessel near there was
were taken into the life-boat, and with the showing flares, and at 10.45 P . M . another
Venturer in tow the life-boat returned to message came from the coastguard that a
Arklow, arriving at 6 P . M . - Rewards, £5 vessel was ashore near Shellness. There was
3s. 6d. thick fog, with a light W. breeze and a smooth
sea. At 11 P.M. the motor life-boat Charles
JUNE 30TH. - THURSO, CAITHNESS- Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2) was launched and
SHIRE At 5.35 P.M. a message was searched along the coast to Princes Club.
received from the Wick coastguard that an Soon after she put out an air-raid started.
auxiliary fishing boat was in distress six miles She was caught in the beam of a searchlight
E.N.E. of Dunnet Head. The wind was and was immediately machine-gunned by
light and variable and the sea smooth. At enemy aircraft. Fortunately none of the life-
5 . 4 5 P . M . the motor life-boat H.C.J. was boat’s crew was hit. The life-boat con-
launched and found the fishing boat tinued her search but could find nothing and
Flora Dora, of Grimsby, with her engines returned to her station at 1.45 A . M . - Re-
broken down. A patrol boat had got her in wards, £13 7s.
tow and took her into Scrabster Harbour.
The life-boat escorted them and returned to J UNE 7 TH. - ARRANMORE, CO. DONE-
her station at 9.10 P.M. - Rewards, £12 5s. 6d. GAL. A merchant ship had been reported
mined and torpedoed and sinking rapidly,
The following life-boats were launched, but but other vessels had gone to her help and the
no services were rendered for the reasons life-boat found that she was not needed.
given, While the life-boat was on her way, the pilot
of an aeroplane saw her, did not know that
J UNE . 1 S T , WICK. CAITHNESS-SHIRE. she was steering to a given position, thought
An explosion had been heard on board she must be out in her reckoning, and dropped
H.M.S. Astronomer, thirty miles away, but a message in a bottle asking if she was all right
the life-boat found nothing, and it was learnt or if she wanted her position and her course
later that the survivors had been picked up to the next life-boat station. He asked her
by trawlers. - Rewards, £13 6s. to reply by flags. Then, not being certain if
the message had been received, he dropped a
JUNE 2ND. - THE HUMBER, YORK- second bottle asking “ Did you get our first
SHIRE. An aeroplane had come down in bottle ? ” and giving the life-boat her latitude
the sea, one mile E.N.E. of Easington, but and longitude. The crew did not need them
the life-boat’s help was not needed.- but they were very grateful. - Rewards, £9.
Permanent paid crew.
JUNE 7TH. - THE HUMBER, YORK-
JUNE 3RD. - BLACKPOOL, LANCA- SHIRE. Seven soldiers had gone fishing in
SHIRE. An aeroplane had been reported a small boat. There was a dense fog.
down in the sea six miles S.W. of the life-boat Nothing was found, and it was learned later
86 SERVICES 1940
that the men had been picked up by a find nothing. It was thought to be a vessel
trawler. An aeroplane was also reported to taking part in the evacuation of the British
have come down in the sea near Kilnsea, but Expeditionary Force from St. Malo, and
nothing was found. - Permanent paid crew. possibly other vessels rescued the survivors.
Rewards, 6s. The honorary secretary, coxswain and other
members of the crew were away from the
J UNE 8 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. A rub- station, engaged in the work of the evacuation
ber boat, with one person on board, had been from St. Malo, and the bowman acted as cox-
seen four miles to the north of Foreness, but swain.
nothing was found except an empty case and On the morning of the 19th of June a local
some small pieces of wreckage. - Rewards, £4 vessel which had gone to help in the evacua-
19s. tion from St.. Malo was long overdue. and the
life-boat went, to look for her, but the missing
J UNE 9 T H . - WALMER, KENT. Distress vessel was brought in by a Belgian steamer.
signals had been seen four miles N.E. of the A cheque amounting to £15 11s. 6d. for
coastguard station, but nothing was found, rewards for these two launches was sent, but
nor had three vessels which the life-boat spoke it was returned by the Post Office, as the
seen any signals. - Rewards, £13 1s. Germans had then occupied the Channel
Islands. In 1945 a new cheque was sent, but
JUNE 9TH. - DOVER, KENT. Informa- the station was then able to pay out only £10
tion had been received that what appeared to 15s. 6d. of the rewards.
be a rubber boat was adrift, but nothing was
found, except some wreckage. - Rewards, £8 J UNE 1 9 T H . - THURSO, CAITHNESS-
15s. SHIRE. Two men had been cut off by the
tide, but they reached safety unaided.-
JUNE 9TH. - HASTINGS, SUSSEX. A Rewards, £9 11s.
small pleasure boat had been reported over-
due, but was found abandoned on the rocks, J UNE 1 9 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. Red
east of Hastings. - Rewards, £23 7s. 9d. flares had been seen four miles N.N.E. of
Foreness Point, but nothing could be found.
J UNE 10 TH. - HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY. -Rewards, £12 8s.
An aeroplane had been reported down off
Rhoscolyn, but nothing could be found.- J UNE 2 0 T H . - NORTH SUNDERLAND,
Rewards, £5 14s. NORTHUMBERLAND. An aeroplane had
been reported down in the sea, S.E. of Bead-
JUNE 12TH. - POOLE AND BOURNE- nell, but nothing was found. - Rewards, £15
MOUTH. DORSET. The Dutch motor 3s. 6d.
vessel Prinses Juliana had been blown up,
but the survivors had been picked up by a J UNE 20 TH . - HARTLEPOOL, DURHAM.
pilot boat. - Rewards, £4 4s. The coastguard had reported some wreckage,
thought to he an aeroplane or a submarine,
J UNE 13 TH . - BARRA ISLAND, HEBRI- several miles east of Horden, but nothing was
DES. A drifting ship’s boat had been found. - Rewards, £4 19s. 6d.
reported eighty-four miles west of Greenhead,
Isle of Barra, but nothing was found.- J UNE 20 TH. - GREAT YARMOUTH AND
Rewards, £18 14s. GORLESTON, NORFOLK. An aeroplane
had been reported down in the sea twelve
J UNE 1 3 T H . - SWANAGE, DORSET. A miles east of Yarmouth, but nothing was
small vessel was on fire, but she had burnt found. - Rewards, £7 13s. 6d.
to the water's edge. As she might continue to
burn in the darkness, or become a danger to J UNE 20 TH . - HASTINGS, SUSSEX. An
navigation, she was sunk by the life-boat.- aeroplane had come down in the sea but small
Rewards, £18 10s. boats gave all the help needed. - Rewards,
£20 5s. 9d. (See Hastings “ Services by Shore-
J UNE 1 5 T H . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR, boats,” page 146.)
AND NEWHAVEN. SUSSEX. An aeroplane
had been reported down in the sea to the east J UNE 21 ST . - COVERACK, CORNWALL.
of Shoreham, but it was later found near A steam drifter appeared to be on fire, but
Littlehampton, and the services of the life- another drifter took her in tow. It was later
boats were not needed. - Rewards : Shore- learned that her engines had broken down.-
ham Harbour, £4 10s. ; Newhaven, £5 19s. Rewards, £7 16s. 6d.

J UNE 18TH. - DUNGENESS. KENT. An J UNE 22 ND. - HARTLEPOOL, DURHAM.

Admiralty yacht’s engine had broken down, The French naval patrol boat La Bastiase had
but her crew were able to repair it. - Rewards, blown up and sunk in a few minutes, but the
£10 17s. 6d. sixteen survivors of her crew were rescued by
the examination vessel at the Tees.-
JUNE 18TH and 19TH. - ST. HELIER, Rewards, £4 19s. 6d.
JERSEY. During the afternoon of the 18th
of June a ship had been reported to be on fire J UNE 22 ND . - BLYTH, NORTHUMBER-
about eight miles to the south-south-west of LAND. After an air-raid alarm had been
St. Helier Harbour, but the life-boat could given it, was reported that distress signals had
 J UNE 2 9 T H . - DUNGENESS, KENT. An
aeroplane had been reported down in the sea
seven miles from Dungeness, but nothing was
found. - Rewards, £10 16s. 6d.

JUNE 29TH. - TORBAY, DEVON. A

motor boat had been reported in difficulties
off Meadfort Beach, but she was able to reach
harbour under her own power. - Rewards,
£4 13s. 6d.

JUNE 29TH. - KILMORE, CO. WEX-

FORD. It was reported that a rocket had
been seen over Saltee Island in the direction
of the Coningbeg Lightship, but it was later
learned that it was a flare which had been
dropped from a seaplane. - Rewards, £19 13s.
6d.

JULY
Launches 70. Lives rescued 49.
J ULY 2 N D . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR,
SUSSEX. At 11.15 P.M. a message was
received from the coastguard that a vessel
was on fire about five miles south-west of
Shoreham. A fresh westerly wind was blow-
ing, with a rough sea. At 11.25 P . M . the
motor life-boat Rosa Woodd and Phyllis Lunn
was launched and found that two patrol
yachts had picked up three survivors from the
motor yacht Pappillon, of Shoreham, which
was on fire. An attempt was made to transfer
the survivors from the patrol vessels to the
life-boat, but it was found impossible in the
rough sea. One of the patrol vessels then
went, to Littlehampton with two of the
survivors on board, and the second, Montigo
Bay, asked the life-boat to escort her
into Shoreham Harbour. Enemy aircraft
appeared overhead shortly after the life-boat
left the blazing wreck, and dropped bombs
near it. The life-boat wirelessed for per-
mission to enter the harbour, and put a
member of her crew aboard the Montigo Bay
to pilot her in. The third survivor from the
yacht was then taken to hospital. The life-
boat returned to her station at 1 A.M.-
Rewards, £9.
J ULY 3 RD . - GOURDON, KINCARDINE-
SHIRE. At 7.15 P.M . a three-engined enemy
bomber was attacked by British fighter aero-
planes, north-east of Gourdon. In a few
minutes the bomber crashed into the sea.
A light south-west breeze was blowing and
the sea was smooth. At 7.40 P . M . the motor
life-boat Margaret Dawson was launched and
found the bomber half a mile off Fowlshaugh
Cliffs, six miles north-east of Gourdon. It
was nearly submerged and none of the crew
could be seen. The life-boat picked up its
dinghy, and other oddments of wreckage,
and went to Stonehaven to report, returning
to her station at 1.40 A.M. the next morning.
- Rewards, £20 11s. 6d.

JULY 5TH. - MARGATE, KENT. At

3.30 P . M . a message was received from the
coastguard that a rubber boat had been seen
one and a half miles off St. Mildred’s Bay,
service. Westgate. A light north-westerly breeze was
 drifting helplessly about thirteen miles south
of Galley Head Lighthouse. A moderate
W.S.W. wind was blowing and the sea was
calm. The motor life-boat Sarah Ward and
William David Crosweller was launched at
7.5 A.M. and found the boat with no one on
board but with her gear intact. She was
marked S.S. Georgios Kyriakides, of Andros.
The life-boat towed her in and returned to
her station at 8.55 A.M. - Rewards, £4 17s. 6d.

J ULY 10 TH . - GREAT YARMOUTH AND

GORLESTON. NORFOLK. At about
Samuel and
 SERVICES 1940 89
German aeroplane was shot down and fell destroyer, H.M.S. Valorous, was approaching
within a few yards of the life-boat. She the roadstead. On board were survivors
rescued one of its crew, but the others sank from the S.S. Heworth, of Newcastle, which
with the aeroplane, The life-boat returned had been sunk by enemy action, and the
to her station at 1.30 P.M. - Rewards, £3 15s. destroyer requested that the life-boat should
bring the survivors ashore. A moderate
JULY 1 1 TH. - SELSEY, SUSSEX. At N.N.E. breeze was blowing, and the sea was
6.25 P .M. the coastguard saw a British aero- smooth. At 6.30 P.M. the motor life-boat
plane brought down by the enemy off Selsey Louise Stephens put out, with a doctor and
Bill. A strong S.W. breeze was blowing, ambulance men on board, and went along-
but there was only a slight sea. The motor side the destroyer in the roadstead. The
life-boat Canadian Pacific was launched at doctor and ambulance men were put on
6.30 P . M . and at about 7 P . M . she found a board her, and then 14 survivors were trans-
British airman in the sea some three and a ferred to the life-boat. Seven of them were
half miles S.W. of Selsey Bill. He had been injured, and five of these were stretcher cases.
in the sea for three-quarters of an hour and They were all made as comfortable as possible
was exhausted, but unhurt. On returning on board with blankets, and the life-boat
with the rescued man at 7.55 P . M . the life- landed them at Lower Ferry steps. The
boat learned that a German aeroplane had injured were taken to hospital by ambulance
crashed five miles south of Owers Light- and the others to the Sailors’ Home by coach.
vessel. She went out again at 8.10 P .M. and The life-boat returned to her station at 8 P .M.
reached the position about 9.10 P . M ., but - Rewards, £6 5s. 6d.
saw nothing except, a large patch of oil. She
returned to her station at 10.30 P .M. J ULY 1 6 T H . - ROSSLARE HARBOUR,
A letter of thanks was received by the CO. WEXFORD. During the evening a flat-
coxswain from the rescued airman, who is a bottomed fishing boat, the Spitfire, of Ross-
squadron leader. He said : " When you lare Harbour, was bound for Tuskar with a
arrived I had given up hope. I doubt if I crew of four. A S.W. wind was blowing.
could have lasted more than a few minutes. It increased and backed to the north, bringing
Your skill in finding me in that rough sea up a rough sea. The Spitfire was seen to be
seems a miracle to me. You and your in distress, and at 8 P.M. the motor life-boat
fellows in the Life-boat Service are doing a K.E.C.F. was launched. She found the boat
magnificent job.” A few days later the about four miles to the south and towed her
airman won the D.F.C. - Rewards, £11 3s. in, returning to her station at 9.25 P .M.-
and £8 15s. Paid permanent crew ; Rewards, 12s.

J ULY 1 3 T H . - HASTINGS, SUSSEX. At JULY 19TH. - ARRANMORE, CO.

4.8 P . M . the coastguard reported a water- DONEGAL. At about noon a man reported
logged boat about a mile S.W. of the coast- a ship’s boat drifting off the island. The
guard station. The sea was slight with a weather was moderate with a S.W. wind.
moderate S.W wind blowing. At 4.28 P . M . At 8 P . M . the motor life-boat K.T.J.S. was
the motor life-boat Cyril and Lilian Bishop launched, and found the boat with no one
was launched and found and brought in the in it. She towed it in, arriving at her station
boat. It was without oars or sails, but had at 8 P.M. - Rewards, £8 3s. 6d.
clothing and a typewriter aboard. Mean-
while another boat had been reported drifting, J ULY 2 1 S T . - SWANAGE, DORSET. At
bottom up, off the bathing pool. The life- 6.14 P .M. the coastguard reported a vessel on
boat picked this boat up off Hastings Pier fire some ten miles or more to the S.E. A
and brought it in. She went out a third time westerly breeze was blowing, with a moderate
to see if there was anything else, and picked swell. The motor life-boat Thomas Markby
up yet another water-logged boat, which she was launched at 6.27 P . M ., and found the
brought in. The second boat was marked S.S. Kollskegg, of Oslo, an oil tanker of about
Mallard, of London, the first and third Kolga, 5,000 tons. She was ablaze in the fore part,
of Tallinn, and all were handed over to the and that part of the hull was red hot. Her
receiver of wrecks. - Rewards, £23 15s. 9d. bridge and superstructure had been smashed
to pieces. There was no one on board. All
J ULY 1 4 T H . SHOREHAM HARBOUR, her crew had been taken off by a destroyer.
SUSSEX. At about 2.22 A . M . the Brighton The steamer appeared to have been attacked
coast-watching sea scout reported an aero- by aeroplanes. The life-boat stood by until
plane down in the sea two miles south of a tug arrived. Then she put four men aboard
Saltdean. The sea was smooth, with light the Kollskegg to help in getting the hawser
north-easterly airs. The motor life-boat from the tug connected. The tug took the
Rosa Woodd and Phyllis Lunn was launched steamer in tow and the life-boat returned to
at 3.8 A . M and at about 4 A . M . found the her station at 12.15 A.M. - Rewards, £14 2s.
wreckage of an R.A.F. machine. She picked
up three dead bodies and brought them in, JULY 2 1 ST. - CLOGHER HEAD, CO.
returning to her station at 7 A.M. - Rewards, LOUTH. At 10.15 P.M. the civic guard
£14 9s. 6d. reported a boat in distress about four miles
to the north. A north-westerly off-shore
J ULY 15 TH. - GREAT YARMOUTH AND wind was blowing, with a choppy sea. The
GORLESTON, NORFOLK. At about 6 P .M. motor life-boat Mary Ann Blunt was launched
a message was received from the naval at 10.25 P . M . and searched for the missing
authorities at Great Yarmouth that a boat, which was the motor fishing boat North
90 SERVICES 1940
Star, of Annagassan, with a crew of seven. the ship’s boat, but she rescued the remaining
Later the North Star was seen making for seven members of the crew. When returning
Port Oriel under oars, and her position was to Dover she went alongside another steamer,
signalled to the life-boat, which went to her the Gronland, which had a man wounded.
and escorted her into Port Oriel at about The naval surgeon went aboard, and then
11.15 P.M. The life-boat returned to her the wounded man was transferred to the
station at 1.30 A.M. - Rewards, £11 6s. life-boat, which landed him and the seven
rescued men at Dover at 5.45 P .M. - Partly
J ULY 2 1 S T . - LYTHAM - ST. ANNES, paid permanent crew ; rewards, £3 16s.
LANCASHIRE. At 9.45 P . M . the harbour
master reported that a minesweeper was J ULY 26 TH . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR,
aground east of Gut Gas Buoy. A strong SUSSEX. At about 7.30 A.M. a message was
S.W. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea. received from the resident naval officer that
Another message said that the trawler was the steamer Lulonga had been torpedoed.
all right, but the honorary secretary of the A moderate S.W. breeze was blowing, with
life-boat station was of opinion that the mine- a moderate sea. With an armed guard aboard,
sweeper was in a dangerous position ; the the motor life-boat Rosa Woodd and Phyllis
naval authorities agreed ; and the life-boat Lunn was launched at 8.5 A . M ., and from
put out. At 11 P.M. the motor life-boat vessels which had safely come to anchor
Dunleary was launched and found that the learnt the position where a convoy had been
minesweeper had just refloated. She stood attacked. She made for this position, and
by her until she was well clear of the bank, when about seven miles W.S.W. of Shoreham,
and returned to her station at 3.30 A . M .- found a boat with thirteen survivors from
Rewards, £9 11s. S.S. Broadhurst, of London. She took them
on board, went on and found another boat
J ULY 22 ND . - HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY. belonging to the S.S. London Trader. This
At 1.45 P . M . the coastguard reported that an steamer also had been torpedoed and twelve
Admiralty trawler had been blown up off the survivors from her crew were in the boat.
end of the breakwater. The weather was As some of the rescued men were injured. the
fine with a calm sea. The motor life-boat life-boat searched no further but made for
A.E.D. was launched at 1.55 P .M., with James harbour, arriving at 10.50 A.M. Half an hour
Bell, one of the crew, acting as coxswain, later she put out again, but found no more
but found only a dead body. Three injured survivors, and it was learnt later that sur-
men had been saved by a patrol boat. The vivors from the Lulonga had been picked up
remainder must have been killed. - Rewards, by other boats and taken to Littlehampton.
£4 7s. 6d. - Rewards, £10 5s.

JULY 23RD. - NEW BRIGHTON, J ULY 2 8 T H . - THURSO, CAITHNESS-

CHESHIRE. At 6 P.M. information was SHIRE. At 3.45 A.M. information was
received from the Mersey Dock Board that received from the Wick coastguard that a
a fishing vessel was ashore on Burbo Bank, steamer was on fire N.N.W. of Strathy Head.
west of the training wall. There was not A N.W. breeze was blowing, with a choppy
sufficient water to get near the vessel, but sea. The motor life-boat H.C.J. was launched
she was kept under observation. At 7.35 P.M . at 4 A.M. and met an Aberdeen trawler, which
it was reported that she was lying comfort- told her that the steamer was the S.S. Orlock
ably, high and dry. The weather was fine, Head, of Belfast, that she herself had rescued
but later it became threatening, with squalls part of her crew. and that a Grimsby trawler
of heavy rain and wind, and at 10.30 P.M . was rescuing the remainder. The Orlock
the No. 2 motor life-boat Edmund and Mary Head, which was bound from the Tyne to
Robinson was launched and found the vessel Liverpool with cement, had been attacked by
to be the auxiliary fishing smack Alice, of a German aeroplane with bombs and machine-
New Brighton, with a crew of three. The gun fire. Two of her crew of twenty had
Alice refloated at 12.45 A.M., and the life-boat been killed and several injured. The life-
escorted her into the channel to a safe anchor- boat accompanied the Aberdeen trawler into
age near the Brazil Buoy. There the examina- Scrabster Harbour, and then put out again
tion vessel ordered her to remain until to meet the Grimsby trawler, in case she
daylight. The life-boat returned to her station should want to transfer the rescued men to
at 1.30 A.M. - Rewards, £10 10s. her, but the trawler brought them into
harbour herself, and the life-boat returned to
JULY 25TH. - DOVER, KENT. At her station at 7.30 A.M. - Rewards, £7 7s. 6d.
3.10 P . M . the Sandgate coastguard reported
that a vessel which had been attacked by JULY 29TH. - NEW BRIGHTON,
German aeroplanes was sinking off Sandgate, CHESHIRE. At 9.35 A.M. the Hoylake
but said that naval motor boats were going coastguard reported that a vessel had struck
to her help. At 3.30 P . M . it was reported a mine. A fresh N.W. breeze was blowing,
that the motor vessel Summity, of London, with a moderate sea. The No. 2 motor life-
had been beached near Shakespeare Cliff boat Edmund and Mary Robinson put out at
and needed medical aid. A light W.S.W. 9.49 A.M. and spoke a pilot boat when near
wind was blowing, with a slight sea. With a the Crosby Light-vessel. The pilot boat had
naval surgeon on board, the motor life-boat on board thirty-seven survivors of the
Agnes Cross, on temporary duty at the S.S.. Ousebridge, of West Hartlepool, including
station, put out at 4 P.M . She found that a three injured men. Two other members of
wounded man had already been landed in the crew were missing. The pilot boat had
 SERVICES 1940 91

in tow the ship’s boat with two pilot appren- was obtained, and with the help of women
tices on board, and at her request the life- the life-boat was launched. At the time an
boat took over the tow. She landed the attack was being made by German aero-
apprentices in Liverpool, where the pilot planes on a convoy. The life-boat found
boat had landed the 37 survivors. The life- n o t h i n g e x c e p t w r e c k a g e a n d German
boat then took the ship’s boat to Birkenhead clothing, which was handed over to the
and returned to her station at 12.50 P . M .- authorities. - Rewards, £8 1s. 6d.
Rewards £5 3s. 9d.
J ULY 1 1 T H . - BLYTH, NORTHUMBER-
LAND. In the belief that a vessel had been
The following life-boats were launched, but blown up, the life-boat put out, but found
no services were rendered for the reasons that a mine had been exploded by mine-
given sweepers. - Rewards, £5 6s.
J ULY 2 ND . - EXMOUTH, AND TORBAY, J ULY 1 2 T H . - WEYMOUTH, DORSET.
DEVON. A vessel had been reported on fire Aircraft had been reported down in the sea,
six miles S.E by S. of Berry Head, but the but nothing could be found and no one could
Torbay life-boat could find nothing. Next have lived in the rough sea. - Rewards,
day the life-boats at Exmouth and Torbay £13 2s. 6d.
were launched to a vessel reported to be on
fire, and believed to be the same vessel, but JULY 1 3 TH. - WICKLOW. A steamer
they were recalled as it was learned that the grounded on the North Arklow Bank, but
crew had abandoned the vessel. - Rewards : got off unaided and went on her way.-
Exmouth, £7 0 S . 6d. ; Torbay, £9 15s. and Rewards, £10 13s.
£3 17s. 6d.
JULY 1 3 TH. - YARMOUTH, ISLE OF
J ULY 5 T H . - SWANAGE, DORSET. A WIGHT. Aircraft had been reported down
vessel had been reported on fire five miles but nothing could be found. The life-boat
off St. Albans Head, but nothing could be was short of her regular crew, but the
found. News was received later that the honorary secretary, Captain A. G. Cole, the
vessel had been towed into port. She had district inspector, Commander E. D. Drury,
formed part of a convoy which had been O.B.E., R.D., R.N.R., Surgeon-Commander
attacked and compelled to scatter. - Rewards, Davis, R.N.V.R., and the Institution’s
£12 10s. 6d. travelling mechanic, J. J. Pratt, all went out
in the life-boat. - Rewards, £3 2s. 6d.
J ULY 6 T H . - HOLYHEAD, ANGLESEY.
An aeroplane had crashed into the sea in J ULY 1 3 T H . - CROMER, NORFOLK. An
Aberffraw Bay, but nothing could be found. aeroplane had been reported down in the
- Rewards. £6 5s. sea twenty-five miles E.N.E. of Cromer, but
the crew of three were picked up by a patrol
J ULY 7 T H - ALDEBURGH, SUFFOLK. vessel-Rewards, £13 6s. 6d.
An aeroplane was reported to have come
down in the sea off Orfordness, but nothing J ULY 14 TH. - BALTIMORE, CO. CORK.
was found. - Rewards, £26 17s. A seaplane had been reported down in the
sea six miles N.W. of Cape Clear, but no
J ULY 8 T H . - DOVER, KENT. A naval trace of any machine could be found.-
trawler had been sunk by enemy action, but Rewards, £11 4s.
the only survivor was picked up by a motor
torpedo boat. - Partly permanent paid crew ; J ULY 1 6 T H . - ABERDEEN. A vessel had
Rewards, £6 6s been reported on fire, but no vessel in need
of help could be found. - Rewards, £12 4s. 9d.
J ULY 8 T H . - DUNGENESS, KENT. An
airman had been seen. descending by para- JULY 1 6 TH. - BALLYCOTTON, CO.
chute about ten miles E.N.E. of Dungeness, CORK. A small fishing boat had had her
but he was picked up by a destroyer and sails blown away in a squall, but the only
landed at Dover. - Rewards, £11 0S. 6d. man aboard declined the life-boat’s help and
was helped by a motor boat. - Rewards,
JULY 9 TH. - MARGATE, KENT. An £4 10s. 6d.
empty, waterlogged, rubber dinghy was
picked up, and it was learned that an airman J ULY 1 7 T H . - NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX.
had been saved by an Admiralty trawler and A cable layer had struck a mine, but patrol
a dead body picked up by an Admiralty boats picked up the survivors. - Rewards,
yacht. - Rewards, £5 11s. 6d. £5 5s.
JULY 1 0 TH. - SELSEY, SUSSEX. An J ULY 1 8 T H . - POOLE AND BOURNE-
aeroplane had been reported down in the MOUTH,. DORSET. A service aeroplane
sea five miles north of Selsey Bill, but had come down in the sea, but the pilot
nothing was found. - Rewards, £6 3s. 6d. was picked up by another boat. - Rewards,
£3 5s.
J ULY 1 0 T H . - DUNGENESS, KENT. In-
formation had been received that three J ULY 18 TH . - WALTON AND FRINTON,
aeroplanes had fallen into the sea. Many ESSEX. The Sunk Light-vessel had been
of the men were away fishing, but a crew attacked by enemy aircraft, but Trinity
92 SERVICES 1940

House steamers went to her help. - Rewards, J ULY 2 4 T H . - PENLEE, CORNWALL.

£20 12s. An unknown bomber was believed to have
crashed in the sea as lights were seen on the
J ULY 1 9 T H . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR, water after she had passed, but nothing could
SUSSEX. A German aeroplane had been be found. - Rewards, £8 13s. 6d.
reported down in the sea, but nothing was
found. - Rewards, £4 10s. J ULY 2 5 T H . - DUNGENESS, KENT. A
steamer in a convoy was sinking as the result
J ULY 19 TH. - SELSEY; SUSSEX. During of enemy action, but there was no one on
an air battle a German aeroplane had come board. The life-boat remained by until she
down off Aldwick and other machines had sank, and then found that the crew had been
come down further eastward, but nothing rescued by another vessel. - Rewards,
except a patch of oil was found. - Rewards, £9 8s. 6d.
£l5 10s. 6d.
J ULY 26 TH . - CROMER. NORFOLK. An
J ULY 1 9 T H . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR, aeroplane had crashed on the Outer Bank,
SUSSEX. A R.A.F. aeroplane had come but the life-boat found that she had been
down off Littlehampton, but the life-boat smashed and there was nothing to be done.
was recalled as the pilot had got ashore - Rewards, £13 4s.
without help. - Rewards, £7 15s. 6d. (See Haisborough, “ Services by Shore-
boats “, page 148.)
JULY 2 0 TH. - MARGATE, KENT. An
airman was reported to have come down by J ULY 2 8 T H . - TYNEMOUTH, NORTH-
parachute in the sea off Kingsgate, but UMBERLAND. A naval patrol vessel had
nothing could be found. - Rewards, £14 3s. 6d. sent out an S.O.S. as her steering column
had broken, but she was able to repair it.-
J ULY 2 0 T H . - DOVER, KENT. An aero- Rewards, £8 2s.
plane believed to be German had crashed
two miles off, but nothing was found. - J ULY 29 TH. - SHOREHAM HARBOUR,
Partly paid permanent crew. Rewards, SUSSEX. A motor trawler had been blown
£4 15s. up by an enemy mine, but the life-boat found
nothing. - Rewards, £5 2s. 6d.
J ULY 20 TH. - BALTIMORE, CO. CORK.
Information had been received that a cargo JULY 29TH. - RAMSEY, AND PEEL, ISLE
boat had been torpedoed, but though the OF MAN An aeroplane had been reported
life-boat searched for a long time in the to Ramsey as having fallen into the sea six
neighbourhood of the Fastnet Rock she found miles S.W. of Burrow Head, and the Ramsey
nothing. - Rewards, £16 16s. life-boat was launched, as the Kirkcudbright
life-boat was off service. At Peel the aero-
JULY 20TH. - DONAGHADEE, CO. plane was reported to be down six miles
DOWN. A vessel had struck a mine in S.W. of Bradda Head. Each life-boat went
Belfast Lough, but her crew had got ashore to the position given it, but could find no
in the ship’s boats. - Rewards, £4 10s. sign of any aeroplane. - Rewards : Ramsey,
£29 3s. 6d. ; Peel, £22 14s.
JULY 20TH. - SELSEY, SUSSEX. A
British aeroplane had been reported down J ULY 2 9 T H . - HELVICK HEAD, CO.
in the sea fifteen miles south of Bognor, but WATERFORD. A light which might have
nothing was found. - Rewards, £15 10s. 6d. been a distress signal had been seen, but no
vessel in distress could be found. - Rewards,
J ULY 2 2 N D . - EXMOUTH, DEVON. Red £13 7s.
flares had been reported, but the naval
authorities sent a message that the life-boat J ULY 3 0 T H . - FENIT, CO. KERRY. A
was not needed and she was recalled. - Belfast steamer had been torpedoed, and
Rewards, £13 0S. 6d. her crew had got away in the ship’s boats,
and one of them was missing, but while the
JULY 23RD. - NEW BRIGHTON, life-boat was searching for her she got ashore
CHESHIRE. A heavy explosion had been at Clifton. Bay, Co. Galway. - Rewards,
heard from a steamer and she was found £9 1s.
lying on her side, but no sign of her crew
was found. They must all have been lost. -
Rewards, £7 12s. 6d. AUGUST
J ULY 2 3 R D . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR, Launches 113. Lives rescued 119.
SUSSEX. An aeroplane had been reported
down in the sea, but a patrol vessel picked AUGUST 1ST. - BARRA ISLAND,
up the pilot, a German. - Rewards, £12 18s. HEBRIDES. At 2.30 A.M. a telegram was
received from the coastguard at Kyle that a
J ULY 2 4 T H . - RAMSGATE. KENT. It ship’s boat under sail with men on board
had been reported that a convoy had been had been seen at 9.30 P .M. the night before,
attacked and that an aeroplane had come five miles from Barra Head. A moderate
down, but though the life-boat found that a S.W. breeze was blowing, with a heavy swell.
convoy had been bombed, she could not find The motor life-boat Lloyd’s was launched at
any aeroplane. - Rewards, £5 3s. 3.15 A.M., and found nineteen men in a ship’s
 SERVICES 1940 93
boat. They were part of the crew of fifty- to get to the shore as the centre part of the
seven of the S.S. Jamaica Progress, of King- pier had been demolished by the military
ston, Jamaica, a vessel of over 5,000 tons, authorities as part of the defence of the coast
laden with fruit, which had been torpedoed against invasion. The motor life-boat Rosa
by a German submarine. The men were Woodd and Phyllis Lunn was launched at
taken into the life-boat which, with the 4.5 P . M . Captain C. T. Keigwin, R.N.R.,
ship’s boat in tow, arrived back at her station the honorary secretary, and an armed guard
at 9 A.M. During the day the crew stood by were on board. A west-south-west breeze
in case they were needed, as another ship’s was blowing, and the sea was rough. The
boat was known to be at sea, but this life-boat found 29 men on the pier, and with
boat was found by a trawler. - Rewards, considerable difficulty and at some risk, in
£13 11s. 6d. the heavy swell, she took them all off and
landed them at Shoreham Harbour at 5.50
AUGUST 1ST. - ABERYSTWYTH, in the evening. Earlier in the morning of
CARDIGANSHIRE. At 6.30 A.M. the the same day, at 3.40 A.M., the crew had been
coastguard reported Very’s lights several assembled, as flares had been seen and gun-
miles to the S.W. by W. An easterly breeze fire had been heard at sea, and during the
was blowing, with a smooth sea. Police morning there had been two air-raid warnings.
helped in getting the life-boat crew - A donation was received from the Brighton
assembled, and with the help of soldiers the Corporation. Rewards, £2 4s. and £5 2s. 6d.
motor life-boat Frederick Angus was launched
at 7.20 A . M . Before the life-boat got away A UGUST 8 T H . - BEMBRIDGE, ISLE OF
it was learned that an aeroplane - a WIGHT. At about 5.15 P . M . an aeroplane
Hampden bomber - was down. Aeroplanes was reported by the coastguard down in the
and motor boats from Aberystwyth and New sea ten miles S.S.W. from Bembridge Point.
Quay took part in the search. The life-boat A strong south-westerly wind was blowing,
picked up one body and returned ashore at with a very rough sea. The motor life-boat
12.15 P.M. Two of the aeroplane’s crew were Jesse Lumb was launched at 5.45 P . M . and
rescued by another boat. Two had lost their went to the position given. Here an aero-
lives. - Rewards, £9 3s. plane circled over the life-boat, went off,
(See Aberystwyth and New Quay, “Services returned and repeated the operation to show
by Shore-boats”, pages 148 and 147.) the life-boat the direction she should take.
There was no sign of any aeroplane, but she
A UGUST 1 S T . - WEYMOUTH, DORSET. found the R.A.F. No. 116 motor boat, dis-
At 2 P . M . a message was received from the abled and flying a distress signal. She had
chief naval officer, Portland, that it was gone out to stand by while an air battle was
necessary to evacuate the crew of the going on and had been machine-gunned.
Shambles Lightship, and that the naval One of the nine men aboard had been killed
vessels which were available were unable to and another severely wounded. A rope had
get alongside her. A strong S.E. wind was fouled her propeller. The life-boat took her
blowing. At 3 P.M. the motor life-boat in tow and brought her to Haslar Hospital,
Queen Victoria, on temporary duty at Wey- sending a wireless message while on her way
mouth, was launched. She took off the crew for an ambulance to be ready. The life-boat
of seven men of the lightship, their baggage, returned to her station next morning,
stores and gear, and landed them at Wey- arriving at 7.15 A.M. - Rewards, £8 8s. 9d.
mouth, returning to her station at 5.30 P .M.
- Expenses paid by Trinity House. A UGUST 9 T H . - PWLLHELI, CAERNAR-
VONSHIRE. At about 4 P . M . information
AUGUST 3 RD. - WICK, CAITHNESS- was received that a steamer making for
SHIRE. At 10.2 A . M . the coastguard re- St. Tudwald’s Road was in need of help.
ported a trawler under the cliffs at Skirza A S.W. breeze was blowing and the sea was
Head sounding an S.O.S. There was thick smooth. The motor life-boat C & S, on
fog and a gentle S.S.W. breeze was blowing temporary duty at the station, was launched
with a slight sea. The motor life-boat John at 4.50 P.M. and found the S.S. Kingfisher, an
Russell, on temporary duty at the station, was American vessel now under the Ministry of
launched at 10.20 A . M . Then came another Shipping. She was bound light from Fal-
message that the trawler, the Rowsley, of mouth to the Clyde and had sprung a leak.
Grimsby, had refloated. When the life-boat Her master had beached her in Abersoch
reached Freswick Pier she found one of the Bay in a sinking condition. At his request
trawler’s crew in the ship’s boat. He had the life-boat stood by while the flood tide
been lost in the fog when the trawler refloated. was making, and then, as help was no longer
The life-boat took him on board, and after a needed, she returned to her station at
search found the Rowsley herself leaking, and 4.30 A . M . the following morning. - Rewards,
escorted her to Wick Harbour. The trawler £13 11s. 6d.
had a crew of eleven and was bound for the
Faroes. - Rewards, £3 15s. A UG . 1 0 T H . - M A R G A T E , K E N T . J u s t
after midnight the officer in charge of troops
A UGUST 8 TH . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR, on the jetty informed the coxswain that he
SUSSEX. At 3.20 P.M. information was could hear calls for help from the water.
received from the Beach Manager at Brighton, The night was very dark. An air raid was
through the coastguard, that a number of in progress and bombs were falling. The
men were marooned on the sea end of the coxswain at once mustered his crew and the
Palace Pier at Brighton. They were unable motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot, on temporary
94 SERVICES 1940

duty at the station, was launched at men, Norway. All gear, except rowlocks,
12.25 A.M. Half a mile off shore the life-boat was missing, and there was no one on board.
found a British pilot who was nearing The life-boat took the boat in tow and
collapse, but was kept afloat by his life-belt. brought her into Newquay Harbour at
She picked him up, and he was given rum 11 P.M. - Property salvage case.
and every attention. The life-boat landed
him at 12.45 A . M . and put out for a further A UGUST 12 TH. - MARGATE, KENT. At
search. She found nothing and was rehoused 11 A.M. the life-boat crew were at the Town
at 1.30 A.M. - Rewards, £11 5s. Hall, where a picture of the evacuation of
the B.E.F. from Dunkirk was being presented
A UGUST 1 1 T H . - HOLYHEAD, ANGLE- to them, when an an-raid alarm was sounded.
SEY. At 1.55 A.M. the coastguard reported The crew made for the station at once and
a boat in difficulties off Black Rocks, Salt arrived just as the Admiralty trawlers Pyrope
Island. She was flashing a torch. A W.N.W. and Tamarisk were bombed and sunk about
gale was blowing, with a nasty, choppy sea, five miles to the N.E. A westerly breeze
and the boat was in a dangerous position. was blowing and the sea was smooth. At
At 2.20 A . M . the motor life-boat A.E.D. was 11.15 A.M. the motor life-boat J. B. Proud-
launched. She found six men in the boat. foot, on temporary duty at the station, was
They had managed to hang on to a boat at launched. She found survivors of the crews
anchor and so had saved themselves from of both trawlers clinging to wreckage, and
being driven on to the outlying rocks. The rescued twenty-seven men. Many of them
life-boat took them on board, took their were badly wounded, and one died soon after
boat in tow and brought them safely back the life-boat reached shore at 1 P . M . The
to their ship, the Admiralty drifter O c e a n fishing boat Golden Spray had picked up one
Vine. She returned to her station at 3.20 A.M. man, and the life-boat went out to her and
- Rewards, £5. brought the man ashore, finally returning to
her station at 1.50 P.M. - Rewards, £5 12s. 6d.
AUGUST 1 1 T H . - ALDEBURGH, SUF- (See Margate, “ Services by Shore-boats,”
FOLK. At 11.56 A.M. the coastguard page 151.)
reported that enemy aircraft were attacking
shipping some seven miles S.E. of Aldeburgh. A UGUST 1 2 T H . - MARGATE, KENT At
A strong N.W. breeze was blowing, with a 5.50 P .M. during an air-raid the police tele-
rough sea. A few minutes later a vessel was phoned the life-boat coxswain that a man
seen to be on fire. The No. 2 motor life-boat had come down in the sea by parachute two
Lucy Lavers was launched at 12.30 P . M ., miles off Epple Bay. A S.W. breeze was
and found the S.S. Oil Trader, a tanker. Her blowing and the sea was smooth. The motor
captain requested the life-boat to get fire life-boat J. B. Proudfoot, on temporary duty
hoses from a trawler, and after this had been at the station, was launched, and found that
done the life-boat stood by the Oil Trader a tender from the pilot-cutter Prudence had
until a tug arrived at 3.30 P . M . She then picked up a badly injured British pilot. His
returned to her station, arriving at 6 P . M .- injuries were dressed by those on the cutter
Rewards, £11 4s. and he was then landed by the life-boat,
which arrived at 7.10 P . M . A doctor and
A UGUST 1 1 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. At ambulance were waiting for him. A few
1.30 P . M . a destroyer lying off Margate and minutes later the Air Command reported
two minesweepers were being attacked by another man down by parachute one mile
German aeroplanes. A fresh westerly breeze N.E. of Margate, but though the life-boat
was blowing, with a choppy sea. The motor searched until dark she found nothing. She
life-boat J. B. Proudfoot, on temporary duty returned at 9.15 P.M. - Rewards, £14 3s. 6d.
at the station, was launched at 2 P . M . and
went to the help of the minesweepers which AUGUST 13 TH . - WEYMOUTH, DORSET.
were putting up a great fight about three At 7 A . M . warning was received from the
miles E. by N. of the Long Nose Buoy, but coastguard of an impending air fight. The
appeared to be in trouble. She found that wind was N.W. and moderate, with a smooth
one of them, the Edwardian, had had three to moderate sea. At 12.15 P .M. an aeroplane
men killed and four wounded, but that the was reported down off Whitenose, Weymouth
wounded had by then been put on board the Bay. A few minutes later the motor life-
other minesweeper Peter Carey. They were boat Queen Victoria, on temporary duty at
transferred to the life-boat, which took them the station, was launched. Half an hour
to Ramsgate, the nearest port. In the mean- later she was recalled and arrived back at
time the Peter Carey took the Edwardian in 1.42 P.M. Two minutes previously the coast-
tow and beached her under the North Fore- guard had reported an airman swimming two
land. The life-boat returned to her station miles off Osmington, so the life-boat put out
at 5 P.M. - Rewards, £5 12s. 6d. again at once. She found nothing, and was
recalled, as the airman had been picked up
A UG U S T 1 1 T H . - N E W Q U A Y , C O R N - by another vessel. She returned to her station
WALL. At 7.30 P.M. the coastguard re- for the second time at 3 P . M . At 4.15 P.M.
ported a ship’s boat drifting about six miles two aeroplanes were reported down in West
N.W. by W. of Towan Head. A N.W. by W. Bay, Portland. Ten minutes later the life-
wind was blowing, with a choppy sea. The boat was off again. She found large quan-
motor life-boat Richard Silver Oliver was tities of wreckage from German aeroplanes,
launched at 8.40 P . M . and found a derelict and picked up some of it for identification.
ship’s boat belonging to the Janna, of Dram- Again the life-boat was recalled and got home
 SERVICES 1940 95
for the third time at 7.30 P.M. - Rewards A UGUST 1 5 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. At
£4 7s. 6d. and £6 13s. 3.30 P.M. , during an air raid, an aeroplane
(See Portland, “ Services by Shore-boats, was seen from the boathouse to crash into
page 148.) the sea some three miles N. by W. of the
station. The sea was smooth, with a N.W.
A UGUST 13 TH . - MOELFRE, ANGLESEY wind. The motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot,
At 8.5 P .M. information was received that a on temporary duty at the station, was
small boat was out of control and drifting launched at 3.35 P . M . She found the tail of
out to sea. A strong S.W. wind was blowing a machine above water and an airman three
with a moderate sea, and darkness was hundred yards away. She took him on board
approaching. The motor life-boat G.W. was and found him to be German. This informa-
launched at 8.15 P.M. and found three visitors tion was semaphored to the shore and when
in a small rowing boat from Benllech. She the life-boat arrived ashore at 4.15 P . M . the
towed them in and returned to her station at airman was handed over to the authorities.
9 P.M. - Rewards, £10 11s. - Rewards, £5 12s. 6d.
AUGUST 1 4 T H . - D O N A G H A D E E , C O . A UGUST 1 6 T H . - SELSEY, SUSSEX. At
DOWN. At noon information was received 1 P . M . information was received from the
from a resident of Millisle and the coastguard, coastguard that several aeroplanes had
that a small yacht, with two boys aboard. crashed four miles west of Selsey Bill. A
had broken from her moorings and was two light S.W. breeze was blowing, and the sea
miles off Ballywhiskin, drifting swiftly out was smooth. The motor life-boat Canadian
to sea. A strong south-westerly breeze was Pacific was launched at 1.10 P .M. and arrived
blowing, with squalls, and the sea was choppy. on the scene two minutes after a naval launch
The motor life-boat. Civil Service No. 5 was had rescued two German airmen. She
launched at 12.15 P . M ., Mr. D. McKibbin searched, but found nothing else. While she
going out as a member of the crew. Two men was returning, a seaplane, on the water about
in a rowing boat had also put out to the three miles to the eastward, signalled for help,
rescue. The life-boat found the yacht and she went. to her to find that there was a
Penguin and the small boat. Both were in naval speed boat, with her, disabled with a
danger She took all four people aboard, and rope round her propeller. She also found
the yacht and the rowing boat in tow, and two dead German airmen and put them on
landed them at a bay in Millisle. She board the seaplane, which then took flight.
returned to her station at 1.45 P.M. - Rewards, The life-boat took the speed boat in tow
£3 17s. 6d and returned to her station at 3.30 P . M .-
Rewards, £6 3s. 6d.
A UGUST 1 4 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. At
12.15 P .M., during an air-raid, a British aero- AUGUST 1 6 T H . - D U N G E N E S S , K E N T .
plane was seen from the life-boathouse to Shortly after 7 P .M. information was received
crash about three miles to the northward. from the coastguard and the military
A westerly breeze was blowing, with a choppy authorities that an aeroplane had crashed.
sea. The crew were ready at the station and The coxswain, who had seen a British fighter
the motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot, on tem- crash during an air battle, had already taken
porary duty at Margate, was launched at steps to launch the motor life-boat Charles
12.20 P.M The second coxswain was in C o o p e r H e n d e r s o n , and she got away at
charge, as the coxswain was out in his own 7.7. P .M. A light W.S.W. breeze was blowing,
boat. When she reached the position where and the sea was smooth. The life-boat found
the aeroplane had come down, the coxswain an airman with his parachute. He was dead
hailed her from his boat. He had picked up and appeared to have been killed by hitting
the pilot, injured and suffering from shock. the water. The life-boat brought his body
The pilot was transferred to the life-boat, that ashore and returned to her station at 8.15 P.M.
he might be got ashore as quickly as possible, - Rewards, £21 19s.
He was landed at 12.50 P.M. , and ambulance
was waiting for him. - Rewards, £4 7s. 6d. AUGUST 1 6 T H . - H O L Y H E A D , A N G L E -
SEY. At 7.40 A.M . the coastguard reported
A UGUST 1 4 T H . - DUNGENESS, KENT. that an explosion had occurred on the S.S.
At 5.30 A . M . news was received from the Meath, of Dublin, which was entering the har-
observer post and the coastguard that a bour for examination. The weather was fine,
British bomber had come down in the sea with a light N.W. breeze and a smooth sea.
between Hythe and Dymchurch. A light The motor life-boat Ethel Day Cardwell, on
westerly wind was blowing, with a smooth sea. temporary duty at the station, was launched
The motor life-boat Charles Cooper Henderson at 7.45 A.M. , but the crew of the Meath had
was launched at 6.5 A.M. , and found that a already taken to their own boats and been
motor fishing boat had picked up two sur- picked up by another vessel before the life-
vivors and was returning to Hythe. The boat arrived. A drifter then called the life-
life-boat towed the boat to Hythe, where the boat alongside and transferred to her an
men were placed in an ambulance, and injured man belonging to the Meath and
returned to her station at 8.50. Another seven of the crew of the Admiralty examina-
survivor was saved by Miss Peggy Prince ion vessel Manx Lad,. which had been
in a small canoe and she was awarded the damaged by the explosion. The life-boat
medal of the Order of the British Empire. returned ashore, landed the men at 8.25 A.M.
The other two members of the aeroplane’s and then put back to the scene of the
crew were lost. - Rewards, £10 15s. 6d. explosion to search for more survivors. By
96 SERVICES 1940

this time the Manx Lad had disappeared, and breeze was blowing, with a heavy swell. The
the remainder of her crew had been picked No. 2 motor life-boat Lucy Lavers was
up by another ship. The life-boat returned launched at 7.10 P . M . She picked up the
to her station at 9.25 A.M. - Rewards, pilot, unconscious. Life-boatmen and a
£3 2s. 6d. coastguard, who was aboard as an armed
guard, used artificial respiration, but were
A UGUST 17 TH . - RAMSGATE, KENT. At unable to revive him. The life-boat returned
4 . 4 5 P . M . the naval authorities asked that at 9 P .M. Dr. Nora Acheson, the only doctor
the life-boat should be launched, as a body in the town, also put off in a motor boat to
had been seen floating in the Cudd Channel. the pilot’s help. - Rewards, £21 11s. 6d.
A moderate N.W. breeze was blowing, but the
see was smooth. At 4.50 P .M. the motor life- AUGUST 22ND. - DAVID’S, PEM-
boat Prudential was launched and found the BROKESHIRE. At 11.35 A . M . the coast-
body of an airman floating amidst the guard reported a vessel in distress two miles
wreckage of an aeroplane. A parachute westward of the Smalls Lighthouse. Per-
fouled the life-boat’s propeller but her crew mission to launch, was got from the naval
were able to clear it away. The body authorities, and the motor life-boat Civil
and wreckage were brought to Ramsgate, Service No. 6 put out at 12.40 P . M . Dr.
and the life-boat returned to her station at Joseph Soar, Mus. Doc., the honorary
6.45 P.M. - Rewards, £5 3s. secretary of the station, went with the boat.
The sea was rough, with a fresh N.W.
AUGUST 18TH. - PORT ASKAIG, breeze blowing. The life-boat kept in com-
ARGYLLSHIRE. During the morning a munication with the Smalls Lighthouse by
ship’s raft was seen being swept down the wireless, and the lighthouse gave her a
Sound of Islay. A moderate northerly breeze course, as the vessel in distress, which had
was blowing with a moderate sea. The motor sent out an S.O.S., had by now completely
life-boat Duke of Connaught, on temporary disappeared. After going some three miles
duty at the station, was launched at 8 A . M . the life-boat saw a jacket on a pole, and
She found certain articles but no people on found that it was a signal from survivors on
the raft, which was towed in so as not to a raft. They were from the S.S. Thorold, of
drift and become a danger to shipping. The Montreal, a Canadian Lake boat, now owned
life-boat was back at her station again at in Newcastle. She was bound with coal from
10.20 A.M. - Rewards, £3 2s. Cardiff to London, and had been attacked by
three German bombers, which, after they
A UGUST 1 8 T H . - SELSEY, SUSSEX. At had wrecked her, circled round machine-
2.30 P .M. the coastguard telephoned that two gunning her crew. The life-boat made
aircraft were down five miles S.W. of the straight for the raft, but before she reached
lookout. An air battle was in progress, and it she found the master of the Thorold clinging
a few minutes later the coastguard reported to a plank. He was badly hurt and in a
three more machines down. A moderate state of collapse. Two of the life-boatmen,
S.W. breeze was blowing, with a choppy sea. D. Lewis and G. Davies, went into the sea
The motor life-boat Canadian Pacific was and helped the master into the life-boat.
launched at 2.40 P .M., and found two German Then the life-boat found the second engineer
airmen in the water. Both were wounded. on a piece of wreckage, and finally reached
The life-boat took them on board and con- the raft from which the thirteen remaining
tinued her search, but all the aeroplanes had survivors of the Thorold's crew of 24 were
sunk and she found nothing. She returned rescued. The life-boat made straight for
to her station at 5 P .M., and handed over the home and on her way asked by wireless,
two prisoners to the military authorities.- through the Smalls Lighthouse, that doctors
Rewards, £6 3s. 6d. and ambulances should be ready when she
arrived. Two of the rescued men, however,
AUGUST 18TH. - TOBERMORY, had died before the life-boat reached shore.
ARGYLLSHIRE. The trawler Newlands - Rewards, £8 10s.
arrived with sixteen survivors of the S.S.
Sylvafield, of Newcastle, an oil tanker, which A UGUST 23 RD . - NEWBIGGIN, NORTH-
had been torpedoed and sunk off Barra Head UMBERLAND. In the morning a strong
on the night of the 15th August. The vessel N.N.E. wind was blowing, with a very heavy
had a crew of forty who had put off in two sea outside the bay. Six fishing cobles were
boats, and these sixteen men had been picked at sea, and it was feared that they would be
up after being in their boat for fifty-five hours. in danger. At 9.55 A . M ., permission having
As there were no means of looking after the been given by the naval authorities, the motor
rescued men at Tobermory, and as no other life-boat Augustus and Laura was launched.
boat was available, the motor life-boat Sir with much difficulty owing to the state of
Arthur Rose was launched at 5.40 P . M . in a the tide and the heavy sea on the beach.
N.W. wind, with a moderate sea, and took Some of the launchers were women. Mean-
them to Oban, where she arrived at 8.50 P .M. while two of the cobles had returned safely
She reached her station again at 12.30 A . M . and had been beached. The life-boat put
next morning. - Rewards, £8 3s. 6d. out to meet the others, and escorted two of
them in. She then went out again and found
AUGUST 1 9 T H . - ALDEBURGH,. SUF- the third coble, George and Margaret, with a
FOLK. During the evening a British pilot broken rudder. She had three men on board.
was seen to bale out from his aeroplane some The life-boat towed her in, put out for the
three miles south of Orfordness. A N.W. third time, and escorted the fourth coble
 SERVICES 1940 97

home, returning to her station at 12.15 P.M . Lilian Philpott was launched at 2 A.M.
- Rewards. £10 4s. When she was off Ecclesbourne Glen, at
3 . 2 0 A . M . , her engine was stopped so that
A UGUST 2 3 R D . - PORT ERIN, ISLE OF her crew might listen and they heard a cry.
MAN At 11.35 A.M. information was It came from a German airman, the only
received through the police that a British survivor of a machine which had been burnt
aeroplane was in the sea off Dalby. A out. He was picked up and landed at
moderate westerly breeze was blowing, with Hastings at 3.45 A . M ., where he was handed
a moderate sea. At 12.10 P . M . the motor over to the military authorities. - Rewards,
life-boat Matthew Simpson was launched. £30 2s. 6d.
Helped by aircraft, she found an airman from
the aeroplane which had actually come down A UGUST . 25 T H . - SWANAGE, DORSET.
about a mile outside Fleshwick Bay. The Shortly after 5 P.M. a fierce air battle took
airman was unconscious, and as a R.A.F. place, several enemy machines being shot
boat had now arrived the life-boat made at down. A S.W. breeze was blowing, with a
once for Port Erin, her crew using every smooth sea. At 5.36 P.M. the coastguard
effort to revive the airman, but he was dead. reported four aeroplanes down five miles
At 2 P.M. the life-boat, put out again to make S.W. by W. of St. Albans Head, and the
another search for survivors. She had a motor life-boat Thomas Markby was launched
medical officer and Mr. T. C. Coole, the at 5.41 P.M., but all that she found was
honorary secretary of the station on board. wreckage, and the remains of a pilot. After
She picked up another airman, but he too picking up pieces of the wreckage and
was dead. She continued her search, but clothing, for identification, the life-boat
found nothing more, and returned to her returned at 9.45 P.M. - Rewards, £10 19s.
station at 3.40 P.M. - Rewards, £5 8s. 6d.
AUGUST 2 5 T H . - GALWAY BAY, CO.
A UGUST 2 3 R D . - BALLYCOTTON, CO. GALWAY. At 10 A.M. a message was
CORK. At 8.45 P .M. a message was received received from the military coastguard look-
that a flare had been seen a mile S.W. of out at Oghil Lighthouse that a boat was
Ballycotton Light. A moderate N. wind drifting four miles to the south-west, but it
was blowing with a slight sea. At 9 P .M. the was not certain if anyone was on board. A
motor life-boat Mary Stanford was launched westerly breeze was blowing, and the sea was
and found the motor fishing, boat Point Girl smooth. At 10.15 A . M . the motor life-boat
of Ballycotton, with her engine broken down K.E.C.F. was launched, and found that the
Four persons were on board., and they asked boat belonged to the S.S. Ville de Gand, of
the life-boat to take them in tow, as night Antwerp, which had been torpedoed and
was falling and the wind was blowing off sunk a week previously. No one was on
the land. The life-boat did so and arrived board the boat. The life-boat towed it to
at her station at 9.45 P.M. - Rewards, £6 18s. Kilronan,. and returned to her station at
1.30 P.M . - Property salvage case.
AUGUST 2 3 R D . - W I C K , C A I T H N E S S -
SHIRE. At 10.10 P.M. a message was AUGUST 27TH. - FRASERBURGH,
received from the coastguard that gun-fire ABERDEENSHIRE. At 11.30 P.M. a
and an explosion, followed by tracer bullets, message was received from the resident naval
had been observed 9 miles S.E. of Wick. officer that a vessel eight miles from Kinnaird
A further message was received that a vessel Head required help. A fresh W.N.W. wind
was on fire about ten miles away in the same was blowing, and the sea was choppy. At
direction A moderate N.N.W. wind was 11.40 P.M. the motor lifeboat John and
blowing, and the sea was choppy, with a Charles Kennedy was launched, and found
cross swell, At 10.50 P .M. the motor life-boat that the British steamer Remura had been
City of Edinburgh was launched. Two vessels struck by an aerial torpedo during an air
could be seen to be on fire. The life-boat battle. The life-boat picked up a ship’s boat
found the nearer vessel to be the S.S. Beacon with 23 survivors and transferred them to a
Grange, of London. She was on fire aft, and destroyer which was in the vicinity, also
the life-boat accompanied her, while she engaged in picking up survivors. The life-
steamed towards the land, until the fire was boat continued to search but, finding nothing
under control. The captain of the B e a c o n more, returned to her station at 2 A . M . At
Grange then told the coxswain that two boats 4 . 3 0 A . M . the coastguard reported flares,
had been lowered from another vessel about resembling a ship on fire, about 8 miles from
twelve miles to the S.E. The life-boat put Kinnaird Head, and the life-boat crew were
back on a southerly course so as to intercept assembled. A further message was received
these boats, but although she searched until that a destroyer and other smaller craft were
well after daylight, and passed through a lot standing by the burning vessel, which had
of wreckage, she found no trace of the boats. been taken in tow. The help of the life-boat
It was thought probable that they had been was not required, and later news was received
picked up by other vessels. The life-boat that the vessel had sunk off Rattray Head.-
returned to her station at 9 A.M. on the Rewards, £10 18s.
24th August. - Rewards, £13 11s. 6d.
A UGUST 27TH. - CROMER, NORFOLK.
A UGUST 2 5 T H . - HASTINGS, SUSSEX. At about 4.30 P . M . the R.A.F., Chatham,
At 1.32 A . M . the coastguard reported an reported an aircraft down in the sea seventeen
aeroplane down in the sea. The weather miles north of Sheringham. A moderate
was calm. The motor life-boat Cyril and N.N.E. wind was blowing, with a moderate
98 SERVICES 1940

sea. The No. 1 motor life-boat H. F. Bailey been shot down by S.S. Highlander, one of
was launched at 4.40 P . M . She found some two which she brought down, but no trace
articles and gear belonging to the aeroplane, of the crew could be found. - Rewards,
also a large patch of oil. When a R.A.F. £20 11s. 6d.
speed boat arrived with the news that the
crew were safe on a patrol boat, the life-boat. A UGUST 2 N D . - WALTON AND FRIN-
returned, arriving at 9 P.M. - Rewards, TON, ESSEX. A naval patrol vessel had
£13 6s. 6d. been bombed by enemy aircraft, but her
crew were rescued by another vessel.-
A UGUST 27 TH . - ROSSLARE HARBOUR, Rewards, £17 13s. 6d.
CO. WEXFORD. At 8.45 A . M . a message
was received from the coast watchers at AUGUST 2ND. - FLAMBOROUGH,
Greenore Point that a vessel had grounded YORKSHIRE. A British bomber had
on the Splaugh Rock. A light westerly crashed to the east of Flamborough Head,
breeze was blowing and the sea was smooth. but nothing could be found. - Rewards,
At 9 A . M . the motor life-boat Mabel Marion £12 13s. 6d.
Thompson was launched, and found the motor
schooner Invermore, of Dublin, ashore on the A UGUST 4 TH . - SKEGNESS, LINCOLN-
west edge of the Rock. With great skill the SHIRE. An aeroplane had come down in
coxswain manoeuvred the life-boat through the sea, but the airmen were found and
a maze of jagged rocks to where the Inver- picked up by another vessel. - Rewards,
more lay in a dangerous tide race. The £8 4s. 6d.
master asked the life-boat to stand by until
the tide rose, when the Invermore was able AUGUST 5TH. - SUNDERLAND,
to refloat, and went on her way. The life- DURHAM. An aeroplane had been reported
boat then returned to her station, arriving down in the sea, but. nothing was found.-
at 11.40 A.M. - Permanent paid crew. Rewards, £10 5s.
Rewards, £1 13s.
A UGUST 7 T H . - SHERINGHAM, NOR-
A UGUST 2 8 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. At FOLK. A British bomber had come down
mid-day, during an air battle over the sea, in the sea and her crew of three had got
a German bomber was seen to crash about into her rubber boat, but they were picked
three miles E.N.E. of the life-boathouse. up by a trawler. - Rewards, £26 12s. 6d.
The sea was smooth, with a light easterly (See Sheringham, “ Services by Shore-
wind. The motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot, boats “, page 148.)
on temporary duty at the station, was
launched at 12.5 P.M. The coxswain was A UGUST 8 T H . - YARMOUTH, ISLE OF
out fishing, and the second-coxswain was in WIGHT. A convoy of ships had been
charge. Mr. A. C. Robinson, the honorary attacked from the air and some of them had
secretary of the station, went, with the boat. been sunk. The life-boat. put out with the
She found that two fishing boats, the Per- honorary secretary of the station, a naval
severe and the Golden Spray - on board one surgeon and a policeman on board, but a
of which was the life-boat coxswain - had British aeroplane, flying low, signalled that
picked up four German airmen, some of the life-boat was not needed. - Rewards,
them injured. The life-boat took them on £4 12s. 6d.
board, and her crew attended to the injured
men. She arrived back at, her station at AUGUST 8 T H . - S W A N A G E , D O R S E T .
1.40 P.M. - Rewards, £5. Aircraft had been reported down in the sea,
(See Margate, “ Services by Shore-boats “, but nothing was found. While the life-boat
page 151.) was out a convoy some miles off was being
attacked and an air battle was going on.
A UGUST 3 1 S T . - LLANDUDNO, CAER- Later in the day the life-boat crew assembled
NARVONSHIRE. During the afternoon while another air battle was in progress.-
news was received that a rowing boat was Rewards, £3 2s. and 15s.
showing signals of distress a mile east of
Colwyn Bay Pier, and that no motor boat AUGUST 9TH. - DUNBAR, EAST
was available there. A strong S.W. wind was LOTHIAN. Owing to its engine failing, a
blowing with a moderate sea. The motor R.A.F. Spitfire aeroplane crashed into the
life-boat Thomas and Annie Wade Richards sea, but a naval vessel picked up the body
was launched at 4.30 P . M ., and on reaching of the pilot. - Rewards, £4 10s. 6d.
Colwyn Bay found the rowing boat Shamrock
with two men on board unable to make the AUGUST 9 T H . - T E N B Y , P E M B R O K E -
shore. She was taken in tow and brought, SHIRE. An aeroplane had come down at
safely to Colwyn Bay Beach. The life-boat the east end of Pendine Sands, but the pilot
returned to her station at 7.30 P.M.- got, ashore unaided and the aeroplane was
Rewards, £11 8s. recovered later. - Rewards, £10 7s.
The following life-boats were launched, hut AUGUST 1 0 T H . - MARGATE, KENT.
no services were rendered for the reasons Distress signals had been seen, but no vessel
given : in distress was found. - Rewards, £8 11s.
AUGUST 2ND. - GOURDON, KIN- AUGUST 11 TH . - WEYMOUTH, DORSET.
CARDINESHIRE. A German bomber had An air battle had taken place during the
 SERVICES 1940 99
morning, and the life-boat went out to search AUGUST 1 2 TH. - SELSEY, SUSSEX.
for aeroplanes down in Weymouth Bay, but During an air battle an enemy aeroplane had
she found nothing and was recalled by crashed three miles off, but nothing could be
wireless. - Rewards, £4 7s. 6d. found. - Rewards, £6 3s. 6d.

AUGUST 11TH. - TORBAY, AND A UGUST 1 2 T H . - CLOVELLY, DEVON.

EXMOUTH, DEVON. An aeroplane had An aeroplane had been reported down in the
been reported down between Exmouth and sea some four miles north of Bude, but nothing
Teignmouth, but after putting out both life- was found. - Rewards, £21 14s. 6d.
boats were recalled. - Rewards : Torbay,
£3 17s. 6d. ; Exmouth, £7 0S. 6d. A UGUST 1 3 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT. A
vessel had been attacked by enemy aero-
AUGUST 1 1 T H . - G R E A T Y A R M O U T H planes, but the life-boat was not needed.-
AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK, AND Rewards, £3 18s.
LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK. The R.A.F.
reported a Blenheim aircraft down in the AUGUST 1 3 T H . - SELSEY SUSSEX.
sea three miles off the coast between Yar- During an air battle a British aeroplane had
mouth and Lowestoft, but the life-boats crashed into the sea, but the airman was
found nothing and were recalled, as the saved by a destroyer. Several enemy aero-
aeroplane had not come down in the sea.- planes had also crashed, and the search was
Rewards : Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, continued, but the life-boat could find
£4 3s. : Lowestoft, £4 3s. 6d. nothing. - Rewards, £6 3s. 6d.
A UGUST 1 1 T H . - WALTON AND FRIN- A UGUST 1 3 T H . - SWANAGE, DORSET.
TON, ESSEX. An aeroplane, believed to During an air fight over the sea between
be a German, had been reported down, but Swanage and Portland several machines had
nothing could be found. - Rewards, £7 2s. been reported to be down, but nothing could
be found. - Rewards, £7 10s.
AUGUST 1 1 T H . - SELSEY, SUSSEX. A
Hurricane aeroplane was reported to have AUGUST 1 3 T H . - ALDEBURGH, SUF-
crashed in the sea five miles west of Selsey FOLK. A Hurricane aeroplane had come
Bill, but nothing could be found. - Rewards, down some fifteen miles east of Orfordness,
£6 3s. 6d but the life-boat was recalled a few minutes
after launching. - Rewards, £11 4s.
AUGUST 11TH. - CLACTON - ON - SEA (AT
BRIGHTLINGSEA*), ESSEX. Informa- A UGUST 1 5 T H . - NEWBIGGIN, NORTH-
tion had been received that an airman was UMBERLAND. An enemy aeroplane had
in the sea, and the life-boat, working from been brought down, and a second had been
Brightlingsea as a war measure, put out, but seen to fall, but an Amble fishing boat
she found nothing, - Rewards, £6 3s. rescued five Germans, and nothing else was
found but three patches of oil. - Rewards,
A UGUST 1 1 T H . - SWANAGE, DORSET. £8 14s.
During an air battle an aeroplane had come
down in flames, and the pilot was seen to AUGUST 15TH. - AMBLE, NORTH-
drop into the sea by parachute, but he could UMBERLAND. A German bomber had
not be found. - Rewards, £4 19s. 6d. come down and the crew of five had taken
to their rubber boat, but they were picked
AUGUST 1 2 TH. - NEWHAVEN, AND up by a fishing boat. - Rewards, £4 7s. 6d.
HASTINGS, SUSSEX. An aeroplane had
been reported down in the sea, but nothing A UGUST 1 5 T H . - WALTON AND FRIN-
could be found. - Rewards : Newhaven, TON, ESSEX. A British aeroplane had
£8 15s ; Hastings, £14 3s. 6d. crashed, and the pilot had been seen descend-
ing by parachute, but although wreckage was
AUGUST 1 2 T H . - R A M S G A T E , K E N T . found nothing more was seen of the man or
The naval authorities had asked. that the parachute. - Rewards, £20 12s.
life-boat should go to the North Foreland
where enemy parachutists had come down AUGUST 1 5 T H . - SEAHAM, DURHAM.
in the sea, but they could not be found.- A German bomber had been shot down off
Reward, £4 10s. 6d. Seaham, but it disappeared in the sea and
nothing could be found. - Rewards, £4 19s. 6d.

* At the end of May, 1940 the Clacton life- AUGUST 16TH. - PORTRUSH, CO.
boat could no longer work from Clacton, as ANTRIM. Eight survivors of the Swedish
the middle of the pier had been blown up, to vessel Neilsdortan had been reported on a
make it useless to invading forces, and the raft over 30 miles away, but nothing was
life-boathouse was at the end of the pier. found. An aeroplane and two shore boats
The life-boat was first sent, to Rowhedge, also took part in the search. - Rewards,
for overhaul, and was then stationed at £5 8s. 6d.
Brightlingsea, in the river Colne, where she (See Portrush, “ Services by Shore-boats “,
could lie afloat, This was the nearest place page 149.)
to Clacton. from which she could work. The
life-boat returned to Clacton on the A UGUST 16 TH. - THE HUMBER, YORK-
13th November, 1940. SHIRE. A vessel of over 5,000 tons had
100 SERVICES 1940
been mined at the mouth of the Humber, and put out to sea again. The life-boat was
but all the survivors were picked up by then just passing Caister, and the aeroplane
armed trawlers. - Paid permanent crew. attacked her with machine-gun fire. The
bullets struck the sea just astern, but none
A UGUST 16 TH . - BEMBRIDGE, ISLE OF hit the boat, and she continued on her way,
WIGHT. During an air battle aeroplanes reaching her station again at 7 in the evening.
were reported down in the sea, but nothing A letter of thanks was received from the
was found. - Rewards, £2 15s. 6d. Royal Air Force. - Rewards, £4 15s. 6d.
A UGUST 1 8 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. An A UGUST 20 TH . - PEEL, ISLE OF MAN.
aeroplane had come down in the sea close Men working in a harvest field had reported
to the Shingles Patch, but the life-boat was that they had seen an aeroplane crashing
recalled when a mile out from her station.- into the sea, but nothing was found and no
Rewards, £11 5s. information of a missing aeroplane could be
obtained. - Rewards, £7 13s.
A UGUST 18 TH. - BEMBRIDGE, ISLE OF
WIGHT. Aeroplanes had been reported A UGUST 2 0 T H . - SWANAGE, DORSET.
down in the sea after an air battle, but A barrage balloon had gone adrift, but efforts
nothing could be found. - Rewards, £4 13s. to capture it were unsuccessful, and it was
(See Ventnor, “ Services by Shore-boats “, destroyed by fire from a patrol boat.-
page 149.) Rewards, £14 2s.

AUGUST 1 8 T H . - R A M S G A T E , K E N T . AUGUST 2 1 ST. - PADSTOW, CORN-

It had been reported that an R.A.F. pilot WALL. An enemy aeroplane had been
was in the sea, but nothing was found. On shot down, but the life-boat, aeroplanes and
returning to harbour, the life-boat was told naval vessels which took part in the search
that cries for help had been heard off Stone could find nothing, although the British pilot
Gap and she put out again, but again found who had shot down the aeroplane reported
nothing. - Rewards, £7 16s. that five men had got into a rubber boat and
had sent out green vapour. - Rewards,
A UGUST 1 9 T H . - RAMSGATE, KENT. A £6 14s. 6d.
German aeroplane had come down in the sea,
and the men in it had managed to climb on A UGUST 21 ST . - SKEGNESS, LINCOLN-
board the near-by wreck of the steamer SHIRE. A German bomber had been shot
Harcola, but they were picked up by a naval down and had caught fire, but nothing was
vessel. - Rewards, £7 16s. found. - Rewards, £5 9s. 6d.

A UGUST 1 9 T H . - CROMER, NORFOLK. A UGUST 2 3 R D . - SWANAGE, DORSET.

A British bomber had been reported down A German aeroplane had been reported down
in the sea, but the life-boat found nothing, in the sea and two men were said to have
and it was learned later that the pilot baled out from it, but nothing could be found
had brought her safely home. - Rewards, of them. - Rewards, £6 12s.
£13 6s. 6d. A UGUST 23 RD . - SELSEY, SUSSEX. The
Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, reported
A UGUST 1 9 T H . - ANGLE, PEMBROKE- a British aeroplane down on the sea, but
SHIRE. A rowing boat had got into diffi- nothing was found either by the life-boat or
culties, but she was taken in tow by a naval naval vessels. - Rewards, £12 7s.
patrol boat. - Rewards, £4 19s.
A UGUST 23 RD . - THURSO, CAITHNESS-
AUGUST 2 0 T H . - G R E A T Y A R M O U T H SHIRE. Wick radio had reported a ship
AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK. An aero- on fire six miles west of Thurso, but the
plane had been reported down in the sea crew got ashore in their own boats.-
five miles N.E. of Winterton. The life-boat Rewards, £4 11s.
was launched at 1.54 P . M . and reached the
position given at 3.10. There she saw and A UGUST 2 4 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. A
spoke to a naval trawler and a drifter. The German airman had come down by para-
master of the trawler said that he had seen chute, but he was picked up by a motor boat.
the aeroplane come straight out of the clouds - Rewards, £5 12s. 6d.
and dive into the sea where it “ exploded (See Herne Bay, “ Services by Shore-boats”,
like a depth charge “. It was he who had page 140,)
sent the message which had called out the
life-boat. He was on the spot himself in AUGUST 2 4 T H . - SHOREHAM HAR-
ten minutes, but found no sign of the airmen, BOUR, SUSSEX. An aeroplane on fire
and all he picked up was two oxygen bottles. had been reported down in the sea, but
The master of the drifter said that he had nothing was found. - Rewards, £2 12s. 6d.
been searching ever since the aeroplane fell,
but he had only found small wreckage. AUGUST 24 TH . - MOELFRE, ANGLESEY,
Several trawlers and a sloop arrived, and AND LLANDUDNO, CAERNARVON-
they too searched but found nothing. The SHIRE. Reports had been received that an
life-boat then went towards Winterton, still aeroplane was down in the sea several miles
keeping a good look out. About six in the west of Great Orme’s Head, but nothing was
evening a German aeroplane came in from found. - Rewards : Moelfre, £8 ; Llandudno,
the sea, dropped several bombs in Gorleston, £19 3s. 6d.
 SERVICES 1940 101

A UGUST 25 TH. -WEYMOUTH, DORSET. 30 miles east of Cromer, but the life-boat was
Many German aircraft had been brought recalled by wireless as news had been received
down in a terrific fight in the Weymouth and that the aeroplane was safe. - Rewards,
Portland areas, but although the sea was £5 16s. 6d.
strewn with wreckage nothing worth rescuing
was found. - Rewards, £6 13s. AUGUST 3 0 T H . - H A S T I N G S , S U S S E X .
An aeroplane had been reported down in
AUGUST 2 6 T H . C R O M E R , N O R F O L K . the sea eight miles south of Hastings, but
An aeroplane had come down in the sea nothing was found. - Rewards, £28 7s. 6d.
about 18 miles from Cromer, but the crew
were picked up by other vessels. - Rewards, AUGUST 31ST. - CULLERCOATS,
£6 1s. 6d. NORTHUMBERLAND. The Dutch motor
vessel Marne, of Rotterdam, had struck a
AUGUST 2 6 T H . SELSEY, SUSSEX. A mine and sank a quarter of a mile S.E. of
British airman had come down by parachute, Tynemouth Piers, but no survivors were
but he was rescued by a fisherman.- found, and later it was learned that two out
Rewards, £6 3s. 6d. of the crew of five had been picked up by a
tug. - Rewards, £8 14s.
AUGUST 2 6 T H . - ARRANMORE, CO.
DONEGAL. A Greek steamer which had AUGUST 31ST. - FLAMBOROUGH,
apparently been torpedoed was drifting about YORKSHIRE. An aeroplane had come
three miles out at sea, but she had been down in the sea, but nothing was found.
abandoned by her crew and was too large Later it was learned that the crew of four
for the life-boat to attempt to bring her in. had already been picked up by another
- Rewards, £5 16s. 6d. vessel. - Rewards, £9 7s. 6d.

AUGUST 2 6 T H . - MARGATE, KENT AUGUST 3 1 S T . - M A R G A T E , K E N T . A

Intense machine-gun fire had been heard, an German aeroplane had been seen to crash
aeroplane on fire was seen falling into the into the sea, but a fishing boat rescued one
sea, and an airman, and then three more of its crew, and of another airman who, he
airmen, were seen coming down by parachute, said, was also in the sea nothing was found
but they were picked up by other boats.- but his parachute. - Rewards, £5 12s. 6d.
Rewards, £5 12s. 6d.
A UGUST 3 1 S T . - MARGATE, KENT. An
A UGUST 2 7 T H . - SHERINGHAM, NOR- aeroplane was reported down in the sea, but
FOLK. An aeroplane had come down in nothing could be found. - Rewards, £5 12s. 6d.
the sea seventeen miles north of Sheringham, (See Herne Bay, “Services by Shore-boats”,
and the crew of four had taken to their rubber page 150.)
boat, but they were picked up by a trawler.
- Rewards, £19 9S. 6d. A UGUST 3 1 S T . - WALTON AND FRIN-
TON, ESSEX. An aeroplane had crashed
AUGUST 2 7 T H . - SELSEY, SUSSEX. A over the Naze, and the pilot was seen to
British bomber aeroplane had come down in leave the machine by parachute, but he
the sea two miles south of Chichester Har- could not be found, and it was learnt later
bour, but nothing could be found except oil that he had come down on land. - Rewards,
on the water. - Rewards, £15 10s. 6d. £6 19s.

AUGUST 2 8 TH. - BALTIMORE, CO. SEPTEMBER

CORK. The S.S.. Gothland. of Leith. had been
sunk by enemy action, and part, of the crew Launches 64. Lives rescued 62.
had landed on Dursey Island. The captain
and eighteen men were making for land S EPTEMBER 1 ST . - SHERINGHAM, NOR-
farther north A search was made for them, FOLK. At 5.45 A.M. the naval author-
but nothing could be found, and it was ities at Cromer asked for the life-boat to go
learned later that they had been picked up by out, as an aeroplane was in the sea between
another vessel and landed in Scotland.- Sheringham and Blakeney. A light westerly
Rewards, £16 13s. 6d. wind was blowing, the sea was smooth. The
motor life-boat Foresters Centenary was
A UGUST 2 8 T H . - DUNGENESS, KENT. launched at 6 A.M., and found, off Salthouse,
It had been reported that an airman was a patch of oil and part of an aeroplane. The
descending by parachute eight miles N.E. of crew of four had got ashore in their rubber
Dungeness, but he landed near the beach boat. The life-boat picked up some wreckage
and was able to swim ashore, although his and gear and returned to her station again
hands had been badly burned. - Rewards, at 7.30 A.M. - Rewards, £16 6s. 6d.
£9 15s
S EPTEMBER 2 ND . - PETERHEAD, ABER-
AUGUST 28TH. - GOURDON, KIN- DEENSHIRE. At 11.10 P . M . the coastguard
CARDINESHIRE. A vessel had been reported two vessels on fire, one five miles S.E.
reported bombed, but nothing was found.- of Rattray Head and the other about ten
Rewards. £25 13s. miles E.S.E. from Peterhead. They belonged
to a convoy which had been attacked by enemy
A UGUST 2 9 T H . - CROMER, NORFOLK. aeroplanes. A light N.W. wind was blowing,
An aeroplane had been reported in distress with a calm sea. The motor life-boat Julia
102 SERVICES 1940

Park Barry of Glasgow was launched at to get the patient to hospital without delay.
11.20 P . M ., and found the S.S. Lagosian, of A S.W. wind was blowing. The sea was calm.
Liverpool, burning fiercely. There was no The motor life-boat Sir Arthur Rose was
response to the life-boat’s hail. The crew launched at 8.15 P .M. and reached Oban at
had taken to their boats, and thirty-two 11.30 P .M. An ambulance was waiting. The
of them had been picked up by a naval vessel. lifeboat arrived back at Tobermory at 3.5 A.M.
She went in search of a raft from the Lagosian Some days later the patient was reported to
and met the S.S.. Ashly, of West Hartlepool. be making a good recovery. - No expense to
She had been attacked and damaged, but the Institution.
had been able to carry out temporary repairs
and was on her way to Leith. The life-boat SEPTEMBER 5TH. - HASTINGS, SUSSEX.
continued her search and picked up three At 3.38 P.M. a Spitfire aeroplane was seen
boats and a raft, but all were empty. She chasing a German aeroplane out to sea. The
returned to her station at 10 A.M. - Rewards, German came down several miles S. by W.
£13 3s. 6d. of the life-boat station. A S.W. breeze was
blowing, with a slight sea. The motor life-
SEPTEMBER 3RD. - MARGATE, KENT. boat Cyril and Lilian Bishop was away in a
At 10.15 A . M . the coastguard reported that few minutes. She had on board the honorary
a man had dropped by parachute into the secretary, Commander W. Highfield, O.B.E.,
sea seven miles N.E. of Reculver. The sea R.N., and the district inspector, Commander
was smooth, with a light N.W. wind. The E. D. Drury, O.B.E., R.D., R.N.R. She
motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot, on temporary picked up a German airman, and arrived
duty at the station, was launched at 10.20 back at Hastings at 5 P.M. - Rewards,
A.M. , and at 11.45 A.M . found an airman. He £13 14s. 6d.
was badly burned and was on the point of
collapse, after being over an hour in the sea. S E P T E M B E R 5 T H . - MARGATE, KENT.
He was taken into the life-boat, and Mr. At about 3.30 P .M. a telephone message was
A. C. Robinson, the honorary secretary of received from the coastguard that an aero-
the station, who was on board, bandaged plane had crashed into the sea about two
him and gave him stimulants. Another boat hundred yards west of the Hook Beacon. A
was asked to wireless for medical help to be light S.S.E. wind was blowing, with a smooth
in readiness ashore, and after a journey at sea. The motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot,
full speed the life-boat landed the airman on temporary duty at the station, left at
at 1 P.M. and he was taken to Margate 3.35 P.M . The honorary secretary, Mr. A. C.
Hospital. The rescued man was Pilot Officer Robinson, was on board. She found the
R. H. Hillary, of the family of Lieut.-Col. wreckage of a German aeroplane, and brought
Sir William Hillary, Bt., the founder of the it ashore for identification. - Rewards,
Institution. His parents sent a letter of £5 12s. 6d.
thanks. - Rewards, £5 12s. 6d. (See Herne Bay, “Services by Shore-boats”,
(See Herne Bay, " Services by Shore-boats”, page 150.)
page 150.)
SEPTEMBER 6TH. - PETERHEAD, ABER-
SEPTEMBER 4TH. - CAMPBELTOWN, DEENSHIRE. At 9.50 P . M . the coastguard
ARGYLLSHIRE. At 6.55 A.M. the Port- reported a vessel sinking to the east of
patrick coastguard telephoned that the Peterhead, but other vessels put out, and the
S.S.. Laird’s Castle, of Glasgow, had been in life-boat was not launched. At 2.45 next
collision. Her position was given as about morning the coastguard reported that a
one mile west of Sanda Island. A moderate vessel had sunk. A fresh N.W. wind was
S. breeze was blowing. The sea was calm. blowing, with a choppy sea. The motor life-
There was thick fog. The motor life-boat boat Julia Park Barry of Glasgow was
City of Glasgow was launched at 7.30 A.M., launched at 3 A . M . She cruised about for
and going to the west of Sanda Island found over two hours, and at 5.20 A.M. found a boat
the trawler Iago and the Dutch motor ship with twenty-four men on board. They
Mr. Linthorst Homan ashore on a reef. With belonged to the S.S. Gannet, of London, which
the help of a kedge anchor which the life- had been bombed from the air, and they had
boat ran out the trawler was refloated. The abandoned her. The life-boat took them on
Dutch vessel declined aid, and later she board and landed them at 6.30 A.M . Later
refloated. At 10.5 A . M . information came the life-boat took the captain and some of his
from Portpatrick by wireless that the position crew back to their ship and then stood by
of the Laird’s Castle was not a mile west of while tugs towed her to Peterhead Bay.
Sanda Island, but seven miles S.S.E. The She returned to her station at 11 A.M-
lifeboat went there, but found only wreckage. Rewards, £14 8s. 6d.
The crew of the steamer had already been
rescued. The life-boat returned to her station S E P T E M B E R 7 T H . - MARGATE, KENT.
at 4 P.M. - Rewards, £3 2s. 6d. ; and property At 5.25 P.M. a telephone message was received
salvage case. from the coastguard that an aeroplane had
crashed into the sea near the East Last Buoy.
SEPTEMBER 4TH. - TOBERMORY, A S.W. breeze was blowing, with a choppy
ARGYLLSHIRE. During the evening a sea. The motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot, on
request was received for the use of the life- temporary duty at this station, was launched
boat to convey a sick person to hospital at at 5.30 P . M . The honorary secretary, Mr.
Oban. No other boat would be available A. C. Robinson, was on board. After a short
until the following day, and it was imperative search she found a German airman. He had
 SERVICES 1940 103

a wound in his head which was dressed by boat arrived back at her station at 7.20 P .M.
Mr. A. C. Robinson. The life-boat reached - Rewards, £13 9s. 6d.
her station again at 7.25 P . M . - Rewards,
£8 11s. S EPTEMBER 23 RD. - WICK, CAITHNESS-
(See Herne Bay, “ Services by Shore-boats”, SHIRE. At 10.30 P.M. a message was
page 150.) received from the coastguard that the motor
fishing boat Glad Tidings, of Lybster, had not
S EPTEMBER 12 TH . - WICK, CAITHNESS- returned. A strong N.W. wind was blowing,
SHIRE, AND LONGHOPE, ORKNEYS. with a moderate sea. At 11.50 P.M.. the
Early in the morning news was received at motor life-boat City of Edinburgh was
both stations through the coastguard, from launched and found the Glad Tidings about
the naval authorities, that the naval salvage eight miles off the coast, broken down with-
vessel Salvage King was ashore near Dun- out sails, lights or food. She rescued her
cansby Head. A moderate S.W. breeze was crew of four, took their boat in tow and
blowing, with a moderate sea. The Wick arrived at her station again at 4.50 A.M. the
motor life-boat, City of Edinburgh, was next morning. - Rewards, £9 1s.
launched at 3.55 A.M., and twenty-five minutes
later the Longhope motor life-boat Thomas SILVER MEDAL SERVICE
McCunn. They found the Salvage King with
other vessels in attendance. The vessel was AT FRASERBURGH
in a dangerous position and it was decided
to take off her crew. Wick boat took nine
SEPTEMBER 24TH. - FRASER-
of them to a tug and the Longhope boat BURGH, ABERDEENSHIRE. Just
thirty-five. Wick then helped in running out after two in the morning the coast-
ropes in an unsuccessful attempt to refloat guard told the life-boat station that a
the vessel. Their services being no longer
needed, both boats returned to their stations, vessel was ashore on the Cairnbulg
Wick arriving at 10 A . M . and Longhope at Briggs, a reef of rocks about two miles
1 P . M . - Rewards : Wick, £13 11s. 6d. ; away. She was the trawler Northward,
Longhope £7 9s. of Grimsby, with a crew of ten. At
SEPTEMBER 16TH. - FLEETWOOD 2.30 the motor life-boat John and
LANCASHIRE. At 9 P.M. the naval author- Charles Kennedy was launched. Cox-
ities asked that the life-boat should go out swain David Hay, who had won the
to stand by the Dutch trawler Knikker - bronze medal of the Royal National
working from Fleetwood - which had on
board survivors of the S.S. City of Bengal. Life-boat Institution in February for
She herself was ashore on the east side of the the rescue of the crew of a Danish motor
harbour channel. A fresh S.W. breeze was vessel, had been called up to the Navy
blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life- the day before, and Captain Andrew
boat Ann Letitia Russell was launched at
9.30 P.M. and found the trawler crunching on Stephen, the honorary secretary of the
the bottom. As the skipper declined to allow life-boat station and harbour master
the lascars on board to leave for fear of panic, of Fraserburgh, took command of the
the life-boat stood by. On a rising tide the life-boat.
trawler refloated, and was directed into the
channel and port by the life-boat, which A fresh north-westerly gale was
reached her station again at 11 P.M.- blowing, with a very heavy sea. It
Rewards, £12 7s. 6d. was raining hard, and the night was
very dark. Twenty minutes after
SEPTEMBER 17TH. - BARRA ISLAND,
HEBRIDES. During the night information launching, the life-boat reached the
was received from the postmaster of North- reef. The trawler was lying on the
bay that a small rowing boat, with two men reef far inside the broken water, and
aboard, had been caught in a storm in Barra her stern was to the seas, which were
Sound. A strong N.W. gale was blowing,
with a very heavy sea. The motor life-boat breaking right over it and sweeping
Lloyd’s was launched at 9 P . M ., went to all her length. But those on board
Northbay, where she took on board a pilot, the life-boat could not see on which
and found that the two men had landed on side of the reef she lay. They signalled
an island. She took them off and brought
them back. She reached her station again by morse to the coastguard, who were
at 2.30 A.M. - Rewards, £10 19s. on the shore abreast of the wreck, and
the coastguard signalled back that the
S EPTEMBER 18 TH . - ALDEBURGH, SUF- trawler was on the north-west side.
FOLK. The No. 2 motor life-boat Lucy
Lavers was launched at 4.20 P . M . to search Captain Stephen anchored to the
for a barrage balloon which was adrift some north-west of the wreck, and dropped
three miles E. by N. of Aldeburgh. A strong down towards her, stern first. In the
N.W. breeze was blowing with a rough sea. darkness and the rain, with no lights
The lifeboat found the balloon, but as she was
unable to tow it, the life-boatmen let out the to guide him, in the shallow water and
gas and then hauled it on board. The life- breaking seas, it was a difficult opera-
104 SERVICES 1940

tion. It was made doubly so by an water to the life-boat. The third man
outlying rock and by the tide, which to be rescued fell out of the buoy ; but
was at half flood and running very fortunately the next sea flung one of
strongly across the seas. the veering lines across him ; he
As the life-boat dropped down the seized it ; held on tight ; and was
tide caught her, swept her past the hauled into the life-boat. The fifth
wreck, and carried her broadside on man was unconscious when he was
to the seas. They broke right over got aboard, but the motor-mechanic
her, filling her after-cockpit. She was used artificial respiration at once, and
hauled back to her anchor, the anchor in a few minutes had brought him
was weighed, and she anchored again, round. In half an hour the ten men
further to the westward. Again had all been rescued, and the life-boat
she dropped down, again the tide was hauled back to her anchor. Then
caught her, swept her past the wreck the anchor was weighed it was found
and brought her broadside on to the to have been so badly bent under the
seas. This time her stern struck the strain put on it that it was useless.
bottom. She hauled out, anchored Half an hour after weighing anchor
once more, still further to the west- the life-boat reached her station again.
ward, and dropped down for the third It was then 8.20 in the morning, six
time. Again she was swept away from hours after she had put out. When
the wreck. she was housed it was found that her
stern had been damaged by the severe
WAITING FOR D AY bumping.
With that tide running, and in the
shallow water, it was impossible to get
near the wreck, and Captain Stephen T HE R EWARDS
decided to wait until daylight when It was a very difficult service; carried
the tide would have risen. He sig- out with courage, determination and
nalled this to the wreck and to the splendid seamanship, and the Institu-
coastguard on shore, and weighing tion made the following awards :
anchor lay off to wait for the day. To C A P T A I N A N D R E W S T E P H E N ,
At 6.30 in the morning the life-boat acting-coxswain, the Institution’s sil-
again stood in towards the wreck, ver medal for gallantry and a copy of
anchored for the fourth time in the the vote inscribed on vellum ;
broken water and dropped down. The To G E O R G E F. D U T H I E , motor-
tide was now slack, and no longer mechanic, who worked his engines
carried the life-boat away from the while at times nearly up to his waist
wreck ; but wind and sea were rising ; in water, acted as signaller, and re-
it was raining more heavily than vived the unconscious man, the bronze
before ; and since the last attempt to medal for gallantry, and a copy, of the
reach her the trawler had been washed vote inscribed on vellum ;
further in over the reef. The life-boat To JOHN D OWNIE MAY, a member
veered out about 100 fathoms of cable, of the crew, who was in charge of the
but when she was still fifty feet from “ upper deck “, tended the anchor
the trawler her stern was again striking cable and worked the breeches buoy,
the bottom. She could go no further. the bronze medal ior gallantry and :
Captain Stephen decided to use the copy of the vote inscribed on vellum ;
breeches buoy. By megaphone he To each of the other five members
told the trawler’s crew to be ready and of the crew, R O B E R T S T R A C H A N ,
to pay strict attention to his orders, assistant motor-mechanic, JOHN
for the sea was coming in very heavy B UCHAN , A NDREW R ITCHIE , J AMES
runs. The line-throwing gun was MAY and WILLIAM NOBLE, the thanks
fired, but the first line broke. The of the Institution inscribed on vellum ;
second fell across the wreck. It was to the acting-coxswain and each of the
then about 6.45 in the morning. seven members of the crew, a reward
The breeches buoy was rigged, and of £3 in addition to the ordinary scale
one by one the trawler’s crew were reward of £1 17s. 6d. Standard
hauled through fifty feet of broken rewards to crew and launchers,
 SERVICES 1940 105

£14 9s. 6d. ; additional rewards to SEPTEMBER 28TH. - FILEY, YORK-

crew, £24 ; total rewards, £38 9s. 6d. SHIRE. The fishing fleet, had put to sea as
usual. The northerly wind was increasing; the
On the 2nd of October the life-boat sea was getting rough ; three of the boats turned
was launched at noon to stand by back ; and at 9.20 in the morning the motor
while an attempt to refloat the life-boat The Cuttle put out to the help of the
Northward was made. This was un- others. She escorted the boats Windsor Lad,
successful, and the life-boat returned Kathleen and John and Nancy to safety, and
returned to her station at 11 A.M. - Rewards,
at 2.45 On the following day the £8 12s.
life-boat again put out at two in the
SEPTEMBER 28TH. - NEWBIGGIN,
morning. This time the trawler was NORTHUMBERLAND. A very strong
refloated. Guided by the life-boat N.N.E. wind was blowing, with a very heavy
she came into harbour. The life-boat and rough sea, and as six local fishing cobles
returned to her station at four in the were out, the life-boat Augustus and Laura
afternoon. Both launches were in fair was launched at 10.40 A . M . She met five of
the cobles, escorted them to safety, and went,
weather. - Property salvage cases. out again to search for the sixth. Aeroplanes
joined in the search and it continued until
SEPTEMBER 26TH. - PETERHEAD, 3 P.M . The life-boat returned to refuel. She
ABERDEENSHIRE. A t 8 . 1 0 P . M . t h e put out again, but found nothing, and re-
coastguard reported a vessel on fire some turned at 5.25 P . M . Before she could be put
eight miles north east from their station. A on her carriage news came that something
S.W. gale, veering to N.W., was blowing. resembling a small boat had been seen off
There was a moderate swell. The motor life- Cresswell. For the third time the life-boat
boat Julia Park Barry of Glasgow was went out, but again found nothing. The coble
launched at 8 . 2 5 P . M . She found that the and her crew of three were lost. It was
vessel was the 8,000 ton steamer Port 7.35 P.M. before she finally returned. It had
Denison, of London. She had been bombed been a long and arduous service for the life-
by enemy aeroplanes and sunk. Admiralty b o a t m e n a n d f o r t h e w o m e n launchers.-
vessels had picked up a number of survivors. Rewards, £26 16s.
The life-boat joined in the search and found SEPTEMBER 2 8 T H . - F R A S E R B U R G H ,
two more on a raft. It was then 10 P . M . ABERDEENSHIRE. At 8.20 P . M . informa-
She continued to search and at two o’clock tion was received from the Kinnaird Head
next morning a destroyer hailed her, and coastguard that flares and flashes had been
transferred to her eight of the rescued men. seen several miles away in a north westerly
The life-boat took them ashore, arriving at direction from Fraserburgh. A strong
3 A.M. An hour later she resumed the search northerly wind was blowing, with a heavy
as a number of men were still missing, but sea. The motor life-boat John and Charles
she found none and finally returned to her Kennedy was launched at 10 P . M ., and after
station at 10.15 A.M. - Rewards, £13 3s. 6d. going about eighteen miles found a steamer
which had been bombed. She was the S.S.
SEPTEMBER 27 TH . - HASTINGS, SUSSEX. Queen City, of Bideford, of nearly 3,000 tons,
At 5.25 P . M . the coastguard reported that a bound, laden with steel, from Montreal to
German aeroplane was in the sea a quarter Middlesbrough. The life-boat picked up
of a mile S.W. of the bathing pool at St. fifteen survivors from a ship’s boat. An
Leonards, and that another had crashed in Admiralty vessel had picked up twenty. Two
flames six miles to the southward. A S.W. had been killed on board the Queen City.
breeze was blowing, with a slight sea. The That accounted for the whole crew, and the
motor life-boat Cyril and Lilian Bishop was life-boat returned, arriving at her station
launched at 5.37 P .M., the honorary secretary, again at 2.40 A.M. - Rewards, £9 13s.
C o m m a n d e r W . Highfield, O . B . E . , R . N . ,
going out with her. She rescued one German S E P T E M B E R 3 0 T H . - SELSEY, SUSSEX.
airman, badly injured. He said that. two At 4.19 P . M . the coastguard telephoned that
others were lost. The life-boat returned to an aeroplane - probably German - was down
her station at 6 P.M . - Rewards, £11 13s. in the sea to the S.W. of Selsey Bill. A N.E.
breeze was blowing, with a choppy sea. The
motor life-boat Canadian Pacific was launched
S E P T E M B E R 2 8 T H . - BEMBRIDGE ISLE at 4.30 P.M ., and found that a seaplane had
OF WIGHT. The life-boat, crew had already landed on the water near the
assembled for an exercise, but this was can-
celled when the air raid siren sounded. Before wrecked plane. The life-boat found a dead
the men left the station they saw a British airman. As the seaplane now took off again
aeroplane come down in the sea two miles and had probably picked up any survivors,
south of the boathouse, and launched the the lifeboat returned to her station, where
motor life-boat Jesse Lumb at 2.47 P.M. A she arrived at 6 P . M . and handed over the
northerly wind was blowing, with a slight sea. body to the police. - Rewards, £6 3s. 6d.
The life-boat found the aeroplane and The following life-boats were launched but
rescued the pilot from the wreckage. He no services were rendered for the reasons
was shaken, but uninjured. The life-boat given :
brought him ashore and returned to her SEPTEMBER 1 ST. - PENLEE, CORNWALL.
station at 4 P.M . - Rewards, £3 11s. 6d. A minesweeper had been blown up off
106 SERVICES 1940

Penzance Harbour, but small boats picked into the sea, but only wreckage was found.-
up the survivors. - Rewards, £5 11s. 6d. Rewards, £4 10s. 6d.

S E P T E M B E R 2 N D . - MARGATE, KENT. S EPTEMBER 11 TH . - MARGATE, KENT.

During an air raid a German aeroplane had At 4.24 P .M. an aeroplane had been seen to
been seen to crash into the sea four or five crash into the sea three miles north of the
miles N. by W. of the station, but nothing life-boathouse, but only oil on the water was
except a patch of oil could be found. found, and a bright green patch showing that
- Rewards, £5 12s. 6d. it was a German aeroplane. - Rewards,
£5 12s. 6d.
SEPTEMBER 3RD. - LONGHOPE, ORK-
NEYS. A ship’s boat had been seen adrift, S E P T E M B E R 1 1 T H . - SELSEY, SUSSEX.
but she was empty, waterlogged and riddled During an air battle several aeroplanes, both
with machine-gun bullets. - Reward, £4 6s. 6d British and German, crashed into the sea,
but the life-boat found nothing but patches
SEPTEMBER 4TH. - SHOREHAM HAR- of oil. - Rewards, £6 3s. 6d.
BOUR, SUSSEX. An aeroplane had been
reported down in the sea and on fire off SEPTEMBER 12TH. - ALDEBURGH, SUF-
Worthing Pier, but nothing could be found. FOLK. Red stars had been seen ; assumed
- Rewards, £4 1s. to have come from an aeroplane’s rubber
dinghy, but nothing could be found.-
S EPTEMBER 4 TH . - HASTINGS, SUSSEX. Rewards, £21 11s. 6d.
An aeroplane was reported to have come
down in the sea, but the life-boat found SEPTEMBER 15TH. - DUNBAR, EAST
nothing. - Rewards, £31 2s. 6d. LOTHIAN. The motor vessel HaIland, of
Copenhagen, had been bombed by German
SEPTEMBER 5TH. - BARRA ISLAND, aeroplanes and sank within three minutes,
HEBRIDES. A ship’s boat with seventeen but a patrol boat picked up the crew.-
men from a torpedoed steamer had been Rewards, £10 1s.
sighted, but they were picked up by the
Barra Head Light-house supply boat which S EPTEMBER 15 TH . - SELSEY, SUSSEX.
was making her weekly trip to the light-house. A British aeroplane had been reported down,
- Rewards, £4 13s. 6d. but nothing was found of her. - Rewards,
£9 7s.
SEPTEMBER 5TH. - BARRA ISLAND,
HEBRIDES. A ship’s boat was reported S E P T E M B E R 1 6 T H . - CLOUGHEY, CO.
adrift and an aeroplane down in the sea, but DOWN. News had been received of a
the boat was found empty and of the aero- steamer sinking, and a later message said
plane only wreckage was found. - Rewards, that she had sunk, but nothing was found,
£7 2s. and a patrol vessel nearby was believed to
have rescued the crew. - Rewards, £6 15s. 6d.
S EPTEMBER 5 TH . - DUNGENESS, KENT.
An aeroplane had been reported down in the SEPTEMBER 16 TH . - DONAGHADEE, CO.
sea, but the life-boat was recalled by the naval DOWN. A vessel had been reported as being
authorities shortly after launching. - bombed by German aeroplanes, but nothing
Rewards, £7 18s. was found. - Rewards, £11 8s. 6d.

SEPTEMBER 7TH. - CAMPBELTOWN, SEPTEMBER 16TH. - FRASERBURGH,

ARGYLLSHIRE. A steamer had been ABERDEENSHIRE. An aeroplane had
reported in collision with a destroyer, but been reported on fire, but it was a false alarm.
the help of the life-boat was not needed, and - Rewards, £14 4s.
she was recalled by wireless. - Rewards,
£11 14s. S E P T E M B E R 1 6 T H . - SCARBOROUGH,
YORKSHIRE. Bombing and machine-gun-
SEPTEMBER 7TH. - CLOUGHEY, CO. ning had been heard, but nothing was found.
DOWN. Fears had been entertained for the - Rewards, £24 15s. 6d.
safety of a small yacht, but she made land
without aid. - Rewards, £14 3s. 6d. SEPTEMBER 17TH. - ARRANMORE, CO.
(See Portaferry, “ Services by Shore-boats”, DONEGAL. A ship had been reported ablaze
page 150.) off Tory Island, but she could not be found.
Later she went ashore off Horn Head.-
SEPTEMBER 10TH. - CROMER, NOR- Rewards, £14 12s.
FOLK. An aeroplane was reported to have
crashed, but nothing could be found.- SEPTEMBER 17TH. - CROMER, NOR-
Rewards, £26 4s. 6d. FOLK. Two vessels had been reported on
the Lemon Bank, but they got off and went
SEPTEMBER 10TH. - HOLY ISLAND, on their way. - Rewards, £13 6s. 6d.
NORTHUMBERLAND. A naval patrol
vessel had stranded, but the crew declined S EPTEMBER 20 TH . - ARRANMORE, CO.
the aid of the life-boat. - Rewards, £10 5s. DONEGAL. A trawler had been reported
in distress twenty-five miles north-west of
S EPTEMBER 10 TH . - WICK, CAITHNESS- Tory Island, but nothing could be found.-
SHIRE. An R.A.F. aeroplane had crashed Rewards, £15 8s. 6d.
 L
SERVICES 1940 107 w
th
SEPTEMBER 20TH. - BARRA ISLAND, Selsey Bill during an air battle, but nothing li
HEBRIDES. An unusual light had been was found. - Rewards, £6 3s. 6d. A
reported, but nothing could be found.- in
Rewards, £9 7s. SEPTEMBER 29TH. - ARKLOW, CO, lo
WICKLOW. An aeroplane was reported T
SEPTEMBER 21ST. - BARRA ISLAND, to have come down in the sea off Cahore an
HEBRIDES. A light or flare had been seen Point, but nothing was found. - Rewards,
which it was thought might come from a £15 8s. 6d.an aeroplane in distress, but nothing co
drifting boat, but nothing could be found.- found. - Rewards, £4 3s.
Rewards, £9 7s.

OCTOBER
S E P T E M B E R 2 4 T H . - BALTIMORE, CO. Launches 96. Lives rescued 231.
CORK. Lights of a reddish tint had been O CTOBER 2 N D . - F R A S E R B U R G H .
reported but nothing was found. - Rewards, ABERDEENSHIRE The life-boat was
£12 9s. launched twice to the help of the steam
trawler Northward, from which she had
S EPTEMBER 24 TH . - RUNSWICK, YORK- previously rescued the crew of ten. For
SHIRE. A British bomber aeroplane was details see September 24th, page 103.
reported to have crashed into the sea twelve
miles north of Runswick, but nothing was O C T O B E R 3 R D . - CROMER, NORFOLK.
found. - Rewards, £9 0S. 6d. At about 6.55 A.M. the coxswain heard
through the coastguard that a small boat
SEPTEMBER 24TH. - SCARBOROUGH, was making signals of distress about two
YORKSHIRE. A British bomber aeroplane miles S.E. by E. of Cromer. A moderate
had been reported approaching land with easterly wind was blowing, with a moderate
her petrol nearly exhausted, but nothing was sea. The No. 1 motor life-boat H. F. Bailey
found. - Rewards, £13 9s. 6d. was launched at 7.5 A . M . and came up with
the boat at 7.30 A . M . She had on board the
SEPTEMBER 24 TH . - SWANAGE, DORSET. crew of eight of the motor vessel Actuosity,
An aeroplane was reported to have come of London, which had sunk, with her cargo
down in the sea, but nothing was found.- of wheat, five minutes after striking a sunken
Rewards, £3 14s. 6d. wreck. The men had been in the boat for
three hours. The life-boat took them on
S E P T E M B E R 2 5 T H . - SELSEY, SUSSEX. board, and returned to her station at 8.15
An aeroplane was reported to have come A.M. - Rewards, £13 6s. 6d.
down in the sea off Thorney Island, but the
life-boat found nothing. As she approached OCTOBER 5TH. - NEW BRIGHTON,
Chichester harbour, she saw oil on the water, CHESHIRE. At 10.20 A.M. the Mersey
and learnt later that two airmen had been Dock Board reported that the coasting
picked up by another boat, and that the steamer Aquilla, of Liverpool, was flying
aeroplane had crashed inside the harbour distress signals in Formby Channel off Q3
entrance. - Rewards, £6 3s. 6d. Red Buoy. A moderate westerly gale was
blowing, with a rough sea. The No. 2 motor
S EPTEMBER 26 TH. - FISHGUARD, PEM- life-boat Edmund and Mary Robinson was
BROKESHIRE. A Dutch aeroplane, based launched at 10.40 A . M . She found that the
on Pembroke Dock, had crashed nine miles Aquilla’s engine had broken down, that she
N.N.W. of Strumble Head, but her crew had lost her anchors and that she was drifting
were rescued by a trawler. - Rewards, £4 7s. on to the Askew Spit. A tug was helping her,
and the life-boat escorted them until the
SEPTEMBER 27 TH . - HASTINGS, SUSSEX. steamer was safe in the Gladstone Dock.
A German bomber aeroplane had been seen to She returned to her station at 2.30 P . M .-
come down in the sea two miles away, but Rewards, £6 9s.
nothing was found. - Rewards, £12 7s. 6d.
O C T O B E R 6 T H . - HARTLEPOOL, DUR-
S E P T E M B E R 2 8 T H . - SELSEY, SUSSEX. HAM. At about 1.50 A . M . the naval author-
A British aeroplane had crashed south of ities telephoned that the auxiliary patrol
108 SERVICES 1940
motor boat Noel II, with four men on board,
was having trouble with her engine and was BRONZE MEDAL SERVICE
adrift off the Heugh. A moderate S.W. AT MARYPORT
gale was blowing, with a rough sea. The
motor life-boat The Princess Royal (Civil OCTOBER 9TH. - MARYPORT,
Service No. 7) put out at 2.19 A.M., picked up CUMBERLAND. During the after-
the disabled boat, and brought her in shortly
after 5 A.M. She was rehoused at 11.30 A.M. noon a strong southerly wind was
- Expenses paid by Admiralty. blowing. Towards the end of the
afternoon it veered to west-north-west,
OCTOBER 6TH. - FALMOUTH, CORN- growing rapidly stronger, and just
WALL. At 7.15 P.M. the coastguard at before dark it was blowing a full gale,
St. Anthony reported that distress signals
had been seen about two and a half miles off with fierce squalls and blinding rain.
the Point. A moderate S.W. breeze was The herring drifters were fishing in
blowing, with a very rough sea. At 7.30 P.M. the Solway Firth, and, as the wind in-
the motor life-boat Crawford and Constance creased, they hauled in their nets and
Conybeare was launched. She searched, but
could not find anything. At 8.45 P . M . she made for port. All the Maryport
spoke the examination vessel and found that boats got back safely, but the weather
she had on board ten survivors of the crew grew worse so quickly that one drifter,
of twelve of the S.S Jersey Queen, of London, which took five minutes longer than
which had been sunk by a mine while bound
from Blyth to Plymouth with coal. The another to haul its nets on board, was
life-boat took them on board and landed over an hour later in reaching port.
them at 8.45 P.M . - Rewards, £11 14s. Visibility was very bad, but at
6.30 a drifter could just be seen as
O C T O B E R 7 T H . - DUNGENESS, KENT. she rose on the biggest seas about 2 1/2
At 2.10 P . M . information was received by
telephone that a fighter aeroplane had crashed miles out from Maryport pier. She
in the sea. A few minutes later one of the appeared to be in distress, and the
life-boatmen reported that he could see a gale was so violent that it seemed
small object on the water. A light westerly unlikely that she would be able to
breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea.
The motor life-boat Charles Cooper Henderson ride it out. The runner was sent to
was launched at 2.25 P .M. and three miles to collect the crew, and at 7.47 the motor
the N.E. by E. of the lifeboat station found a life-boat Joseph Braithwaite was
German pilot in a small rubber boat. He launched. With the seas from west-
was taken into the life-boat, disarmed, his
head injuries dressed, and landed at the north-west meeting the southerly swell,
station at 3.25 P . M . where a military escort a very heavy sea was breaking right
awaited him. - Rewards, £15 15s. in the harbour entrance. In that sea,
and in the darkness, with no guiding
OCTOBER 8TH. - ARRANMORE, CO.
DONEGAL. At about 2.45 A.M. a report lights, it was a very daring and skilful
was received that a fishing boat of Burtonport feat to take the life-boat through the
was missing. A very strong N.W. wind was narrow harbour mouth between the
blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life- piers - at high tide it is only 100
boat K.T.J.S. was launched at 3 A . M . and
found the boat in a creek. She had a crew yards wide - but it was successfully
of eight. The life-boat towed her to Burton- accomplished.
port and returned to her station at 9 A . M . At 8.30 the life-boat reached the
Rewards, £19 11s. drifter. She was the Mourne Lass, of
O C T O B E R 8 T H . - GOURDON, KINCAR-
Workington, with a crew of four. Her
DINESHIRE. At 8.8 P . M . the London fish nets had fouled her propeller, and
carrier Bellona II, bound from Hull to when her crew attempted to sail her
Iceland, was bombed by a German aeroplane home, the wind split the mizzen sail
and set on fire when about four and a half into shreds. She had anchored, but
miles E.S.E. of Gourdon. A fresh southerly
breeze was blowing, with a swell running. when darkness set in her crew had
The motor life-boat Margaret Dawson was given up all hope, in that wind and sea,
launched at 8.15 P .M., and reached the blazing of being rescued, and when the life-
steamer thirty-five minutes later. She took
ten men off the burning ship, and eight from
boat arrived they were completely
a Dutch vessel, which had picked them up exhausted. With great difficulty the
from a small boat. Ten were lost. Of the life-boat took the four men on board.
crew of twenty-eight, nine were British, of She made for home, and in less than
whom five were rescued, and the other
nineteen men were Danes. The life-boat half an hour she had reached the
returned to Gourdon at 9.45 P.M . - Rewards, harbour entrance. While still some
£31 6s. way off, the coxswain had flashed his
 SERVICES 1940 109

morse lamp, and this was answered stranded about a mile S.E. of The Mumbles
Head. A strong S.E. wind was blowing, with
by the harbour-master flashing his a heavy sea. The motor life-boat Edward
electric torch. That was all the light Prince of Wales was launched at 11.30 A.M.
that the coxswain had to guide the and found the steamer aground and being
boat into the dark and narrow entrance pounded by the seas. At the request of her
master, the life-boat went to Swansea to get
in the blinding rain, but again he tugs and they towed the Mount Taygetus to
brought her safely through the heavy, Swansea. The life-boat returned to her
confused seas between the two piers. station at 2.30 P.M . - Rewards, £9 12s.
The coxswain’s own summary of the OCTOBER 14TH. - THE HUMBER,
rescue was, “ It was a bad night and YORKSHIRE. About 12.30 P.M. a very
I had an anxious time.” loud explosion was heard. It came from the
It was a dangerous service very Trinity House vessel Reculver. She had
struck a mine. An easterly breeze was
skilfully carried out, and the Institution blowing. The sea was smooth. The motor
made the following awards : life-boat City of Bradford II was launched
To C OXSWAIN T HOMAS B. R EAY , at 1.27 P.M . and found that the Reculver had
a clasp to his bronze medal for gal- been taken in tow by another vessel. A
doctor was needed and the life-boat went.
lantry and a copy of the vote inscribed back to her station and brought out a military
on vellum ; doctor. Four injured men were then put on
To H E R B E R T R O O K , the motor- board the life-boat, and she took them to
mechanic, the thanks of the Institution Grimsby. In the meantime the Reculver had
broken from her tow, and had sunk in deep
inscribed on Vellum ; water before the help of a tug could be
To the coxswain and each member of obtained. Her crew were able to get away
the crew a reward of £1 in addition to in the ship’s boats and were picked up by a
the ordinary scale reward of £1 17s. 6d.; tug. The lifeboat returned to her station at
4.15 P . M . - Paid permanent crew, Rewards,
standard rewards to crew and helpers, 4s. 6d.
£21 5s. 6d. ; additional rewards to
crew, £7 ; total rewards, £28 5s. 6d. O C T O B E R 1 7 T H . - SEAHAM, DURHAM,
AND CULLERCOATS, NORTHUMBER-
LAND. During the morning the coastguard
O CTOBER 9 TH . - WHITBY, YORKSHIRE. reported that two vessels were ashore off Whit-
During the morning several fishing cobles burn. A moderate breeze was blowing, with a
had to cut, their lines and make for harbour, moderately rough sea. At 6 A . M . the Sea-
as a S.E. wind of almost gale force was blow- ham motor life-boat Elizabeth Wills Allen
ing, and the sea was heavy. Three other was launched, followed a quarter of an hour
cobles. Rosamond, Royal Empire and later by the Cullercoats motor life-boat
Brittania, were sixty miles to the south, off Westmorland. They found the vessels to be
Robin Hood’s Bay. Anxiety was felt for H.M. Destroyers G51 and H78. Four tugs had
their safety, and at 10.45 A . M . the No. 1 come out to their help and the life-boats stood
motor. life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was by. The Seaham life-boat returned to her
launched. She met the cobles, got on their station at 11.30 A.M. and the Cullercoats boat
weather side. and escorted them safely to put into North Shields to wait there for the
Whitby Harbour, which was reached at tide to rise. The life-boat was then asked,
1.15 P.M. - Rewards, £6 7s. 6d. at 12.30 P.M. , to return to the destroyers. This
she did, and helped by running out a kedge
O CTOBER 10 TH . - ANGLE, PEMBROKE- and tow lines to the tugs. She then stood by
SHIRE. About 5 A . M . red flares were seen until 5.45 P.M . and returned to her station
N.W. of Skokholm Island and reported to st 6.30 P.M. - Rewards : Seaham, £11 6s. 6d. ;
the life-boat authorities by the naval officer Cullercoats, £22 14s.
at Milford Haven. A W.S.W. wind was OCTOBER 19TH. - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA,
blowing, with a rough se The motor life- ESSEX. At 2.15 P.M. information was
boat Elizabeth Elson was launched at 5.45 received from the Walton coastguard that a
A.M . and found four members of the crew of
vessel had been mined and was sinking near
the motor vessel Alderney Queen, of London, the East Oaze Light-vessel. A fresh easterly
which had been sunk by enemy action, in a wind was blowing, with a choppy sea. The
ship’s boat three miles N.W. of St. Anns. motor life-boat Greater London (Civil Service
She took them on board, landed them at No. 3) put out at 2.35 P.M. and three miles
Milford Haven, and returned to her station S.E. of Nore light-vessel found that a small
at 11 A.M. It was thought that the remaining trading ship had already taken off the crew
six members of the Alderney Queen’s crew of the sinking vessel which was the motor
had been picked up by another vessel.- ship Aridity of London. The life-boat stood
Rewards, £11 11s. 9d. by until she sunk and then returned to her
station, arriving at 7.15 P . M . - Rewards,
OCTOBER 13TH. - THE MUMBLES, £15 7s.
GLAMORGANSHIRE. At 11.16 A . M . the
coastguard telephoned that the S.S. Mount OCTOBER 20TH. - REDCAR, YORK-
Taygetus of Piraeus, of over 3,000 tons, had SHIRE. At 9.30 P . M . the S.S. Cranby, of
110 SERVICES 1940

Montreal, a 2,000-ton steamer, with a crew Blakeney Point. A light west breeze was
of twenty-one, bound laden with coal from blowing ; the sea was smooth ; there was a
Newcastle to London, ran ashore on West thick mist. At 6.20 A.M. the motor life-boat
Scar Rocks. The weather was hazy, with a Foresters Centenary was launched and found
light easterly wind and a slight sea. She five men in a rubber boat. They were the
made no signals, but at 11 P . M . the motor crew of a British bomber, and were uninjured,
life-boat Louisa Polden was launched. She although very wet. They were taken on
arranged with the steamer to get tugs as board the life-boat, and given brandy and
soon as possible, and returned to her station chocolate. They were landed at 9.30 A.M.
at 12.30 A.M. At 2 A.M. she took out Lloyd’s and were given baths and dry clothing by
agent and salvage officers as the weather the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society. They
was too bad for other boats. Tugs tried to were then given a meal and rested at the
tow the steamer off, with the life-boat stand- house of the local honorary secretary of the
ing by, but they were unsuccessful and the life-boat, station. Mr. H. R. Johnson, until
life-boat, returned to her station at 8.30 A.M. a tender from their aerodrome at Lynton-on-
She went out for the third time at 11.20 A.M., Ouse called for them. - Rewards, £24 1s. 9d.
taking out a party of men to help in lightening
the steamer. After bringing them ashore again OCTOBER 22ND. - SCARBOROUGH,
she stood by while another effort was made, YORKSHIRE. Shortly before noon the sea
but without success, to tow the steamer off. became heavy, with an easterly wind blowing.
The life-boat then brought the salvage officers A number of fishing boats were making for
ashore at 8.30 P . M . On the afternoon of the harbour and the motor life-boat Herbert
following day, the 22nd, the life-boat was Joy II was launched at noon. She was in
launched again at 3.30 P .M. By this time the charge of the second-coxswain, as the
weather had become worse and salvage work coxswain was at sea, fishing. She made a
had to be abandoned temporarily. The number of trips, and escorted in seven open
life-boat took off the crew of 21 men and motor boats and three keel boats, life-belts
brought them ashore at 5 P . M . On the 30th being handed to all the men in the open
October she put out at 3 P . M . to take out boats before they were brought in. The life-
pumps and bring ashore a salvage party. A boat returned to her station at 2.50 P . M .-
strong S.E. breeze was blowing with a rough Rewards, £17 7s. 6d.
sea, and no other suitable boats were avail-
able. The life-boat returned at 4.30 P . M . OCTOBER 22ND. - TYNEMOUTH,
Her sixth service to the Granby took place NORTHUMBERLAND. At 6.57 A.M. a
on the following day when she again put out message was received from the port war
as on the previous day, to help in the salvage signal station that a vessel was ashore off the
work. She was on service from 2 P . M . until Tyne, north of Souter Point. A strong
3.30 P.M. Eventually the steamer was easterly wind was blowing, and there was a
refloated, and her cargo saved, at 4 P . M . on moderate swell. At 7.30 A.M. the motor life-
the 1st November. - Rewards : 1st launch, boat John Pyemont was launched and found
£19 14s. 6d. ; 2nd launch, Property salvage the S.S. Cairnglen, of 9,000 tons, ashore.
case ; 3rd launch, Property salvage case ; 4th The life-boat was asked to stand by until the
launch, £9 17s. ; 5th launch, Property salvage arrival of tugs. When the tug George V
case ; 6th launch, Property salvage case. arrived the life-boat passed a rope from her
to the steamer, but attempts to refloat the
OCTOBER 20TH. - ABERDEEN. At steamer failed. As the tug was remaining
8.15 P . M . the Gregness coastguard reported with her, and the tide was ebbing, the life-
that a steamer had been torpedoed nine boat returned to her station. It was arranged
miles off. An E.S.E. breeze was blowing, that the life-boat should put out again and
with a choppy sea. The No. 1 motor life-boat stand by the Cairnglen at the next flood tide,
Emma Constance was launched at 8.50 P .M. when further attempts would he made to
and met a destroyer which had on board float her, but at 3.30 P . M . a message came
twenty-nine survivors of the steamer’s crew. asking for the immediate help of the life-
The steamer was the Conakrian, of Freetown. boat. She found the Cairnglen still fast
The destroyer asked the life-boat to stand by, aground and with waves breaking over her.
while a tug was on its way from Peterhead. H.M. tug Watermeyer had now arrived and
This she did, and about 1.30 A . M . in the the life-boat, with great difficulty in the
morning the tug arrived and took the heavy seas, got tow ropes from the tug to
Conakrian in tow. Guided by the life-boat the steamer, but again it was impossible to
she reached harbour at 3.55 A.M. on the 21st. haul her off, and later in the evening she broke
On the following day, at 4.30 in the morning, her back. The captain now decided to
the life-boat was asked by the naval authori- abandon ship, and thinking that the risk of
ties to go out to the Conakrian as she lay at attempting to board the life-boat in the heavy
anchor and bring ashore a naval officer and seas would be too great, he asked that a
a signalman as the weather was too heavy rocket line should he fired from the coast-
for ordinary boats. This the life-boat did.- guard life-saving apparatus on shore. This
Rewards : 1st launch, £16 9s. ; 2nd launch, was done and the crew of forty-nine were
£11 14s. 9d. landed by breeches buoy. The life-boat
returned to her station at 10.15 P.M.-
O C T O B E R 2l S T . - SHERINGHAM, NOR- Rewards, £27 3s.
FOLK. At 5.54 A.M. a message was received
from the coastguard at Skeldon Hill that an O CTOBER 22 ND . - HASTINGS, SUSSEX.
aeroplane had come down in the sea off At 2.57 P.M. a message was received from the
 SERVICES 1940 111
coastguard that an aeroplane had come down dered, saying : “ The dangers of the sea norm-
in the sea S.E. of the Fairlight Coastguard ally met with in life-saving operations are
Station A light E.S.E. breeze was blowing nowadays complicated by the risk from
and the sea was smooth. At 3.15 P . M . the enemy planes overhead as you and your crew
motor life-host Cyril and Lilian Bishop was well know after your experience at Dunkirk.”
launched, with an armed guard on board; - Rewards, £6 17s. 6d.
Commander Highfield, the honorary secret-
ary of the station, also went in the life-boat. O C T O B E R 2 5 T H . - FILEY, YORKSHIRE.
A German airman was found in a rubber The motor life-boat The Cuttle was launched
dinghy. His aeroplane, a Messerschmidt 109 at 11.40 A.M. as a strong north-easterly wind
had been hit in the petrol tank when he was was blowing, with a rough sea, and a number
flying near London. He was taken on board of local fishing boats were at sea. She
the life-boat During the work of rescue an escorted the boats to shore from various
air battle was going on to the eastward, and parts of Filey Bay and returned to her station
a patrol boat escorted the life-boat part of the at 1.25 P.M. - Rewards, £11 14s.
way on her return journey. The lifeboat
returned to her station at 5.20 P.M.- O CTOBER 28 TH . - SKEGNESS, LINCOLN-
Rewards, £31 6s. 2d. SHIRE. At about 2 A.M. the coastguard
telephoned that a British bomber had crashed
near Skegness Pier. A light, variable
O C T O B E R 2 2 N D . - WICK, CAITHNESS-
SHIRE. At 12.5 P .M. the coastguard reported northerly wind was blowing, and the sea was
that a Norwegian fishing vessel was shewing smooth. The motor life-boat Anne Allen
signals of distress and apparently had broken was launched at 2.50 A . M . She picked up
down. A strong easterly wind was blowing, the body of a dead airman, and brought it
with a choppy sea. The motor life-boat City ashore. Then she continued the search, but
of Edinburgh was launched at 12.30 P.M. and no trace of the other three airmen could be
found the smack Havlynd, of Brimness, found. She returned ashore at 8.5 A.M.-
Norway, with a crew of four. She was on Rewards, £21 9s. 6d.
passage from Lerwick to Buckie, having OCTOBER 28TH. - THE HUMBER,
previously escaped from Norway. The life- YORKSHIRE. As the motor life-boat City of
boat took her in tow and brought her safely Bradford II was returning to her station at
into harbour at 3 P.M. - Rewards, £6 17s. 6d. about 2.55 P . M . after an unsuccessful search
for an aeroplane she heard two loud explo-
O C T O B E R 2 3 R D . - ABERDEEN. As pre. sions, and on reaching Spurn Point she saw
viously reported the No. 1 life-boat Emma a vessel sinking to the S.W. She went to her,
Constance had been out on service to the S.S. and found seven men in two very small
Conakrian, of Freetown, on the 20th October, boats. The were from the motor vessel
and again on the 22nd. Early in the morning Sagacity, of London, which had struck a
of the 23rd the naval officer in charge again magnetic mine and had sunk. The life-boat
asked the life-boat to go out, as the steamer took them on board, landed them at Grimsby
had a heavy list, and she went at 3.30 in the and returned to her station at 5.25 P . M .-
morning A moderate easterly gale was blow- Permanent paid crew ; Rewards, 6s. 9d.
ing, with heavy broken water. The life-boat
rescued the twenty-three men on board, OCTOBER 28TH. - CULLERCOATS,
including a pilot, and returned to her station NORTHUMBERLAND. At 7 P.M. the
at 4.42 A.M. Later, the steamer stranded.- coxswain was asked by the coastguard to
Rewards, £17 6s. 6d. assemble the crew, and at 7.35 P .M. the motor
life-boat Westmorland was launched, with
O C T O B E R 2 3 R D . - RAMSGATE, KENT. instructions to go to a position two and a half
At about 8.20 A.M. information was received miles N.E. of Tynemouth Pier. A light
through the coastguard from the naval S.S.W. breeze was blowing and the sea was
authorities that H.M. trawler Hero was smooth. The life-boat found the S.S. Suffolk
aground north of the South Goodwin Light- Coast, of Liverpool She had been mined.
vessel. A strong easterly breeze was blowing, She was not seriously damaged and was able
with a rough sea. The motor life-boat to reach the Tyne under her own power,
Prudential put out at 8.51 A . M ., found the escorted by the life-boat. The life-boat
trawler and told her master that a tug would returned to her station at 12.35 A.M.-
be sent. She put her second-coxswain on Rewards, £27 10s.
board, and remained alongside. The tide
was rising, and about midday, the trawler, by OCTOBER 29TH. - THE HUMBER
using her engines, managed to shift a little, YORKSHIRE. At about 6 A . M . news was
but her cable parted and she continued to received from the signal station that a
knock in over the sand with the tide and sea. British aeroplane had crashed off North
About 12.45 P .M the Dover tug Lady Curzon Somercoats. A southerly breeze was blowing
arrived, but she could not get close enough and the sea was smooth. The motor life-boat
to do anything until the tide rose higher. The City of Bradford II was launched at 6.30 A.M.
trawler then started her engines again, but She spoke a patrol vessel, but it had seen
stopped when she found that her propeller nothing. Then, just before daybreak, signals
had gone. Then, as the tide rose, she floated from an aeroplane directed her to the wreck-
off and the tug towed her to Dover. The age of an aeroplane. She picked up the body
life-boat returned to her station at 3.25 P .M. of an airman and took it to Grimsby,
The naval officer in charge at Ramsgate returning to her station at 2 P.M. - Permanent
expressed appreciation of the services ren- paid crew. Rewards, 15s. 9d.
112 SERVICES 1940
OCTOBER 29TH. - KIRKCUDBRIGHT. another vessel ashore, with the Fraserburgh
At about 10 P.M. a message was received from life-boat standing by her.
Ross Lighthouse that a vessel was showing
distress flares north of Ross Island. A PETERHEAD’ S SECOND AND T HIRD
southerly gale was blowing, with a very heavy JOURNEYS
sea. The motor life-boat Morison Watson
was launched at 10.45 P.M. and found a The life-boat reached Fraserburgh at ten
motor vessel, The Pilot, half a mile north of in the morning, landed the 53 men, and at
Ross Lighthouse. She had a crew of two, eleven o’clock left Fraserburgh again to go
and was bound, light, from Port William to to the help, as promised. of the Baronminto.
Workington. Her engine had broken down. When she arrived back on the scene she saw
The life-boat had great difficulty, in the that the remaining sixteen men of the
heavy seas and darkness, in taking off the Simonburn had abandoned their vessel as
two men, and she was slightly damaged. She they thought it was filling with water, and
returned to Kirkcudbright, and landed the were in the ship’s boat. The life-boat picked
rescued men at 1.15 A . M . The Pilot broke them up, returned to the Baronminto, and
up next day. - Rewards, £17 18s. 6d. took off the remaining 24 men of her crew
(the other 31 had already been rescued by
OCTOBER 29TH. - SELSEY, SUSSEX. the Fraserburgh life-boat). While she was
During an air battle the coxswain saw a rescuing them one of her own crew fell into
British aeroplane crash several miles W. by the sea, with one of the Baronminto’s men,
S. from Selsey Bill, and at 3 P.M. launched the between the life-boat and the steamer, but
motor life-boat Canadian Pacific. A moder- both were got aboard the life-boat uninjured.
ate S.E. breeze was blowing, with a choppy Then the life-boat made once more for Fraser-
sea. Helped by an aeroplane the life-boat burgh and at 2.15 in the afternoon landed
searched until 5 P . M ., when the aeroplane the forty rescued men.
spotted the airman in the water and directed She had now rescued 93 men during the
the life-boat to him. He was picked up day, but her work was not yet finished. The
unconscious, and all efforts to revive him Fraserburgh life-boat had not yet returned,
failed. The life-boat returned to her station and half an hour after the Peterhead life-
at 6.15 P.M . - Rewards, £14 0S. 6d. boat had landed the men, the senior naval
officer asked the coxswain if he would go
OCTOBER 30TH. - PETERHEAD, AND north-west from Kinnairds Head to the
FRASERBURGH, ABERDEENSHIRE. S.S. Patia, of Liverpool, to take off the
At 6.30 in the morning a message was received Commodore and staff, and bring them back
at Peterhead from the coastguard that a to Fraserburgh. The life-boat found the
vessel was ashore on the rocks a mile east of Patia three miles away and returned with
Rattray Head, which is about ten miles north the Commodore and staff to Fraserburgh at
of the station. A southerly gale was blowing, four in the afternoon. She had now been
with a very heavy sea. At 6.55 the motor out for 9 1/2 hours. As she could not get back
life-boat Julia Park Barry of Glasgow was the twenty miles to Peterhead before night-
launched and at eight o’clock, as the day fall, and as the information from there was
was breaking, she reached Rattray Head and that the entrance to the bay was dangerous,
found the steamer Lisburn, of Liverpool. it was decided to moor the life-boat at Fraser-
Heavy seas were breaking right across the burgh for the night, and the crew returned
Lisburn, and her deck cargo had already to Peterhead by car. The following morning
been washed overboard. With a southerly they went back to Fraserburgh to bring
gale blowing, and a flood tide, it was not easy home the life-boat and, at the request of the
for the life-boat to get near, but the coxswain senior naval officer at Fraserburgh, took
brought her down from the north and, after with them in the life-boat an officer to survey
some manoeuvring, succeeded in passing a the stranded steamers. The life-boat left
line to the steamer., got alongside and took Fraserburgh at eleven in the morning and
off the crew of thirty men. The life-boat reached Peterhead at 12.35 P .M. on October
drew clear and then saw another steamer, the 31st.
Simonburn, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, ashore
half a mile to the north-west. When the F RASERBURGH ’ S T WO J OURNEYS
life-boat reached her, her captain asked that
part of his crew should be taken off, as the The Fraserburgh motor life-boat, John and
steamer was making water, and that, when Charles Kennedy, had also had a very busy
she had landed them, the lifeboat should day on October 30th. At 6.47 in the morning
return and stand by. She took off 23 of the news had been received from the coastguard
30 men of the steamer’s crew. She had now that a vessel was showing a red flare from
53 men on board, and as it was impossible 4 to 5 miles north-west of Rattray Head. At
with that number, and with the very heavy 7.25 the life-boat put out. She reached
sea running, to return to Peterhead against Rattray Head at ten past eight and found
the gale, she made for Fraserburgh, some four or five vessels ashore, with a patrol
ten miles to the north-west of the scene of vessel standing by. She made first for the
the wrecks. She had only gone a mile when S.S. Clumber Hall, of West Hartlepool, but
she saw another stranded steamer, the her captain advised the life-boat to go first
Baronminto, of Ardrossan. She told her that to the S.S. Alcora, of Glasgow, which he
when she had landed the rescued men she thought was in immediate danger. The
would return to her help. Then, another mile captain of the Alcora asked the life-boat to
further on to the north-west, she passed stand by, which she did for two hours, moored
 SERVICES 1940 113
to the stern of the steamer by a rope. Then O C T O B E R 1 S T . - LLANDUDNO, CAER-
the S.S. Baronminto, of Ardrossan, to which NARVONSHIRE. An aeroplane had been
the Peterhead life-boat had promised to reported down in the sea, and the life-boat
return when she came back from Fraser- made a long and extensive search, but
burgh, sent out an S.O.S. call. She was without result. - Rewards, £33 12s.
ashore a mile to the south of the Alcora, and
the Fraserburgh life-boat went at once to OCTOBER 1ST. - GREAT YARMOUTH
her help, took off 31 of her crew of 55, and AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK. An aero-
made for Fraserburgh where she arrived at plane had been reported down in the sea, but
ten minutes to twelve. Half an hour later no trace of it could be found. - Rewards,
she put out again, and again went to the £16 1s. 6d.
Alcora to ask her captain if he wished to
abandon ship, but he said he still intended O C T O B E R 2 N D . - FENIT, CO. KERRY.
to remain aboard her. It was now one in the A steamer had been bombed and set on fire
afternoon, the tide was ebbing, the sea was by a German aeroplane, but the Irish patrol
rising. The patrol vessel had left, and the steamer Fort Rannock rescued the crew.-
life-boat stood by. Meanwhile, as already Rewards, £17 0s. 3d.
described, the Peterhead life-boat had re-
turned from Fraserburgh, rescued the OCTOBER 2 ND . - SWANAGE, DORSET.
remaining sixteen men of the Simonburn and During an air battle a British aeroplane was
the remaining 24 of the Baronminto and had reported to have fallen into the sea, but
put back to Fraserburgh again. The Fraser- nothing could be found. - Rewards, £5 13s.
burgh life-boat continued to stand by, and
at three in the afternoon she again signalled O CTOBER 2 ND. - SKEGNESS, LINCOLN-
the Alcora saying that her position was SHIRE. A German aeroplane had been
getting more dangerous and that the life-boat brought down off Chapel St. Leonards, but
would come and take off her crew if the the crew of five swam ashore and were made
captain wished. He replied that he was prisoners. - Rewards, £19 14s. 6d.
waiting for a tug, and he asked the life-boat
still to stand by him. Half an hour later the OCTOBER 2ND. - PETERHEAD, ABER-
coastguard life-saving apparatus from DEENSHIRE. A south-bound convoy had
Rattray Head was able, with the falling tide, been attacked by German aeroplane; and
to get a line to the Alcora and the whole of one of the aeroplanes had been brought down,
her crew were rescued from the shore by but a destroyer picked up the survivors of
breeches buoy. The wind and sea had con- its crew, and there were no casualties in the
siderably increased, and the life-boat con- convoy. - Rewards, £13 12s. 6d.
tinued to stand by. When the rescue was
finished she made again for Fraserburgh and O C T O B E R 2 N D . - CLOVELLY, DEVON.
arrived there at 4.20 in the afternoon. She Au aeroplane had been reported down in the
had then been out for nine hours and had sea, but nothing could be found. Soldiers
rescued 31 lives. - Rewards : Peterhead, helped in the launch of the life-boat.-
£23 19s. 6d. ; Fraserburgh, £20 10s. 1d. Rewards, £31 5s.

OCTOBER 30TH. - ABERDEEN. At O C T O B E R 2 N D . - CROMER, NORFOLK.

6.40 A . M . a message was received that the An aeroplane had been reported down in the
S.S. Lisbon had been torpedoed, and the life- sea, but the life-boat found nothing.-
boat crew was asked to stand by. At 7.42 Rewards, £32 16s. 6d.
the No. 1 motor life-boat Emma Constance
put out at 7.42 A . M ., but she was asked to O C T O B E R 4 T H . - HASTINGS, SUSSEX.
A Spitfire aeroplane had been reported down
wait. A moderate to strong S.E. by S. gale
was blowing, with a very heavy sea. Then in the sea and a search was made, during an
at 8.20 A.M. the naval officer in charge asked air raid alarm, but nothing was found. The
the life-boat to go in search of H.M.S. honorary secretary, Commander W. High-
Advance, the examination steamer. She field, O.B.E., R.N., went out in the life-boat.
found her at 9.5 A . M ., and then was given - Rewards, £30 5s. 11d.
instructions to intercept the tug Abeille.
The life-boat tried, but without success owing OCTOBER 4TH. - LOWESTOFT, SUF-
FOLK. A German aeroplane, a Junkers 88,
to the severe weather and the tug’s speed.
She then went back to the Advance and was had been shot down by British fighter aero-
asked by her to return to Aberdeen with the planes east of Southwold, but only oil patches
message that the Advance was in a perilous were found. A naval motor vessel which
helped in the search was machine-gunned by
position, that one cable had parted, that she
was now riding on one anchor, and that another German aeroplane, but the life-boat
was unharmed. - Rewards, £6 1s.
though her engines were going full speed
ahead, she could make no headway, and that
she wanted a tug sent out to her immediately. O C T O B E R 4 T H . - NEWHAVEN, SUSSEX.
This message the life-boat took and reached A naval patrol boat had been reported over-
due and the life-boat searched for her during
Aberdeen at 10.37 A.M. - Rewards, £7 16s. the night. She found nothing, but the patrol
boat returned next day. - Rewards, £18 9S. 9d.
The following life-boats were launched, but
no services were rendered for the reasons O CTOBER 5 TH . - SHOREHAM HARBOUR,
given: SUSSEX. A parachute had been reported
114 SERVICES 1940

down in the sea, but nothing could be found. trace of her was found either by the life-boat
- Rewards, £14 9s. 6d. or by other vessels and aeroplanes which took
part in the search. - Rewards, £19 9s. 6d.
OCTOBER 6TH. - CLACTON - ON - SEA (AT
BRIGHTLINGSEA), ESSEX. A British OCTOBER 11TH. - PORTHDINLLAEN,
bomber had crashed near Jaywick and the CAERNARVONSHIRE. Flares had been
life-boat found her, bottom upwards, but reported, probably from aeroplanes, but
there was no trace of the crew. It was nothing was found. - Rewards, £13 6s.
learned later that three of the airmen had
swum ashore, and that the body of the fourth O CTOBER 11 TH . - HOLYHEAD, ANGLE-
man had been washed up. - Rewards, SEY. Signals of distress had been reported,
£14 13s. 3d. but later another message came that a tug
had picked up three German airmen, and the
OCTOBER 6TH. - CLACTON - ON - SEA (AT life-boat was recalled. - Rewards, £9 7s. 6d.
BRIGHTLINGSEA), ESSEX. A drifter had
been reported as apparently in distress, but O C T O B E R 1 1 T H . - BEMBRIDGE, ISLE
she could not be found. Later it was reported OF WIGHT. The Admiralty trawler
that she had hit the beach at Frinton, but Warwick Deeping had sunk as a result of
she was not there when day broke. - Rewards, enemy action, but her crew of twenty-fire
£17 12s. 6d. were rescued by two men in a motor boat
and the life-boat was recalled by wireless.-
O C T O B E R 6 T H . - WALTON AND FRIN- Rewards, £15 10s. 6d.
TON, ESSEX. A naval patrol drifter had (See Bonchurch, “ Services by Shore-boats”,
been reported in distress, but a long search page 152).
in the darkness was without result.-
Rewards, £30 19s. O CTOBER 13 TH . - SKEGNESS, LINCOLN-
SHIRE. An aeroplane had been reported
O C T O B E R 6 T H . - GIRVAN, AYRSHIRE. to have crashed and the airman to have
A steamer had gone ashore north of Ayr, but come down by parachute, but it turned out
before the arrival of the life-boat she had to be only a parachute flare. - Rewards,
managed to get off and had been towed into £12 3s.
Ayr harbour. - Rewards, £7.
O CTOBER 13 TH . - NEW BRIGHTON, AND
O C T O B E R 6 T H . - TENBY, PEMBROKE- HOYLAKE, CHESHIRE. A Blenheim
SHIRE. The Greek steamer Mount Taygetus aeroplane had been shot down in error by a
had been reported in distress, but she was British fighter, but a search, carried out
only awaiting permission to go into Milford during an air-raid. was without result.-
Haven. Later the life-boat was asked to Rewards : New Brighton, £19 6s. ; Hoylake,
take a message to her, but she had then £27 9s. 3d.
changed her position and could not be found,
- Rewards, £24 7s. 6d. O CTOBER 16 TH . - THE HUMBER, YORK-
SHIRE. A parachute had been reported
O CTOBER 7 TH . - DUNMORE EAST, CO, coming down, but nothing could be found.
WATERFORD. The life-boat had put out It is possible that it may have been a mine
to examine a mysterious object which could dropped by enemy aeroplanes, as a great
be seen from the shore, and found it to be a number were sown in the district at this time.
dan-buoy, such as trawlers use for marking - Paid permanent crew. Rewards, 18s.
fishing grounds. - Rewards, £9 19s. 6d.
OCTOBER 18TH. - SALCOMBE, DEVON. A
O C T O B E R 7 T H . - SWANAGE, DORSET vessel had been reported in distress and show-
A parachute from an aeroplane had been ing a red light, but the life-boat was recalled
reported down in the sea, and a British as she was not needed. - Rewards, £15 9s.
flying boat had been attacked by German
aeroplanes, but in neither case could any O CTOBER 2l ST. - CLACTON - ON - SEA
thing be found. - Rewards, £14. (AT BRIGHTLINGSEA), ESSEX, A rubber
boat had been reported adrift, but a long and
OCTOBER 8TH. - CLACTON - ON - SEA (AT thorough search only resulted in three life-
BRIGHTLINGSEA), ESSEX. A motor belts being picked up. - Rewards, £20 2s. 3d.
cruiser had been reported aground, but no
trace of her was found. - Rewards, £7 2s. O CTOBER 2l ST . - CROMER, NORFOLK.
A British aeroplane was reported down in
OCTOBER 10TH. - ARRANMORE,. CO the sea, but the life-boat was recalled by
DONEGAL. A Norwegian cargo ship had wireless as it was learned later that the aero-
been torpedoed and some survivors had plane had landed safely. - Rewards, £12 7s. 6d.
landed in a boat. Search was made for other
survivors, i n a n o t h e r b o a t , b u t w i t h o u t OCTOBER 2lST. - NEW BRIGHTON,
success and it was found later that they had CHESHIRE. A British bomber had come
landed on Tory Island. - Rewards, £8 8s. down in the sea, and the life-boat found the
tail of the machine above water but no sign
O CTOBER 10 TH . - SHERINGHAM, NOR of the crew of five. Later it was learned that
FOLK. A bomber had been reported down they had been rescued by an examination
in the sea twenty miles off Wells, but no boat. - Rewards, £10 9s. 6d.
 O CTOBER 2l ST. - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA, the South Rock Light-ship, but nothing
ESSEX. The Walton coastguard reported could be found. - Rewards, £25 18s.
a message, from Light-vessel No. 89, that a
vessel was ashore three and a half miles to OCTOBER 29TH. - BARRA ISLAND,
the S.E., but the life-boat found that the HEBRIDES. A vessel had been reported
vessel was the m.v. Aridity, to which she had in distress about ten miles east of Barra
been out two days before. The weather had Head, but nothing could be found.-
been foggy for three days and the crew of the Rewards : first launch, £10 13s. ; second
light-vessel thought that it was a new wreck. launch £21 2s. 6d.
- Rewards, £5 3s.
OCTOBER 29TH. - LONGHOPE, ORK-
O C T O B E R 2 2 N D . - RUNSWICK, YORK- NEYS, AND THURSO, CAITHNESS-
SHIRE. A naval patrol trawler had gone SHIRE. A British flying boat had crashed
aground on Kettleness Point during fog, but as her petrol was exhausted, but two trawlers
she refloated without help and continued her rescued her crew. - Rewards : Longhope,
patrol. - Rewards, £36 16s. 6d. £24 11s. 6d. ; Thurso, £20 19s.

O CTOBER 22 ND . - SALCOMBE, DEVON. O CTOBER 30 TH . -THE HUMBER, YORK-

A fishing boat appeared to be in difficulties, SHIRE. A naval motor launch, No. 109,
but the life-boat was not needed. - Rewards, had struck a mine and had sunk. Six sur-
£5 14s. vivors had been picked up by another launch ;
and nothing could be found of the others.-
O CTOBER 22 ND . - DUNGENESS, KENT. Permanent paid crew. Rewards, 9s.
A German aeroplane had crashed into the
sea, but only a large patch of oil was found. O C T O B E R 3 0 T H . - TOBERMORY, ISLE
- Rewards, £31 17s. 6d. OF MULL. H.M.S. Sturdy, a patrol vessel,
was reported to have gone ashore on the
OCTOBER 22ND. - BALTIMORE, CO. west side of Tiree. The life-boat searched
CORK. A vessel was reported to have been in a very rough sea, with the wind at hurri-
blown up S.E. of Dursey Head, and a ship’s cane force, but she could find nothing, and
boat to have left the wreck, but nothing later it was learnt that the crew had been
could be found. People on shore had seen taken off by another naval vessel with the
the vessel sink, and it was thought that they loss of two seamen. - Rewards, £19 15s. 6d.
had mistaken a piece of the vessel herself for
a boat. - Rewards, £27 13s. 6d. O C T O B E R 3 0 T H . - WICK, CAITHNESS-
SHIRE. A steamer had been reported
O CTOBER 25 TH . - HOLYHEAD, ANGLE- drifting towards the shore near Duncansbay,
SEY. A parachute had been reported but no trace of her could be found. - Rewards,
coming down some miles to the northward, £27.
but nothing was found. - Rewards, £11 15s.
OCTOBER 31ST. - BARRA ISLAND,
OCTOBER 26TH. - SHOREHAM HAR- HEBRIDES. A steamer had been in distress
BOUR, SUSSEX. A Spitfire had been off the coast of Tiree, but she was taken in
reported down in the sea, but nothing could tow by a naval vessel. - Rewards, £20 9s.
be found. - Rewards, £12 3s.
OCTOBER 26TH. - THE MUMBLES,
GLAMORGANSHIRE. The S.S. Strombus,
of Tonsberg, Norway, had struck a mine, but
she was beached by tugs. - Rewards, £15 6s.
NOVEMBER 1ST. - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA.
OCTOBER 28TH. - THE HUMBER, YORK- ESSEX. At 2.45 P.M . the coastguard at the
SHIRE. German airmen had been reported pier head telephoned that a ship was in
down in the sea five miles east of Saltfleet, distress near the Mouse Light-vessel. A
but nothing could be found. - Paid permanent fresh wind was blowing. At 3.5 P . M . the
crew. motor life-boat Greater London (Civil Service
No. 3) put out and found that the S.S. Letch-
O CTOBER 28 TH. - THE HUMBER, YORK- worth, of Newcastle, with a cargo of coal, had
SHIRE. A British aeroplane had been sunk a mile east of the West Oase Buoy. A
reported down off the Lincolnshire coast, but naval vessel had got the crew of eighteen
neither the lifeboat nor aeroplanes could find aboard. Five were seriously injured, twelve
anything. - Permanent paid crew. Rewards, had minor injuries, one was dead. It was
4s. 6d. assumed that the steamer had been attacked.
All the men were put on board the life-boat,
O CTOBER 29 TH . - CLACTON - ON - SEA and she took them to Southend, arriving at
(AT BRIGHTLINGSEA), ESSEX. An 6 P.M. - Rewards, £7 14s. 6d.
aeroplane had crashed in the sea off Holland
Haven, and a man was reported to be in the NOVEMBER 2ND. - AMBLE, NORTH-
water, but nothing could be found. - Rewards, UMBERLAND. At 3.45 P . M . the life-boat
£14 19s. Frederick and Emma went out to search for
the local fishing coble Treasure, which was
OCTOBER 29TH. - CLOUGHEY, CO. overdue. A S.E. gale was blowing, with a
DOWN. A red flare had been seen south of heavy sea. She found her two miles N.E. of
116 SERVICES 1940
Coquet Lighthouse, drifting, with a broken 1.15 A.M. the next morning. - Rewards,
rudder. The life-boat took her in tow and £16 19s. 6d.
brought her safely into harbour. She
returned to her station at 5.30 P.M.- NOVEMBER 5TH. - ROSSLARE HAR-
Rewards, £3. BOUR, CO. WEXFORD. During the after-
noon information was received from the
N OVEMBER 2 ND . - DUNGENESS, KENT. principal light-keeper of the Tuskar Rock
At 4.20 P.M. a fishing vessel about 1 1/2 miles Lighthouse, that one of the keepers had cut
N.E. of the life-boat station was seen to be an artery in his arm and ought to be brought
flying a distress signal. A strong S.W. wind, ashore at once. A N.N.E. wind was blowing,
increasing to gale force, was blowing. There with a rough, breaking sea. The motor life-
was a heavy sea. At 4.40 P . M . the motor boat Mabel Marion Thompson was launched
life-boat C h a r l e s C o o p e r H e n d e r s o n was at 4.45 P.M., taking a boarding boat with her,
launched and found the local fishing boat and reached the light-house at 5.30 P . M . It
Little Billy with her engine broken down. was only with great difficulty, in the heavy
She had two men on board, father and son, sea, that the injured man was got into the
cousins of the life-boat’s coxswain. The life-boat, and she landed him safely at
life-boat took her in tow and slowly brought 8 P . M . He said that he had never seen a
her in. She returned to her station at relief made at the Tuskar in such severe
5.30 P.M. - Reward, £21 12s. weather. - Expenses defrayed by the Com-
missioners of Irish Lights.
NOVEMBER 2ND. - NEW BRIGHTON.
CHESHIRE. At 3.30 P . M . a message was NOVEMBER 5TH. - ROSSLARE HAR-
received that a vessel near the wreck of the BOUR, CO. WEXFORD. The motor fishing
Pegu, on the revetment, needed help. A S.W. boat Onward, of Rosslare Harbour, had not
gale was blowing, with a moderate sea. At returned with the rest of the fishing fleet.
3.59 P . M . the No. 1 motor life-boat William A N.E. wind was blowing, with a rough sea
and Kate Johnston was launched, but returned and heavy rain, and as the weather got
at 4.10 P . M . having received a message that worse the motor life-boat Mabel Marion
the crew of the vessel Bolham, of Connahs Thompson was launched at 8.30 P.M. to make
Quay, had already been taken off by the a search. She found the Onward near the
examination vessel St. Silio. At the request Wexford Bar and escorted her home, arriving
of the Dock Board Authorities she put out at 10 P.M . - Partly permanent paid crew.
to the St. Silio and brought off the ship-
wrecked crew, four in number, and landed N OVEMBER 6 TH . - DONAGHADEE, CO.
them at New Brighton Stage. She returned DOWN. At 10.30 P . M . the coastguard at
to her station at 4.50 P.M. - Rewards, Donaghadee reported a steamer ashore in
£7 12s. 6d. Belfast Lough. A moderate N.E. breeze was
blowing, but the sea was rough. A later
NOVEMBER 3RD. - FRASERBURGH, message asked for help, and the motor life-
ABERDEENSHIRE. At 7 P . M . a message boat Civil Service No. 5 was launched at
was received from the Kinnaird Head coast- 11.45 P.M., Mr. David McKibbin, the honorary
guard that a wireless call for help had been secretary, going out as a member of the crew.
received by way of the R.A.F. Station at At Wilson’s Point the life-boat found the
Rosehearty. The life-boat crew were Polish motor vessel Lewant ashore. She was
assembled and stood by waiting for further a vessel of some 3,000 tons, bound for New
information until 8.20 P.M. Then a mes- York, and she had a crew of thirty. The
sage was received that the naval authorities captain said he wanted tugs, and asked the
at Peterhead were dealing with the call. life-boat to stand by him as his ship was
About 9.20 P.M. another message came, holed and in a dangerous position. The life-
this time from the Fraserburgh coastguard, boat put Mr. McKibbin ashore at Bangor to
that a large vessel needed help about telephone for tugs, and then returned to the
eight miles to the north east. At 9.43 P . M . Lewrant. She stood by until the arrival of
the motor lifeboat John and Charles Kennedy tugs at daybreak, and returned to her station
was launched. A light S.S.W. breeze was at 9.30 A.M . The Lewant was got off with
blowing and the sea was smooth. The life- the help of the tugs at about 4.30 P.M.-
boat found the steamer Eros, of Belfast, with Rewards, £17 12s. 6d.
the escort vessel Challenger standing by her.
The Eros had been attacked by enemy aero- N OVEMBER 7 TH . - CLACTON - ON - SEA
planes and an aerial torpedo had hit her in (AT BRIGHTLINGSEA), ESSEX. During
the engine-room. Two of her crew had been the afternoon news came that a vessel had
killed. Twenty-six of the crew had already been mined south of Holland Point. A light
been taken on board the Challenger, and the northerly wind was blowing, and the sea was
remaining seventeen were taken off by the smooth. The motor life-boat Edward Z. Dresden
life-boat and transferred to the Challenger. was launched at. 5 P . M ., and found that the
The life-boat then helped to get a tow rope mined vessel was H.M. Drifter Reed. There was
between the two vessels, and stood by until only one survivor of her crew. He was badly
the Challenger started to tow. At the injured and had been picked up by a speed-
Challenger’s request she returned to Aberdeen boat. The life-boat searched the wreckage,
and reported to the naval authorities that but could find no one else. She took the
the Eros was being towed south, close inshore. survivor on board and the motor-mechanic
Eventually the Challenger brought her safely gave him first-aid. The life-boat returned to
in. The life-boat returned to her station at her station at 10.15 P.M., and the injured man
 SERVICES 1940 117
was taken to Colchester hospital. There he had swum out in a vain but gallant attempt
died later. - Rewards, £12 3s. to rescue a member of the Royal Air Force
who had swum out, and lost his life, in an
N O V E M B E R 8 T H . - CLACTON-ON-SEA attempt to save a dog. The dead man had
(AT BRIGHTLINGSEA), ESSEX During been married only the previous day.-
the afternoon the naval base at Brightlingsea Rewards, £7 6s.
reported that two steamers were sinking in
the West Swin. A strong S.W. wind was blow- NOVEMBER 11TH. - ABERDEEN. At
ing, with a rough sea. The motor life-boat about 6.20 P . M . the Gregness coastguard
Edward Z. Dresden was launched at 3 P .M., reported that red flares, presumably from a
and found the S.S. Fireglow, a London collier. steamer on fire, had been seen S.E. by S. of
A patrol vessel reported that the second Findon, in which area bombs had been
vessel had already sunk. The Fireglow had dropped by German aeroplanes. A strong
been hit forward by a bomb, and had been S.S.E. breeze was blowing, with a heavy,
raked by machine-gun fire. Her fore part choppy sea. The No. 1 motor life-boat Emma
was under water and her boats had been put Constance was launched at 6.50 P.M. At 8 P.M.
out of action by the machine-guns. A tug she reached a ship on fire, but there was no
took her in tow stern first, and at the master’s one on board. She searched for boats or
request the life-boat escorted them. They rafts and while she was doing so the S.S.
made for Southend, arriving at midnight. O b e r a n hailed her and said that she had
The life-boat took naval officers from the on board the crew of the S.S. Trebartha, of
tug and the master of the Fireglow ashore, St. Ives. As it was not safe, in the heavy sea,
put the master back on his vessel, and then to transfer the rescued men to the life-boat,
returned to her station, arriving at one the lifeboat’s second-coxswain went aboard
o’clock the next afternoon. - Rewards, the O b e r a n and piloted her into Aberdeen
£21 15s. 7d. harbour. The life-boat returned to her
N OVEMBER 9 TH . - LLANDUDNO, CAER- station at 9.43 P.M. - Rewards, £15 9s.
NARVONSHIRE. During the morning the
coxswain was informed by the piermaster NOVEMBER 11TH. - ARKLOW, CO.
that the steam trawler Leonard, of Fleetwood, WICKLOW. At about 12.30 P.M. the
had come alongside the pier with her holds Arklow fishing boat Willie Way was seen to
full of water. A strong N.N.W. gale was be in difficulties while trying unsuccessfully
blowing, with a heavy sea. An Auxiliary to land the relief lighthousemen at the light-
Fire Service pump had been obtained, but it ship. It was blowing hard from the south,
could not be worked from the pier, so at and the sea was very rough. The motor life-
11.30 A . M . the motor life-boat Thomas and boat Inbhear Mor was launched at 12.45 P .M.
Annie Wade Richards was launched and took and found the Willie Way drifting two miles
the pump and its crew to the trawler. The north of the bar. She had lost her rudder.
pump was got to work immediately, while There were five men on board her, and as it
the life-boat stood by and life-boatmen helped would have been dangerous to attempt to
to discharge the fish and gear. Rather than bring her back to Arklow the coxswain
beach the L e o n a r d her master decided to decided to tow her to Wicklow. They arrived
take her to Bangor, and the life-boat, with there at 4.10 P . M . and the life-boat returned
the pump and its crew on board, escorted to her station at 9 P.M. - Rewards, £22 9s. 6d.
her. The journey began at 6.45 A.M. on the
morning of the 10th, and was safely completed. N OVEMBER 12-13 TH . - SOUTHEND - ON -
The life-boat returned to her station at SEA, ESSEX. A south-westerly gale was
1 P.M. - Property salvage case. blowing with a rough sea, and many vessels,
held up by the gale, were in danger to the
N OVEMBER 11 TH . - ALDEBURGH, SUF- windward of Southend pier. The motor life-
FOLK. At 2.13 P.M. information was boat, Greater London (Civil Service No. 3),
received through the coastguard that two went out to their help seven times, and was
airmen had baled out from their aeroplane at sea almost continuously for eighteen hours.
two miles S.E. of Orfordness. A moderate The first call came at 9.15 in the morning
W.S.W. breeze was blowing, with a moder- to the motor vessel Halcyon, of Hull, with a
ately rough sea. The No. 1 motor life-boat crew of four, which was driving before the
Abdy Beauclerk was launched at 2.28 P.M. and gale, with one anchor down, a quarter of a
searched a wide area, but only found a mile west of the pier. It was impossible, in
parachute. Of the airmen there was no the gale, to get her to a safer anchorage, so
trace. The life-boat returned at 5 P .M.- two life-boatmen, with great difficulty, went
Rewards, £22 14s. 6d. aboard her and helped to let her second
anchor go. This stopped her drifting, and
N OVEMBER 11 TH . - BLACKPOOL, LAN- the life-boat returned to her station at 11.15.
CASHIRE. At about 11 A.M. the police A quarter of an hour later she went out to
reported that two men were in the sea off a number of barges which were in a very
the North Shore Boating Pool. A strong dangerous position, but their crews thought
westerly breeze was blowing, with a moderate they could ride out the gale. They refused
sea. The motor life-boat Sarah Ann Austin to leave them, but they asked the life-boat
was launched at 11.30 A.M. and a few minutes to keep an eye on them. The life-boat
later reached a man supported by two life. returned from this service at 12.15, and at
buoys. The life-boat rescued him and re- 12.30 put out for the third time to a barge
turned at 12.30 P.M. The man was Mr. which was signalling for help a mile south-
Joseph Horovitch, a master plumber. He west of the pier. She was the Tintara, of
118 SERVICES 1940
London, with a cargo of linseed oil. She was twelve hours before. The Halcyon was again
submerged in the terrific seas and was com- in danger, and this time the life-boat was able
pletely out of control. The coxswain very to take her in tow and to bring her to a safe
skilfully manoeuvred the life-boat alongside anchorage. She returned to her station at
and took off the barge’s crew of two. The 11.30. It was then over twenty-six hours
life-boat got back to her station at 2.5 in the since she had first put out.
afternoon. Rewards : The Halcyon, Property salvage
case ; the barges, £4 14s. ; the Tintara,
B OOM D EFENCE L IGHTER A DRIFT £5 13s. ; the boom defence lighter, the thanks
of the Institution inscribed on vellum to
Twenty-five minutes later she was out COXSWAIN SIDNEY H. B. PAGE, and framed
again on what proved to be the most difficult letters of thanks to all the other members of
and dangerous service of the day. The boom the crew, WILLIAM A. DEER, second-coxswain,
defence lighter, a vessel of 200 tons, was H. MYALL., bowman, S. THOMAS, boat signal-
driving right down the fairway, which was man, REGINALD H. SANDERS, assistant motor-
full of shipping. There was only one man mechanic, F. J URGENSEN , motor-mechanic,
on board the lighter. He was powerless, and and A. ROBINSON, a life-boatman. A special
the lighter was blowing about like a cork. money award of £1 was made to the coxswain
There was grave danger of what the cox- and each of the six members of the crew, but
swain called “ a big mix-up ” with the there were no awards on the ordinary scale
anchored shipping. The coxswain, handling as it was a property salvage case ; the Argus,
the life-boat with great skill, got alongside £13 1s. ; the Tintara and Portlight, property
the lighter and rescued the man. It seemed salvage case.
impossible that the life-boat, in that heavy
sea, could get the much larger vessel in tow, N O V E M B E R 1 2 T H . - SHOREHAM HAR-
but the coxswain put three of his men on BOUR, SUSSEX. The motor life-boat
board with a line. They cut all trailing wires, Queen Victoria, on temporary duty at
which had broken when the lighter went Shoreham, was lying alongside Benes Wharf,
adrift from the boom, hauled a tow rope on Kingston, in an exposed position. The
board, and fixed it. The life-boat then weather was severe, and as the life-boat
towed the lighter clear of the shipping, landed might have received damage if allowed to
the rescued man, and handed the lighter her- remain, it was decided to move her inside the
self over to the naval authorities. It was a lock at Southwick. While this was being
long and difficult tow, and for this very able done the life-boat was able to help a small
piece of work the life-boat crew were con- examination vessel, which was in the same
gratulated and thanked by the naval danger. The seas were breaking over her
authorities. stern, tilling her, and she could not be moved
under her own power. - Rewards, £2 5s.
T HE F IFTH S ERVICE
N OVEMBER 15-25 TH . - CROMER, NOR-
After saving the boom defence lighter, the FOLK. At 3.25 A.M. a message was received
life-boat got back to her station at 4.20. Half from the Haisboro’ coastguard that a trawler
an hour later she was out for the fifth time, was ashore near the Haisboro’ Gap. A light
to the help of the Trinity House vessel Argus. southerly breeze was blowing and there was
The Walton coastguard had reported that a heavy ground swell. At 4.5 A.M. the No. 1
she had struck a mine and sunk, and that her motor life-boat H. F. Bailey was launched,
mast could be seen above the water three- and found the armed trawler D u n g e n e s s
quarters of a mile east of the Mouse Light- ashore on Haisboro’ beach. The Dungeness
vessel, with men clinging to the rigging. It had been attacked by enemy aeroplanes and
was now dark, but with the help of her search- her skipper had beached her to prevent her
light the life-boat found the mast of the from sinking. Part of the crew had managed
sunken vessel. There was, however, no sign to land in a small boat. The life-boat took
of the crew. They must all have been off the remaining eleven. She returned to
washed off, and it was impossible for anyone her station at 8.15 A.M. Three days later, on
to have lived in that heavy sea. The life-boat 18th November, 1940, the No. 2 motor life-
was back at her station again at 9.15 P .M. boat Harriot Dixon was launched at 9 A.M.
Again she had only half an hour before at the request of the Admiralty salvage
another call came, and at 9.45 she put out officer. He was engaged in salving the
for the sixth time. The gale was still blowing Dungeness, and wanted the life-boat to take
fiercely, and there seemed danger that some pumps from the salvage vessel to the
of the barges at anchor might be carried Dungeness. This the life-boat did. She
through the pier. She succeeded in taking then brought a steward ashore from the
in tow two of these barges, the Tintara and salvage vessel to buy stores for her crew,
Portlight, of London, which had no one on and took him and the stores out to the salvage
board, and brought them to safe anchorages. vessel, returning to her station at 9 P.M . She
It was not until 3.30 next morning that the was again launched on the 20th November,
life-boat got back to her station, and then 1940, at the request of the salvage officer, to
her exhausted crew had an interval of nearly take off the pumps which she had put on
five hours before the seventh and last call board the Dungeness two days before. She
came. This was at 8.10 in the morning of then passed wire ropes from the salvage
13th November when she again went out to vessel to the Dungeness to help get her gun
the motor vessel Halcyon, which she had off her. The life-boat returned to her station
succeeded in getting firmly anchored nearly at 5.45 P.M.
 SERVICES 1940 119

On November 25th at. 7.30 A.M., the No. 1 life-boat landed the officers at Southend at
motor life-boat made another trip to the 11.10 A.M. Thirty-five minutes later a message
Dungeness, at the request of the resident came from Warden Point that a ship was
naval officer, who went with her. A light in distress near the Knob Light-vessel. She
southerly wind was blowing, and the sea was was the S.S. Sherbrooke, of Montreal, but she
smooth The life-boat salved some valuable did not need the life-boat’s aid as tugs had
gear, including the compass and a wireless her in tow. The life-boat then went back to
set, and returned at 4 P.M. - Rewards the Dagenham, where she found the captain
Cromer No. 1 life-boat, the first launch on still determined to stay on board as salvage
November 15th, £30 7s. The expenses of the tugs had arrived. The life-boat re-embarked
two launches of the Cromer No. 2 life-boat the member of its crew who had been left on
and the second launch of the No. 1 life-boat board the steamer and returned to her
were paid by the naval authorities. station, arriving at 6.45 P.M. She had been
out for 28 hours.
N O V E M B E R 1 5 T H . - NEW BRIGHTON, The captain of the D a g e n h a m continued
CHESHIRE. At 12.17 P.M. the Mersey to stay on board and, three days later, on
Docks Board reported to the life-boat November 20th, the superintendent of the
authorities that a steamer had sunk near the owners asked if the life-boat would again go out
Gamma Buoy.. A S.E. breeze was blowing to her. No other boat was available, and the
and the sea was smooth. The No. 1 motor motor life-boat Greater London (Civil Service
life-boat William and Kate Johnston was No. 3) was launched at 2.55 P .M., taking with
launched at 12.35 P . M . and found that the her the steamer’s chief engineer. The captain
S.S. Penrhyn, of Liverpool, had been sunk in still refused to leave, and the chief engineer
a collision. Her crew of five had been taken was put on board with him. The life-boat
aboard the examination vessel Galatea, and returned to her station at 8 P . M . A few days
the life-boat brought them ashore, landing later a letter of thanks was received from the
them at New Brighton at 2.25 P.M. - Rewards, Dagenham’s chief officer describing the night
£6 4s during which the life-boat stood by : “ A
fresh gale was blowing, with a considerable
N O V E M B E R 1 5 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. sea running ; but the life-boat stayed on.
Early in the afternoon the crew had As our boats had been swept away, it gave us
assembled at the boathouse during an air a comfortable feeling to see her there cruising
raid alert. The weather was clear, the sea round, and never leaving us, keeping watch
smooth. and a southerly wind was blowing. over us all the time. We christened her
A tug was seen to blow up, having struck a ’ Old faithful ' .“ - Rewards, £24 5s. 6d. for
mine, about five miles north of the station the first launch. The expenses of the second
and the motor life-boat The Lord Southborough launch were paid by the owners.
(Civil Service No. 1) was launched at 1.40 P.M.
She found seven survivors clinging to the N O V E M B E R 1 7 T H . - MARGATE, KENT.
wreckage of the tug, which was the Guards- At 10.8 A . M . the naval officer in charge at
man, of Hull. The tug had sunk at once, Ramsgate sent a message through the coast-
giving the crew no time to launch a boat or guard that an object. like a rubber boat was
rafts. Two other members of the crew were drifting two and a half miles north of Fore-
missing. The life-boat searched for them, ness. A light S. breeze was blowing and the
but she could not And them and returned to sea was smooth. The motor life-boat The Lord
her station at 3.5 P.M. - Rewards, £7 12s. Southborough (Civi1 Service No. 1) put out at
10.40 A . M . and picked up an empty rubber
NOVEMBER 16-20TH. - SOUTHEND - dinghy, which was identified as British. She
ON - SEA, ESSEX. At about 2.45 P .M. the returned to her station at 11.20 A . M . and
coxswain received a message from the Warden the R.A.F. at Manston was informed.-
Point coastguard that a ship was sinking Rewards, £7 12s.
close to the Mouse Light-vessel. A strong
easterly gale was blowing, with a rough sea. N O V E M B E R 1 7 T H . - ALDEBURGH, SUF-
The motor life-boat Greater London (Civil FOLK. At 9.22 A . M . the coastguard reported
Service No 3) was launched at 3.5 P .M., and that an airman had baled out from his aero-
found the S.S. D a g e n h a m , of London, in plane a mile E.S.E. of the coastguard lookout.
shallow water close to the East Cant Buoy. A S.W. breeze was blowing with a slight swell.
She had been mined. Fifteen of her crew The No. 1 motor life-boat Abdy Beauclerk
were taken aboard the life-boat, leaving the was launched at 9.30 A . M . with a doctor,
captain and six officers. The commodore of Major R. P. Acheson, aboard. She picked up
the convoy asked the life-boat to stand by a German airman and returned to her
the Dagenham, so after landing the rescued station at 10.30 A.M. - Rewards, £22 14s. 6d.
men at Southend Pier, she returned to her.
Tugs were standing by, but at 6.30 in the N OVEMBER 17 TH . - GREAT YARMOUTH
evening they left,. The D a g e n h a m swung AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK. At about
stern to the gale and then sunk. Only the 10.20 A . M . the police asked for the services
forecastle was above water, and the men on of the life-boat to land a badly wounded man
board went to the wheel-house, The steamer’s from a steamer in the roadstead. The sea
life-boats were washed away. The life-boat was rough, with a moderate S.S.W. breeze
steamed round till 4.30 next morning and blowing. The motor life-boat Louise Stephens
then went alongside. The six officers came was launched at 10.27 A . M . taking with her
aboard her, but the captain would not leave. the medical officer of health and ambulance
A life-boatman was left with him, and the men, and went to the Norwegian steamer
120 SERVICES 1940

S.S. Favorit, of Stavanger, which was bound N.W. breeze was moderate, but the sea
for London, laden with timber. One of the was very rough. The message gave the
steamer’s crew had been severely wounded steamer as a very long way off, but a later
in an attack by a German aeroplane. The message placed her some forty-eight miles
life-boat returned with the man at noon. He S.W. by S. of the Fastnet Rock. At 11.42 A.M.
was taken to Yarmouth hospital where he the motor life-boat Shamrock put out. She
died later. - Rewards, £7 3s. 6d. searched the position given but found noth-
ing, and returned to her station at 2 o’clock
NOVEMBER 17TH. - NEWHAVEN, next morning. At 9.45 that morning, the
SUSSEX. At 6.52 P.M. a message was 19th November, information was received at
received from the coastguard that an Courtmacsherry from Lloyd’s agent that two
Admiralty patrol boat needed help about two ship’s boats wanted help about thirty miles
miles south of the breakwater. The sea was off Seven Heads. A strong S.S.W. wind was
rough, with a fresh S.S.W. wind blowing. blowing, with a very rough sea. The Court-
At 7.15 P . M . the motor life-boat Cecil and sherry motor life-boat Sarah Ward and
Lilian Philpott was launched. She took the William David Crosweller was launched at
patrol boat in tow, but the fitting in the 10.30 A.M. With the help of an aeroplane
patrol boat to which the tow rope was she searched until dusk, but found nothing,
fastened came out. The examination vessel and returned to her station at 9.30 P .M.
at Newhaven, which had also been sent out, At 9.55 the same evening information was
now arrived. She took the patrol boat in tow, received at Ballycotton through the Civic
and brought her into harbour with the life- Guard that a man had picked up a rnorse
boat escorting them. The life-boat then message from a vessel one and a half miles
returned to her station at 9.5 P.M . - Rewards, N.N.E. of Ballycotton Harbour, asking for
£14 17s. a doctor. A fresh S.S.W. gale was now
blowing, with a very rough sea. The motor
NOVEMBER 18TH. - PORTRUSH, CO. life-boat Mary Stanford was launched at
ANTRIM. At 6.45 A.M. information was 10.15 P.M. , with a doctor and two soldiers
received through the military authorities on board, and found the steam trawler
that a bombing aeroplane had come down Dereske, of Milford Haven. She had on
in the sea off Castlerock and that two of the board twenty-two survivors of the Nestlea,
crew of six were believed to have got onto who had been picked up twenty-five miles
a rock. A strong N.N.E. wind was blowing, south of the Old Head of Kinsale at 3.30 P.M.
with a very rough sea. The motor life-boat They had been in an open boat since 8 A.M.
T.B.B.H. was launched at 7.5 A . M ., taking a on the 18th November, having come from
small boat in tow. The coastguard life- sixty miles south of Cape Clear where the
saving rocket apparatus was also called out, steamer had been bombed by German
and the life-boat stood by while the coast- aeroplanes and abandoned. As the trawler
guard rescued the two men from the shore. was rolling heavily, a life-boatman boarded
She returned to her station at 10.45 A . M .- her, and when she had been taken close to
Rewards, £21 7s. 6d. the land, the 22 men of the Nestlea, some of
whom wcrc wounded, were put on board the
NOVEMBER 18TH. - CLACTON - ON - SEA, life-boat, which landed them at Ballycotton
ESSEX. At 3.46 P .M. a message was received at 11.30 that night.
from the coastguard that a small vessel had At two next morning, the 20th, the Bally-
been blown up two miles S.S.E. from Clacton cotton life-boat went back to the Dereske with
Pier. A light W.S.W. breeze was blowing provisions, returning at 2.30. The survivors
and the sea was smooth. At 4 P.M. the motor of the Nestlea had reported that another boat
life-boat Edward Z. Dresden was launched of their ship was still adrift, and at 2.30 on
and found the remains of the small motor the morning of the 20th Lloyd’s agent told
vessel Ability, of London. She had struck a the Ballycotton station that 16 men were
mine and had sunk within half a minute. still missing in a boat from the Nestlea, that
There was a great deal of wreckage which the Baltimore and Courtmacsherry life-boats
made the handling of the life-boat difficult. and aeroplanes had been out to search for
Of the crew of the Ability, seven in number, her, but that so far no trace of her had been
three were in a water-logged boat, three on a found. The life-boat was ready to put out
small raft, and the seventh lying across the at once, but as there was a thick mist, and
parts of two hatches. All were suffering from it was only possible to see a few yards,
shock and minor injuries, and the master she waited until the mist had cleared and
had had both legs broken. The lifeboat put out at 7 o’clock. A strong W.N.W.
rescued them all and brought them ashore. wind was now blowing, with a heavy swell.
Police and ambulance men were waiting and She went along the coast about six miles off
the seven men were taken to Clacton hospital. the land and at 8.30 she saw a Belgian trawler.
The life-boat returned to her station at She altered course to intercept her, but then
5.30 P.M. - Rewards, £11 7s. 3d. saw a ship’s boat. She made for it and picked
it up about five miles south of Roches Point
NOVEMBER 18-20TH. - BALTIMORE, Light, but there was no one on board. She
COURTMACSHERRY, AND BALLYCOT- towed the boat into Cork Harbour and put-
TON, CO. CORK. About 10.30 A.M. a ting out again at 10 in the morning, searched
wireless message, which had been picked up along the coast as far as the Courtmacsherry
at Cork, was received at Baltimore that the area, but still found nothing and returned to
steamer Nestlea, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, had her station at 4.30 in the afternoon. The
been attacked by German aeroplanes. The next day, 21st November, it was learned
 SERVICES 1940 121
that the Belgian trawler, which the Bally- off Workington on the 19th November. A
cotton life-boat had seen, had picked up the gale was blowing, and as it increased in force
boat with the sixteen men of the Nestlea and the Magne signalled for a pilot, but the signals
had taken them to Swansea. - Rewards : were not seen. Then her cables parted and
Baltimore, £28 3s. 6d. ; Courtmacsherry, she began to drift northwards. In the dark-
£22 5s ; Ballycotton, £13 18s. 6d., ness, and with no lights showing on land, the
£13 11s. 6d., and £6 17s. 6d. Total rewards captain had no idea of his position. The
to Ballycotton, £34 7s. 6d. Total rewards anchor chains parted and the Magne went
to the three stations, £84 16s. ashore at 5.20 A . M . the next morning. She
was in shallow water, and the life-boat could
NOVEMBER 19TH. - WALTON AND not get alongside until the tide rose. Then
FRINTON, ESSEX. At 10.10 A.M. a the second-coxswain went on board. At high
message was received from the coastguard tide the Magne refloated and the second-cox-
that a vessel near the N.E. Swin Lightship swain piloted her through the maze of sand-
had been attacked by German aeroplanes. banks to Workington. The life-boat
A light S.W. breeze was blowing, with a returned to her station at 3.20 P . M . There a
moderate sea. At 11 A.M. the motor life-boat hot meal, prepared by local voluntary services,
E.M.E.D. was launched and went to the was awaiting the crew. - Rewards, £18 1s.
N.E. Gunfleet. Here she spoke a patrol boat,
which had six wounded and one dead man
on board, all belonging to a steamer which BRONZE MEDAL SERVICES
had been bombed and machine-gunned. AT DONAGHADEE
Continuing on her way, the life-boat found
the steamer, the Folda, of Leith, for which she NOVEMBER 21ST. - DONAGHADEE,
was in search. The steamer’s steering gear CO. DOWN. At 6.20 in the morning
and engines had been damaged, and the the coastguard telephoned to the
master asked the life-boat to stand by until
the arrival of a tug. The tug took her in tow Donaghadee life-boat station that a
and the life-boat escorted them to the steamer was ashore at Ballymacor-
entrance of Harwich Harbour. There she mick Point in Belfast Lough. A gale
was given a message from the examination was blowing from the north-west, with
vessel in the harbour that a British aeroplane
was reported to have crashed near the Naze. gusts at hurricane force, and a very
The life-boat went off at once to search, but heavy sea was running. The motor
found nothing and returned to her station life-boat Civil Service No. 5 left her
at 7 P.M. - Rewards, £15 13s. moorings ten minutes after the call
came, but in the heavy run of sea in
NOVEMBER 19TH. - ROSSLARE HAR- the harbour the starboard propeller
BOUR, CO. WEXFORD. A southerly gale
was blowing, the sea was rough, and all the fouled one of the mooring ropes and
local fishing boats had put back to harbour it took the bowman half an hour to
except two, the motor fishing boats Winifred, clear it.
of Wexford, and Onward, of Rosslare. Each The life-boat reached the vessel in
had a crew of five. At 10.20 P .M. the motor
life-boat Mabel Marion Thompson was distress at 8.15 and found her to be
launched. She found one boat six miles N.W. the S.S. Coastville, of Liverpool, with
and the other eight miles N. of Rosslare. nine men on board. She was on the
Both were burning flares. The Winifred’s rocks and very heavy seas were break-
engine had broken down and the Onward had
taken her in tow until she could repair it. ing over her. The bottom all round
That done the Winifred cast off the tow line, was rocky, and the water was shallow.
but then the Onward got into difficulties. She It was impossible for the life-boat to
ran short of fuel and began to drift towards anchor on that bottom and drop down
Wexford Bar. She dropped both anchors
but continued to drift. The life-boat first to the steamer, and the coxswain took
picked up the Onward and then the Winifred, her right alongside, on the weather
and brought them both into harbour.- side, through heavy broken water, and
partly permanent paid crew. Rewards, rescued seven of the crew of nine. The
£4 13s.
other two men were rescued from the
N O V E M B E R 2 0 T H . - MARYPORT, CUM- shore. As the last of the seven men
BERLAND. At 11.10 A . M . a steamer was was being taken off, and the life-boat
seen to be aground on Robin Rigg Bank, was about to draw clear, a huge sea
about five miles north of Maryport. A struck her, and the swirl of waters
W.N.W. gale was blowing, with a very heavy
sea. Visibility was very bad. At 11.45 A . M . swept her right under one of the
the motor life-boat Joseph Braithwaite was steamer’s davits. The davit broke
launched and found the Swedish steamer her mast and it fell on the captain of
Magne, of Stockholm., with a crew of twenty, the Coastville, injuring his head. The
aground and bumpmg heavily. She was
loaded with iron ore. She had left a convoy bowman gave him first aid, and when
at Liverpool, and eventually had anchored he was landed he was taken to hospital.
 122 SERVICES 1940

The life-boat put the rescued of the mencrew for the service to the
ashore at Bangor. There the honorary Coastville a reward of £1 10s. in
secretary of the station was addition waiting. to the ordinary scale reward
H e t o l d t h e c r e w t o s t a n dofb y£1 a 8s. s 6d. Standard rewards to
another steamer was reportedcrew, to be £10 3s. 6d. ; additional rewards
in distress. However, a second to crew,
mes-£12 ; total rewards, £22 3s. 6d. ;
sage came that she was able to To go the on coxswain and each member
her way, on one engine, and ofdidthenot crew for the service to the Hope
need help, and the life-boat Star, returned a reward of £1 in addition to the
to her station, arriving at noon. ordinary scale reward of £1 8s. 6d.
A fortnight later, on theStandard 6th of rewards to crew, £10 17s. ;
December, the Donaghadee life-boat additional rewards to crew, £8 ; total
was again called out in a north-west rewards, £18 17s.
gale. This time it was to the help of a
steamer which had gone ashore N O V Ein M B E R 2 1 S T . - YARMOUTH, ISLE
OF WIGHT. At 9.6 A . M . a message was
Ballyholme Bay. The life-boat was
received from the coastguard station at the
launched at 9.20 in the morning, Needles andthat a steamer was sinking off the
reached the steamer an hour later. s t a t i oShe
n. A moderate W.S.W. wind was
was the Hope Star, of Newcastle blowing
- on and - the sea was smooth. At 9.30 A.M.
th a crew of forty-three, and he motor life-boat S.G.E. was launched and
found the S.S. Kingsborough, of Glasgow,
g in shallow water surrounded stranded on the Shingles Bank. The life-boat
where, the seas were breaking rescued the twenty-seven men on board, and
The district officer of coast- returned to her station at 11.30 A . M . The
ho was on the beach with the Kingsborough was refloated later and towed
into port. - Rewards, £5 1s.
ng rocket apparatus, felt
hat once the life-boat got into NOVEMBER 2lST. - CLACTON - ON - SEA,
en water she would be washed ESSEX. At about 3.55 P.M . information was
he beach, and was standing received from the naval base at Brightling-
sea that a ship had blown up. A light
th the apparatus to rescue the westerly wind was blowing, with a slight
men. But his help was not s w e l l . T h e m o t o r l i f e - b o a t E d w a r d Z .
The coxswain, handling the Dresden was launched at 4.50 P.M . and took
with great skill, took her on board doctors who had come out from
Brightlingsea. Then she put out and met
o what those on shore des- three naval drifters coming down from Gun-
s “ a boiling pot ” of water, fleet, with survivors from a naval patrol
ught her safely alongside the d r i f t e r o n b o a r d ; t h e y w e r e m a k i n g f o r
and took off nine of the forty- B rightlingsea. The life-boat returned to
Clacton Pier at 6.40 P . M . and landed the
en of the crew. The others Doctors. - Rewards, £10 18s. 3d.
ot leave her. After landing
men the life-boat returned to NOVEMBER 21ST. - NEW BRIGHTON,
mer and stood by until 4.30 CHESHIRE. At 8.20 P . M . the coastguard
ternoon, by which time wind reported that an S.O.S. call had been received
from the S.S. Nord Est II, of Belfast, a former
were less violent. She got French vessel, which, laden with petrol for
her station at 5.30, having Dublin, was aground on the revetment at
eight hours. C.I. Black Buoy and that the crew were about
se two services the coxswain to take to the boats. A fresh N.E. breeze
was blowing, with a moderate but increasing
the life-boat with courage and sea. The No. 1 motor life-boat William and
manship, and the Institution Kate Johnston left her moorings at 8.55 P .M.,
e following awards : but on reaching the steamer found that the
crew were remaining on board. The fore
OXSWAIN S AMUEL N ELSON , the deck was nearly awash. The lifeboat stood
medal for gallantry, and a copy by until at 2.10 A. M . the steamer refloated
ote inscribed on vellum ; and went on her way. The life-boat returned
AVID NELSON, the motor-mech- to her station at 3.5 A.M. - Rewards, £15 10s.
e thanks of the Institution NOVEMBER 22ND. - CULLERCOATS,
on vellum ; NORTHUMBERLAND. In the afternoon
LEXANDER N ELSON , the bow- the coastguard asked that the life-boat should
e thanks of the Institution go to a position one and a half miles S.E. of
Tyne Piers, and at 4.58 P .M. the motor life-
on vellum ; boat Westmorland was launched. A light
e coxswain and each member N.W. breeze was blowing, with a moderate
 SERVICES 1940 123

sea. The life-boat found that the Admiralty explosion was heard in the direction of
mine-sweeping trawler Ethel Taylor had the Chequer Shoal Buoy. A moderate
struck a mine and was sinking, and she S.W. breeze was blowing, with a moderate
rescued the last man aboard. The others sea. The naval authorities reported that
had already been rescued by a naval drifter. H.M. motor launch No. 111 had been blown
Two other mine-sweepers attempted to tow up by a mine and asked that the life-boat
in the Ethel Taylor, but she sank. The life- should go out with a doctor. The motor life-
boat returned to her station at 6.45 P . M .- boat City of Bradford II was launched at
Rewards, £20 15s. 1 . 3 0 A . M . with a military doctor aboard.
H.M. motor launch No. 108 had picked up
NOVEMBER 23RD. - CULLERCOATS, several survivors. The life-boat put the
NORTHUMBERLAND. At 3.5 P.M. a tele- doctor on board her and returned to her
phone message came from the Tynemouth station at 11.30 A.M. - Paid permanent crew.
coastguard, asking for the crew to stand by.
A few minutes later the life-boat was directed N O V E M B E R 2 7 T H . - NEWCASTLE, CO.
to go to a position one and a half miles east DOWN. At 12.45 P.M. a message was
of Tyne Piers. It was raining, with a moder- received from the coastguard that two men
ate S.W. wind blowing and a moderate sea. in a rowing boat were in difficulties one and
The motor life-boat Westmorland was a half miles east of Annalong. A N.W. gale,
launched at 3.10 P . M ., and twenty minutes with sleet showers, was blowing, and the
later found the Admiralty minesweeping sea was rough. Another message said that
trawler New Comet, with a crew of twenty. the motor fishing boat Snowdrop had put out
She had been damaged by the explosion of a from Annalong to give help. Then, at 1.15 P.M.,
mine and was sinking. The life-boat stood a third message said that the fishing boat
by her for twenty minutes, then her crew herself was in distress and the motor life-boat
decided to abandon her and the life-boat L.P. and St. Helen was launched immediately.
rescued them. Another minesweeper suc- Meanwhile another local fishing boat, the
ceeded in taking the New Comet in tow and Shooting Star, owned by the motor-mechanic
beached her. The life-boat returned to her of the lifeboat, which was lying afloat, also
station at 5.35 P . M . The Admiralty sent its put out in case there was difficulty in launch-
thanks for this service and the R.N. captain ing the life-boat. She went on ahead, but
of the trawler base at North Shields sent £5 they arrived on the scene almost together.
in gratitude for the rescue. - Rewards, The life-boat escorted the Shooting Star
£19 13s. 3d. while she towed both boats to Newcastle.
She returned to her station at 4 P.M.-
N OVEMBER 24 TH . - GREAT YARMOUTH Rewards, £15 15s.
AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK. At 2.38
P.M. a heavy explosion was heard, and shortly NOVEMBER 28TH. - ST. ABBS, BER-
afterwards the coastguard reported that a WICKSHIRE. During the night Dr. F. O.
vessel had struck a mine and was sinking one Taylor reported having received a message
and a half miles S.E. from the coastguard from the Royal Naval Shore Signal Station
station. A light S. by W. breeze was blowing that a government trawler had signalled for
and the sea was smooth. The motor life-boat a doctor. A strong northerly wind was
Louise Stephens put out at once, but the blowing, with a heavy swell. The life-boat
vessel, which was the motor vessel Thomas M., Annie Ronald and Isabella Forrest was
of London, had turned on her side and had launched at 7.45 P . M ., with Dr. Taylor on
sunk before the life-boat reached her. Seven board, and found H.M.T. Brabant one and a
of her crew, of whom several were badly hurt, half miles S.E. of St. Abbs. The doctor went
had been rescued by the examination vessel. aboard and found that one of the crew had
They were transferred to the life-boat, which acute appendicitis. The man was brought
signalled for medical help to be ready, made ashore in the life-boat at 8.45 P.M. and
all haste for Gorleston and landed the men Dr. Taylor arranged for an immediate opera-
at 4 P .M. They were sent at once to hospital. tion in Berwick Infirmary. It probably
- Rewards, £7 3s. 6d. saved the man’s life. - Rewards, £17 3s. 6d.

NOVEMBER 24TH. - THE LIZARD, NOVEMBER 29TH. - THE HUMBER,

CORNWALL. At 12.50 P .M. the police tele- YORKSHIRE. At 4.35 P .M. a loud explosion
phoned that a German aeroplane had been was heard. Two trawlers could be seen
shot down three miles S.W. of The Lizard. engaged in mine-sweeping in the Humber.
A westerly wind was blowing, with a moderate The crew of one was lowering a boat. At
sea. The motor life-boat Duke of York was 4.48 P .M. the motor life-boat City of Bradford
launched at 1.19 P . M ., and picked up two II was launched. A light N.N.W. breeze
German airmen, one dead and the other was blowing, with a moderate sea. The life-
wounded. The wounded man was landed at boat found that the trawler was the Recordo.
once. Then, as it was understood that there She had struck a mine which exploded under
had been others in the aeroplane, the life- the engine-room. Two men had been injured.
boat was launched again, but she found no One of them, the engineer, had his leg broken.
one and returned to her station at 5.15 P .M. A tug arrived to take the Recordo in tow, and
- Rewards, £14 19s. 6d. the life-boat took the two injured men to
Grimsby. She returned to her station at
NOVEMBER 25TH. - THE HUMBER, 8.50 P.M . - Permanent paid crew. Rewards,
YORKSHIRE. At about 8.45 A . M . a loud £1 7s.
124 SERVICES 1940

The following life-boats were launched, had reached their base safely and the life-
but no services were rendered for the reasons boat was recalled. - Rewards, £9 7s.
given :
N OVEMBER 7 TH . - WALTON AND FRIN-
NOVEMBER 1ST. - SHOREHAM HAR- TON, ESSEX. An aeroplane had been repor-
BOUR, SUSSEX. An aeroplane had been ted in the sea off Frinton, but only oil
reported down in the sea, but nothing could patches could be found. - Rewards,
be found. - Rewards, £9 4s. 6d. £19 12s. 6d.
NOVEMBER 4TH.- THE HUMBER, NOVEMBER 7TH. - ST IVES, CORN-
YORKSHIRE. An aeroplane had been WALL. A British aeroplane had come down
reported down in the sea, but nothing could on Gwithian Beach, St. Ives Bay, but the
be found. - Permanent paid crew. Rewards, crew got ashore unaided. - Rewards, £20 18s.
4s.. 6d.
N O V E M B E R 8 T H . - MARGATE, KENT.
N OVEMBER 4 TH . - FOWEY, CORNWALL. The life-boat crew were standing by at the
A naval vessel had struck a mine just outside life-boat house during an air-raid alert, and
the entrance to the harbour, but her crew saw a tug blow up. They launched at once,
were rescued by another vessel. - Rewards, but found nothing but wreckage. - Rewards,
£6 13s. £7 12s.
N O V E M B E R 5 T H . - DUNGENESS, KENT. NOVEMBER 9TH. - SKEGNESS, LIN-
A German aeroplane was reported to have COLNSHIRE. A bomber had been reported
crashed in the sea near Dungeness Lighthouse, fallen into the sea, but nothing could be
but only a patch of oil and wreckage was found. - Rewards, £9 2s. 6d.
found. - Rewards, £15 5s. 6d.
N OVEMBER 9 TH . - DUNGENESS, KENT.
NOVEMBER 5TH. - BARROW, LANCA- During an air battle a German bomber had
SHIRE. A. coaster and trawler had gone crashed into the sea, but only a patch of oil
aground on Walney Island, but both vessels could be found. - Rewards, £16 10s.
refloated with the rising tide and were able
to go on their way. - Rewards, £4 19s. 6d. N O V E M B E R 9 T H . - RAMSEY, ISLE OF
MAN. The Dutch motor vessel Prinses
NOVEMBER 5TH. - BALTIMORE, CO. Irene, of Groningen, had gone ashore at
CORK. A trawler had struck a rock and Point of Ayre, but the weather moderated,
had sunk off Cape Clear Island, but the five and the life-boat was not needed. The
survivors of the crew of eleven were rescued vessel got off later. - Rewards, £12 11s.
by people on the island. - Rewards, £9 9s.
(See Cape Clear, “Services by Shore-boats”, N O V E M B E R 1 1 T H . - NORTH SUNDER-
page 152.) LAND, NORTHUMBERLAND. A Bead-
nell fishing boat had not returned when
N OVEMBER 5TH. - CLACTON - ON - SEA darkness fell, but she got in unaided.-
(AT BRIGHTLINGSEA), ESSEX. An Rewards, £19 11s. 6d.
Admiralty motor launch was in difficulties
with her engine broken down, but she got NOVEMBER 11TH. - THE MUMBLES
in unaided. - Rewards, £18 19s. 6d. GLAMORGANSHIRE. A steamer had been
reported on fire, but several attempts to
N O V E M B E R 6 T H . - WICK, CAITHNESS- reach her in a westerly gale of hurricane
SHIRE. A steamer had struck a mine, but force were unsuccessful, and after cruising
she had sunk by the time the life-boat arrived. round for some hours the life-boat returned.
The life-boat was then asked by a destroyer - Rewards, £19 3s. 3d.
to search for a boat containing seven of the
crew of another steamer, but she found NOVEMBER 12TH. - THE MUMBLES
nothing, and learnt later that the men had GLAMORGANSHIRE. The Dutch motor
been picked up by a patrol vessel. - Rewards, vessel Wittezee, of Rotterdarn, stranded below
£13 12s. 6d. Port Eynon Point. The life-boat went out
at 9 A.M., three-quarters of an hour after she
NOVEMBER 7TH. - MARGATE, KENT. had returned from the service of the day
An aeroplane had crashed in the sea three before, in search of a steamer reported on
miles east of Foreness, but the life-boat was fire, but she was recalled as it was understood
recalled. - Rewards, £7 12s. that another boat had gone to the rescue.-
Rewards, £7 14s. 6d.
NOVEMBER 7TH. - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA,
ESSEX. A ship was sinking near the N OVEMBER 12 TH . - MARYPORT, CUM-
Nore Light-vessel, but when the life-boat BERLAND. A fishing smack had been
arrived she had sunk. Some of her crew had swamped and sunk, and her crew of three
been rescued by the light-vessel. - Rewards, were lost before the life-boat could get to
£7 7s. 9d. them. - Rewards, £14 4s. 6d.

NOVEMBER 7TH. - SELSEY, SUSSEX. NOVEMBER 12TH. - HOWTH, CO.

Two aeroplanes were reported to have fallen DUBLIN. While going out with a horse
into the sea, during an air battle ten miles and cart to gather seaweed on Shinneck
south of Selsey Bill, but it was found that they Island three young men got into difficulties,
 SERVICES 1940 125
when the horse fell, and were drowned before NOVEMBER 17TH. - CLACTON - ON - SEA,
the life-boat could reach the spot. In the ESSEX. A British aeroplane had been
absence of the boat’s officers Christy reported down in the sea, but nothing could
O’Connor, a member of the crew, took charge be found. - Rewards, £5 9s. 9d.
of the life-boat. - Rewards, £17 11s. 6d.
N O V E M B E R 1 7 T H . - SHOREHAM HAR-
N OVEMBER 12 TH . - STROMNESS, ORK- BOUR, SUSSEX. A German aeroplane
NEYS. A small motor boat had gone ashore, had been reported down in the sea five miles
but the three men on board landed without south of Brighton, but nothing could be
help. - Rewards, £8 9s. found. - Rewards, £11 13s. 3d.
N O V E M B E R 1 2 T H . - PORTHDINLLAEN, NOVEMBER 17TH. - ABERDEEN. A
CAERNARVONSHIRE. The S.S. Eagles- small boat had been reported drifting, but
cliffe Hall, of Montreal, had been reported it could not be found. - Rewards, £8 15s. 6d.
drifting, and the life-boat put out twice, but
she could not find her. The news came NOVEMBER 20TH. - NEW BRIGHTON,
through later that the crew had been rescued CHESHIRE. A balloon barrage vessel had
by breeches buoy from the land. - Rewards, gone ashore, but she was able to refloat and
1st launch, £18 5s. ; 2nd launch, £14 11s. reach port. - Rewards, £7 17s.
N O V E M B E R 1 3 T H . - SHOREHAM HAR- N OVEMBER 20 TH . - COURTMACSHERRY,
BOUR, SUSSEX. A German aircraft, a CO. CORK. A ship’s boat had been reported
Junkers 88, had been reported down several drifting, but nothing could be found.-
miles S.W. of Worthing, but nothing could be Rewards, £10 13s.
found. - Rewards, £7 15s. 6d.
NOVEMBER 20TH. - CROMER, NOR-
N O V E M B E R 1 4 T H . - MARGATE, KENT. FOLK. A minesweeper had stranded on
An aeroplane had been reported down in the Haisboro’ Sands, but she refloated and was
sea, but nothing could be found. - Rewards, able to go on her way. - Rewards, £12 5s.
£7 12s.
NOVEMBER 2lST. - NEW BRIGHTON,
NOVEMBER 14TH. - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA, CHESHIRE. The engines of the Norwegian
ESSEX. A patrol yacht had been reported steamer Lorn, of Bergen, had broken down,
in need of help in a gale in a rough sea, but but the steamer could not be found. Later
nothing could be found. - Rewards, it became known that the crew had repaired
£12 15s. 6d. the engines and the steamer had gone on
her way to Liverpool. - Rewards, £7 3s.
N O V E M B E R 1 5 T H . - SELSEY, SUSSEX.
A British aeroplane was reported to have N OVEMBER 2l ST . - CLOVELLY, DEVON.
crashed into the sea, but nothing could be A British aeroplane was overdue and flares
found. - Rewards, £9 7s. had been reported, but nothing could be
found. - Rewards, £35 7s.
N O V E M B E R 1 6 T H . - MARGATE, KENT.
An aeroplane had come down off Cliff End
N OVEMBER 21 ST. - PORTPATRICK, WIG-
Point, a mile from the shore, but the airmen
got to land in their rubber boats. - Rewards, TOWNSHIRE. A steamer had sent out a
distress call as her engine had broken down,
£15.
but she was soon able to go on her way, and
cancelled the call. - Rewards, £5 4s.
N OVEMBER 16 TH . - ALDEBURGH, SUF-
FOLK. An unknown steamer, which had
been attacked by enemy aeroplanes, had sig- NOVEMBER 21ST. - PORTRUSH, CO.
nalled for a doctor, and with Col. G. D. ANTRIM. A naval vessel had gone ashore
Franklin, C.I.E., O.B.E., late I.M.S. on at Dunagree Point, but she refloated.-
board, the life-boat put out, but the steamer Rewards, £7 6s. 6d.
had not waited. - Rewards, £30 14s. 6d.
N OVEMBER 22ND. - CULLERCOATS,
N OVEMBER 16 TH . - NEWQUAY, AND ST. NORTHUMBERLAND. A tug had been
IVES, CORNWALL. A British aeroplane mined, and one of the tug’s crew of five was
had been reported down in the sea, and the rescued, badly injured, by the hopper which
Newquay motor life-boat put out. While the tug had had in tow, but nothing else of
she was out information was received that the tug but wreckage could be found.-
another British aeroplane was down and the Rewards, £14 5s. 6d.
St. Ives motor life-boat put out. Then when
she returned from the first search, Newquay NOVEMBER 23RD. - STORNOWAY,
put out again, but neither life-boat found ISLAND OF LEWIS. A steam drifter had
anything. - Rewards : Newquay, £19 8s. 6d.; gone ashore and had sunk while entering
St. Ives, £30 12s. 3d. Stornoway harbour, but her crew got ashore
in their own boat. - Rewards, £11 14s.
NOVEMBER 16TH. - CROMER, NOR-
FOLK. A rubber dinghy from a German NOVEMBER 23RD. - SKEGNESS, LIN-
aeroplane had been sighted, with at least COLNSHIRE. A red flare, probably from
three men on board, but nothing could be an aeroplane, had been reported, but nothing
found. - Rewards, £36 12s. could be found. - Rewards, £9 19s.
126 SERVICES 1940
NOVEMBER 23RD. - TENBY, PEM- come down six miles from Bridge of Don,
BROKESHIRE. A ship's boat with men but nothing was found. The next day the
on board, thought to be from a vessel which life-boat again searched for wreckage, but
had been sunk by enemy action, was reported without result. - Rewards : £14 11s. 6d.,
to be drifting off St. Govan’s Head, but and £6 17s. 6d.
nothing was found. Later it was learned that
the boat had been picked up by a naval vessel. N OVEMBER 29 TH . - MARYPORT, CUM-
On her way back the life-boat reported a BERLAND. A British aeroplane had
floating mine to an armed trawler, which crashed in the Silloth Channel, but the life-
exploded it. - Rewards, £23 5s. boat found nothing, and on putting into
Silloth learned that the aeroplane had been
N OVEMBER 23 RD . - DUNGENESS, KENT. found, but that the crew had been drowned.
Two aeroplanes were reported to have crashed - Rewards, £27 4s.
into the sea during an air battle, but nothing
could be found. - Rewards, £31 16s. 6d. NOVEMBER 29TH. - THE HUMBER,
YORKSHIRE. A minesweeper had been
N O V E M B E R 2 3 R D . - ARRANMORE, CO. blown up by a mine, and the life-boat put out.
DONEGAL. Flares had been reported, but The sea was rough, and an air raid was in pro-
nothing could be found. - Rewards, gress. Bombs fell near the life-boat. She
£15 15s. 6d. searched for some hours but found nothing.-
Permanent paid crew. Rewards, £1 2s. 6d.
NOVEMBER 25TH. - SENNEN COVE
PENLEE, AND THE LIZARD, CORN: N O V E M B E R 2 9 T H . - SELSEY, SUSSEX.
WALL. After a naval and air battle in the A British aeroplane was reported to have
Channel some ten miles off Wolf Rock Light, been shot down in the sea and the pilot to be
these three life-boats were asked by the drifting in a rubber boat off East Beach,
coastguard to go out and search for survivors. but nothing could be found. - Rewards,
They searched for some hours, but nothing £18 10s. 6d.
was found except a large patch of oil.-
Rewards : Sennen Cove, £15 13s. ; Penlee, N OVEMBER 29 TH . - WELLS, NORFOLK.
£11 11s. 9d. ; The Lizard, £11 17s. A British aeroplane had come down in the
sea, but the help of the life-boat was not
NOVEMBER 25TH. - SKEGNESS, LIN- needed. - Rewards, £16 14s. 6d.
COLNSHIRE. A British bomber had
crashed, her crew of four had come down by
parachutes, and one of them was believed
to have dropped in the sea, but it was found DECEMBER
later that he, like the others, had come down
on land. - Rewards, £19 14s. 6d. Launches 101. Lives rescued 292.
N OVEMBER 28 TH . - SWANAGE, DORSET. BRONZE MEDAL SERVICE
A parachutist from an aeroplane had been AT TYNEMOUTH
seen descending eight miles from Peveril
Point, but nothing was found. - Rewards, D ECEMBER 1 ST AND 8 TH.-CULLER-
£7 1s. COATS AND TYNEMOUTH, NORTH-
N OVEMBER 28 TH . - FENIT, CO: KERRY. UMBERLAND. At 8.50 in the morn-
A German aeroplane had crashed near the ing the Cullercoats life-boat station re-
Blasket Islands and three of the crew were ceived a message from the Tynemouth
safe, but two others were adrift in the aero- coastguard that a vessel had struck a
plane’s rubber boat. A search was made,
but nothing was found. - Rewards, mine a mile to the east of Tynemouth
£20 15s. 6d. North Pier. A quarter of an hour later
the motor life-boat Westmorland was
NOVEMBER 28TH. - THE HUMBER, launched. A light south-west wind was
YORKSHIRE. A minesweeper had struck
a mine and sank, but the crew were picked up blowing, and the sea was smooth. The
by another minesweeper. - Permanent paid life-boat found that the mined vessel
crew. Rewards, 6s. 9d. was the 20,000-ton Norwegian motor
NOVEMBER 29TH. - THE LIZARD,
ship Oslo Fjord, of Oslo. One of the
CORNWALL. The destroyer Javelin had crew had been killed when the mine
been damaged in a naval engagement, and exploded. The life-boat rescued forty
was on fire 15 miles S.E. of the life-boat of the crew and stood by until the ship
station. After going out ten miles the life- had been run on the beach. She then
boat came within eight of the battle, asked
for further instructions, and was told by the landed the men at North Shields, and
naval base to return to its station as the took out to the vessel three salvage
navy had its own boats on the spot.- officials. It was now after mid-day,
Rewards, £15 6s. and about one o’clock another
NOVEMBER 28TH. - ABERDEEN. An steamer, the oil tanker British Officer,
unknown aeroplane was reported to have struck a mine as she was entering
 SERVICES 1940 127

Tynemouth Harbour. Six of her crew over her upper decks. They were so
were killed by the explosion. The heavy that they had already begun
Cullercoats life-boat went to her help, to break her up. It was this which
took off 25 of her crew and landed them had decided her chief officer to signal
at North Shields. She then returned for help.
to stand by the Oslo Fjord, and did The life-boat reached the Oslo Fjord
not get back to her station until 6.30 at one in the morning and the cox-
that evening. swain carefully examined her position.
The news of the British Officer He decided to try to go alongside
had been telephoned at once to Tyne- amidships on the starboard side.
mouth, and the motor life-boat John Here was the quietest place, the only
Pyemont was launched at eight minutes place which would give the life-boat
past one. She found the Cullercoats any shelter from the seas, but it would
life-boat alongside the tanker, taking still be very difficult to get alongside.
off some of the crew. When the There was much wreckage floating
Cullercoats boat left to land these men about ; two damaged boats were
at North Shields, the Tynemouth life- hanging from the davits ; the vessel
boat, at the request of the master, had a slight list to starboard ; her
stood by, as he and several of the promenade deck, as with many modem
officers and crew were remaining on liners, projected by more than two
board the tanker although she was feet ; and the seas were rising and
slowly sinking. The life-boat stood by falling about 20 feet. The chief
until four in the afternoon. By that danger to the life-boat was that, as
time the stern of the tanker was rest- the seas lifted her, she would be
ing on the sea bed, and the master crushed under the projection of the
said that he thought that the life-boat promenade deck.
might safely leave them, but asked
that she should be ready to give AN HOUR TO RESCUE 22 MEN
further help if they needed it. On The coxswain brought her alongside
leaving the British Officer the life-boat between the two hanging boats.
learned from the harbour master that Lines that were hanging over the
several members of the crew of the vessel’s side were seized, and by
Oslo Fjord, who were still on board, manoeuvring his engines the coxswain
now wished to abandon ship, and the held the life-boat close enough for the
life-boat went at once to their help. Oslo Fjord’s crew to slide down ropes
She rescued 17 men and landed them into the life-boat. While the coxswain
at 6.20. She then went back to manoeuvred the life-boat Mr. Selby
the British Officer, but found that no Davidson was in charge of the rescue,
further help was needed, and returned looking after the ropes and fenders
to her station at 7.30 that evening. and getting the men of the Oslo Fjord
On the 8th of December, at 12.5 in the aboard as they slid down their ropes.
morning, a message came to the Tyne- Though there were only 22 men on
mouth life-boat station from the Port board her, it took more than an hour
War Signal Station that the Oslo Fjord, to rescue them. Five times the cox-
which was aground a mile south of the swain had to give orders to cast off
Tyne South breakwater with a skeleton the ropes and quickly to move the
crew of 22, had fired a distress rocket. life-boat clear, as seas threatened to
Mr. E. Selby Davidson, the honorary lift her and jamb her under. the
secretary of the station, collected his overhanging deck.
crew by car, and the motor life-boat By his vigilance and careful man-
John Pyemont was launched at 12.30 oeuvring, and the close co-operation
A. M . Coxswain George Lisle was in of his motor-mechanic, the coxswain
command and the honorary secretary rescued the men aboard the Oslo Fjord
was aboard. without injury to his own crew or boat,
The night was very dark and stormy, and at 3.5 that morning he brought
with a strong wind blowing from the them to Tynemouth. Only then was
north-north-east, Heavy seas were it learnt, from the Oslo Fjord’s second
striking the vessel and going right officer, that the chief officer, while
128 SERVICES 1940

ordering his crew to abandon ship, and for the second service £9 5s. ;
had refused to leave her himself and additional rewards to crew £19 ; total
had asked that no one should be told rewards for the two services, £44 9s. ;
until the life-boat was back at her Rewards for the services on the 1st
station. He was still on board the of December, Cullercoats, £40; Tyne-
Oslo Fjord alone. mouth, £30 9s. 6d.
At 11.15 the life-boat was asked to In March 1941 the Norwegian
go out a second time to rescue the Government sent a letter of thanks
chief officer, as he was thought to to the Tynemouth crew, and in 1946
be in considerable danger. Mr. Selby awarded silver life-saving medals with
Davidson again went with her. She diplomas to Mr. E. Selby Davidson,
reached the Oslo Fjord at 12.20 to honorary secretary, George Lisle,
find that she had now broken in two. coxswain, William Johnson, motor-
The weather was worse than it had mechanic, and Bartholomew Taylor,
been eleven hours before, but daylight life-boatman.
made it easier to come alongside.
Of the chief officer nothing could be DECEMBER 1ST. - REDCAR, YORK-
seen, and one of the life-boatmen, SHIRE. At 10 P.M. news was received that a
Bartholomew Taylor, offered to go small unknown vessel was ashore about the
middle of the East Scar Rocks. It was low
on board. This he did, with great tide, and at 11 o’clock one of the crew walked
difficulty and risk, and the life-boat ashore and gave the information that the
sheered off until he appeared again. vessel was H.M. m.v. Platypus, and that she
The chief officer was with him. was lying on the rocks on her starboard bilge,
but he could not say whether or not she was
The life-boat went alongside ; took damaged. It was decided that the motor
off both men and got back to her life-boat Louisa Polden should be launched,
station at 1.55. in case the Platypus refloated on the rising
tide and needed help, and she put out at
12.40 A.M. A fresh S.W. breeze was blowing,
T HE R EWARDS but the sea was smooth. At 3 A.M. the
Both the rescues on the 8th of Platypus refloated. Her compass was out of
order and, at her request, the life-boat
December were very difficult, and were piloted her to West Hartlepool, returning to
carried out with gallantry and fine her station at 6 A.M. - Rewards, £19 3s. 6d.
seamanship. The Institution made
the following awards : DECEMBER 2ND. - CULLERCOATS,
To C OXSWAIN G EORGE LISLE , the NORTHUMBERLAND. At 5.15 P.M. a
bronze medal for gallantry, with a message was received from the Tynemouth
copy of the vote inscribed on vellum ; coastguard that a vessel had been mined
three-quarters of a mile east of Tynemouth
To M R . E. S ELBY D AVIDSON , the Piers. A light westerly breeze was blowing
honorary secretary, the bronze medal and the sea was smooth. At 5.25 P . M . the
for gallantry, with a copy of the vote motor life-boat Westmorland was launched,
inscribed on vellum ; and found the motor vessel Jolly Girls being
towed by the examination cutter X2. The
To WILLIAM JOHNSON, motor- crew of ten of the Jolly Girls were on board
mechanic and BARTHOLOMEW TAYLOR, the cutter, one of them with a broken leg.
the thanks of the Institution inscribed Before the cutter reached harbour with her
on vellum ; tow, the Jolly Girls sank. The life-boat
accompanied the cutter to the North Shields
To BARTHOLOMEW TAYLOR, a Fish Quay where the ten rescued men were
reward of £5 in addition to the ordin- landed. The life-boat returned to her station
ary scale rewards of £1 17s. 6d. for at 10.15 P.M. - Rewards, £27 10s.
the first service and 19s. for the second
service, making a total reward of D ECEMBER 3 RD . - HELVICK HEAD, CO.
£7 16s. 6d. ; WATERFORD. At 1 A.M. news was received
To the coxswain and each other that a motor fishing boat needed help about
member of the crew a reward of £2 six miles S.E. of Helvick. A moderate S.W.
breeze was blowing and the sea was choppy.
in addition to the ordinary scale At 2 A.M. the motor life-boat Elsie was
reward of £1 17s. 6d. for the first launched, and on reaching the fishing boat
service and 19s. for the second service found that she had fouled her propeller, but
making a total reward of £4 16s. 6d had managed to clear it and was now going
slowly on her way. The life-boat escorted
each. Standard rewards to crew and her to Helvick Pier and returned to her
launchers for the first service £16 4s. station at 4 A.M. - Rewards, £16 17s. 6d.
 SERVICES 1940 129
DECEMBER 5TH. - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA, Harbour at 12.15 PM. - No expense to
ESSEX. At 8.10 A.M. a message was received Institution.
from the coastguard at Warden Point that
a vessel two miles to the north-east was burn- D E C E M B E R 6 T H . - DONAGHADEE, CO.
ing flares. A westerly gale was blowing, with DOWN. The motor life-boat Civil Service
a rough sea. At 8.25 A.M. the motor life-boat No. 5 put out at 9 in the morning, in a N.W.
Greater London (Civil Service No. 3) was gale, with a very rough sea, and rescued nine
launched and found the barge Nelson with a men of the crew of 44 of the S.S. Hope Star,
crew of two, in a very dangerous position. of Newcastle-on-Tyne, which had gone ashore.
She was anchored in the four-fathom channel She then stood by the steamer for the rest of
on the edge of the middle sand, and the the day, until the wind went down. The
barge was leaking and the two men had full account of this rescue is with the service
passed a terrible night. The coxswain of the to the S.S. Coastville, on November 21st, as the
life-boat put some of the life-boat’s crew on Institution made special awards to the
board. They lifted the anchor and the life- coxswain and crew for these two services
boat then towed the barge to Southend. She combined.
returned to her station at 1.30 P .M. - Property
salvage case DECEMBER 6TH. - NEW BRIGHTON,
CHESHIRE. At 9.15 A.M. the Mersey Docks
DECEMBER 5-6TH. - TEESMOUTH, Board reported a steamer drifting in the
YORKSHIRE. AND HARTLEPOOL. DUR- Queens Channel, but not in need of help at
HAM. At 5 P.M. a message was received from that time. A heavy westerly gale was blow-
the Port War Signal Statlon at South Gare, ing, with a wild and confused sea, and the
that a vessel was ashore on the North Gare coxswain stood by in readiness. At 1.45 P .M.
and might have to be abandoned. A the news came that the steamer, now near
northerly wind was blowing with squalls, and the Formby Light-vessel, needed immediate
the sea rough. At 11 P .M. the motor life-boat help, and the No. 2 motor life-boat Edmund
J. W. Archer was launched, and found that and Mary Robinson left her moorings at
the vessel was the steamer Daleby, of West 1.20 P.M. Near C.4 buoy, in the Crosby
Hartlepool. She anchored near her and Channel, she found the steamer out of control,
remamed there all night. At 10 A.M. the and a tug trying to get a hawser on board her.
next morning the master decided that the The steamer was the S.S. Governor, of Liver-
help of the life-boat was no longer needed, pool, outward bound in ballast. The life-boat
and she returned to her station, arriving at stood by until the tug’s hawser had been
11 A.M. secured, and then escorted them until the tug
By the afternoon the gale was increasing had got the steamer into the river, as there
and the sea was very rough. A message was was danger, in the channel, of the steamer
sent to the master of the Daleby, suggesting going aground. The life-boat then returned
that he should abandon ship, and at 5.30 P .M. to her moorings, and as she passed New
the life-boat went out again, rescued the crew Brighton landing stage the message was sent
of 37 and took them to Middlesbrough. She to her that her crew should come ashore as
returned to her station later when the seas soon as she got to her moorings, as an SOS
had moderated. had come from another vessel. The life-boat
At the request of the naval authorities the reached her moorings at 5.30 P . M . and at
Hartlepool motor life-boat The Princess Royal 5.45 P.M. the No. 1 life-boat put out. The cox-
(Civil Service No. 7) was launched at 5.22 P.M. swain, second-coxswain and one life-boatman
on the 6th, and reached the Daleby to find the from the first crew formed part of the second
Teesmouth life-boat taking off the crew. She crew. - Rewards, £10 4s. 6d.
returned to her station, arriving at 7.10 P .M. (See also New Brighton, page 139).
Rewards : Teesmouth, first service,
£25 17s.. second service, £19 5s. 6d. ; Hartle-
pool £14 3s. 6d SILVER MEDAL SERVICE
AT SOUTHEND - ON - SEA
DECEMBER 6TH. - TORBAY, DEVON.
At 8.2 A.M. the Berry Head coastguard DECEMBER 6-11TH. - SOUTH-
reported a small sailing vessel two miles END - ON - SEA, ESSEX. The gale of
E.N.E,. from Berry Heed making S.O.S.
signals, A W.N.W. gale was blowing, with the 5th of December, in which the motor
a heavy sea. The motor life-boat G e o r g e life-boat Greater London (Civil Service
Shee was launched at 8.15 A . M . She had a No. 3) had been out for five hours and
crew of only four. and she found the French- had towed in a barge, with its crew of
built auxiliary yawl. Mutin, under Admiralty
orders, with a crew of seven on board. She two men, was still blowing next morn-
had hove to the night before on account of ing. It was then from the south-west,
the gale, and a heavy sea had put her engine with a very heavy sea running, and at
out of action. When the life-boat arrived
the yawl had two anchors down. After the
9.45 the life-boat was called out
life-boat had stood by for about an hour, to the help of a barge. That launch
the yawl’s crew tried to weigh the anchors, was followed by seven others to the
and as they could not do it they slipped help of six other barges, and a steamer’s
them. The lifeboat then took the yawl in
tow, made for the shelter of the Torquay crew. The life-boat was out in the
shore and eventually reached Brixham Inner gale almost continuously for nearly
130 SERVICES 1940

36 hours, until nine at night on the 7th them. Both had their anchors down
of December, rescued twelve men, and and their cables stretching to wind-
towed in two of the barges. For the ward. The position of the barges, and
first four of these eight. launches, she their cables, close together, made the
had only six men instead of her usual rescue much more difficult.
crew of eight, and two of the services
carried out by the six men were of LIFE -B OAT ' S P ROPELLERS FOULED
exceptional difficulty and danger. The wind was on shore, and the
The first of the barges to which the life-boat, anchoring further out, drop-
life-boat went out on the 6th of Decem- ped down on her cable, stern first, to
ber was the Glencoe, of London, with the barge which was nearer the shore.
two men on board. She was in distress This took her very close to the shore
half a mile west of the West Shoebury herself. She went. alongside the barge,
Buoy, but her captain refused to leave and took off the two men. Then she
her. He asked for a tow, but the life- moved sea-wards again, bow first,
boat was unable to give it, in the picking up her cable as she went, to
very heavy sea, and she returned to go to the second barge. While she
her station at 10.30 that morning. was doing this the cable got to the
Quarter of an hour later she put out. wrong side of her, passed under her,
for the second time; to the barge as she moved forward, and fouled one
Mistley, of Ipswich, which was a of the propellers. With the other
quarter of a mile west of the West propeller working she managed to go
Shoebury Buoy and driving towards alongside the second barge and rescued
the sands. When the life-boat reached the two men. Then the cable fouled
her she had sunk. Her crew of two the second propeller. This swung her
were clinging to the mast. Heavy stern on to the seas. She was helpless,
seas were breaking over them. At held by the cable round her propellers,
any moment they might have washed and unable to move, with the seas
the men away. breaking right into her after cockpit.
The life-boat anchored and dropped Her coxswain signalled for a tug,
down on her cable to the barge. The but in that sea no tug could come to
water was so shallow that she was his help. The bowman at once offered
hitting the bottom all the time. With to go over the side and attempt to
great difficulty she went alongside and clear the propellers, but this the cox-
rescued the two men. They were swain would not allow him to attempt.
exhausted and could not have held He would have been drowned. Instead
on for much longer. The life-boat was the coxswain set some of his men to
back at her station again at. 12.15. the oars, and others to haul on the
Quarter of an hour later she put cable. It was now that they most felt
out for the third service, which was to the need of the other two men. But
prove the most difficult and dangerous by rowing hard they were able to take
of the day. Again it was to barges, the strain off the cable and then, by
the C a m b r i a and Decima, both of tremendous hauling, to get some of
London. They had driven on to the it on board. They then made fast to
sand to the westward of the pier, and it a strong rope from the bows, and,
sunk. There were two men in each this done, cut the cable where it was
barge. They were clinging to the attached to the propellers. The life-
masts. The barges had been carried boat was now again held by her anchor
on to the sands and had sunk so from the bows and swung head to
quickly that the men had not even wind. But she had still to get away.
been able to hoist distress signals This life-boat carried no sails. She
before they struck, and then they had only a light yacht’s mast, used for
dared not move from the masts as the steaming lights and not strong
they would have been swept overboard enough to take a sail. But she had her
at once by the terrible seas. after canopy covered with rope, as a
One barge was closer to the shore protection against bomb splinters, and
than the other, and nearly behind it. under this rope, to keep it from rub-
Only the length of a barge separated bing the paint, was a piece of canvas,
 SERVICES 1940 131

14 feet by 7 feet. The rope was taken chain, but he was injured. The life-
off the canopy, to get at the canvas, boatmen hauled him aboard.
extra ropes were put on the mast to When the life-boat came inshore, the
strengthen it, and this small piece of coxswain ordered the barge’s anchors
canvas was set as a sail. to be dropped and went aboard her.
By hauling on the cable, and by row- He told the captain that he would have
ing, the crew got the life-boat clear to take him off. The captain replied
of the shore, but they could not lift that the injured mate might go, but
the anchor. They cut the cable and he would stay. He and the coxswain
recovered the anchor three days later. then went down into the cabin. There
The flood tide, which was on the life- was a foot of water on the floor. Then
boat’s lee bow, helped to keep her from at last the captain consented to leave
being blown back on to the shore, and her. He and his mate were taken into
by means of the improvised sail, the the life-boat, and she landed the four
coxswain brought her to the pier. There rescued men. Half an hour later the
a rope was thrown to him. and the life- Glencoe sank.
boat was taken round the pier to her
slipway. Other vessels were in dis- T H E F I F T H LA U N C H
tress. The life-boat was needed at once. It was now 8.30 in the evening. The
But her propellers had to be cleared life-boat had been out almost con-
first. Eight times she was washed tinuously for nearly eleven hours. But
off the slipway before her crew could an hour later she put out for the fifth
haul her up - this alone was a very fine time. The Cambria, from which the
piece of seamanship - and they could life-boat had rescued the crew early
cut away the rope from the propellers. in the afternoon, had been carried
By now the crew were wet through against the pier. She was loaded with
and very tired, but there was no rest timber and full of water. The life-boat
for them, and within half an hour the went out to try and prevent her break-
life-boat was launched for the fourth ing through the pier, but found it
time It was now four in the after- impossible to move her. She returned
noon to her station, re-filled her petrol tanks
and at four o’clock next morning made
TO TWO MORE BARGES another attempt. She failed again,
Again two London barges were in returned ashore, borrowed a pump
distress, the Glencoe, whose captain from the fire brigade, and, after pump-
had refused to leave her, when the ing out the barge, was able to tow her
life-boat went to his help in the morn- round the pier. She did not get back
ing. and the Nelson, The Glencoe was to her station until 11.30 that morning,
two miles south east of the pier. Her the 7th of December.
crew were at the pumps, but the Even then she had not finished.
captain again refused to leave and again Quarter of an hour later, she was
asked for a tow. This the coxswain launched to the help of a shipwrecked
had to refuse for a second time, as the steamer, the Houston City, but her
Nelson was waiting for his help. crew had already been taken off by
T h e l i f e - b o a t t h e n w e n t t o t h e another steamer. From this launch
Nelson and found her crew standing she returned at 3.45 in the after-
in the rigging, wet and cold. She took noon, and quarter of an hour after
them off and, for the third time, went that she put out again, for the eighth
to the Glencoe. The captain once time, to yet another barge, the Verona,
more refused to leave, but this time of London. The barge was half a mile
the coxswain said that he would try west of Jenkin Buoy. Her sails had
to tow the barge. He put life-boatmen blown away ; her top mast and sprit
aboard her. They lifted her anchor w e r e b r o k e n . T h e g a l e w a s n o w
and the tow started. An attempt was moderating, and the life-boat towed
made to set some of her sails, but they in the barge with her two men on
were soon blown to ribbons. Then the board. It was nine in the evening
mate of the barge was washed over- w h e n s h e w a s b a c k i n h e r b o a t -
board. Luckily he caught hold of a house. She had then been out, almost
132 SERVICES 1940

continuously, for nearly thirty-six Decima on the 11th were property

hours. salvage cases. - Total of money
She had still not finished with the rewards, £45 3s.
barges. Next day she went out and
brought in the Glencoe, after pumping
out the water with the fire pump and BRONZE MEDAL SERVICE
throwing overboard a good deal of her AT BARRY DOCK
deck cargo. On the 9th she towed in D ECEMBER 6 TH. - BARRY DOCK,
the Cambria, and on the 11th, after GLAMORGANSHIRE. During the
again using the fire pump, she brought morning a whole gale was blowing
in the Decima. from the north-west at Barry Dock
on the south coast of Wales, and at
THE REWARDS 10.30 the life-boat station received
For this long and exhausting succes- news from the coastguard that a small
sion of services, in which great skill, steamer was flying distress signals near
resource and gallantry were shown, the the Breaksea Light-vessel. The motor
Institution made the following awards : life-boat Rachel and Mary Evans was
For the services to the Cambria, launched at once. Owing to the war
Decima, Glencoe and Nelson : she was short-handed. She had only
To COXSWAIN SIDNEY H. B. PAGE, five men instead of the usual crew of
the silver medal for gallantry, with eight. She reached the steamer at
a copy of the vote inscribed on noon and found her to be the 260-ton
vellum ; South Coaster, of London, with a crew
To WILLIAM A. DEER, the second- of ten. She was on her way, in ballast,
coxswain, H. G. M YALL , bowman, from Penzance to Cardiff. Very heavy
S AMUEL H. G. T HOMAS , boat signal- seas were running and the steamer had
man, F RANK A. J URGENSON , motor- two anchors down, but they were
mechanic, and REGINALD H. SANDERS, dragging. The master asked for a
assistant motor-mechanic, the bronze tug, and the life-boat put back at once,
medal for gallantry, accompanied by fetched a powerful tug, and went
a copy of the vote inscribed on vellum ; ahead, to show her the way. But the
To the coxswain and each member seas were too much for the tug. She
of the crew a reward of £2 each, in had to put back. Later on she made
addition to the ordinary scale reward a second attempt, but again she could
of 19s. each for the service to the not face the seas.
Cambria and Decima and the ordinary Meanwhile the life-boat had gone
scale reward of £2 7s. each for the on alone, had got a tow rope on board
service to the Glencoe and Nelson, from the steamer, ready for the tug,
making a reward of £5 6s. each. and was standing by. When the cox-
Standard rewards to crew and helpers swain of the life-boat saw the tug put
for the service to the Cambria and back for the second time, he warned
Decima, £5 12s. ; standard rewards the master of his danger. The life-
to crew and helpers for the service to boat could not give him a tow ; the
the Glencoe and Nelson, £12 15s. 6d. ; steamer was dragging her anchors ;
additional rewards to crew £12 ; total she might soon go ashore. The captain
rewards, £30 7s. 6d. ; decided to abandon her. The steamer
For the first launch to the Glencoe, was now yawing wildly about, and
£5 3s. ; pitching and rolling heavily. She had
For the service to the Mistley, six feet of water in the engine-room.
£4 18s. 6d. ; Her fires were out. Her anchors
For the launch to the Houston City, continued to drag.
£4 14s. The life-boat prepared to go along
The service to the Nelson on the 5th, side, near enough for the crew to jump,
the second and third services to the but there was great danger that the
Cambria, on the 6th and 7th, the service steamer would roll over on to her.
to the Verona on the 7th, and the The coxswain handled her with great
services to the Glencoe on the 8th, to skill, but he was manoeuvring her for
the Cambria on the 9th and to the half an hour before he could get her
 SERVICES 1940 133

near enough, and one man jumped. down. The steamer was helpless, and
Then the steamer yawed suddenly and her captain signalled to the life-boat
violently, and the life-boat rammed asking to be taken off.
her, slightly damaging her own bows. To go alongside her would be very
The coxswain brought her close to the difficult and dangerous. She offered
steamer a second time and this time no lee to the life-boat. She was
the other nine men jumped. They all sheering over sixteen points of the
landed safely in the life-boat, but the compass. She was rolling from bridge
chief engineer fell and injured his face. to bulwark-rail, and, at times, as she
He had to be taken to hospital when rose on the sea and rolled, her keel
the life-boat reached Barry Dock could be seen.
again at three in the afternoon. It was now dark, and by the light
It was a dangerous service, very of his searchlight, the coxswain tried
skilfully carried out with a short- to go alongside. The life-boat herself
handed crew, and the Institution made was taking heavy seas on board, and
the following awards : most of the time the motor-mechanic
To C OXSWAIN D AVID LEWIS , the was working in a cockpit full of water.
bronze medal for gallantry, with a Every means was tried, but in the
copy of the vote inscribed on vellum ; heavy seas, and with the steamer
To G EORGE J. A LLIN , the motor- rolling and sheering so violently, it was
mechanic, the thanks of the Institu- found to be impossible. So the cox-
tion inscribed on vellum ; swain chose the only remaining, and
To the coxswain, the motor- desperate, course of driving the bow
mechanic and each of the other three of his life-boat hard against the plung-
members of the crew, a reward of £2 ing steamer, and holding it there with
in addition to the ordinary scale his engines, while the crew jumped.
reward of 19s. Standard rewards to He called out to them what he intended
crew and launchers, £5 14s. 6d. ; to do ; told them to be ready ; and
additional rewards to the crew, £10 ; rammed the steamer. As he did so the
Total rewards, £15 14s. 6d. seven men of the crew jumped. In
five minutes they had all been rescued
and the life-boat returned to her
SILVER MEDAL SERVICE station, damaged, but still seaworthy.
AT TROON She arrived at 9.45 in the evening.
D ECEMBER 6 TH . - TROON, AYR- She had been out for nearly eight
SHIRE During the afternoon a hours.
whole gale from the north-west was It was a service in which great
blowing, with a very heavy sea running courage and splendid seamanship were
and fierce squalls of hail. It was shown, and the Institution made the
described as the worst on that coast following awards :
for many years. To C O X S W A I N W I L L I A M McA U S -
At two o’clock the motor life-boat LANE , the silver medal for gallantry,
Sir David Richmond of Glasgow, was with a copy of the vote inscribed on
launched in answer to signals of dis- vellum ;
tress a mile from Dunure, about ten To ALBERT J. FERGUSON, the motor-
miles to the south of Troon. mechanic, the bronze medal for gallan-
The ship was the 320-ton steamer try, with a copy of the vote inscribed
Moyallon, of Belfast, with a crew of on vellum ;
seven She was sailing light from To each of the other six members of
Larne to Ayr. the crew, ARTHUR PEARCE, second-cox-
The life-boat reached her at 4.30 in swain ; J OHN McC AULL , bowman -
the afternoon and found her at anchor JOHN WARREN, assistant motor-mech-
in heavy broken water. Her captain anic ; WILLIAM MAIN, JAMES HERON
said that, if the life-boat would stand and JOHN McAUSLANE, the thanks of
by, he would lift anchor and make for the Institution inscribed on vellum ;
shelter in Whiting Bay, Arran. To the coxswain and each of the
This he tried to do, but the anchor seven members of his crew a reward
chains fouled and the engine broke of £1 in addition to the ordinary scale
134 SERVICES 1940

reward of £2 16s. 6d. Standard impossible to see her from the top of
rewards to crew and launchers, £20 9s.; the island, 700 feet above the sea, and
additional rewards to crew £8 ; Total the lookout on Bloody Foreland had
rewards, £28 9s. only fleeting glimpses of her as she
The owners, Messrs. John Kelly, passed.
gave £25 to be divided, between the As soon as she was round Bloody
crew and the Institution. Foreland, the coxswain saw the masts
of the wreck. She was on a reef to
D ECEMBER 7 TH. - HASTINGS, SUSSEX. the west of Inishbeg, about three miles
At 4.55 A.M. the Fairlight coastguard reported
that two soldiers were either stranded on the to the south of Tory Island. There
wreck of the S.S. Barnhill, off Langley Point, she was exposed to the full fury of the
Eastbourne, or adrift in a small boat. A gale and of the seas coming in from
light westerly wind was blowing, with a slight the Atlantic. They were breaking
sea. The motor life-boat Cyril and Lilian
Bishop was launched at 6.40 A.M. and found heavily over her.
two soldiers belonging to the Cheshire The vessel was the Dutch steamer
Regiment on the wreck. They had gone out in Stolwijk, of 3,500 tons, with a crew of
a small boat, the boat had been swamped and 28 men. A destroyer had attempted
had sunk and they had been on the wreck a rescue, but in that gale she could do
since 3.30 of the previous afternoon, over
15 hours. The life-boat took them to nothing, and she lost four of her crew,
Hastings, which was reached at 9.55 A . M . A including the captain, who died later
letter of thanks was received from the in hospital. Ten of the Stolwijk's crew
military authorities. - Rewards, £31 19s. 5d.
(See “Eastbourne, “Accounts of Services by had attempted during, the night to get
Life-boats 1940,” page 57, and Eastbourne, away in one of the ship’s, boats, but
“Accounts of Services by Life-boats 1941,” the boat had been smashed and the ten
page 65.) men had been drowned.
GOLD MEDAL SERVICE HAULED THROUGH THE BREAKING
A T A R R A N M O R E S EAS
D ECEMBER 7 TH. - ARRANMORE, The life-boat reached the steamer
CO. DONEGAL. In the early morn- at noon, and the coxswain anchored
ing a message was received at the life- to windward and veered down until
boat station on Arranmore Island, off he was near enough to fire a line. The
the north-west coast of Ireland, that ebb tide, which runs through Tory
a vessel, in convoy, had gone on a reef Sound at five miles an hour, was
of rocks to the east of Tory Island, 24 setting to the westward and was
miles north of Arranmore Island. For swirling fiercely round the reef where
three days the wind had been blowing the steamer lay. The seas were, so
hard from the north-north-west. It heavy that at times they lifted the
was now at hurricane force, with fierce life-boat to the height of the steamer’s
squalls, accompanied by snow and masts.
sleet. The seas were mountainous. The steamer’s crew were huddled
It was just half an hour after mid- together near the stern. The seas
night when the message came, and the were breaking over them, and it was
life-boat crew assembled at once, but a miracle that they were not all washed
the gale was so fierce, the night so dark, away. But when the life-boat fired
and the visibility, in the gusts of snow her line, they were able to seize it, haul
and sleet, so poor, that it was decided the tail-block on board, and make it
to wait for dawn. fast, so that the life-boat’s crew could
With the first light, at 6.30 in the work the breeches buoy.
morning, the motor life-boat K.T.J.S. The coxswain had to keep the life-
put out. Even then, in the snow boat at the full length of the veering
squalls, her crew could not see more line which was working the buoy, for
than fifty yards. The exact position nearer than that it was too dangerous
of the wreck was not known, but the to go, and one by one the men of the
coxswain set a course to get to wind- steamer were hauled in the buoy
ward of Tory Island. The seas were through the breaking seas. Each man
so heavy that when the life-boat was was in them for upwards of five
barely a mile from Arranmore it was minutes.
 SERVICES 1940 135

It was a terrible journey for the port on the mainland, but before he
steamer’s crew ; and for the life- could reach the smooth water between
boatmen it was a very hard task - as the rocks one terrific sea crashed over
the life-boat plunged and swung on the life-boat’s stern.
her cable in those mountainous seas - It was then 10.30 at night. The
to haul the men in. They found that life-boat had been out for sixteen
their oilskins hampered them, so they hours. It was twenty-two hours since
took them off, in spite of the bitter her crew had assembled. They were
wind and snow, and soon they were so exhausted that they could not get
as soaked as the rescued men them- out of the life-boat themselves. When
selves. the survivors had been landed, the crew
Five men had been hauled in this had to be helped out. Even then they
way into the life-boat, half drowned, could not rest. There was no way of
but still alive, when the veering line mooring the boat. They had to remain
parted. It had been chafing against in her on watch all night, going ashore
the steamer and rubbed right through. in turns for food. By next morning the
The line, besides working the breeches sea had gone down a little, and the life-
buoy, had helped to keep the life-boat boat returned to her station about
in position. The coxswain had to nine o’clock.
heave up anchor ; manoeuvre the
life-boat into position again ; anchor T HE R EWARDS
once more : and fire a second line. It was a rescue of great daring,
With the help of the steamer’s men, gallantry and endurance, carried out
still on board her, the breeches buoy in weather of exceptional severity, and
was rigged a second time, and the the Institution made the following
work of rescue went on. awards ;
To C O X S W A I N J O H N B O Y L E , the
THE LIFE-BOAT IN GREAT DANGER gold medal, which is given only for
Ten more men were safely hauled conspicuous gallantry, and a copy of
through the seas. Then a second time the vote inscribed on vellum ;
the veering line, rubbing against a To TEAGUE WARD, the motor-
jagged plate on the steamer, was mechanic, the silver medal for
chafed through. This time the life- gallantry, and a copy of the vote
boat swung almost under the bow of inscribed on vellum ;
the wreck. She was in great danger, To P H I L I P B O Y L E , acting second-
but her coxswain handled her superbly. coxswain, PHILIP BYRNE, acting bow-
He brought her safely out, and for the man, N EIL B YRNE , assistant motor-
third time it had all to be done from mechanic, PATRICK O'DONNELL,
the beginning. Again a line was fired. JOSEPH RODGERS and BRYAN
It was fired with the last cartridge on G A L L A G H E R , the bronze medal for
board the life-boat. Then the last gallantry, with a copy of the vote
three men on the wreck were hauled inscribed on vellum;
into her. The rescue of the eighteen To the coxswain and each member
men had taken over four hours. of the crew a reward of £5 in addition
It was now getting on for five in to the ordinary scale reward of
the afternoon. The outward journey £3 15s. 6d., making a total reward to
had taken six hours. The home- each man of £8 15s. 6d. Standard
ward, journey took nearly as long, and rewards to crew and launchers,
all the time the life-boat was ship- £33 18s. 6d. ; additional rewards to
ping heavy seas. The coxswain crew, £40 ; total rewards, £73 18s. 6d.
thought it too dangerous to go by the Queen Wilhelmina of the Nether-
main channel, so he went between lands awarded the Dutch gold medal
Calf Island and Arranmore, but when for gallantry in saving life to Coxswain
he reached the station he found it Boyle, the silver medal to the motor-
impossible to land. Waiting for his mechanic, Teague Ward, and the
opportunity under the lee of Calf medal to each of the six other
Island, he drove the boat as hard as he members of the crew. Each medal
could across the channel to Burton- was accompanied by a copy of the
136 SERVICES 1940

decree making the award, in which the from the N.N.W., with squalls, and it was
found impossible. The life-boat then re-
Queen said the medal had been turned to her station, arriving at eight
awarded for “ exceptionally outstand- o’clock on the evening of the 11th, having
ing courage, unselfishness and been out for 36 hours. On the following day
devotion to duty.” the No. 1 motor life-boat was again launched.
She was out from one in the afternoon of that
The owners of the Stolwijk, the day until 10.30 the following morning,
Netherlands Shipping and Trading December 13th. This time the third kedge
Company, gave £20 to be divided anchor was laid out, and at last, after the
among the crew. life-boat had stood by during the night, the
tug succeeded in refloating the Royston at
seven on the morning of December 13th.
D E C E M B E R 7 T H . - MOELFRE, ANGLE- The life-boat returned to her station at
SEY. An outward-bound convoy. under the 10.30 that morning, having been out for
command of Rear-admiral Ramsey, was 11 hours.
passing. A gale was blowing and a drifter, On December 7th the message that the
which should have been there to bring ashore
Royston was ashore had been sent to Great
the pilots, had not arrived, so at 10.30 A . M . Yarmouth and Gorleston, as well as to
the coastguard asked that the life-boat G.W. Cromer, and the crew at that station had
should be launched in place of her. A boat assembled, but the life-boat had not been
had come ashore from the convoy with the launched as Cromer could get to the spot
admiral. This boat, with the admiral and more quickly.
the crew of six, the life-boat took in tow Rewards : Cromer No. 1, first launch,
when she put out at 10.40. She towed it £49 18s. .6d. ; second launch, property salvage
back to the steamer Teucer. From this case ; Cromer No. 2, property salvage case ;
steamer she took off the pilot and the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston. £1 8s.
compass adjuster. She then took a pilot off
the steamer David Livingstone, landed the DECEMBER 8TH. - TYNEMOUTH,
three men, and returned to her station at NORTHUMBERLAND. The life-boat res-
noon. - Expenses were paid by the Admiralty cued twenty-two people from the Norwegian
and a letter of thanks was received from the motor ship Oslo Fjord from which she had
Pilotage Service of the Mersey Docks and previously rescued seventeen. For details
Harbour Board. see December 1st.
D ECEMBER 7 TH . - 13TH . - CROMER, AND DECEMBER 8TH. - NEW BRIGHTON,
GREAT YARMOUTH AND GORLESTON, CHESHIRE. At 2.20 A . M . a message was
NORFOLK. At two in the morning a received from the Dock Board Authorities
message was received at Cromer from the that the Formby Light-ship had been in
coastguard that a vessel was ashore one and collision with an unknown vessel and was
a half miles south of Palling coastguard adrift. A fresh N.N.W. wind was blowing,
station. A strong W.N.W. wind was blowing, with a moderate sea. At 2.58 A.M. the No. 2
with squalls, and there was a heavy swell. motor life-boat Edmund and Mary Robinson
The Cromer No. 1 motor life-boat H. F. was launched. and found the light-ship near
Bailey was launched at 2.20 and found that the C.3 red buoy. The life-boat went alongside
the vessel ashore was the steamer Royston, and was asked by the master to stand by.
of Newcastle-on-Tyne. The Royston was This she did until 8.50 A.M. The weather was
lying broadside on to the beach, and the then getting rapidly worse and at the request
life-boat attempted to get alongside ; but of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board’s
she found it impossible to get under the vessel Vigilant, the life-boat rescued the light-
steamer’s lee, and there was too much sea vessel’s crew and landed them at the New
for her to approach from the weather side, Brighton stage. She returned to her station
so she stood by until daylight. A tug from at 10.50 A.M. - Rewards £23 2s.
Yarmouth then arrived. The Royston fired
a rocket line across the life-boat, which took D E C E M B E R 1 6 T H . - MARYPORT, CUM-
it to the tug. The rope was hauled across BERLAND. At 10.5 A . M . a vessel was re-
and made fast, and the tug attempted to tow ported to be ashore between Annan and
the Royston off, but was unsuccessful. The Carlisle. Enquiries were made, and another
life-boat stood by until two in the afternoon message was received that the vessel was ashore
and, as it was then felt that she could safely at Powfoot, Annan. At 12.10 P .M. the motor
leave the Royston, she made for Gorleston, life-boat Joseph Braithwaite was launched. A
arriving at 4.45 in the afternoon. On southerly gale was blowing, at times reaching
December l0th, 11th, 12th and 13th, further hurricane force, and the sea was very rough.
attempts were made to get the Royston afloat, The life-boat found the motor vessel Fredanja,
and in these attempts both the Cromer life- of Haran, high and dry at Powfoot. She had
boats took part. On the 10th the No. 2 motor dragged her anchor and had gone aground on
life-boat Harriot Dixon was launched at a bank about a quarter of a mile from the
eight in the morning, and two kedge anchors shore. At high tide the Fredanja refloated,
were laid out. The laying out of the third and the life-boat escorted her to a safe
anchor could not be finished that day, and anchorage. Her captain and crew warmly
the life-boat stood by all night. Another thanked the life-boat crew for their help.
attempt to lay out the third anchor was then The life-boat returned to her station at
made, but the wind was now blowing strongly 5.10 P.M. - Rewards, £18 1s. 6d.
 SERVICES 1940 137

DECEMBER 18TH. - ROSSLARE HAR- crew, and lifted the trawler off the sands.
BOUR, CO. WEXFORD. At 4.20 P . M . the The tug got the trawler in tow and, with the
steamer Crewhill, of Belfast, was seen to be ap- life-boat acting as escort, brought her into
proaching and to be signalling for the life-boat, harbour. The life-boat returned to her
and at 4.30 P . M . the motor life-boat Mabel moorings at 4.30 P.M. - Reward, £7 4s. 6d.
Marion Thompson was launched. A strong
westerly wind was blowing, with a choppy sea. D ECEMBER 22 ND . - WICK, CAITHNESS-
The life-boat went alongside the Crewhill, and SHIRE. At 2.33 A.M. the coastguard
found that she had on board twenty-one reported that an explosion had been seen
members of the crew of the tanker Osage, of two to three miles south of Skirza Head,
London, three of them wounded. The Osage and it was thought to be either an aeroplane
had been attacked and sunk by German which had crashed or a mine which had gone
aeroplanes when near Arklow Light-vessel. off. There was a light S.S.E. breeze and a
The life-boat took the twenty-one men on moderate sea. At 3.30 A . M . the motor life-
board, and on her way back sent a wireless boat City of Edinburgh was launched and
message to the Irish Lights Commissioners, searched a wide area. She found nothing
asking that a doctor should be waiting at the until 9 A . M . when she came upon an open
pier, where the wounded men would be parachute, with harness attached, close to
landed. They were then taken by ambulance Duncansby Head. Nothing else was to be
to Wexford Hospital, and the life-boat seen, and the life-boat returned to her
returned to her station at 5.30 P.M.- station at 12 noon. - Rewards, £19 15s. 6d.
Partly permanent paid crew. Rewards,
£3 12s. 6d. DECEMBER 23RD. - LYTHAM - ST.ANNE’S,
LANCASHIRE. The motor life-boat
D ECEMBER 19 TH . - NEWBIGGIN - BY - Dunleary had just returned from searching
THE - SEA, NORTHUMBERLAND. Eight for an aeroplane when a message was received
cobles were out fishing, and a fresh northerly from the senior naval officer at Preston
wind was blowing, with a moderate sea. At asking the life-boat to take a message to a
11.45 in the morning the life-boat station vessel anchored off the Gut Gas Buoy. A
received a message from the coastguard that moderate breeze was blowing and the sea
the weather was getting worse and that the was smooth. At 10.50 P . M . the life-boat put
cobles might need her help. At 12.15 another to sea with a naval lieutenant on board,
message came from the coastguard, and at delivered the message and returned to her
12.43 the motor life-boat Augustus and Laura station at 2.15 A.M. - Rewards, £l3 2s. 6d.
was launched. Her coxswain, second-
coxswain, bowman, and other members of the DECEMBER 24TH. - WHITBY, YORK-
crew were out with the fishing boats, and a SHIRE. Five men of a salvage firm were
scratch crew was formed, The winchman, an at work on the motor fishing boat Proficient,
old member of the crew, acted as coxswain, of Lowestoft, which was under Admiralty
and the women helped to launch. The life- control and which, a few days before, had
boat escorted the cobles into harbour and gone ashore ahout 400 yards from the cliffs
returned to her station at 2.45 in the after- on Whitby west beach. A light E.S.E.
noon. - Rewards, £12 14s. breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea,
and at 11.30 in the morning the salvage
D ECEMBER 19 TH. - AMBLE, NORTHUM- master asked the life-boat to rescue the men,
BERLAND. At 12.45 P . M . the coastguard as, with the tide rising, the swell was sweep-
reported that a fishing boat needed help, ing right over the deck of the Proficient, and
and at 1.15 P.M. the motor life-boat Frederick she was rolling heavily. At 11.45 in the
and Emma was launched. A moderate N.E. morning the No. 1 motor life-boat Mary Ann
wind was blowing, and there was a heavy Hepworth was launched, and found the
swell. The life-boat stood by at the harbour Proficient lying in broken water extending
bar until the fishing coble Treasure, after for about 100 yards seaward. The men on
several attempts, entered the harbour. The board her were by now up to their waists in
life-boat returned to her station at 4.15 P .M. water. The life-boat went alongside at once.
- Rewards, £3. and three of the salvage men jumped into
her. Again the life-boat went alongside and
D E C E M B E R 2 1 S T . - LOWESTOFT, SUF- the remaining two men were rescued. The
FOLK. At 2.25 in the afternoon a message life-boat brought them ashore and returned
was received from the coastguard that a to her station at 12.30 P.M. - Rewards,
trawler had gone aground on the Newcome £6 7s. 6d.
Sands, and ten minutes later the motor life-
boat Michael Stephens was launched. A D E C E M B E R 2 5 T H . - MOELFRE, ANGLE-
strong easterly gale was blowing, with a very SEY. At 11.50 A . M . a message was received
heavy sea. The life-boat found that the from the coastguard that a boat could be seen
trawler was the Niblick, on government drifting about 3 miles N.E. of the coastguard
service. Heavy seas were sweeping over her station. A moderate easterly wind was blow-
and had put out the engine-room fires. The ing, with a slight sea. At 1.20 P .M. the motor
crew was gathered in the bows, ready to life-boat G.W. was launched, and found a
be rescued. A tug had been trying to haul large iron ship’s boat, about 30 ft. in length,
the trawler off, but without success. The life- floating keel up, and undamaged. With
boat went alongside and got a wire hawser much trouble the life-boatmen righted her
to the trawler, but it parted. Then a huge and towed her in. In her lockers they found
wave engulfed the life-boat, drenched all her a bundle of blankets, boxes of flares, a lamp,
138 SERVICES 1940

and a torch. There was also an oar, but no heavily and sweeping the deck fore and aft.
name and nothing by which she could be She was likely to break up at any moment
identified. The life-boat returned to her and the lascars were in a state of panic. As
station at 8.30 P.M . - Property salvage case.. the life-boat approached the steamer she was
nearly washed on to her fore deck, but her
DECEMBER 27TH. - NEW BRIGHTON, crew succeeded in passing two mooring ropes
CHESHIRE. At 1.10 A.M. the Hoylake and these were made fast. The life-boat was
coastguard reported that a vessel had been straining very heavily at her ropes and rising
mined ten miles N.W. of the Bar Light- and falling on the swell. As she rose the
vessel, and the No. 1 motor life-boat William officers seized the crew and dropped them one
and Kate Johnston put out. There was a light by one into her. Then they jumped aboard
northerly breeze and the sea was smooth. themselves, and the mooring ropes were cut.
The life-boat made for the Bar Light-vessel, The life-boat landed the rescued men at
and then set a N.W. course. After about Castlebay at eight in the morning, and an
three-quarters of an hour she saw lights and hour and a half later she returned to the
spoke a vessel, the Galatea. From her she Baron Ardrossan for the ship’s papers. She
was passed on to another vessel, the Greystone, got back to her station finally at two in the
and found her taking off passengers from the afternoon, just twelve hours after she first
steamer Lady Connaught, of Dublin, which put out.
had been mined. She offered to take them, In view of the dangers of the coast in that
but there were too many, so it was decided foggy weather an increase in the usual money
that the Greystone should take them to awards on the standard scale was granted
Liverpool and that the life-boat should follow to each member of the crew. - Standard
close by in case the Greystone should strike rewards to the crew and helpers, £21 12s. 6d.;
a mine. The life-boat escorted the Greystone additional rewards to the crew, £16 ; total
past New Brighton and then returned to her rewards, £37 12s. 6d.
station at 8.45 A.M. Later the Lady
Connaught herself was towed into Liverpool. D E C E M B E R 3 0 T H . - NORTH SUNDER-
- Rewards, £18 2s. 6d. LAND, NORTHUMBERLAND. Two local
fishing boats had not returned, and as there
DECEMBER 27TH. - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA, was a bad sea at the harbour mouth with a
ESSEX. At 3 P . M . a message was received S.E. wind blowing, the motor life-boat
from the coastguard that a ship was sinking W.R.A. was launched at 4.15 P.M. She
near the boom defence, and at 3.25 P . M . the escorted into harbour the fishing boats
motor life-boat Greater London (Civil Service Douglass and Favourite, and returned to her
No. 3) was launched. A light S.W. wind was station at 5.5 P.M. - Rewards, £16 8s. 9d.
blowing and the sea was smooth. The life-
boat found the steamer Kinnaird Head, of The following life-boats were launched,
Liverpool, sunk and lying on her side. She but no services were rendered for the reasons
had been attacked by German aeroplanes given :
and there were only two survivors of her
crew. They had been picked up by a naval D ECEMBER 2 ND . - COURTMACSHERRY,
vessel. At the same time the motor vessel CO. CORK. A trawler had been bombed
Araby, also of Liverpool, had been attacked. and sunk by German aeroplanes, but the
The life-boat went to this steamer and found crew were taken on board three other
that she had broken in two and that the crew trawlers. - Rewards, £17 11s. 6d.
were alongside in a naval pinnace. Tugs
which had come out to help could not get D E C E M B E R 2 N D . - MARYPORT, CUM-
alongside owing to the strong tide, but after BERLAND. A speed boat engaged on
much manoeuvring the life-boat succeeded R.A.F. work was reported to have caught
in doing it and took off twenty survivors. All fire and blown up, but later it was found
were injured and the life-boatmen dressed that the report was incorrect. - Rewards,
the injuries of as many as they could. The £23 4s.
life-boat landed them at Southend and
returned to her station at 5.30 P.M.- DECEMBER 3RD.- CROMARTY. A
Rewards, £9 18s. British aeroplane had come down in the sea
near Nairn Harbour, but the crew swam
DECEMBER 30TH. - BARRA ISLAND, ashore before the life-boat arrived.-
HEBRIDES. At 1.50 in the morning the Rewards, £13 2s. 6d.
postmaster at Barra reported to the coast-
guard that he had heard the siren of a DECEMBER 5TH. - NEWCASTLE, CO.
steamer to the southward, and at two in the DOWN. The engines of a fishing boat had
morning the motor life-boat Lloyd’s put out. broken down, but she was able to get in
A light N.E. breeze was blowing, but there without help. - Rewards, £17 6s. 9d.
was a heavy ground swell, and the night was
dark and foggy. At four in the morning the DECEMBER 5TH. - SKEGNESS, LIN-
life-boat found the 6,500-ton S.S. B a r o n COLNSHIRE. An aeroplane was reported
Ardrossan, of Ardrossan, ashore on the west to have come down on a sandbank in the
side of Saundray Island. She had a crew of Lynn Channel, but nothing could be found.
54, of whom all but the officers were lascars. - Rewards, £15.
The steamer’s stern was hard on the rocks.
Her bow was submerged right aft up to the D ECEMBER 5 TH . - TENBY. PEMBROKE-
bridge, and the sea was breaking over it SHIRE. The constant flashing of the SOS
 SERVICES 1940 139

signal was seen, probably from a boat which boat and nearly washed away two of the crew.
had been attacked but nothing could be She searched for a long time, and saw a
found. At daybreak a large convoy was number of vessels, but none appeared to be
seen in. the distance and it may have rescued in distress, and she returned to her station at
whoever was in danger. - Rewards, £12 2s. 1.40 in the morning. At three in the after-
noon news came that the Gorsethorn was lying
D ECEMBER 6 TH . - GREAT YARMOUTH safely at anchor.
AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK. A At five another message was received
steamer sailing in convoy was reported to that the Gorsethorn was in need of immediate
need help, but her exact position could not help 14 1/2 miles N.W. by W. of the Bar Light-
be obtained, visibility was bad and nothing vessel. The No. 2 life-boat was launched at
could be found. - Rewards, £7 3s. 6d. 5.50 P . M ., but immediately afterwards came
news that the Gorsethorn had been abandoned
DECEMBER 6TH. - PORTHDINLLAEN, and her crew rescued by another steamer,
CAERNARVONSHIRE. The S.S. Watkins and the life-boat was recalled.
F. Nisbet, of St. Catherines, Ontario, had In view of the severity of the first service,
gone ashore off Llanddwyn Island, but nine- an increase was made in the ordinary scale
teen of her crew of twenty were rescued from reward. The No. 1 life-boat, standard
the shore by the Holyhead Company of the rewards to crews and launchers, £18 4s. 9d. ;
coastguard life-saving apparatus, and the additional rewards to crew, £9 ; total
twentieth man swam ashore. This service rewards, £27 4s. 9d. ; No. 2 life-boat, £15 5s.
won for the Holyhead Company the shield
awarded annually for the best service per- D ECEMBER 7 TH . - PORT ST. MARY, ISLE
formed during the year by a coastguard life- OF MAN. An aeroplane had crashed into
saving apparatus company. - Rewards, the sea off Langness Point, but no trace of
£21 13s. her could be found. - Rewards, £30 3s.
(See Port St. Mary, “ Services by Shore-
D ECEMBER 6 TH . - CLOVELLY. DEVON. boats,” 1941. page 94.)
The S.S. Mousse le Moyec, of Lorient, was in
distress, and the life-boat was launched with DECEMBER 7TH. - SKEGNESS, LIN-
the help of all the women of the village, but COLNSHIRE. An unknown aeroplane was
she could not go beyond the race at Hartland reported to have come down in the sea fifteen
Point in face of a whole N.N.W. gale with miles east of Skegness, but nothing could be
a very heavy sea The steamer went ashore found. - Rewards, £29 11s. 6d.
and her crew of twenty-five landed in their
boats. - Rewards, £28 6s. 3d. D E C E M B E R 7 T H . - RUNSWICK, YORK-
SHIRE. A fishing coble was at sea in very
DECEMBER 6TH. - PORT ASKAIG, rough weather, but was able to reach safety
ARGYLLSHIRE. A vessel was reported to without help. - Rewards, £12 12s. 6d.
need help off Skerryvore Lighthouse, but DECEMBER 9TH. - CULLERCOATS,
no definite position could be given ; visibility NORTHUMBERLAND. A steamer had
was nil, and the life-boat abandoned the been mined outside Tynemouth Piers, but
search. A second message was received that was able to enter the Tyne under her own
a large vessel appeared to be ashore near power. - Rewards, £14 5s. 6d.
Ardnave Point. The life-boat again put out,
but the vessel succeeded in drawing offshore D E C E M B E R 1 0 T H . - PADSTOW, CORN-
just in time, warned by the sound of the WALL. A British aeroplane was reported
breakers. - Rewards, first service, £11 0s. 9d. ; to have come down in the sea a mile off
second service, £21 9s. 6d. Lower Sharpnose Point, but a later message
said that she was safe and the life-boat was
DECEMBER 6-7TH. - NEW BRIGH- recalled. - Rewards, £6 1s.
TON, CHESHIRE. Shortly after five in the
evening a message was received from the D E C E M B E R 1 0 T H . - STROMNESS, ORK-
Mersey Docks and Harbour Board that the NEYS. A steam trawler had gone ashore
Liverpool steamer Gorsethorn had sent an but the crew were rescued by the coastguard
SOS that she was disabled fifteen miles life-saving apparatus from the shore.-
N.W. by W. of the Bar Light-vessel, and was Rewards, £19 3s. 9d.
driving east. As she was thirty miles away (See Sanday, Orkneys, “ Services by Shore.-
from the station, and as there was a very heavy boats,” 1941, page 95.)
gale blowing with high confused seas, it was
decided to send the No. 1 life-boat, William D ECEMBER 12 TH . - WESTON - SUPER -
and Kate Johnston. When the call was MARE, SOMERSET. An aeroplane was
received the No. 2 life-boat, E d m u n d a n d reported to have come down in the sea, but
Mary Robinson, was, out on service to the nothing could be found, and later it was
S.S. Governor. She returned to her moorings learned that it had crashed on the shore.-
at 5.30, and a quarter of an hour later, the Rewards, £12 1s. 6d.
No. 1 life-boat went out. The coxswain,
second-coxswain and one member of the crew DECEMBER 12TH. - BALTIMORE, CO.
who had been out in the No. 2 life-boat went CORK. Explosions were heard and aero-
with the No. 1. The other six members of planes seen off the harbour. It was thought
the crew, including the motor-mechanics, were that a vessel had been attacked by German
fresh. The night was very dark and the seas aeroplanes, but nothing could be found.-
were very heavy. One sea swept over the life- Rewards, £9 9s.
140 SERVICES 1940
DECEMBER 14TH. - ANSTRUTHER, DECEMBER 19TH. - ROSSLARE HAR-
FIFESHIRE. In a very strong gale a BOUR, AND KILMORE, CO. WEXFORD.
steamer had gone ashore at Sauchope, but An Irish Lights steamer bad been bombed
the water was too shallow for the life-boat and sunk by German aeroplanes, when carry-
to get alongside and the crew of 45 were ing reliefs for light-ships from Rosslare to
rescued from the shore by the coastguard the Coningbeg Light-vessel, but her crew had
life-saving apparatus. When the life-boat got away in their own boats and the life-
was being got into the boathouse she damaged boats were not needed. - Rewards : Rosslare
a small boat. - Rewards, £11 11s. Repairs Harbour, partly paid permanent crew,
to small boat, £11. £2 2s. 6d ; Kilmore, £18 7s. 6d.

DECEMBER 14TH. - BARRA ISLAND, DECEMBER 19TH. - SOUTHEND - ON - SEA,

HEBRIDES. An unknown vessel was repor- ESSEX. A steamer was on fire, but her crew
ted to be drifting eighteen miles S.W. of were rescued by a destroyer. - Rewards,
Barra Head, but nothing could be found.- £6 16s. 6d.
Rewards, £14 4s. 6d.
D ECEMBER 20TH. - ARRANMORE, CO.
DECEMBER 14TH. - SKEGNESS, LIN- DONEGAL. An unknown vessel had been
COLNSHIRE. A British bomber was reported on fire, but nothing could be found.
reported to have come down in the sea, but - Rewards, £22 19s. 6d.
nothing was found. - Rewards, £28 18s.
D E C E M B E R 2 1 S T . - NEW BRIGHTON,
DECEMBER 14TH. - PORT ASKAIG, CHESHIRE. A motor vessel had struck a
ARGYLLSHIRE. Rockets had been seen, mine in the Mersey, but her crew were
but nothing was found. - Rewards, £21 3s. 6d. rescued by other vessels. - Rewards, £9 1s.

DECEMBER 16TH. - HARTLEPOOL, D ECEMBER 21 ST. - TENBY, PEMBROKE-

DURHAM. A motor vessel which had SHIRE. An aeroplane had crashed in the
broken down was able to carry out repairs sea, and oil and small wreckage were found,
and to come in without help. The owners but there was no sign of the crew. - Rewards,
made a gift to the Institution. - Rewards, £23 16s. 6d.
£14 18s. 6d.
D E C E M B E R 2 2 N D . - NEW BRIGHTON,
DECEMBER 16TH. - CAMPBELTOWN, CHESHIRE. The No. 2 life-boat E d m u n d
ARGYLLSHIRE. An unknown vessel was and Mary Robinson was launched at 5.40
reported to need help 13 miles N.W. of Mull P .M . as information had been received that a
of Kintyre, but nothing was found.- vessel was in distress near C.11 Black Buoy.
Rewards, £19 15s. 6d. A light easterly breeze was blowing, with a
smooth sea. The life-boat found the tanker
DECEMBER 16TH. - SCARBOROUGH, Elax. She had been mined, but she was in such
YORKSHIRE. An unknown aeroplane was a position that she would he left high and dry
reported to have come down in the sea, but as the tide ebbed, and did not need the life-
nothing was found. - Rewards, £28 1s. 9d. boat. On returning to moorings at 6.25 PM .
the life-boat learned that a few minutes
D ECEMBER 16 TH . - GOURDON, KINCAR- earlier a tug had blown up off Canada Dock.
DINESHIRE. A large flat bottom barge She put out again to find that the tug was
was drifting, but no one was on board.- the Polgarth, with a crew of seven, but there
Rewards, £15 11s. was no hope for them.
She reached the New Brighton stage again
D E C E M B E R 1 6 T H . - ALDEBURGH, SUF- at 6.55 P . M . and made for her moorings. A
FOLK. The Shipwash Light-vessel had been heavy air raid was in progress and a heavy
bombed and machine-gunned by German bomb fell between the life-boat and the stage,
aeroplanes and one of the crew had been about thirty yards away. Splinters hit the
wounded, but an R.A.F. speed boat arrived life-boat. The crew came ashore, but while
before the life-boat. - Rewards, £22 14s. 6d. they were on New Brighton pier another
bomb fell close by.
DECEMBER 16TH. - FLAMBOROUGH, In view of the danger they had run, an
YORKSHIRE. An aeroplane was reported increase in the usual money award on the
to have come down in the sea 12 miles N.E. standard scale was granted to each member
of Flamborough Head, but nothing could be of the crew. - Standard rewards to crew and
found. - Rewards, £21 19s. 3d. helpers, £13 12s. 6d. ; additional rewards to
crew, £7. Total rewards, £20 12s. 6d.
DECEMBER 19TH. - BARRA ISLAND,
HEBRIDES. A light had been seen off the D ECEMBER 23 RD . - FENIT, CO. KERRY.
coast, thought to be from a ship’s boat, but An armed trawler, 70 miles away, was
nothing could be found. - Rewards, £14 5s. 6d. reported to be making for Berehaven, with
her fore-hold full of water. She could not
D E C E M B E R 1 9 T H . - NEWHAVEN, SUS- be found, but it was learnt later that she
SEX. No news had been received from an reached safety. - Rewards, £20 9s.
R.A.F. launch which had put off to the help
of a small patrol boat, but it was found that DECEMBER 23RD. - LYTHAM - ST. ANNES,
she had returned sometime before. - Rewards, LANCASHIRE. It was reported that an
£16 16s. unknown vessel was sinking and that two
 SERVICES 1940 141

boats with four men in each had left her, LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK. A British aero-
but nothing was found. - Rewards, £15 19s. plane had crashed into the sea 3 miles E.N.E.
of Lowestoft, but nothing was found, except
DECEMBER 23RD. - NEW BRIGHTON, a blue mitten which sank before it could be
CHESHIRE. The Dutch motor vessel picked up. - Rewards : Great Yarmouth and
Ystroom, of Amsterdam, had been attacked Gorleston £7 3s. 6d. ; Lowestoft, £6 5s. 6d.
and sunk by the enemy, but a later message
said that the crew were safe, and the life-boat D E C E M B E R 2 9 T H . - NEWHAVEN, SUS-
was recalled. - Rewards, £23 2s. SEX. A British aeroplane was reported to
have come down in the sea, but nothing was
DECEMBER 27TH. - NEW BRIGHTON, found. - Rewards, £16 16s.
CHESHIRE. A steamer had been mined,
but other vessels were standing by her.-
Rewards, £13 12s. 6d. D E C E M B E R 2 9 T H . - KIRKCUDBRIGHT.
A German aeroplane had come down in the
D E C E M B E R 2 8 T H . - BLACKPOOL, AND sea in Wigtown Bay, but nothing was found.
LYTHAM - ST. ANNE’S, LANCASHIRE. Later wreckage was washed ashore.-
A British aeroplane had crashed at night, but Rewards, £15 19s. 6d.
no trace of her could be found. - Rewards,
Blackpool, £11 15s. ; Lytham-St. Anne’s, DECEMBER 30TH. - RHYL, FLINT-
£14 Is. 6d. SHIRE. A steamer was reported to need
help, but could not be found. It was learnt
DECEMBER 29TH. - NEW BRIGHTON, later that another vessel had rescued the
CHESHIRE. A motor vessel was reported crew and taken her in tow. - Rewards, £12 3s.
to be in need of help, and was thought to
have been mined, but tugs towed her into D E C E M B E R 3 1 S T . - ARRANMORE, CO.
Liverpool. - Rewards, £19 12s. 6d. DONEGAL. An unknown steamer had been
torpedoed 12 miles north west of Horr Head,
D ECEMBER 29 TH . - GREAT YARMOUTH but she was towed to safety by a tug.-
AND GORLESTON, NORFOLK, AND Rewards, £22 19s. 6d.
 Services by Shore-boats
JANUARY MEETING and fifty yards off the shore, near Tankerton,
LITTLEHAMPTON, SUSSEX. Three boats and was drifting east. At the request of the
coastguard the motor boat Ocean Gift, of
were out fishing on the 11th November, 1939, Whitstable, put out,. but she could. not find
off Littlehampton, when the engine of one,
the M a r g a r e t , broke down. Another boat, any boat and returned an hour later.-
Rewards, 15s.
the Duchess of York, promised to tow her in
after she had set her lines. The weather was F ILEY , Y ORKSHIRE . At 11.15 A.M . on the
calm, but when the time came to return it 28th December, 1939, the motor fishing boat,
was dark, and the fog was thick, and the Margaret Ann, of Filey, with a crew of three
Duchess of York and Thelma, the third boat, on board, was drifting under sail in Filey
could not find the Margaret. Later the Bay towards Speeton Cliffs. She had
weather cleared and the missing boat shipped a heavy sea, which had put her
answered signals from the coastguard. engine out of action. A fresh N.E. wind
Manned by a crew of three the Thelma put was blowing, with squalls. The sea was
out at about 9 P . M . and brought the Mar- rough and it was snowing. The second-cox-
garet into harbour. - Rewards, £2 5s., and 5s. swain of the life-boat and two other men were
for fuel used. returning in the motor fishing boat Blue-
bird II when they saw the Margaret Ann and
PETERHEAD, ABERDEENSHIRE. On the towed her into harbour. - Rewards, £1, with
morning of the 1st December, 1939, news 10s. for use of boat and fuel.
was received at Peterhead that a ship’s boat,
belonging to the S.S. Mercator, of Helsinki, F I L E Y , Y O R K S H I R E . At about 5 A . M on
which had been sunk by torpedo, was miss- the 2nd. January, 1940, the coastguard re-
ing. The Peterhead life-boat was launched ported flares four miles S.E. of Filey Brigg.
to search for her, and four men in the motor The weather was calm. Instead of launch-
fishing boat Bread Winner also put out to ing the life-boat, the coxswain and three
help in the search. The life-boat missed the other men, who were about to go fishing,
boat, but the Bread Winner found her three put out to search. They found nothing.-
miles E.N.E. of Peterhead. There were 19 Rewards, £1, with 10s. for helpers on shore.
men in the boat and four on a raft alongside
her. The sea was choppy, with a fresh S.E. A BERDEEN . At 8.30 in the evening of the
wind blowing. The sea was washing over 9th January, 1940, it was learned that the
the raft, but the four men on her could not S.S. Feddy, of Copenhagen, which had been
be taken into the boat as she already held as bombed by German aeroplanes was on fire
many as was safe in that sea. Nor could the off Girdleness. A S.S.W. wind was blowing,
men in the boat, who were rowing, do more with a heavy swell. The weather was cold.
than hold their own against the sea. The Three men put out in the pilot cutter Wm.
Bread Winner took all 23 men on board and Porter and picked up one of the ship’s boats
brought them into Peterhead. - Rewards, £4, with eight survivors. The captain and an
with £5 for loss of fishing, and 5s. for fuel engineer had remained on the Feddy, and
used. refused to leave her. The pilot, cutter then
(See Peterhead, “Accounts of Services by searched for and found the other ship’s boat,
Life-boats,” 1939, page 88.) the men from which she put aboard a mine
sweeper. The two men on board the
P ETERHEAD , A BERDEENSHIRE . About 4 in steamer still refused to leave, and the Wm.
the afternoon of the 15th December, 1939, it Porter returned to port at 7 P .M. One of the
was reported that the motor fishing boat rescued died in the cutter before she reached
Hope, of Banff, with a crew of three on port. The Aberdeen life-boat rescued the
board, was in difficulties, off South Head, captain and engineer. - Rewards, £3.
Peterhead, with her engine broken down. A (See Aberdeen, “ Accounts of Services by
fresh southerly wind was blowing, with a Life-boats,” page 21.)
moderate sea. The motor boat Seiner,
manned by a crew of six, put out. The R EDCAR , Y ORKSHIRE . Early in the morn-
Hope had been driving on to the South Head, ing of the 9th January, 1940, a French
but by slipping anchor and taking to the steamer Montauban, of Nantes, stranded
oars, her crew had managed to clear the on the Salt Scar Rocks while bound in convoy
Head, and when the Seiner arrived they had with a cargo of coal from Newcastle to Mar-
hoisted sail. The Seiner took them in tow, seilles. The weather was calm. The Redcar
and brought them into harbour. - Rewards, life-boat. rescued 35 of the crew of 39, and
£3, and 1s. 4d. for fuel used. the motor boat Supreme, with a crew of five,
helped by taking the rescued men ashore
WHITSTABLE, KENT. About 4.30 in the from the life-boat. - Rewards to the crew of
afternoon of the 15th December, 1939, the the Supreme, £3 15s., with 2s. 6d. for fuel
coastguard at Whitstable saw what was used.
thought to be a collapsible boat from an (See Redcar, “Accounts of Services by
enemy aeroplane. It was about one hundred Life-boats,” page 20.)
142
 SERVICES 1940 143

FEBRUARY MEETING MARCH MEETING

INVERKEITHING, FIFESHIRE. On the N ORTH S UNDERLAND , N ORTHUMBERLAND .
afternoon of the 9th January, 1940, the S.S. Shortly before eight in the morning of the
Elizabeth Bromley was taken from harbour 23rd January, 1940, three motor fishing
to an anchorage four hundred yards out, in boats, each with three men on board, saw
readiness to sail in the morning. The sea the British steamer Baltanglia and the Nor-
was calm, but, owing to fog, visibility was wegian steamer Pluto strike mines and sink.
almost nil. After securing the ship the crew The sea was smooth, but the tide was running
of four boarded the 12-foot dinghy to go very strongly and the weather was very
ashore. The time was now about 4.40 P . M . cold. The crews of the two steamers took
They lost their bearings and stopped. One to their boats and the three fishing boats
man stood up in the bow, but when the went at once to their help, running a great
rower started again the man lost his balance, risk of being damaged by the floating
and the boat was capsized. Two men on wreckage. They brought them ashore with
shore, one a crane driver and the other a 49 men on board. It is doubtful if the ships’
seaman, but both non-swimmers, put out boats would have got ashore without help.
to the rescue in a 14-feet dinghy. They One of the fishing boats had shot her lines
found three of the steamer’s crew clinging before she went to the rescue and had
to the upturned boat and took them aboard ; secured a catch of fish, but the two other
they also found the fourth man, who was boats lost a day’s fishing. - Rewards, £9, with
unconscious, and towed him ashore. Soldiers. £12 for loss of fishing, and 15s. for fuel used.
helped to get the men ashore and applied (See North Sunderland, “Accounts of
artificial respiration, but the unconscious Services by Life-boats,” page 34.)
man could not be revived.
The rescue took place some fifty yards STORNOWAY, AND BERNERA, ISLE OF
from the shore and lasted about thirty LEWIS. About 3 in the afternoon of the
minutes. The rescuers ran considerable risk 24th January, 1940, information was received
in getting three helpless men aboard their at Stornoway that a ship’s boat was drifting
dinghy. - Rewards, £2, and a letter of thanks S.W. of the Flannan Islands, off the west
to the soldiers. coast of the Island of Lewis. A north-
easterly gale was blowing, with a rough sea.
B R I G H T O N , S USSEX , About 11.45 in the The naval officer in charge was consulted,
morning of the 10th January, 1940, a naval and it was decided to send out the Admiralty
aeroplane, K.4627, swooped into the sea off trawler Barbara Robb. which was faster than
Palace Pier, owing to engine trouble. The the life-boat. Many of the trawler’s crew
weather was very cold, and a heavy sea was were on leave, and the life-boat coxswain and
running. The accident was seen on shore, three life-boatmen went to make up the
and three men at once put out in a rowing crew. Leaving at 4.20 the trawler made a
boat. They found the tail of the machine wide search, and did not return until 8 the
sticking out of the water, with the pilot, the following evening. She had covered approxi-
only man in the aeroplane, clinging to it mately 150 miles in the 28 hours that she was
with only his head out of the water. They at sea, but she had not found the drifting boat.
broke an oar and, at some risk to themselves On the night of the 24th January a light
in the heavy sea, they rescued him. He said was seen out at sea from Crothar, Bernera
that he was frozen and could not have held Island, in Loch Roag. A naval reservist
on much longer. Later, the aeroplane was on leave and two other men put out in a
salved by two shoreboats and the Shoreham rowing boat at 10 o’clock, but failed to find
Harbour life-boat. - Rewards, £2 17s, and anything and returned. Later a light was
10s. for the broken oar. seen on the opposite shore, two miles away,
(See Shoreham Harbour, " Accounts of and the same men put off again. This time
Services by Life-boats,” page 22.) they found eleven survivors of the S.S.
Gothia, which had been torpedoed; the men
F ILEY , Y ORKSHIRE . At 4.50 in the after- had got away in the ship’s boat, but they
noon of the 12th January, 1940, the coast- were completely exhausted, and only two
guard reported that German aeroplanes had had been able to leave the boat in order to
attacked a steamer, which had changed light a fire on shore to attract attention.
course. A light W.S.W. wind was blowing With great difficulty the three rescuers
with a slight sea. Two cobles manned by brought the survivors to their village, where
eleven men put out, and found a large the villagers cared for them until they could
steamer, the Livemore, of London, off Filey be handed over to the hospital at Stornoway
Brigg. She had been hit by a bomb, but it and the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society. The
had failed to explode. She had her boats rescuers had been out for about five hours,
out, but she got them in again and was able and they had run great risk in the gale and
to go on her way. Some distance off, the darkness.
two cobles saw another vessel and went to Three other men also put out in a motor
her in case she wanted help. She was the boat from Bernera. She had been hauled
steam trawler Riby, of Scarborough. Five up for the winter, but they succeeded in
bombs had been dropped at her. All had launching and got away at 1 in the morning.
missed, but the shock had damaged her They searched but found nothing, and arrived
compasses and dynamo. Another boat back at four in the afternoon, having been
escorted her back to Scarborough. - Rewards, out for fifteen hours. - Rewards, £34, and
£35 9S. 6d. £2 10s. for fuel used.
 SERVICES 1940 144
S T . D A V I D ’ S , P E M B R O K E S H I R E . At about wind. It was too rough for the boat, and
12.10 in the afternoon of the 26th February, the boatman tried to turn back but the boat
1940, the coastguard reported a small boat was swamped and sank. A pilot motor boat,
approaching. A light southerly wind was manned by three men, put out to her help,
blowing, with a slight sea. The life-boat and rescued one of the four men. The other
coxswain had seen the boat at the south three were drowned. Two of the rescuers
entrance of Ramsey Sound about half an were sons of the boatman who was lost.
hour earlier, and had immediately put off in One of them dived into the sea in a last
his motor boat with the life-boat mechanic attempt to save him. - Rewards, £1 10s.,
and another man. They found four ex- and a letter of appreciation to the man who
hausted men in the boat, the crew of the dived overboard.
Dutch motor vessel Ida, which they had
abandoned when she was wrecked on some A B E R D A R O N , C A E R N A R V O N S H I R E . About
submerged object. The rescuers towed the noon on the 26th March, 1940, an aeroplane
boat ashore. - Rewards, £1 10s. made a forced landing on the sea in Aber-
daron Bay, and her crew of four took to
REDCAR, YORKSHIRE. On the 2nd and their rubber boat. A strong N.N.E. breeze
3rd March, 1940, two motor fishing boats was blowing, with a rough sea, and the tide
helped the life-boat when H.M. tug Fair- was ebbing strongly. Four men put out
play II stranded. - Rewards, £12 17s. 6d. in a rowing boat and rescued the airmen,
(See Redcar, “ Accounts of Services by but rescuers and rescued were then in danger
Life-boats,” page 54.) of being swept through Bardsey Sound by
the strong tide. They were saved by an
APRIL MEETING R.A.F. launch from Pwllheli. which took
them all on board. But for the prompt
N O R T H R O N A L D S H A Y , O R K N E Y S . On 3rd help of the Aberdaron men, who ran a great
March, 1940, the Swedish vessel Lagaholm risk in their rowing boat in that rough sea,
was attacked by German aeroplanes, and one the airmen would have been lost.
of her boats, with thirteen of her crew, was Three men also put off in a motor boat
seen off North Ronaldshay. A fresh westerly from Bardsey Island. It arrived after the
wind was blowing, with a rising sea. As the R.A.F. launch had taken on board the air-
boat came abreast of Dennis Head, on the men and their rescuers, but it towed in the
north side of the island, three men put off rescuers’ boat. The eight men were landed
to her in a small boat, and found the men on at Pwllheli at 5.30 P.M. - Rewards, £6 5s.
board exhausted. One of the three men
took the tiller of the Swedish boat, and the SHEERNESS, KENT. At about 6 in the
other two men in the small boat towed. In evening of 1st April, 1940, three soldiers
this way they brought in the Swedish boat took an old boat that was lying on the
and her thirteen men, and beached her.- beach at Scrapsgate Minster. The boat was
Rewards, £1 10s. leaking and without gear, but the soldiers
thought that they could use shovels as
W H I T B Y , Y O R K S H I R E . At about 12.20 in paddles. A fresh S.W. breeze quickly blew
the afternoon of the 21st March, 1940, the the boat seawards. The sea was moderately
coastguard reported that the local fishing rough and the men were in a dangerous
coble S a r a h was signalling for help about plight. A fisherman, returning to Sheerness
one mile E.N.E. of Whitby Piers. As the in his motor boat, came to their rescue.-
weather was fair, with a smooth sea, a coble, Rewards, 10s.
with a crew of three, put out instead of the (See Southend-on-Sea, “ Accounts of Ser-
life-boat. She found that the Sarah’s engine vices by Life-boats,” page 65.)
had broken down and she was drifting sea- P ORT E RIN , I SLE OF M AN . At about 7.30
wards. She brought her into harbour.- in the evening of the 5th April, 1940, the
Rewards, £1 10s., and 3s. for fuel used. coastguard reported several objects floating
about two miles S.W. of the lookout. Mr.
MAY MEETING T. A. Coole, the honorary secretary of the
life-boat station, obtained the services of a
GRIMNESS, ORKNEYS. About 2 in the motor boat and put out to investigate. He
afternoon of the 30th January, 1940, a ship’s found that the objects were large patches
boat, which had got away from the S.S. of seaweed, which had the appearance of
Giralda, of Leith, after she had been bombed wreckage. - Rewards, 12s. 6d.
by German aeroplanes, was seen drifting
ashore towards Water Sound. A S.E. gale B A N F F , B A N F F S H I R E . On the morning of
was blowing. The boat struck Rumblie the 6th April, 1940, a report was received
Point and capsized, and one man was carried that a boat was on fire two miles N.W. of
up Water Sound with the tide. Gardenstown. The sea was fairly smooth,
Two men put out in a motor boat and with a moderate S.W. wind. Two motor
picked up the man’s body. - Rewards, £1 5s., boats, the Choice, with a crew of three, and
also 3s. 6d. for fuel used. the Foxglove, with a crew of ten, put out
from Gardenstown and found that the boat,
EXMOUTH, DEVON. At about 11 in the the Sprig, was not on fire, but that she had
morning of the 19th March, 1940, a boatman a leak and her engine was giving trouble.
was ferrying three men, with their tools and They helped her, and later she was towed to
some corrugated iron, across the river mouth. Macduff by another motor boat. - Rewards,
There was a nasty cross sea, and a squally £1 12s. 6d., and 7s. 6d. for fuel used.
 SERVICES 1940 145
SCARBOROUGH, YORKSHIRE. At 5.50 in was in collision about four miles off Loch
the afternoon of the 30th April, 1940, a Inver. The weather was fine. The motor
small rowing boat with four boys on board boat Cutty Sark put out, with a crew of
was capsized about 300 yards from the pier, four men, but could not find the steamer,
throwing the boys into the sea. Two motor which made Stornoway under her own
boats, which were already out, at once went power. - Rewards, £2, with £1 for use of
to the rescue. The motor boat Sceptre boat and 12s. 9d. for fuel.
picked up two of the boys from the bottom
of the small boat and the motor boat Con- S T R O N S A Y , O R K N E Y S . At about 8.40 in
stance picked up the other two from the the morning of the 5th May, 1940, an aero-
water, one of the rescuers jumping over- plane was seen to fall into the sea some two
board to their help. - Rewards. £1 to the miles south of Burghead. The sea was
man who jumped overboard, and 5s. to each moderately rough, and a strong S.S.E. wind
of the other seven men : £2 15s. in all. was blowing. Three men put out in a motor
boat and made a search, but could not find
S TAITHES , Y ORKSHIRE . At about 8.15 A.M . the aeroplane. - Rewards, £1 17s. 6d., and
on the 6th May, 1940, the coastguard saw a 10s. for fuel used.
distress signal flying from the motor fishing
coble Silver Line, of Whitby, which was M ARGATE , K E N T . At 10.30 on the night
about one mile away. Her engine had of the 13th May, 1940 the Margate police
broken down, her anchors would not hold, reported that a wireless message had been
and a strong N.W. wind was carrying her received asking for a doctor to go to a mine-
on to a rocky shore. Another coble, the sweeper, which was lying in Margate Roads.
Star of Hope, which had just arrived in A light westerly breeze was blowing, and the
harbour, at once went out to her help.- sea was smooth. A rowing boat, manned
Rewards, £1 2s. 6d. by two members of the life-boat crew, took
out the doctor and brought the sick man
JUNE MEETING ashore. - Rewards, £1, with 10s. to two men
HAROLDSWICK, UNST, SHETLANDS. At ashore.
7.40 A . M . on the 15th April, 1940. the sub-
postmaster at Haroldswick reported to the S CARBOROUGH , Y O R K S H I R E . At 2 in the
coastguard that a small ship’s boat, with morning of 23rd May, 1940, the coastguard
men on board, had been seen in Haroldswick asked the life-boat coxswain to investigate
Bay about a mile from the shore. A strong a vessel reported to be very close inshore,
N.E. wind was blowing, in gusts, with sleet off Scalby Ness. The weather was calm
showers, and the sea was fairly rough. Two with dense fog. The life-boat coxswain put
rowing boats, each manned by four men, put out in his own motor boat and found the
out from the shore, and towed the ship’s S.S. Frieda. The captain thanked the cox-
boat clear of rocks. Those on board were swain, but said that he needed no help, and
survivors from the British steamer Stancliffe, was going on his way at daylight. - Rewards,
which had been torpedoed on the 12th April 10s.
forty-five miles N.E. of Unst. It was
believed that several of her crew had been F ILEY , Y ORKSHIRE . At 10.30 in the morn-
killed or drowned when she sank ; one ing of the 29th May, 1940, the coastguard
of her boats was smashed when being reported that the motor fishing coble Hilary,
lowered, but twenty-three men had been of Filey, had broken down behind Filey
able to get away in another boat. Six had Brigg. There was no wind, and the crew of
died in her, and another died after being the coble would find it difficult to get her
landed. All, with the exception of a young over the Brigg tideway under oars. The
Norwegian who was steering, were too ex- motor boat Blue Bird, manned by a crew of
hausted to do anything to help themselves, four, put out and towed in the Hilary.-
and, but for the help given by the two Rewards, £1 10s., with 6s. for fuel used, and
rowing boats, their boat would have been 9s. for helpers ashore.
driven ashore on the rocks near the head of
the bay, with the probable loss of most of N EWQUAY , C ORNWALL . Shortly before 4
those on board. - Rewards, £6. in the afternoon of the 2nd June, 1940, Mr.
H. P. Thomas, late honorary secretary and
C LOUGHEY , Co. D OWN . On the afternoon now deputy honorary secretary of the life-boat
of the 26th April, 1940. shouts were heard station, received news that an aeroplane had
from the m.v. Duras, of; Belfast, which had fallen into the sea about four miles north of
gone ashore near Strangford Bar. The Newquay Harbour. The weather was fine.
weather was foggy, with a southerly wind Mr. Thomas set out in his own motor boat
and a smooth sea. At the request of the Pelindaba, with the life-boat coxswain and
coastguard the harbour master at Portaferry motor-mechanic. They found no survivors,
put out in his motor boat, and the Cloughey and returned with the wreckage of the aero-
life-boat was also launched, but the Duras plane in tow. - Rewards, £1, with a letter
got off without help and went on her way. - of thanks to Mr. H. P. Thomas.
Rewards, £1 5s.
(See Cloughey, “Accounts of Services by F ILEY , Y ORKSHIRE . At 8.25 in the morn-
Life-boats,” page 66.) ing of the 7th June, 1940, the coastguard
above Filey Brigg reported an object, pos-
L O C H I N V E R , S U T H E R L A N D S H I R E . On the sibly an aeroplane raft, about one and a half
night of the 28th April, 1940, the S.S. Pizarro miles to the north-east. The weather was
146 SERVICES 1940

foggy. There was no wind. A motor boat of a mile from Hastings Pier. The sea was
put out, manned by the two life-boat cox- calm and the weather clear. Police and
swains and two other men. They could others went out in three boats and rescued
not find the raft, but they saw a submarine, the five men of the crew a few minutes before
and reported it to an armed vessel. The the aeroplane sank. - Rewards, £2 10s.
boat returned at 1 P.M. - Rewards, £2 16s. 3d., (See Hastings, “Accounts of Services by
with 10s. for fuel used and 3s. for a helper Life-boats,” page 86.)
ashore.
SEATON, DEVON . About 2.30 in the after-
JULY MEETING noon of the 20th June, 1940, a Fairey Battle.
aeroplane crashed into the sea about one
S OUTHEND - ON - SEA , E SSEX About 3.50 in and a half miles south of the River Axe.
the afternoon of the 25th May, 1940, a small The weather was fine, with a choppy sea.
rowing boat, with a man and a woman on Three fishermen rowed quickly to the spot
board, capsized when they were changing and rescued two airmen. The third had
seats about 400 yards off shore. They been jammed in the fuselage and had gone
succeeded in reaching a boat moored about down with the aeroplane, which had sunk
twenty yards away, and clung there until within a few minutes of crashing. - Rewards,
three men, who had put off from the shore £2 5s.
in a rowing boat, rescued them. The
weather was fine. - Rewards, 15s. DUNBAR, EAST LOTHIAN. At half past
ten on the morning of the 22nd June, 1940,
F OLKESTONE , K ENT . About 8 in the even- the coastguard reported the naval patrol
ing of the 31st May, 1940, the R.A.F. re- vessel Catronia at anchor a mile off the
ported that an aeroplane was in distress one harbour, with engines broken down. Three
mile S. by E. of Folkestone Railway Pier. men put off in the Institution’s dinghy.
A motor boat belonging to the Southern They found that the vessel was awaiting
Railway was sent out and searched for two another patrol vessel to tow her in. - Re-
hours, but found nothing. - Rewards, £1 5s. wards, 15s.
S CARBOROUGH , Y O R K S H I R E . About 4.20 P O R T R U S H , Co. A N T R I M . About 6.45 in
in the morning of the 4th June the coastguard the evening of the 23rd June, 1940, infor-
reported that a Wellington bomber had sent mation was received that a bather was in
out an SOS some twenty miles E. by N. of difficulties. A moderate W. wind was blow-
Scarborough. The weather was fine and the ing, with a rough sea. Four men put out
sea smooth. in a motor boat, but the bather was drowned
The motor fishing boats Hyperion, with a before it could reach him. - Rewards, £2,
crew of five, and Kingfisher, with a crew of and 8s. for fuel used.
four, put out, and an hour later it was
learned that the aeroplane was safe. It was AUGUST MEETING
not possible to recall the boats, and they did
not get back until 3 P . M ., ten and a half L ANNERCOMBE , S ALCOMBE , D EVON . About
hours after setting out. - Rewards, £9, with 7.30 in the evening of the 9th July, 1940, the
£4 for use of boats, and £3 for fuel used. Latvian steamer Talvaldis was attacked by
enemy aeroplanes off Start Point. The
M ARGATE , K E N T . Early in the afternoon weather was moderate. The Salcombe motor
of the 9th June, 1940, the S.S. Empire Com- life-boat was called out, but a Lannercombe
merce had struck a mine, and the Margate motor boat was also sent out, as the steamer
life-boat and other vessels had brought in was sinking fast. The motor boat, which
the survivors. The tug Plumer arrived at was manned by three men, arrived before
5.30 P . M . with 13 on board and asked that the life-boat and rescued six men from a
a boat should come out to land them. Two raft. She then stood by a water-logged boat
of the life-boat crew put out in a rowing boat containing six men until the life-boat
and brought them ashore in six trips.- arrived and rescued them. All twelve men
Rewards, £1 10s. were taken into the life-boat, which then
(See Margate, “Accounts of Services by towed the motor boat back to Lannercombe.
Life-boats,” page 83.) One member of the steamer’s crew had been
killed. - Rewards, £1 10s., and 6s. for fuel
M ONTROSE , A NGUS . About 3 in the after- used. The master of the steamer had given
noon of the 13th June, 1940, two soldiers, the three men £1 each.
members of a bathing party, got into diffi- (See Salcombe, “ Accounts of Services by
culties one mile east of the harbour entrance. Life-boats,” page 88.)
The weather was fine, the tide low, and there
was a light wind with no sea. A motor W H I T B Y , Y O R K S H I R E . On the 9th July,
boat, manned by the life-boat coxswain and 1940, several boats put out to fish. All had
another man, at once put out, but the returned by noon except the coble Ramlah
soldiers were drowned before the boat could and the boat Eileen. In the afternoon a
reach them. - Rewards, £1 5s., and 2s. for strong S.W. off-shore wind got up, with a
fuel used. rough sea and thunder showers, and the
two boats were seen about 3 in the afternoon
H ASTINGS , S USSEX . At 4.25 in the morn- three miles off, showing a distress signal. As
ing of the 20th June, l940, a British aeroplane the life-boat was under overhaul the motor
came down in the sea about three-quarters coble Margaret put out, with a crew of three.
 SERVICES 1940 147

She found that the engines of both boats Rhyl branch, and to Mr. E. Jones, expressing
had broken down and towed them in.- the Committee of Management’s approval
Rewards, £1 17s. 6d., and 6s. for fuel used. of the action which he had taken, and letters
expressing this opinion were sent to the
B ALLYCOTTON , CO. C ORK . At 6.20 in the fathers of the two boys and to the Rhyl
evening of the 10th July, 1940, a sailing Journal. - Rewards, including 6s. for fuel
punt was capsized in Ballycotton Bay by a used, £3 8s. 6d.
heavy squall, and a fisherman, on board,
and five visitors, four women and a man, LLANDUDNO, CAERNARVONSHIRE. At
were thrown into the sea. A very strong about noon on the 18th July, 1940, the life-
northerly wind was blowing, with rain and boat coxswain saw an R.A.F. machine fall
hail. The second-coxswain of the life-boat, into the sea near Little Ormes Head. A
John L. Walsh, put out at once, with three strong breeze was blowing, with a moderately
other men, in a motor fishing boat, and rough sea. The coxswain at once sent out
rescued all six people. - Rewards, a letter of two of his motor launches, which were afloat,
appreciation to Second-coxswain Walsh,, as this was quicker than calling out the life-
whose prompt action prevented the loss of boat. They were manned by the coxswain
life, £2 10s., and 2s. 6d. for fuel used. himself and four other men. They found
the pilot fastened to a parachute, and dead.
RHYL, FLINTSHIRE. On the evening of - Rewards, £2 10s., and 16s. for fuel used.
the 15th July, 1940, two boys, Gwilym
Hughes and Ronald Robinson, both about C EMAES , A NGLESEY . On 21st July, 1940,
fifteen years old, went out in a home-made three men and a little boy put out in the
canoe of laths and canvas. The weather was yacht Eryl for a. sail. The engine was out of
fine, and they drifted out to sea on the ebb order. The three men were without ex-
tide. They were about half a mile off the perience in boat sailing. In the evening the
pier when, shortly after nine o’clock, the boat was seen being carried helplessly east-
auxiliary coastguard on the pier was told ward by a strong flood tide. A S.W. breeze
by the police that the boys’ canoe appeared was blowing, with a choppy sea. Four men,
to have capsized. He kept them under including two ex-officers of the Cemaes life-
observation. At 9.15 he thought the boys boat, put out in a motor boat at about 9.15
were in danger, but five minutes later he in the evening, found the yacht east of
changed his opinion and came to the con- Porthwen and towed her to Cemaes at 11.30.
clusion that they were in no difficulty. - Rewards, £4, and 10s. for fuel used.
Meanwhile at 9.15 someone had rung. up
Mr. Ernest Jones, the honorary secretary of L L A N D U D N O , C A E R N A R V O N S H I R E . About
the life-boat station, to tell him that a boat 11.30 in the morning of the 23rd July, 1940,
with boys in it was in distress and was drift- the Ormes Head coastguard reported that
ing out to sea. He immediately rang up the two people were in difficulties at Pigeons
auxiliary coastguard on the pier and spoke Cave. The weather was fine. The life-boat
to him and police officers. As the result coxswain and another man put out in a
of this conversation he came to the con- motor boat and brought them ashore.-
clusion, at 9.25, that the boys were in danger, Rewards, 10s., and 3s. for fuel used.
and he immediately instructed the life-boat
coxswain, who was at the life-boathouse, to N EW Q UAY , C ARDIGANSHIRE . At 11.38 in
charter a motor boat from Voryd harbour. the morning of the 1st August, 1940, infor-
He did this, instead of ordering a life-boat mation was received from the coastguard
launch, as he was certain that an ordinary that an aeroplane had come down in the sea
boat would get out to the boys much more thirteen miles N.W. of New Quay Head. A
quickly than the life-boat, in view of the very light wind was blowing, with a calm sea,
time needed to assemble the life-boat’s crew and it was decided to send out a motor boat
and launchers, under war-time conditions, instead of the pulling and sailing life-boat.
when the firing of maroons was forbidden. She was manned by the life-boat coxswain
It was at 9.25 that Mr. Jones decided to and three other men. She was launched at
send out help. At 9.35 a motor boat, 12.10 P .M. and did not return until 5.30 P .M.
manned by the coxswain and five men, left She had found nothing, but other boats,
the harbour. At 9.45 it had arrived off the including the Aberystwyth life-boat, took part
pier. About five minutes later it found one in the search, and four airmen, two alive and
of the two boys and rescued him. The other two dead, were picked up. - Rewards, £2 10s.,
could not be found. and 12s. 6d. for fuel used.
There was very strong feeling in Rhyl (See Aberystwyth, “Accounts of Services
about the accident and a protest was sent by Life-boats,” page 93.)
to the Institution that the life-boat had not
been launched. The district inspector was SEPTEMBER MEETING
sent down and made a full enquiry. He
came to the conclusion that no blame R ATHCOURSEY , CO. C ORK . While sailing
attached to the life-boat station, that Mr. a racing dinghy on the morning of the 23rd
Ernest Jones, the honorary secretary, took July, 1940, a boy and girl were capsized in
the right action in sending out the motor’ East Ferry Inlet, Queenstown Harbour. A
boat instead of the life-boat, and that had squally S.W. wind was blowing against the
he taken any other course both boys instead strongly ebbing tide. The accident was seen
of only the one boy would have been drowned. by Mr. H. Richins, ex-trooper of the Life-
Letters were sent to the president of the Guards, who promptly put out in a rowing
148 SERVICES 1940

boat and rescued the boy and girl, who were ALDEBURGH , S UFFOLK . On the morning
both exhausted. - Rewards, £1. Of the 11th August, 1940, while the No. 1
life-boat was under overhaul, and the No. 2
H AISBOROUGH , NORFOLK. About 3.30 in life-boat out on service, a message came that
the morning of the 26th July, 1940, an aero- an aeroplane was down in the sea five miles
plane crashed into the sea off Haisborough from Shingle Street look-out. A strong N.W.
Gap. The Cromer life-boat and a motor boat breeze was blowing, with a rough sea. The
both put out to the rescue. The motor boat naval authorities asked that a motor boat
was manned by two brothers and an R.A.F. night be sent to the rescue, and the Peggy,
officer. They found nothing but wreckage, with a crew of four, put out at 12.45 in the
and then, as the tide ebbed, the dead airmen afternoon. She searched, but without success,
were found among the wreckage. - Rewards, until an R.A.F. speed boat arrived and took
£1 and 2s. for fuel used. over the search. The Peggy then returned,
(See Cromer, “Accounts of Services by arriving at 3.30. - Rewards, £2 and 5s. for
Life-boats,” page 92.) fuel used.
F OLKESTONE , K ENT . About 4 in the after- KILCUMMIN, Co. MAYO. The Swedish
noon of the 31st July, 1940, a British aero- motor ship Canton was torpedoed in the
plane was seen to fall in flames during an Atlantic, on the 9th August, 1940, seventy
air battle, one hundred yards east of the miles N.W. of Ireland, while bound from
Victoria Pier. Four men in a motor boat Calcutta to Liverpool. She had a crew of
searched for about an hour. but the aero- thirty-two. One of her boats, with sixteen
plane had been burnt out and her crew with men in it, arrived near Kilcummin at 10 in
her. - Rewards, £1 10s. and 2s. 6d. for fuel the morning of the 11th August. A north-
used. west wind was blowing at almost gale force ;
there was a very heavy sea ; and the boat
BERNERA, ISLE OF LEWIS. Early in the was in danger of being wrecked. Eight men
afternoon of the 1st August, 1040, a coast- put out in a rowing boat and, at great risk
watcher reported having seen what appeared to themselves, brought the Canton’s boat
to be a ship’s boat about three miles from through the dangerous currents to safety.-
the Flannan Isles, and four men put out in Rewards, £8.
a motor boat at 2 o’clock. A fresh S.W.
breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea. S CARBOROUGH , Y O R K S H I R E . At 2.15 in
The four men searched throughout the night, the morning of the 13th August, 1940, the
but found nothing, and returned at 8 A . M . coastguard reported that distress signals had
the following morning. They had been out been seen from an aeroplane on the sea about
for eighteen hours. - Rewards, £6, £1 for use six miles N.E. of Scarborough. The weather
of the boat and £1 10s. for fuel used. was fine and the sea calm. To save time it
was decided to send out a motor boat,
A B E R Y S T W Y T H , C ARDIGANSHIRE . At 9.30 instead of the life-boat, and the life-boat’s
in the morning of the 1st August, 1940, the coxswain and motor-mechanic put off in the
coastguard asked the owner of the motor latter’s boat. They searched for four hours,
boat Emerald Star to go out to a spot where but found nothing. - Rewards, £2 and 7s. 6d.
aircraft were searching for survivors of an for fuel used.
aeroplane down in the sea. The weather was
fine and the sea smooth. Three men put out P O R T L A N D , D O R S E T . A fierce air battle
in the motor boat. They picked up one took place over the Weymouth and Portland
airman alive, then another unconscious who district about mid-day on the 13th August,
could not be revived, and then a third who 1940, and several aeroplanes fell into the sea.
was very exhausted and whom, with much diffi- The Weymouth life-boat was out searching
culty, they rescued from a rubber boat. A for airmen for seven hours. One man had
motor boat from New Quay also went out, been reported swimming off Osmington, and
and the Aberystwyth life-boat picked up the at 1.30 in the afternoon the coastguard asked
body of the fourth member of the aeroplane’s Mr. Miller, of Osmington, to go out in his
crew. - Rewards, £3 7s. 6d. motor boat to help in the search. He returned
(See Aberystwyth, “ Accounts of Services about 3.30 and reported that the airman had
by Life-boats,” page 93.) been picked up by a naval vessel. - Rewards,
12s. 6d. and 2s. 6d. for fuel used.
S H E R I N G H A M , N O R F O L K . At 4.36 in the (See Weymouth, “ Accounts of Services by
afternoon of the 7th August, 1940, the Life-boats,” page 94.)
Sheringham motor life-boat was called out
to an R.A.F. bomber which was down in P ORTLAND , D ORSET . At 5.30 in the after-
the sea about six miles N. by W. of Shering- noon of the 15th August, 1940, there was an
ham. The sea was smooth, with a light air battle west of Weymouth, and at 9.30 that
easterly wind, but it was low water, and as evening it was reported that cries for help had
there might be difficulty in getting the life- been heard from the rocks between Blackmor
boat away quickly, a motor boat, with a crew and Portland Bill. Three fishermen put out
of seven men, also put out. However, the from Fortuneswell, but found nothing and
services of neither were needed. as the returned at 12.15 next morning. A search of
bomber’s crew. of three men were picked up the cliffs by the coastguard was also without
by a trawler. - Rewards, £6 13s. and 10s. for results. - Rewards, £3.
fuel used.
(See Sheringham, “ Accounts of Services by FOLKESTONE, KENT. At 11.30 in the
Life-boats,” page 98.) morning of the 15th August, 1940, there was
 SERVICES 1940 149
an air battle over Folkestone, and several German airman came down by parachute in
aeroplanes were reported down in the sea. the sea about a mile and a half off Luccombe.
Naval vessels put out, as also did two motor Mr. Gould, of Bonchurch, put out with
fishing boats from Folkestone, and a rowing another man in a motor boat, but failed to
boat from Sandgate. They had ten men on reach the airman who was being driven along
board, The naval vessels picked up two in the water by the wind. He was rescued
airmen, and the three boats were not needed. by a naval launch. Two rowing boats put
- Rewards, £3 15s. and 10s. for fuel used. out, manned by soldiers, and Mr. Gould
towed them into Shanklin. - Rewards, £1.
B ONCHURCH , I SLE OF W IGHT . At 5.19 in
the afternoon of the 16th August, 1940, the HERNE BAY, KENT. About 4 in the
coastguard saw a man in. a parachute over afternoon of the 24th August, l940, an
Sandown drifting seaward. Naval speed explosion was heard to the north of Reculver
boats and a flying boat went out, and and a few minutes later a man was seen
Mr. Gould, of Bonchurch, put off in his coming down by parachute. A motor boat,
motor boat with another man. Mr. Gould manned by three men, put out from Herne
found nothing and returned, but when he Bay and picked up a German airman.-
heard that a man had been seen swimming Rewards, £1 2s. 6d. and 2s. 6d. for fuel used.
he went out a second time, Finally returning (See Margate, “Accounts of Services by
at 8.30 without having found anything.- Life-boats,” page 100.)
Rewards. £1.
HOLY ISLAND, NORTHUMBERLAND. At
P ORTRUSH , Co. A NTRIM . On 16th August, 2.25 in the afternoon of the 25th August,
1940, two motor boats, with nine men on 1940, the coastguard saw a sailing boat
board,, took part with the life-boat in an capsize in the narrows about half a mile from
unsuccessful search for eight survivors from the Island. He telephoned Mr. R. Kyle,
a Swedish vessel who were reported adrift who. with three other men, ran down to
on a raft. - Rewards, £5 12s. 6d. and the shore and put out in a rowing boat. A
£1 17s. 6d. for fuel used. strong westerly wind was blowing. The four
(See Portrush, “Accounts of Services by men found two young men clinging to the
Life-boats,” page 99.) upturned boat, and but for the promptitude
of their rescuers they would almost certainly
VENTNOR, ISLE OF WIGHT. About 2.30 have lost their lives. - Rewards, £1 10s.
in the afternoon of the 18th August, 1940,
aeroplanes were reported to be down off P O R T R U S H , C O . A N T R I M . At 4.16 in the
Dunnose Head. The Bembridge life-boat afternoon of the 28th August, 1940, the
put out to their help and various other coastguard reported a small boat in diffi-
vessels, including private boats owned by culties near the Carr Rocks, with the people
Messrs. Spencers, of Ventnor, and Mr. Gould, on board waving for help. A moderate
of Bonchurch. Messrs. Spencers sent out westerly wind was blowing, with a moderate
two boats, which rescued a German pilot. sea. A coastguard and other men put out
Mr. Gould made two trips, but found nothing. in a motor boat and towed this boat, and
- Rewards, Messrs. Spencers, £2 ; Mr. another boat, into Portrush harbour.-
Gould, £1 5s. Reward, a letter of thanks.
(See Bembridge, “ Accounts of Services by
Life-boats,” page 100.) C A S T L E T O W N , I SLE O F M A N . At 7.45 in
W A T C H E T , S O M E R S E T . About 8.30 in the the evening of the 29th August, 1940, the
evening of the 18th August, 1940, informa- Castletown coastguard reported a small motor
tion was received at the life-boat station that boat in difficulties in Castletown bay. The
four soldiers were marooned on the cliffs motor had broken down and the boat, with
near their camp at St. Audries Bay, and four four boys aboard, was being carried out to
men were sent out in a shore-boat as more sea. A strong westerly wind was blowing,
suitable than the life-boat. A naval patrol with a rough tideway. Two men put off at
boat towed her up channel and the men closely once in a motor yacht, and brought in the
examined the shore, but they could see boys and their boat. - Rewards, £1.
nobody. They returned at 10.30 P.M.-
Rewards, £2 5s. L L A N D U D N O , C A E R N A R V O N S H I R E . About
3 in the afternoon of the 3lst August, 1940,
PORTHDINLLAEN, CAERNARVONSHIRE. the life-boat coxswain was told that signals
About 2.15 in the afternoon of the 19th of distress were being shown by two rowing
August, 1940, the life-boat coxswain, who boats, which had been caught in a strong
was at the boathouse, had his attention S.W. wind, with a moderate sea running.
called to the sailing dinghy Redskin, which Three life-boatmen put off at once in a motor
had capsized in the bay about a mile away. launch and brought in the two boats. There
A moderate northerly wind was blowing, were two people in each boat, all very
with a choppy sea. With the second cox- exhausted. - Rewards, £1 2s. 6d. and 2s. 6d.
swain and another man, he at once put off for fuel used.
in a rowing boat, and rescued three people,
who were clinging to the upturned dinghy.- OCTOBER MEETING
Rewards, £1 10s.
FOLKESTONE, KENT. About mid-day on
BONCHURCH, ISLE OF WIGHT. On the the 26th August, 1940, an aeroplane was
afternoon of the 24th August, 1940, a seen down in the sea a mile from Copt Point,
150 SERVICES 1940
and three men put out in a rowing boat and revive her. She was brought in, and then the
succeeded in rescuing one German airman, coxswain took out the boarding boat again and
who was transferred to a motor torpedo boat brought in the canoe, but he could not find
which had come out from Dover. - Rewards, the body of a man who had also been in the
£1 2s. 6d. canoe. - Rewards, a letter of thanks.
H ERNE B AY , K ENT . Shortly after mid-day HERNE BAY, KENT. At 5.20 in the
on the 26th August, 1940, aeroplanes were evening of the 7th September, 1940, an
seen to crash off Reculver and Herne Bay, aeroplane was seen to crash about one mile
and three parachutes to be coming down. north of Reculver. The weather was fair.
About four in the afternoon another aeroplane Two men put out in a motor boat, but found
crashed off Herne Bay, and another man only wreckage The Margate life-boat was
came down in the sea by parachute. Five also out and rescued a German airman.-
men from Herne Bay put out in three motor Rewards, 15s. and 2s. 6d. for fuel used.,
boats and a rowing boat and rescued three (See Margate, “Accounts of Services by
British and two German airmen. - Rewards, Life-boats,” page 103.)
£2 15s. and 7s. 6d. for fuel used.
P ORTAFERRY , Co. D OWN . About 6 in the
HERNE BAY, KENT. About 1.30 in the evening of the 7th September, 1940, the
afternoon of the 31st August, 1940, an aero- Valkyrie, a yacht of the Snipe class, with a
plane was seen to crash, and a parachute to crew of three aboard, was seen trying to beat
descend, one mile N.E. of Reculver. The up against a N.N.W. wind of almost gale
sea was smooth, with a light wind. A boat- force and a strong tide. She failed and was
man at once launched his motor boat and carried out of Strangford Lough. Two men
made an unsuccessful search. Margate life- put off in a motor boat, but when outside
boat also put out but found nothing.- the bar they saw her three miles out, drifting
Rewards, 7s. 6d. and 2s. 6d. for fuel used. south. Not having enough petrol to over-
(See Margate, “ Accounts of Services by take her they returned and reported to the
Life-boats,” page 101.) coastguard. The Cloughey life-boat was
then launched, but the Valkyrie made Kil-
H ERNE B AY , K ENT . At 10.10 in the morn- lough unaided. - Rewards, £1 10s. and 13s.
ing of the 3rd September, 1940, a parachute for fuel used.
was seen coming down about seven miles (See Cloughey, “Accounts of Services by
N.E. of Reculver. The weather was fair. Life-boats,” page 106.)
Four men put out in a motor boat. Then,
about 10.45, an aeroplane was seen to crash T ENBY , P EMBROKESHIRE . About 5 in the
one and a half miles N.W. of Reculver, and evening of the 15th September, 1940, two
two airmen to bale out. The boat, making men were out fishing in the sailing boat Sun-
for the first parachutist, was close by and flower. A squally N.N.W. wind was blowing,
rescued two German airmen. The Margate and she capsized. A man was sent out in a
life-boat had also put out, and she rescued motor boat to the rescue, but failed to find
the man in the first parachute. - Rewards, the Sunflower. The accident, however, had
£1 10s. and 2s. 6d. for fuel used. been seen by another man, who was close by
(See Margate, “Accounts of Services by in his sailing boat, with a party. He went
Life-boats,” page 102.) into the sea and at some risk and difficulty
succeeded in getting one of the two men of
H ERNE B AY , K ENT . At 3.30 in the after- the Sunflower into his boat. The man was
noon of the 5th September, 1940, an aero- unconscious and all efforts to revive him
plane which was being chased by British failed. The other man was not found.-
aircraft was seen to crash 200 yards west of Rewards, £1 10s. and 4s. for fuel used.
Margate Hook Beacon. The weather was
fair. Three men went out in a motor boat, BRANCASTER, NORFOLK. About 1.30 in
but only found oil coming to the surface. the morning of the 17th September, 1940, the
Margate life-boat also went out and picked coastguard reported that a man in a para-
up some wreckage. - Rewards, £1 2s. 6d. and chute had been seen over Tichwell Marshes,
2s. 6d. for fuel used. driving towards the sea, and that the para-
(See Margate, “Accounts of Services by chute had fallen into the sea some 300 yards
Life-boats,” page 102.) from the shore. The telephone wires had
been damaged by barrage balloons which had
L YTHAM - S T . A NNE ’s, L ANCASHIRE . At 2 broken adrift, and this caused delay, but at
in the afternoon of the 5th September, 1940, four o’clock two men put out in a motor boat
a soldier telephoned from the Custom House, from Brancaster Staithes. They searched
Lytham, that a sailing canoe had capsized in from four to eight o’clock, but found nothing,
the channel. The life-boat and her crew and it was learned later that what had been
were at a shipyard and the news was passed hanging from the parachute was not a man
on to them. The coxswain and another life- but an explosive canister. - Rewards, £1 5s.
boatman at once ran to see where the accident and 5s. for fuel used.
was, while the second-coxswain and other
life-boatmen put out in the boarding boat. N EW Q UAY , C ARDIGANSHIRE . About 4 in
They found the canoe, which had righted the afternoon of the 18th September, 1940,
itself. There was no one in her, but a short the open sailing boat Wennol capsized, when
distance away they picked up a woman. lobster-fishing about a mile and a half west
She was unconscious and all efforts failed to of New Quay Head, throwing her crew of
 SERVICES 1940 151

two men into the sea. A strong westerly He could see nothing, so the two men landed
breeze was blowing, with a heavy sea. Three the rescued airman at Sandy Point, and he
men put out to the rescue in the motor boat was taken to hospital, while a naval officer
Elgan, but the two men swam ashore and continued the search in a motor boat.-
climbed the cliffs. The Elgan then tried to Rewards, £1 10s. and 2s. 6d. for fuel used.
salve the Wennol but was unable to do it, The rewards were given back to the Institu-
and the Wennol was eventually washed tion.
ashore badly damaged. - Rewards, £1 2s. 6d.
and 2s. 6d. for fuel used. MARGATE, KENT. Just before 1 in the
afternoon of the 28th August, 1940, an
NOVEMBER MEETING aeroplane fell into the sea two miles north
of Foreness Point. The Margate life-boat
MARGATE, KENT. About eight, in the went out, but two men who were fishing in
morning of 12th June, 1940, two men and a motor boat, two miles N.E. of Longnose
a boy, who were out fishing in a motor boat Buoy, had seen the crash. They buoyed
near the East Margate buoy, saw two aero- their gear, went to the aeroplane, which was
planes fighting seven miles to the N.E., and some fifty yards away, picked up two sur-
one of the aeroplanes diving into the sea. They
hauled in their gear at once and went to the res- - Rewards, £1 5s. for loss of fishing and
cue. After searching for two hours they picked 2s. 6d. for fuel used.
up two German airmen and landed them at (See Margate. “Accounts of Services by
Margate. - Rewards, £2 for loss of fishing Life-boats,” page 98.)
and 10s. for fuel used.
M ARGATE , K ENT . About 9 in the morning
T I R E E . A RGYLLSHIRE . About 8.50 in the of the 31st August, 1940, a German aeroplane
morning of the 12th August, 1940, a ship’s dived into the sea some four miles north-east
boat was sighted off Hough Skerries. A of Margate jetty. Two men on their way to
south-westerly breeze was blowing, with a the fishing grounds in a motor boat picked up
heavy swell. Six men put out in a motor one survivor and landed him at Margate.-
boat. picked up the ship’s boat. three miles Rewards, £1 5s. for loss of fishing and 3s.
off shore, with no one on board, and brought for fuel used.
her in. - Rewards, £2 10s.
ILFRACOMBE, DEVON. About 11 in the
M ARGATE , K E N T . On the morning of the morning of the 5th September, 1940, a man
12th August, 1940, the minesweepers Pyrope got into difficulties on Haggington Cliffs, Hele
and Tamarisk were attacked by German Bay. The weather was fair. Gwyn H.
aeroplanes and sank. Two men out fishing Cornish, a boy of fifteen, was out in the bay
in a motor boat, about a mile west of East in his small dinghy when he saw the man’s
Margate Buoy, saw the action some three plight and signalled to another man to go to
miles to the north east of them. After the the coastguard station for help. After a
attackers had left, the fishing boat hauled coastguard had got down to the trapped
her gear and went to the spot. Margate man and lowered him to the beach, Cornish
life-boat had been launched, and rescued took his boat in through the rocks, got the
twenty-seven survivors, and the motor boat man on board and then put him ashore at
only picked up one man and put him on an accessible spot. Cornish was reported to
board the life-boat. - Rewards, £1 5s. for loss have given similar help on other occasions.
of fishing and 5s. for fuel used. - Reward, a framed letter of thanks.
(See Margate, “Accounts of Services by
Life-boats,” page 94.) HERNE BAY, KENT. About mid-day on
the 15th September, 1940, a German aero-
R OSSCARBERY , CO. C ORK . At 1.45 in the plane crashed into the sea about three miles
afternoon of the 21st August, 1940, four N.E. of Whitstable pier. Four men in two
young men put out in a small rowing boat motor boats put out from Herne Bay, but
for pleasure. When they were about half found nothing. - Rewards, £1 10s. and 5s.
a mile from the pier a very strong northerly for fuel used.
wind sprang up. They tried to get back and
broke two oars. Their boat drifted helplessly FOLKESTONE, KENT. Shortly before ten
out to sea. Four men put out in a boat and in the morning of the 23rd September, 1940,
reached the drifting boat when she was a German aeroplane came down in the sea
nearing the rocks off Galley Head. At con- about half-way between the pier of the
siderable risk in the rough sea they towed her Southern Railway and Copt Point. Two
to the beach, as it was impossible to get back men in a fishing boat, which was near, went
to Rosscarbery. - Rewards, £3. at once to the rescue, and an army officer
and a lance-corporal jumped into the sea
HAYLING ISLAND, HAMPSHIRE. About from Folkestone pier, and swam to the aero-
6.30 in the morning of the 27th August, 1940, plane. The lance-corporal reached it first,
two men, father and son, were out in the found that the pilot was badly wounded,
Emsworth Channel, in a motor fishing boat, and helped him into the fishing boat which
when they saw an airman floating near the had now arrived. - Rewards, 15s. and 2s. 6d.
Thorney side. They picked him up, and while for fuel used.
one man gave him artificial respiration the
other continued to search for other airmen FRESHWATER, ISLE OF WIGHT. On the
about the entrance to Chichester Harbour. afternoon of the 24th September, 1940, a
152 SERVICES 1940
German aeroplane came down in the sea off officer engaged two boatmen, father and son,
Black Wood Point. A man put off in his to take him out, in their pulling boat, to a
motor boat and searched for survivors, but steamer some three hundred yards from the
found only a patch of oil. - Rewards, 10s. jetty at Warrenpoint. They tied the boat to
the steamer, and the officer and elder boatman
F O L K E S T O N E , K E N T . About 12.30 in the went aboard her. When they got back into
afternoon of 27th September, 1940, a British the boat, they were unable to release her
aeroplane was reported to be down in the from the steamer, which was now travelling
sea 300 yards east of the pier of the Southern at half speed, and she capsized, throwing the
Railway. The pilot of another aeroplane had three men into the sea. After some time the
seen it, and landed on the beach. He at once son succeeded in getting to the boat, and the
joined six men who were preparing to launch other two managed to keep afloat, by holding
two boats. One of the boats found the pilot, on to an oar and some wood. Fortunately
but he was dead. - Rewards, £2 5s. the sea was calm. A boatman on the jetty
H ASTINGS , S USSEX . While on their way put out alone in his rowing boat. He found
to the fishing grounds in Rye Bay about the officer and older boatman exhausted and
9 in the morning of the 27th September, 1940, only half conscious. Unaided, with great
two men in a motor boat saw a patch of difficulty and at great risk of capsizing his
smoke some distance away. The weather was boat, he got them both into her and then
fair. They went to investigate and at about picked up the young man. - Rewards, £1.
10.45 found a German airman. They picked
him up and brought him ashore. - Rewards, K ILLYBEGS , CO. D ONEGAL . In the early
15s., £3 for loss of fishing and. 10s. for fuel morning of 29th October, 1940, the motor
used. fishing boat Orient Star was homeward bound
for Killybegs. She had a crew of seven. A
H E L M S D A L E . S U T H E R L A N D . About 5.15 strong S.E. gale was blowing, with a rough
in the evening of 2nd October, 1940, a sea. About two o’clock her engine failed.
British aeroplane was seen to crash into the The men tried to anchor, but the anchor
sea and sink, and the coastguard asked a would not hold, and the boat was carried
boatman to go out to the rescue. The tide towards the cliffs of Carrigan Head. They
was low. and the man’s motor boat was made signals of distress. and five men put
aground,. but he and four other men with out in a motor fishing boat Naomh Colum.
some difficulty got her afloat, found a rubber She shipped heavy seas and, at considerable
dinghy three miles out., and rescued an air- risk to themselves, the five men succeeded in
man from it. He was unhurt, but wet, rescuing the crew of the Orient Star before
through, and they supplied him with dry she foundered. - Rewards, £5 and 5s. for fuel
clothes. - Rewards. £5 and 2s. 6d. for fuel used.
used.
CAPE CLEAR, CO. CORK. About 5.30 in the
B O N C H U R C H , I SLE O F W IGHT . About 11 morning of 5th November, 1940, the steam
at night on the 11th October, 1940, the trawler Rendlesham, of Lowestoft, struck a
Admiralty trawler Warwick Deeping was submerged rock on the N.W. point of Cape
in distress some two miles south of St. Clear Island. She had a crew of eleven men,
Catherine’s Point after being attacked from and was loaded with fish. A moderate S.W.
the air. Two men put out in a motor boat wind was blowing, but the sea was very rough.
and found that the crew of the trawler, Where the Rendlesham struck was about a
twenty-five in number, had got away in the mile from the harbour. The news of the
ship’s boat and a Carley float. The two men wreck reached Cape Clear about eight o’clock
picked them up and brought them ashore. in the morning. and thirteen men put out in a
They also brought in the ship’s boat, the motor boat and two punts. By the time
float, a Lewis gun and rifles and handed them they arrived the trawler was submerged ;
to the naval authorities. The Bembridge six of her crew were drowned ; and the other
life-boat was also launched. - Rewards, £5. five were clinging, exhausted, to the mast and
(See Bembridge, “ Accounts of Services by rigging At risk to themselves in that rough
Life-boats,” page 114.) sea, the men in the three boats rescued them,
and then put them on board the Irish patrol
DECEMBER MEETING boat Fort Rannock, which took them to
Crookhaven. News of the wreck had reached
D UNGENESS , K E N T . About 11.30 in the the life-boat station at Baltimore still later,
morning of the 26th September, 1940, an and by the time the life-boat arrived the
R.A.F. pilot baled out from his aeroplane men had been rescued. She brought back
and came down in the sea five miles S.W. some of the rescuers from Crookhaven to
by W. of Galloways. The weather was Cape Clear. - Rewards, a framed letter of
moderate. Four men in two motor boats, thanks to one of the rescuers, Mr. Kieran
who were out fishing, went at once to his Cotter, a letter of thanks to another of the
rescue. One boat picked up the airman, but rescuers, the Rev. Father Patrick F. O’Dono-
her propeller was fouled and the other boat van, C.C., £11 8s. and £5 for damage to boat,
took her in tow. The men ran some risk of oars and line.
air-attack. - Rewards, £2, £3 for loss of (See Baltimore, Accounts of Services by
fishing and 5s. for fuel used. Life-boats,” page 124.)

W A R R E N P O I N T , CO. D O W N . About noon V ENTNOR , I SLE OF WIGHT. About 2.30

on the 20th October, 1940, a coast preventive in the afternoon of the 7th November, 1940,
 SERVICES 1940 153
a British aeroplane came down in the sea F OLKESTONE , K ENT . About 9.30 A.M. on
off Woody Point. Two boats put out, but the 15th November, 1940, a German aero-
they found only pieces of the aeroplane, plane came down in the sea one and a half
which they brought ashore. - Rewards, £2. miles S.E. of Copt Point. Two Folkestone
fishing boats, one with a crew of four and
HAYLING ISLAND, HAMPSHIRE. About the other with a crew of five, put out. All
12.45 in the afternoon of the 10th November, they found was a dead body. - Rewards,
1940, two boys, between 10 and 12 years old, £4 10s. and 10s. for fuel used.
pushed a boat from the water’s edge and got
into her. They were boys who had been
evacuated to Hayling Island from an inland NEW BRIGHTON, CHESHIRE. At 2.30 in
town on account of air-raids and they had the afternoon of the 23rd November, 1940,
no experience of boats. There was only one the S.S. Biafra, lying off New Brighton, sounded
sound oar in the boat. She got caught by a succession of blasts. The life-boat’s board-
the strong ebbing tide and drifted toward a ing boat, manned by a whole and a part-time
sandbank at the entrance to Chichester mechanic, put out. As they reached the
harbour. A very heavy squall came up, and Biafra one of the steamer’s own boats was
four fishermen, who had rowed under Hayling picking up a man in the water. He was
Island to get shelter from the squall, saw the unconscious. Another man was in the river,
boys, went to their help, and reached them and the two boats searched but could not
just before their boat grounded. They took find him. The boarding boat then towed the
the boat in tow, but it needed all the men’s ship’s boat to the Biafra, and brought the
efforts to row against the tide and the squall, unconscious man ashore. The two men had
and the boys would undoubtedly have been either fallen or jumped overboard. - Rewards,
drowned but for their help. - Rewards, £3. 5s. to part-time mechanic.