THE JOURNAL OF THE RNLI

Volume XLVI Number 464 Summer 1978 25p The Captain takes his hat off totheRNLL THE LIFEBOAT

Summer 1978

f~~\ _ _. A. _ „ A. Notes of the Quarter, by Patrick Howarth 3

Summary of Accounts for 1977 4 Volume XLVI Lifeboat Semces 5 N^IYlber 464 Inshore Lifeboats: dedication ceremonies at Abersoch, Port Isaac and St Ives 13

Matthew Lethbridge, Jnr, BEM: coxswain of St Mary's lifeboat, by Joan Davies 14 Chairman: MAJOR-GENERAL R. H. FARRANT, CB Across a Crowded Room: thoughts on the annual presentation of awards for gallantry, by Alan Neal 17 Director and Secretary: CAPTAIN NIGEL DIXON, OBE, RN A Corner i. n Cumbria. : Workington. , Sillot„... h, andj So»t rBees> , threi- e i-rlifeboa L. t stations on the Solway Firth and its southern approaches 20

Building a Rother Class Lifeboat: Part VIII—Ballast Keel 24 Managing Editor: PATRICK HOWARTH Shoreline 25

Edltor: Some Ways of Raising Money 26 JOAN DAVIES Letters 30 Headquarters: Royal National Life-boat Institution, Lifeboat People 31 West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ (Telephone Poole 71133). Offshore Lifeboat Services, December 1977, January and February 1978 . 34

Inshore Lifeboat Services, December 1977, January and February 1978 . . 34 London Office: Royal National Life-boat Institution, 21 Ebury Street, London SW1W OLD (Telephone 01-730 0031).

COVER PICTURE Editorial: All material submitted for Advertisements: All advertising consideration with a view to publica- enquiries should be addressed to tion in the journal should be addressed Dyson Advertising Services, PO Box 9, The John Gellatly Hyndman, a 52ft Burnett to the editor, THE LIFEBOAT, Royal Godalming, Surrey (Telephone relief lifeboat on temporary duty at St Peter National Life-boat Institution, West Godalming (04868) 23675). Port, under the command of Coxswain John Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ Petit, on service to the oil rig Orion which (Telephone Poole 71133). Photographs ran aground on the north-west shore of intended for return should be accom- Guernsey when she parted from her tug in storm force winds on the night of February panied by a stamped and addressed I, 1978. Having taken off two men that envelope. night, the lifeboat returned on February 10, in continuing gales, to take off the salvage Subscription: A year's subscription of crew of six. Orion was eventually safely Next issue: the autumn issue of THE four issues costs £1.40, including post- freed from the rocks and went on her way. A age, but those who are entitled to fine example of international co-operation: LIFEBOAT will appear in October and an American oil rig under tow of a German news items should be sent by the end of receive THE LIFEBOAT free of charge tug bound from Rotterdam to Brazil; the July. News items for the winter issue will continue to do so. Overseas sub- salvage company was Dutch, the rescue should be sent in by the end of scriptions depend on the cost of post- services British. October. age to the country concerned.

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Varley Dry Accumulators Limited Telephone Alfreds Way, Barking, Essex IG11 DTP to the award of John Petit's silver General Farrant, at the annual general medal the St Peter Port lifeboat took off meeting held in the Royal Festival Hall a number of men who had been put on May 16 that a policy decision had aboard the rig by a salvage company. been made to bring to an end the pause Channel Television filmed virtually the in the boat-building programme, which whole of this rescue, and through the was introduced a few years ago, and to generosity of two Guernsey residents. step up expenditure. This has been Sir Charles and Lady Hayward, a film made possible by the extraordinary of the operation has been made availa- efforts of the RNLI's fund-raising ble to the RNLI. Its first showing in branches and guilds, by the number of London took place on May 30 at the BP legacies received and through the cinema in Britannic House. economies practised. As a result of all these the free reserves of the Institu- Blue Peter Silver tion, which amounted to only 13 The first award of the RNLI's silver weeks' expenditure at the end of 1976, medal for gallantry to a member of the had risen to 19 weeks' expenditure at crew of a Blue Peter inshore lifeboat, the end of last year. has also recently been made. The ILB The two main aims of the RNLI's was Blue Peter IV, which is stationed present capital programme are ensuring at St Agnes in Cornwall. This is one of that the whole offshore fleet has a self- the four stations whose inshore righting capacity and that fast lifeboats, NOTES OF lifeboats were provided by viewers of which can lie afloat, are placed at key THE QUARTER the famous BBC programme, who col- stations. The cost of completing this lected paperback books to raise the programme will exceed £5 million, of funds. David Bliss at the helm of Blue which about a quarter will, it is Peter IV rescued a man from a narrow expected, be spent this year. cove in conditions which onlookers A brief summary of the accounts for by Patrick Howarth described as 'impossible'. He control- 1976 appears on page 4 and a full re- led the boat with extraordinary skill port of the annual general meeting based on experience of operating in and presentation of awards will be pub- surf. Choosing the right moment be- lished in the autumn edition of THE FOR THE FIRST TIME the RNLI has tween waves and the right speed, he LIFEBOAT. awarded a gallantry medal for a rescue managed somehow to avoid all the from an oil rig. The rig involved, Orion, rocks in his path along the 50 yard Fraserburgh reopened was on tow from Rotterdam to Brazil length of the cove which he had to A happy outcome of some eight when she went aground on the Guern- enter. The boat filled with water and years of discussion, anxiety and doubt sey coast. The rescue operation was in was seen from the cliffs above to be has been the decision to reopen the some respects of a kind not experi- completely engulfed by the waves. Fraserburgh lifeboat station on the enced before. The rig, which was drift- Coming out of the surf the lifeboat north-east coast of Scotland. In 1970 ing at about 6 knots, had huge legs, became airborne. the Fraserburgh lifeboat capsized with mounted on a tanker hull, which Another first-ever award was that of the loss of five men. Seventeen years towered some 250 feet above the water a medal for a rescue carried out by one earlier another Fraserburgh lifeboat line. The approach presented a prob- of the RNLI's two lifeboats of the capsized, six men being lost on that lem in manoeuvring which at one time Thames class. The casualty was a occasion, and after the second tragic seemed impossible to solve. Coxswain jack-up barge which was pitching so disaster the station became temporarily John Petit did manage to bring the St heavily that its legs were swinging non-operational. Peter Port lifeboat alongside but a huge through 30 degrees. Coxswain Arthur In January this year a public meeting wave lifted her into the overhanging West of Falmouth performed a remark- was held at Fraserburgh attended by an helicopter platform. The lifeboat's able feat of seamanship and determina- RNLI delegation, which included the mast was snapped and crashed on to tion in taking off the crew of the barge. chairman of the Search and Rescue the wheelhouse. The direction finding Accounts of these and other rescues for Committee, Vice-Admiral Sir Arthur loop was carried away by the net, and which awards were made appear Hezlet. At the meeting it was agreed the radio aerials jammed the radar in 'Lifeboat Services' starting on that the station would man and operate scanner, which then filled with water. page 5. a Solent lifeboat. The first boat to go on Nevertheless two men were success- station is the 48ft 6in Solent relief fully rescued by the lifeboat and the Healthier state of reserves lifeboat The Royal British Legion remaining men on board by Sea King The governors of the Institution were Jubilee. The training of a new crew helicopters from Culdrose and efforts told by the RNLI's chairman, Major- under the supervision of the divisional of parties on the shore. First silver medal for a John Petit also had the distinction of Blue Peter ILB crew being the first man to be voted two member was awarded medals for gallantry for separate ser- to Helmsman David vices at the same meeting of the Execu- Bliss of St Agnes. After tive Committee of the RNLI. His other the award was award was for the rescue of four people annouced, David Bliss from a yacht in exceptionally severe and his crew were the conditions, which again made the task guests of the BBC's Blue Peter television of bringing the lifeboat alongside a programme, (left to dangerous and difficult one. A great right) John Noakes, family tradition is being maintained in Helmsman David Bliss, Guernsey, for the present coxswain's Crew Members Roger father, Hubert Petit, was one of only Radcliffe and Barry five men to win the RNLI's gold medal Garland, and Lesley Judd. for gallantry since the end of World photography by War II. courtesy of Blue Peter, Some days after the rescue which led BBC TV inspector for north Scotland, Captain Humberside police's five- R. M. Dabbs, has already begun. strong mounted section has been patrolling local First RNLI branch in Belgium beaches and inland water- An historic meeting took place in ways for the past three years as part of their general Bruges on April 21, the first to be held duties. Last summer an by the Belgian branch of the RNLI. emergency lifeline was The central event was a film show, for added to their equipment. which more than 150 people bought photography by courtesy of tickets. A number of the Belgian mem- Humberside police bers had visited the RNLI's stand at the International Boat Show at the beginning of the year, and John Atter- ton, deputy director of the RNLI, who attended the meeting, reported evident enthusiasm among the Institution's new Belgian supporters. One speaker said that Great Britain had brought a number of good things to the European Economic Community, of which one of the very best was its highly efficient lifeboat service: he might also have Plans for visits and for fund-raising Belgium who wish to join the new mentioned Ireland because the RNLI events in Belgium on behalf of the branch are asked to communicate with: administers the lifeboat service in two RNLI were discussed. Monsieur Jan Corveleyn, Zantiende 13, EEC countries. Any Belgians or Britons living in 8320 Bruges 4, Belgium. Summary of Accounts for 1977 Full accounts are available from Poole Headquarters.

What it cost £ millions 6.5 in 1977 How expenditure was apportioned Ten years at a glance

Total: £6.30m

How the money was raised

0.5

1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977

Areas of Expenditure Key INVESTMENT INCOME

MEMBERSHIP LIFE BOAT SERVICE Operational Operational Recurrent Capital

LIFE BOAT SUPPORT Management Fund Raising J Support Support Total: E6.74m This was not seen by the casualty, but quickly drained the top four feet of was reported by St Ives lifeboat and by water. The remainder took a little HMS Sherington. Lady Kamilla was longer. then asked to fire a red flare, but this The wind was estimated by Cox- was not seen by the lifeboat and Lady swain Cocking at west south west force Kamilla's captain reported that it was 9 to 10, which corresponds with not a good flare and that conditions recorded anemometer readings at Isles aboard were now very bad. At 0218 he of Scilly, Lands End and St Mawgan. It informed Trevose Head Coastguard had been blowing steadily from the that he was having to abandon ship. south west at force 5 to 8 since St Ives lifeboat had been heading December 21 and had gradually north towards the reported position of increased throughout December 23. the casualty. At 0225, when she was 14 The tide at this point should have been miles north of St Ives Head, a message running against the wind 230° at 0.8 was received from the Coastguard that knots. The depth of water would have red flares had been reported off been about 55 metres and there were no South Western Division Portreath/Porthtowan and the lifeboat significant fluctuations in the bottom in was asked to investigate. Coxswain that area, the shallowest patch being Storm search Thomas Cocking altered course to the about 49 metres. south east. At 0255, the lifeboat was on The radar and MF radio were A PROLONGED SEARCH was made by a south east heading at full speed when swamped and put out of action but the Padstow, St Ives and Clovelly lifeboats Assistant Mechanic David Smith, VHP remained working and Coxswain in a south-westerly storm for the standing on the coxswain's right, sud- Cocking continued searching off Porth- Danish coaster Lady Kamilla, which denly saw a 'wall of water' to starboard towan until 0630, when the search in foundered off Trevose Head on and shouted, 'Look out!'. Coxswain this area was called off and concen- Christmas Eve, December 24, 1977, Cocking looked up through the top of trated in the area of the original posi- and for her crew of nine. In addition to the canopy and saw the wave breaking. tion given. In view of the damage she the three lifeboats, HMS Sherington, He estimated its height at 30 to 35 feet. had sustained to her electronic equip- Nimrod aircraft, Wessex and Sea King He shouted to the crew, 'Hold on!' and ment, St Ives lifeboat was recalled to helicopters and various merchant ves- immediately put his arms through the station. Frank Penfold Marshall sels which were in the vicinity also spokes of the wheel and held on to the entered harbour at 0700 and was took part. HM Coastguard rescue teams binnacle, in a semi-crouched position, re-carriaged and placed on restricted also carried out a shore search. Lady to lock his hold on the wheel. His right service at 0800. Kamilla, which had originally reported leg was hooked between the legs of his Meanwhile, Padstow lifeboat had taking water in her hatches, foundered stool. arrived at the search area at 0320 and and sank before help arrived. The crew The wave broke down on to the star- started a box search to the north and abandoned ship and two survivors board side of the lifeboat, rolling her to north east. were picked up from a liferaft by port. Second Coxswain John Perkin, At 0610 the staff coxswain in com- helicopter. No other survivors were standing on the coxswain's left, mand of Clovelly lifeboat, Michael found, although wreckage identified as remained jammed against the port side Houchen, was requested by Hartland coming from Lady Kamilla was of the cockpit. Emergency Mechanic Coastguard to search three to five miles sighted. John Thomas, standing behind the cox- offshore from Hartland Point down to Padstow lifeboat, the 48ft 6in Oakley swain, remained jammed between the Pentire Point to look for survivors from James and Catherine Macfarlane, was coxswain's seat and the after end box. Lady Kamilla. City of Bristol left her at sea searching for 14 hours 42 David Smith, was wrenched off the moorings five minutes later and minutes; Clovelly lifeboat, the 71ft starboard guardrail, to which he was searched the coast area until 1130 when Clyde City of Bristol, for 14 hours 45 holding, and thrown to port. Motor she was directed to carry out a box minutes; and St Ives lifeboat, the 37ft Mechanic Philip Penberthy remained in search off Trevose Head. At 1224 a Oakley Frank Pen/old Marshall, which the radar seat. Both Signalman Eric Nimrod aircraft sighted wreckage 24 suffered damage when hit by an excep- Ward, who had been standing behind miles west north west of Trevose Head tionally large sea, for 6 hours 16 John Perkin to port, and Assistant and City of Bristol was diverted to minutes. Mechanic Smith found themselves investigate. At 1347 the coxswain At 0003 the honorary secretary of 'floating' and thought they had been sighted wreckage about four miles east Padstow lifeboat station was informed thrown out of the lifeboat. David Smith of the position given and picked up a by Trevose Head Coastguard that Lady felt John Thomas and the coxswain number of gas cylinders which were Kamilla, 15 to 20 miles west of Trevose beneath him. Radio Operator Thomas identified as belonging to the casualty. Head, was taking water. Maroons were Cocking, Jnr, on the starboard seat Coxswain Warnock, in Padstow fired and at 0030 James and Catherine under the canopy, stood on the side of lifeboat, was continuing his search Macfarlane launched on service with the battery box cover, jammed his head under very difficult conditions. At 1430 eight crew aboard, Coxswain Antony and shoulders under the starboard it was reported that two survivors had Warnock taking an extra crew member deckhead of the canopy and held on to been picked up from a liferaft by a because of the severe weather. the handrail. From this position he saw helicopter in a position about 20 miles At 0010 the honorary secretary of St the entire cockpit fill with water except to the north. As Padstow lifeboat could Ives lifeboat station heard a 'mayday' for a small air pocket, in which was his not arrive at this new search area call from Lady Kamilla and telephoned own head. before dark she was recalled by the to the Coastguard to discuss launching. The boat seemed to hang in this posi- Coastguard. She arrived back at station Maroons were fired and at 0044 Frank tion, which is thought to have been at 1512 and was rehoused and ready for Penfold Marshall launched on service. approaching a 90 degree roll. As Cox- service at 1600. The weather was very bad with swain Cocking's eyes cleared he Clovelly lifeboat was diverted at winds south west strong gale to storm, looked forward and realised the port 1530 to the position where the two sur- force 9 to 10, poor visibility and a navigation light was submerged. He left vivors were found in the dinghy and phenomenally high sea. Tide was 2 the throttles at full speed and the boat continued to search this area, together hours flood. seemed to slide down the back of the with a helicopter, until 1715 when the Padstow lifeboat headed for the posi- wave in this attitude before righting search was called off because of dark- tion of the casualty and at 0215 Cox- herself. Both side-dodgers had been ness. City of Bristol, after sheltering for swain Warnock fired a parachute flare. carried away inboard and the boat the night in Lundy Island Roads, returned to her moorings at Clovelly However, after having heard from Many of these people, who were stand- the following morning at 0810. Lands End Coastguard that, at 1919, a ing at the top of the slipway, rushed up For this service the silver medal for final message from Union Crystal indi- through the boathouse to the road and gallantry has been awarded to Cox- cated that she was sinking, the honor- thence along to the beach because they swain Thomas Cocking of St Ives and ary secretary, Captain Ewan Watson, were certain the boat would be driven the thanks of the Institution inscribed and Coxswain/Mechanic Eric Pengilly ashore. on vellum have been accorded to Sec- fired the maroons and opened the At this point Coxswain Pengilly was ond Coxswain John N. Perkin, Motor boathouse doors to make a closer struggling hard to control his boat. Mechanic Philip P. Penberthy, Assis- assessment of the conditions off the More than one reliable eyewitness tant Mechanic David L. Smith, slipway. stated that during this time the lifeboat Emergency Mechanic John B. Thomas, To the east of the Cowloes lie more Signalman Eric T. Ward and Radio submerged rocks and the lifeboat has to Operator Thomas Cocking, Jnr. In the follow an accurate course between highest traditions of the RNLI, their these two hazards when going to sea, devotion to duty was such that they using leading marks astern which are refrained from advising either the illuminated at night. Even the small 14 Coastguard or the honorary secretary ft local fishing boats take great care to of the degree of roll they had experi- follow the leading marks closely as the enced or of their subsequent discom- gap between the rocks is only about 150 fort and exhaustion, but had continued yards. To bring these leading marks in with the service. All that was really line the lifeboat must turn to starboard appreciated on shore was the damage after launching and thence to port on to to equipment. Letters of appreciation her north west course seawards. signed by the director, Captain Nigel Dixon, RN, have been sent to the hon- The scene from the top of the slip- way was formidable at best. The heavy orary secretary Coxswain Antony fe Warnock and his crew of Padstow, and north west swell, breaking over the Cowloes and reinforced by the storm Staff Coxswain Michael Houchen of The late Coxswain Eric Pengilly of Sennen Clovelly lifeboat and his crew. force winds, was falling heavily into the area across the lifeboat's launch path. Cove, awarded the silver medal for gallantry It was here joined by the swell and tide for the sen-ice to Union Crystal. running eastwards through the narrow 'stood on end'. Acting Second Cox- South Western Division neck of The Tribbens, and the result swain Maurice Hutchens and Crew was a sea described as 'mad' and a Member Phillip Shannon were standing Union Crystal sinks 'maelstrom' by launchers and local on either side of the coxswain helping residents. The general consensus of him to keep his position behind the JUST BEFORE 1915 on Wednesday, opinion was that the last time the sea wheel and to get the wheel over as November 16, 1977, the honorary sec- was even comparable for launching the rapidly as possible, while, as Captain retaries of both Sennen Cove and St Ives lifeboat was in 1953 for the service to Watson described it, the lifeboat Liberty, and those who witnessed both 'reared, plunged and twisted', so that, lifeboat stations were informed by launches feel that, on November 16, Lands End Coastguard that the 499-ton at one moment she was actually head- coaster Union Crystal was in trouble 12 1977, conditions were worse. ing for the Cowloe rocks. But the tide miles north of Cape Cornwall. Her Although the state of the sea in the swept her eastwards and, with Crew cargo of rock salt had shifted and she harbour on the night of November 16 Members John Chope and John Fender was listing. She carried a crew of six. clearly exceeded that which has always looking aft and reporting the leading The wind was onshore, from the north been recognised in the past as the limit marks, Emergency Mechanic Hedley west, strong gale to storm force 9 to 10, for launching. Nevertheless, by 1930, Hutchings looking out ahead and the with rain squalls, and the sea was very Coxswain Eric Pengilly had decided one non-regular volunteer crew high; these conditions remained that they must try, and he climbed member, Cedric Johnson, in the radar throughout the seven hours of the aboard. He was immediately followed seat, the three men behind the wheel service. by his crew, each man making a posi- finally succeeded in bringing her head At St IveS the tide was setting north tive decision to go; it was a calculated to sea and she gained her leading east across the wind at about 1 knot. It risk which was undertaken purely out marks. From then on, as Captain Wat- slowly decreased and turned south- of a supreme sense of duty. son put it, she 'ploughed through the wards, finally ebbing at about the same At 1933 the lifeboat, the 37ft 6in surf on the bar and then set off on her speed south west by the end of the ser- Rother Diana White, was lowered mission with nothing more than the vice. St Ives lifeboat, the 37ft Oakley down the slipway, clear of the boat- comparative luxury of a force 10 to Frank Pen/old Marshall, was launched house doors, where she was held to contend with'. off her carriage into the harbour at 1931 allow Coxswain Pengilly time to At 2000 St Ives lifeboat, Frank Pen- and set course 315°M from St Ives Head observe the behaviour of the sea and fold Marshall, on her way to the area of at 1937. try to establish some sort of pattern search encountered an exceptionally At Sennen Cove a heavy swell run- wherein a relatively safe period could heavy sea which threw Motor ning in from the same direction as the be predicted in which to launch. After Mechanic Philip Penberthy across the wind, north west, was breaking across ten minutes it became apparent that no cockpit, striking his head and giving the area of rocks known as the Cow- such period was likely to occur, so, at him considerable discomfort and loes, which lie less than 200 yards north 1943, the coxswain gave the order to headache for the rest of the service. to north west of the slipway. The tide slip and Diana White was launched. At about this time the Coastguard was in the fifth hour of flood and run- Immediately on entering the water, had asked the tanker Texaco Great ning in an easterly direction at about 4 the lifeboat was hit by short, steep Britain to co-ordinate the surface knots through the narrow passage bet- waves as she began her turn to star- search. St Ives lifeboat made for the ween the lifeboat slipway and the Cow- board. Her green light became fully original position given and then loe rocks, The Tribbens. The honorary open to onlookers on the slipway, so searched westwards towards Texaco secretary was most concerned about that it appeared that she must be Great Britain. Both lifeboats then the state of the sea off the slipway and thrown on to the rocky shore by the searched under her direction, together had doubts about the ability of the continuous pounding of seas which with other ships, illuminating the area lifeboat to launch safely. observers described as 'mountainous'. from time to time with parachute flares, searchlight, a new quartz-iodine hand- trials the following day, during which was launched with helmsman David light and Aldis lamp. the lifeboat found and recovered Bliss in command; Barry Garland and HMS Penelope arrived at about 2130 another body. The sole survivor was, Roger Radcliffe were his crew. and was designated 'on scene com- in fact, the master and he made a per- The wind was westerly fresh to mander'. Six ships, St Ives and Sennen sonal visit to both St Ives and Sennen strong, force 5 to 6, with mist and rain, Cove lifeboats and two helicopters Cove lifeboat stations to thank the and a heavy surf running. The tide was were now engaged. At 2200 they were coxswains concerned. in the fourth hour of flood. For this service the silver medal for joined by a Nimrod aircraft which Because of the urgency of the situa- gallantry was awarded to Eric Pengilly, began a creeping line ahead search tion the ILB was driven at maximum Coxswain/Mechanic of Sennen Cove south westwards from the north east, speed and, in spite of the prevailing sea and at 2226 the lifeboats were lifeboat, who sadly died in January, a conditions, averaged 13 knots over the few weeks after this service. The requested to search downwind. ground against a strong stream. Radio At 2234 the Nimrod sighted a liferaft thanks of the Institution inscribed on contact was made en route with St vellum were accorded to Acting Sec- containing one survivor, who was then Agnes Coastguard mobile who advised ond Coxswain Maurice Hutchens, picked up by helicopter. Thirteen that the surfer had been located in Flat Emergency Mechanic Hedley Hutch- minutes later a report from this helicop- Rocks Cove, a quarter of a mile north ter stated that although six people had ings and Crew Members Phillip Shan- of Porthtowan beach. left the ship and all had been wearing non, John Chope, John Fender and Cedric Johnson. The thanks of the The stranded casualty was a surf life lifejackets, only one liferaft had been saver. There being no members of the launched. Institution inscribed on vellum were also accorded to Coxswain Thomas public on Porthtowan beach that day A quarter of an hour later the fishing due to the weather, he had gone into vessel Pathfinder found wreckage in Cocking, Snr, of St Ives lifeboat and vellum service certificates have been the sea in a wet suit on a wave-rider ski position 50°22'N 05°31'w and the for practice exercise. After about 20 search area was moved north east- presented to Acting Second Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic David minutes in the water he had then been wards. Sennen Cove lifeboat was then taken unawares by a sudden increase in recalled at 2317; from the information L. Smith, Motor Mechanic Philip P. Penberthy, Acting Assistant Mechanic surf height from 2 to 3 feet to 7 to 8 feet received, there was virtually no hope of accompanied by a proportionate finding more survivors and the area John B. Thomas, Signalman Eric T. Ward and Crew Members William increase in the undertow and a fierce was now well saturated with search northwards current. This swept him craft. Diana White could not, of Benney and William Cocking. Among letters received following helplessly up the coast until a particu- course, be recovered at Sennen and so larly large wave washed him into Flat she made for Newlyn, arriving at 0120. this service was one from Captain James Summerlee, British Airways Rocks Cove. He bounced off rocks on At midnight Texaco Great Britain the way in and landed on shingle at the was given permission to go on her way. (Helicopters), who wrote of the Sennen Cove launch: head of the cove. HMS Diomede joined at about that time, The cove was surrounded by sheer becoming 'on scene commander', and 'May I, as a private individual, commend the integrity, skill and 150ft cliffs with an overhang at the top. asking St Ives lifeboat to follow utmost bravery of those that took The skier knew that the tide was only a Penelope and work with her, picking little past half flood and the waves were up all possible wreckage. This the part . . . conditions for a Sennen launch could not have been more already reaching the base of the cliffs lifeboat did with great efficiency. Two where he stood. He therefore attemp- men were stationed in the forward well hazardous. Having crossed that particular piece of sea some 20,000 ted to climb to safety, but a piece of deck with the hand light. Three were times in the laft 13 years I can say I rock came away in his hand and he fell looking out on the main deck, port and 30 feet, breaking his wrist and landing starboard, using the searchlight and have never seen more violent weather and sea condition. To in about a foot of water. He next tried Aldis lamp, while Motor Mechanic to paddle the ski out and then tried Penberthy operated the radar and radio decide to launch in those conditions because of the peril of other marin- swimming. Both proved impossible, and stood beside Coxswain Thomas however, and he then heard his col- Cocking on the wheel. The lifeboat ers takes incredible courage. To step aboard a lifeboat and go into leagues shouting from the cliff top that stationed herself a hundred yards such a sea requires even greater the ILB was on her way. astern of the naval ship, and while courage. The surf started at about the 10 Penelope illuminated wreckage with fathom line over half a mile off shore. her 20in searchlight, port and star- And the officer commanding HMS Penelope wrote to Coxswain Cocking The ILB's shortest course was inside board, the lifeboat crossed her stern to of St Ives expressing the admiration of this line and soon after passing Chapel retrieve it. To do this, the lifeboatmen Porth observers on the cliff top saw an had to lie on the deck, held by other himself and his ship's company for the coxswain's 'superb handling of the exceptionally large wave of about 9 to crew members, and any who were not lifeboat and the devotion to duty' of the 10 feet begin to break on to the ILB. already thoroughly wet were soon crew, adding '. . .we watched you in The helmsman immediately turned made so. detail for some considerable time and hard-a-starboard and the ILB dug into Frank Pen/old Marshall had recov- found your performance to be out- the bottom of the white water and ered four lifepreservers plus wreckage standing'. emerged safely on the other side. One by the time she was finally stood down, more similar wave had to be negotiated at 0200, and told to return to station. in the same way before the ILB could The merchant ships had been released continue. On each occasion the two an hour earlier. South Western Division crew members, Barry Garland and The lifeboat was not rehoused until Roger Radcliffe, moved as far forward 0400, but she launched in response to Surf ski rider as possible before entering the breaking another request for assistance from waves, and then immediately moved HMS Diomede at 0900 to recover a body HM COASTGUARD informed the deputy aft again to help the boat to regain her close inshore down the coast. The launching authority of St Agnes ILB planing attitude. lifeboat suffered damage to both prop- station at 1626 on Sunday, July 17, The ILB was directed to the cove by ellers and her port shaft by striking 1977, that a surf ski rider was in dif- the casualty's colleagues on the cliff submerged wreckage in heavy swells ficulties off Porthtowan, about 3'/4 top and the helmsman stood off the on this occasion, necessitating miles south west from St Agnes. The entrance assessing the chances of a immediate repairs. These, in turn, DLA fired the maroons and, at 1630, successful entry and exit by the ILB, as necessitated a further launch for engine the 16ft inflatable ILB Blue Peter IV opposed to rescue by other means. He knew that there were many rocks just As soon as he was clear of the worst above the waterline. The wind was now below the surface inside the cove as of the surf, Helmsman Bliss turned the gusting to violent storm, force 11, and well as those that were showing, and ILB southwards and eventually rode driving the rig before it at 6 knots. The that the passage between them was as the back of a wave on to Porthtowan fore and aft line of the hull was in line narrow as 9 or 10 feet. He also knew Beach, where the casualty was safely with the wind, stern to the wind, and that the heavy surf would be much disembarked and taken to hospital. leaving such a wake that she appeared worse as it funnelled into the cove and The ILB was re-launched at 1820 and to be under way. At 2230 her skipper there would be no turning back once as the weather had deteriorated still asked how long it would be before he approaching the entrance. He would further, returned to St Agnes at much was aground and, on being told 'half an also have to keep going fast if he was to reduced throttle, arriving at 1845. hour' replied that he wished to keep enough control of his boat in the For this service the silver medal for evacuate the rig. narrow channel, so use of anchor was gallantry has been awarded to The lifeboat fell in astern of her at going to be out of the question. Having Helmsman P. David Bliss. The thanks 2235 but it was ten minutes before she capsized in surf in the past due to the of the Institution inscribed on vellum was able to make radio contact with engine having stalled at the wrong have been accorded to Crew Members the casualty to inform her that the moment, he knew that everything Barry Garland and Roger Radcliffe. lifeboat was now on her port quarter depended upon the continued perform- ready to take off survivors. Meanwhile ance of the engine. If it failed for any Coxswain Petit feared that the rig reason inside the cove it was doubtful would strike the rocks of the North whether anyone would survive. South Western Division West Grunes and capsize. She in fact On the other hand, the casualty's just missed them but the tug Seefalke, position obviously did not allow Oil rig aground only 200 yards on the lifeboat's port enough time for the assembly of the beam, did touch them. The coxswain cliff rescue team and their apparatus, ST PETER PORT SIGNALS STATION took the lifeboat in for as close a look while the overhang of the 150ft cliffs received an 'all ships' warning at about as possible at means of getting the crew made the chances of rescue by helicop- 1900 on Wednesday, February 1, 1978, off the rig and experienced loss of con- ter highly unlikely. Helmsman Bliss saying that, at 1850, Orion had parted trol at a critical moment when both decided that the ILB represented the from the German tug Seefalke in posi- engines stalled as he put them astern. casualty's best hope and he headed for tion 49°39'N, 03°08'w, and was drifting. Fortunately, Assistant Mechanic the cove. The honorary secretary of the lifeboat Robert Vowles restarted them So skilful was his control of the boat station was informed and he alerted the immediately, which was in time to pre- and so extensive was his experience of crew who assembled in the boathouse. vent the lifeboat from over-running the operating in surf that he chose the right The St John Ambulance mobile radar low stern of the tanker hull, over which moment between two waves and the was despatched to Pleinmont Point to seas were washing completely at times. right speeds and avoided all the rocks plot bearings and positions. The honor- When the lifeboat was finally able to in his path throughout the entire 50 ary secretary and Coxswain John Petit advise Orion of her presence on her yard length of the cove. He beached went to the Port Signals Station to quarter the skipper replied that he the ILB close to the injured man, who monitor the situation on VHP and plot would lower a scrambling net from his was standing at the base of the cliff the casualty. helicopter landing platform, which pro- against which the waves were already Strong efforts were being made to jected about 50 feet clear of the port washing up to three feet deep. reconnect the tow and it was expected side of the hull. It was supported for a long time that they would suc- beneath by numerous struts, and, from The ILB crew immediately turned ceed. The rate of drift of the casualty, its outboard end, about 30 feet above the boat head-to-sea again, put a sur- which was an oil rig being towed from the waterline, the scrambling net was vivor's lifejacket on the casualty, Rotterdam to Brazil, had been given as lowered. This net was designed for use embarked him and re-launched into the 1 V: knots, and it was not clear whether from the platform when raised in its waves. she would pass north or south of usual position up the legs of the rig. David Bliss told Barry Garland and Guernsey. By about 2040, however, it Now 60 feet of it trailed in the sea, Roger Radcliffe to lie on the forward had become apparent from Decca posi- beside the lifeboat, threatening her canopy, which they unhesitatingly did, tions given by the tug that the rig had propellers. and told the survivor to hold tight in the been drifting much faster, and VHF/DF Two men crawled out across the bottom of the boat. Then, using half to bearings confirmed that she was in fact platform and began to descend on the three-quarters throttle, he successfully heading for the north west shore. Cox- inside of the scrambling net, presenting picked his way once more between the swain Petit therefore decided to inter- the lifeboat with a seemingly impossi- rocks and through surf averaging 10 cept her by passing round the north end ble manoeuvring problem to get at feet in height. It was a heavy, churning of the island, and he went to the them. Coxswain Petit, with only a 3 surf, with some tops reaching 14 feet as boathouse. knot advantage over the casualty but it was magnified by the narrowness of At 2100 the 52ft Barnett relief with very little time left to effect a the cove. The maximum distance be- lifeboat The John Gellatly Hyndman, rescue, closed the net as it fortuitously tween crests in the cove was only 10 on temporary duty at St Peter Port, twisted sideways so that four lifeboat- yards, for much of the time the inter- slipped from her moorings in the har- men could drag one man aboard. As vals were only a few feet, and there bour with Coxswain Petit in command. they did so, the net caught on the were times when it was continuous. The wind was west north west, lifeboat's anchor fluke and guardrails The boat filled with water, inevitably, strong gale to storm force 9 to 10, the just as the lifeboat dipped into a trough. and the helmsman says that, but for the night was dark, visibility was fair with The net snapped taut catapulting the self-bailers the engine would have been rain showers, and the tide was at half other man into the sea. The fouled net swamped. flood. swung the lifeboat in towards the Observers on the cliff saw the ILB The lifeboat steamed at her full speed tanker hull. Fortunately a lifeboat- completely engulfed by many 10 feet of 9 knots and encountered high seas as man managed to free the net and the dumping waves, with the two crewmen soon as she was clear of the lee of the coxswain was able to go full ahead and prostrate on the forward canopy to north end of the island. The numerous hard-a-port to avoid hitting the casual- prevent the boat from capsizing lights of the oil rig were sighted about ty's side. At the same moment, how- end-over-end. They also saw the boat 6'/2 miles ahead at about 2205. ever, the lifeboat lifted on a wave, her become airborne on the far side of the The four legs and platform of Orion mast hit the underside of the platform, waves, in spite of the very reduced were mounted on a tanker hull, with breaking off at its base and crashing on throttle. the legs extending to about 250 feet top of the starboard side of the

8 wheelhouse, missing everyone on Oil rig Orion went aground deck. The MF aerials stopped the radar on the north west shore of scanner, breaking its belt drive and Guernsey on February I. damaging its forward fairing so that it On Friday February 10 it filled with water. The net tangled in the was thought she was adrift: in fact, she had parted from DF loop as it passed aft, carrying the her barge, which had sunk, loop away. but was still held aground by Coxswain Petit stopped the lifeboat her legs. Her salvage crew as soon as she was clear, going astern of six were at considerable while the crew threw a line to the man risk as the rig might have in the water and dragged him aboard become unstable, so The with great difficulty. Fortunately he John Gellatly Hyndman, was not a big man. The rig had drifted the 52ft relief Barnett lifeboat on temporary duty on and the lifeboat now saw it bounce at St Peter Port, launchedto over an offshore rock and then run hard take them off. The wind was aground a minute later, remaining east north east strong gale level. It was just after 2300. force 9 and the sea was very There was no means of identifying rough; it was one hour the exact position at this time and the before high water, top of lifeboat crew in fact thought the rig was springs. The weather was half a mile further south than it eventu- overcast with snow flurries. The six men were safely ally proved to be. It was not until police taken off. car lights on shore illuminated some photograph by courtesy of familiar landmarks that Coxswain Petit Brian Green was able to establish the exact position among the rocks of this most hazardous lee shore. He could see, however, that with the casualty now apparently aground on a fairly even keel, the immediate danger to the crew was over. When, therefore, St Peter Port For this service the silver medal for age only 10 knots. Her tall orange Signals Station reported that a Sea gallantry has been awarded to Cox- superstructure became visible to the King helicopter was expecting to arrive swain John H. Petit. The thanks of the casualty long before the dark low pro- at 2340, Coxswain Petit advised Orion Institution inscribed on vellum have file of Leslie H could be seen from the not to attempt more evacuation by sea. been accorded to Deputy Coxswain lifeboat and the captain of the stricken The lifeboat's VHF was still working Lloyd de Mouilpied, Motor Mechanic vessel was able to con his rescuers and she used it to report the rig's exact Eric C. Pattimore, Assistant Mechanic towards himself. location. She then received instruc- Robert Vowles and Crew Members Coxswain George Dyer brought the tions to guide the helicopters in with Michael Scales, Robert Hamon, John lifeboat alongside the pilot cutter at parachute flares and this was duly done Webster and John Robilliard. 1250 on the first attempt, in 30ft waves at about 2350. with breaking crests, and immediately her two crewmen were safely taken It was impossible for the helicopters aboard over the lifeboat's port side, the to land on the platform and the lifeboat South Western Division captain preferring to remain and secure stood by for three more hours while a a tow line from the lifeboat. The most hazardous series of lifts was car- Storm tow pilot cutter's rudders were jammed ried out by the Sea Kings. Their rotor TORBAY DEPUTY LAUNCHING AUTHOR- hard-a-starboard and her position was blades were seemingly within a few feet ITY saw the 35ft pilot cutter Leslie H now about one mile south east of Berry of the rig's legs in the gusting winds, leaving Brixham Harbour at 1145 on Head. Fifty-six fathoms of 3'/2Jn nylon while the winchmen swung the width of Sunday, February 19, 1978. The tow rope was veered out and a slow the platform. The survivors could not weather was so bad that he tow was begun on a course of north by stand but had to crawl out on to the immediately became concerned for her east to gain an offing around Berry platform, as the casualty had safety and alerted the Coastguard and Head. developed a 9 degree list before once the lifeboat coxswain, who summoned The tow proved very difficult and more becoming steady. a crew by telephone to stand by in the erratic, with the casualty's jammed At 0245. after they had taken 25 sur- boathouse. rudders constantly yawing her to star- vivors off, the helicopters decided that The wind was east south east force 9 board so that the lifeboat's throttles lifting conditions had become so to 10. It had been blowing from an had frequently to be put into neutral to dangerous that, with Orion now safely easterly direction at gale or severe gale reduce the speed of tow. jammed into the rocks, the evacuation force, gusting to storm force, for more It was necessary to control the of the remaining six men should be than 30 hours. Visibility was poor, with lifeboat from the upper conning posi- deferred until conditions improved. rain, and the tide was in the third hour tion (UCP) on the flying bridge while The lifeboat then departed for St Peter of flood. towing and, after the towing procedure Port with her two survivors. At 1230 a 'mayday' was received had been established, Coxswain Her VHF now failed, so that she was from Leslie H saying her steering was George Dyer handed the wheel to Sec- without any radio communications or jammed, she was drifting southwards ond Coxswain Keith Bower with radar for the difficult passage out from 1 '/4 miles east of Berry Head and Deputy Coxswain Arthur Curnow on shore and around the north coast. required the lifeboat. The Coastguard his starboard hand to attend to the Communication with St Peter Port was rang the boathouse. throttles. Coxswain Dyer returned to faintly re-established at 0350, using a Three minutes later the 54ft Arun the flying bridge two minutes later and jury-rigged MF aerial, and hospital lifeboat Edward Bridges (Civil Service stood on its port side, next to the sec- transport was requested on arrival for No. 37) slipped from her moorings in ond coxswain, to give a course alter- the man who had been in the water. Brixham Harbour with Coxswain ation to north by west at 1302, as the The lifeboat landed her survivors at George Dyer in command. tow was now clear of Berry Head. The about 0420 and returned to her On clearing the breakwater, the seas intention was to make gradual altera- moorings at 0430. were such that the lifeboat could aver- tions in a long sweeping arc to port in order to coax the erratic tow slowly seen from this vantage point the The pilot cutter had intended to try round for a southerly approach course approach of the exceptional wave and to take a Channel pilot off a west- into Brixham Harbour, using the had just remarked to a companion that bound container ship. The pilot was deepest part of the bay in which to it would do some damage to the obliged to continue to New York, all turn. lifeboat. He then saw the lifeboat's other pilot stations being closed. After about eight minutes on this orange superstructure completely dis- For this service the bronze medal has course the lifeboat was approaching the appear and a column of spray rising 90 been awarded to Coxswain George 20 metre line. Apart from the three on feet from where she had been. He esti- Dyer and medal service certificates the flying bridge, there were two other mates it was almost five seconds before have been presented to Second Cox- men on deck. Crew Member John Ash- the lifeboat's orange top reappeared. swain Keith Bower, Deputy Coxswain ford was immediately aft of the flying The captain of the casualty saw the Arthur Curnow, Acting Motor bridge standing between the handrails entire keel of the lifeboat and both her Mechanic John Hunkin, Acting Assis- of the walkway leading aft on top of the screws. tant Mechanic Brian Caunter and Crew superstructure, while Crew Member As the lifeboat righted herself, Cox- Members Ronald Bradford and John Ron Bradford was on the after deck, to swain Dyer found that his glasses and Ashford. port of the watertight door to the radio one seaboot had been washed away. cabin (which was shut) and holding the He heard the shout of 'man over- starboard handrail of the ladder leading board!' and immediately dashed aft, South Western Division to the upper walkway and UCP. kicking off his other seaboot as he Acting Motor Mechanic John Hun- went. Jack-up barge kin and Acting Assistant Mechanic The tow rope had slackened and Brian Caunter were both inside the John Ashford had managed to grab it. AN 'ADVISE LAUNCH' from HM Coast- radio cabin with the two men already Then it was wrenched from his grasp as guard was received by the honorary taken off the casualty. All crew mem- the sea snapped it taught again. As secretary of Falmouth lifeboat station bers were wearing lifejackets and crash soon as it again slackened, the cox- at 2128 on Monday, November 28, helmets. swain seized it and flicked it back 1977, to take off the six-man crew of At 1310 Coxswain Dyer ordered both towards John Ashford, who this time the jack-up barge Mer d'Iroise, in tow engines into neutral as the pilot cutter was able to hold on. Then George of the tug Englishman about 11 miles sheered once more to starboard. The Dyer, Ron Bradford and Arthur Cur- east of the Lizard. The tow was on pas- lifeboat lost way and the wind now pulled him alongside and it took sage from Le Havre to the Menai Strait immediately veered her beam-on to the their combined strengths to hoist him and the tugmaster had become con- sea. A moment later, a freak wave of 30 on board, although he is only an aver- cerned for the stability of the to 35 feet with an additional 12 feet age sized man. oblong-shaped jack-up barge under the breaking to top. suddenly appeared on Second Coxswain Bower, mean- existing weather conditions; it had four the starboard beam of the lifeboat. while, had been trying to move the legs extending 70 feet above deck level, John Ashford saw it coming, turned to lifeboat astern to assist in recovering one at each corner. face it and ducked down with his arms John Ashford, but, unrealised by any- At 2145 the 50ft Thames class relief locked under the handrail in front of one, the mercury cut-out switches for lifeboat Rotary Service, on temporary him and his back braced against the the fuel pumps had been activated and duty at Falmouth, slipped from her handrail behind him. the engines were reduced to idling moorings with Coxswain Arthur West All crew members say that the wave speed and would not respond to any in command. seemed to push the lifeboat slowly over throttle movements. He shouted to the The wind was north east near gale to to port and laterally through the water coxswain on the after deck who gale, force 7 to 8, visibility was good as it hit and broke on to her beam. The immediately opened the after door and and the tide was at half ebb. coxswain on the port side of the UCP, informed John Hunkin, who, realising Lizard Coastguard could now see the just abaft the helmsman's position, what had happened, went forward into lights of the casualty and Falmouth glimpsed the radar scanner turning in the wheelhouse to operate the re-set Coastguard gave the lifeboat an inter- the water before he himself was com- switch for the mercury cut-outs on the ception course of 170°M. pletely submerged for two or three sec- fuel pumps. The lifeboat set course at her full onds. Second Coxswain Bower, behind As soon as full operation of the speed of 17 knots and VHP communica- the wheel, stood on the port bulkhead engines was restored Coxswain Dyer tion on Channel 16 was established of the UCP and was partially in the decided that the captain of the cutter between the casualty and the lifeboat at water. He estimates that the water must be transferred to the lifeboat. The about 2155. Lights and radar contacts came within a foot of the centreline of lifeboat was therefore taken astern and were picked up soon afterwards, about the UCP. Deputy Coxswain Curnow on the skipper taken off his bow on to the nine miles ahead, and the tugmaster the starboard side looked down from a lifeboat's port quarter. eventually reported that he could see braced horizontal position. The tow was resumed but shortly the lifeboat's blue flashing light. There afterwards, at 1320, it parted and Cox- being more than two vessels ahead of Ron Bradford held hard on to the swain Dyer wisely decided the derelict the lifeboat, and Coxswain West not after ladder and met the sea a few should be abandoned. She later cap- being certain of which heading the tow inches from his face, while John Ash- sized and sank under the cliffs of Berry was now on, the tug was requested to ford found himself floating astern. Head. identify herself by illumination, which In the after cabin, Acting Motor The lifeboat was now able to she duly did. After being once misled Mechanic Hunkin remained in his seat increase speed to 12 knots and landed by the lights of another vessel, the and Acting Assistant Mechanic the three survivors unharmed at Brix- lifeboat was eventually able to home in Caunter was thrown back against the ham at 1330. John Ashford was taken on the tow and make rendezvous with port bulkhead with one of the survivors to hospital suffering from shock, the barge at 2230 about eight miles east landing on top of him. exposure and strained arm muscles, of the Lizard. All agreed that the lifeboat seemed to but was allowed home five hours later. The tow was making about 5 to 6 stay in that position for a few seconds A consensus of crew and outside knots on a south west heading, the before coming up again. This impres- observer opinions, combined with a tugmaster being unwilling to expose the sion was also confirmed by another consideration of the parts of the barge to a beam sea while her crew crew member, who, having arrived at lifeboat's superstructure immersed in were still on board as it was feared she the boathouse as the lifeboat slipped, the sea on the port side, place the best might then capsize. had gone to watch the operation from estimate of the maximum roll at 110 The barge was roughly 110ft long by the top of Berry Head. He had in fact degrees. 70ft wide, and her four legs extended 40

10 feet below the surface as well as 70 feet would be too hazardous to attempt. storm force 11, with heavy rain squalls. above, although this fact was not The lifeboat therefore returned with The spring tide was in the fourth hour known to the lifeboat at the time. The them to Falmouth and the tug with her of ebb. heavy following seas were breaking tow waited off Falmouth to pick them Sir William Arnold maintained her over the stern of the barge so that her up again next day. full speed of 19 knots until she rounded decks were awash. The barge crew all were landed at St Martins Point. Then, with the tide Coxswain West took the lifeboat Falmouth at midnight and one sick man ebbing directly against the wind at 5 around the stern of the tow and came in was transferred to hospital. The knots, very rough seas were encoun- on her port side amidships. The barge lifeboat returned to her mooring at tered, so that Coxswain John Petit was pitching quite heavily so that her 0024. found it frequently necessary to ease legs were moving through an arc of For this service the bronze medal has the throttles to about 9 knots when about 30 degrees. She was also yawing been awarded to Coxswain Arthur C. cresting the larger waves. Visibility considerably, and keeping the lifeboat West and medal service certificates became so restricted by driving spray held fast alongside was a difficult task have been presented to Assistant that navigation was mainly dependent of co-ordination complicated still Mechanic Ronald F. Twydle and Crew upon radar and the Decca Navigator. further by the lifeboat's frequent ten- Members J. H. Mitchell, R. Prynn, R. The Port Signal Station told the dency to surf in the following seas. Andrew and A. Barnes. lifeboat at 2244 that a police car at The casualty's crew were all wearing Pleinmont Point had reported red flares lifejackets and ready to abandon. The fairly close to that position. Coxswain lifeboat crew waited for the appropriate South Western Division Petit therefore kept as close to the moments and then told them when to shore as possible on his approach and jump. Each man was safely pulled Sails blown out the lifeboat had even heavier breaking aboard in turn by the lifeboat crew in seas to negotiate as she crossed the an operation lasting a number of RED FLARES SIGHTED in the vicinity of numerous shoals in the area. The police minutes without either damage to the Les Hanois Lighthouse were reported car then reported that they could see a lifeboat or injury to any of the six to the honorary secretary of St Peter small light about a mile south of Plein- evacuees. In the prevailing wind and Port lifeboat station at 2215 on Friday, mont Point, and a French naval vessel, sea conditions, with the barge pitching, November 11, 1977. A quarter of an Detroyat, said she had seen red flares rolling and yawing quite dangerously, hour later the 52ft Arun lifeboat Sir and was going in their direction. this was a considerable feat of seaman- William Arnold slipped her moorings At 2317 the lifeboat saw a red flare ship and determination. in St Peter Port Harbour. ahead. Soon afterwards a small white Transfer of the men to the tug was The wind was west south west, light could be seen to the south and the considered but it was decided that it strong gale force 9, gusting to violent lifeboat altered course towards it. It

Rotary Service, the 50ft Thames relief lifeboat on temporary duty at 19, she stood by the Indian cargo ship State of Kerala/or nearly four Falmouth, at sea in easterly storm force winds when, on February hours awaiting the arrival of a salvage tug. photograph by courtesy of Cornish Photonews

r was visible only from time to time be- For this service a second bar to the The ILB intended to stand by the tween the swells and, a few minutes bronze medal has been awarded to fishing boat but at 1753 the Coastguard later, the lifeboat found that it was the Coxswain John H. Petit and the thanks reported red flares at Sea Reach No. 1 cabin light of the 25ft sloop-rigged of the Institution inscribed on vellum Buoy and the ILB immediately set yacht Cunopns. Her position was have been accorded to Deputy Cox- course eastward, arriving on scene at immediately south east of Pleinmont swain Peter N. Bougourd and Crew 1809. Sheerness lifeboat, the 44ft Ledge, about half a mile offshore, and Member Robert Hamon. Medal service Waveney Helen Titrnbiill, had also she was wallowing, bows south, with- certificates have been presented to been launched to this casualty, a 28ft out power. Her mainsail was gone and Motor Mechanic Eric Pattimore, Assis- sloop which was undamaged but incap- her jib was shortened to about three tant Mechanic Robert Vowles and able of weathering the severe condi- feet. Coxswain Petit went to the upper Crew Member John Webster. tions. All six people on board were wet conning position and he noted that the and exhausted and the Southend crew wind had veered to west by south but transferred four young boys to the ILB its force was being maintained. for safety. Sheerness lifeboat arrived at The lifeboat approached the yacht's Eastern Division 1812 and took all survivors aboard: a port side and could then see that those tow was passed with the help of a on board were sheltering in the cabin. Four calls Southend crew member placed aboard There were three men and one woman, the yacht, and the tow began to Sheer- who was the only one who could speak SHOEBURYNESS COASTGUARD sighted a ness. The ILB retrieved her third crew some English. They were asked to put fishing boat off West Shoebury Beacon member and stood by the tow until, at their lifejackets on before an attempt exhibiting a distress signal at 1550 on 1840, another yacht fired red flares was made to take them on board the Monday, June 6, 1977. The auto-klaxon near East Cant Buoy. lifeboat. to Southend-on-Sea ILB boathouse was Cogneto, a 26ft yacht, had run out of Deputy Coxswain Peter Bougourd sounded and the duty crew prepared to fuel and, being single-handed, could and Crew Member Robert Hamon launch. Meanwhile the Coastguard not be successfully sailed in the gale stationed themselves in the starboard telephoned the honorary secretary of force winds. One ILB crew member waist to receive the survivors, while the station, who agreed to the launch was put aboard to help the owner, who Assistant Mechanic Bob Vowles and and made his way to the boathouse on was very tired, a towline was made fast Crew Member John Webster prepared the pier. and the ILB stemmed wind and tide to take them inboard and Motor The wind was southerly, strong gale until Sheerness lifeboat returned at Mechanic Eric Pattimore manned the force 9, with a short, heavy sea. High 1945 to take over the casualty. radio and radar. water Southend was predicted at 1743. At 2000 the ILB headed east again to The afternoon was overcast with poor take off the crew of Anja but was The sea condition here was even visibility in rain showers. diverted to a cabin yacht in Leigh Ray worse than elsewhere because of the Southend's Atlantic 21, Percy which had split her storm jib and had proximity of Pleinmont Ledge over Garon, launched at 1552 and headed no engine. She was anchored by the which the seas were lifting and break- eastward for Shoebury Beacon where a ILB crew and her three people were ing. The yacht was being tossed in all 19ft open boat, Kelly, was found at taken aboard the ILB at 2100. directions by the heavy breaking seas anchor at 1606. The three-mile passage The ILB returned to Southend and by the wind, and it was a most was made in appalling conditions, with boathouse at 2145 after being continu- exacting task to bring the two vessels throttles having to be eased at nearly ously at sea for six hours. Only then did safely together. every sea. The three fishermen told the Helmsman Fossett say that he had Nevertheless the casualty's occu- crew that their engine had broken down been having difficulty with engine con- pants were successfully evacuated, one and that water was being taken over the trols. Although the crew had just at a time, in four successive alongsides, gunwales, but they did not want to returned from a long service they each lasting only seconds before the leave their boat. worked with the shore party to make yacht bounced clear 20 to 30 feet on The ILB was now in open waters in sure that the defect was remedied each occasion. It took all the strength the full weight of the gale, recorded at before they left the boathouse: the ILB that Peter Bougourd and Robert the boathouse as gusting to 45 knots, was reported ready for service at 2300. Hamon could muster to pull the largest and the crew agreed to attempt a tow The radio handset had been continually of the men aboard and the two into the shore. A line was passed and wet and reception was poor, but after lifeboatmen were themselves in danger the tow began towards Shoebury east drying out, it was in full working order. of being pulled over the side during beach. Although the sea moderated in For this service the thanks of the these operations. the shallower water, there was still a Institution inscribed on vellum have All four survivors were taken below heavy ground swell. The boat was been accorded to Helmsman Robert and given dry blankets in place of their moored some half mile offshore and the Fossett and vellum service certificates wet clothes, while the lifeboatmen on three men transferred to the ILB. The have been presented to Crew Members deck threw a grapnel aboard the yacht HMCG mobile reported heavy onshore Paul Gilson, Stewart Green and in an attempt to tow her to St Peter surf and Helmsman Robert Fossett Michael Green. Port. The grapnel soon pulled out, asked that the beach area be cleared: however, and Coxswain Petit wisely he then beached the Atlantic 21 at half abandoned her and returned as fast as speed, landing the survivors safely at North Western Division possible with the survivors, who were 1648. The ILB was turned and in complete agreement with his deci- refloated with some difficulty, the crew Saved yacht sion. They had been bound for St Peter being soaked through by this time, and Port from St Malo and had almost course was set for station. BEAUMARIS HONORARY SECRETARY reached the lee of St Martins Point At 1700 the Coastguard requested was informed by Penmon Coastguard when the storm blew their sails out and that the ILB pick up the ex-lifeboat at 0943 on Saturday, July 23, 1977, that the strong spring ebb carried them coxswain, Peter Gilson, and two the skipper of Rossekop, on passage westwards. fishermen, at the pier and take them to from Glasson Dock to Amsterdam and On arrival at St Peter Port at 0037, the Leigh Ray where the fishing boat now 20 miles north east of Point Lynas, the survivors were landed in care of the Anja was seen to have parted one of was injured and that the remaining six St John Ambulance and The Ship- her mooring warps in the gale. The men crew members were suffering from wrecked Mariners' Society, the were aboard at 1730, after one ILB seasickness. Maroons were fired and at lifeboat returning to her moorings by crew member had been changed at the 0115. pier. continued on page 33 12 During a two-day visit in April to Atlantic College. Si Donat's. HRH Prince Charles, now president of the International Council of United World Colleges, went out in the station's Atlantic 21 ILB. //<• was shown the controls before going afloat and took over the helm for a 20-minnle run in the Bristol Channel. photograph by courtesy of •Western Mail

(Below) Two Girl Guide brass trefoils, pre- sented to Eastney ILB station by 29th Portsmouth Guide Company, have been chrome plated and fitted to the console of Atlantic 21 Guide Friendship II.

Inshore Lifeboats

The Lions Club of St Ives successfully completed its most ambitions project yet when, during 1977. it raised the money to pay for a new D Class ILB. At a service of dedication on Easter Saturday led by The Reverend Di.uglas Freeman. \'icar of St Ives. the boat. Lion Cub I, was presented to St Ives ILB station by Geoffrey Kitchen. Lion Club president, and received on behalf of the Institu- tion by Cdr Jeremy Tetley, a member of the Committee of Management. photograph by courtesy of S. Bennetts

(Below) Port Isaac's new D Class ILB was dedicated on Easter Sunday by the Vicar of Port Isaac, The Reverend F. J. W. Maddock. She was the gift of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Round Tables and was presented by their area chairman. John Girdle stone. Surgeon Captain Baskerville. branch chairman, a vice-president of the Institution and chairman of the Medical and Survival Committee, received the boat on behalf of the RNLI. photograph by courtesy of Alice Dutton Despite gale force winds and driving rain, about 1.000 people attended the service of dedication on April JO of Abersoch's new Atlantic 21, Wolverhampton. The ILB, together with her tractor and boathtntse, provided b\ Wolverhampton lifeboat appeal, was presented by Councillor Mrs Jessie Beddoes, Mayor of Wolverhamp- ton, who unveiled a commemorative plaque. The cere- mony was followed by tea at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club, provided by South Caernarfonshire ladies' guild, during which guests watched Wolverhampton on exercise with a helicopter from RAF Valley. photograph by courtesy of Peter Westley

13 boathouse in a gale of wind, when it's Matthew Lethbridge, Junior, blowing and raining.' So, at St Mary's now there is one BEM crew. The shore helpers know that they are second in line, in reserve, and there are plenty of other seamen on the Coxswain of St Mary's Lifeboat islands who would be willing to go out if they were wanted. THE ONLY LIFEBOATMAN AT PRESENT SERVING TO Changes in the crew are few: '/ am quite pleased about that,' Matt HAVE BEEN AWARDED THREE SILVER MEDALS FOR has to admit. 'Proud in a way. Apart from GALLANTRY one chap who joined the boat recently when one of the older members retired, I don't suppose there is anybody in the boat by Joan Davies who hasn't been there for 12 years at least. Most of them have been there 20 or 'Grandfather . . . he was coxswain as his grandfather and father had done 30 years. I have always had a good experienced crew. They have all been at before Dad; and my Uncle Jim and before him, as crew member, bowman sea and earned their living by fishing or Dad were both in the lifeboat with him. and second coxswain. boating at some time. Some are perma- At one time, Dad was coxswain, my It meant a great deal to Matt, that nent workers ashore now, but in a place uncle was second coxswain, I was the when he took command in his early like this there is always the sea and there bowman and my two brothers Harry thirties, not only the younger members are always the boats. ..." and Richard, and my cousin, James, of the crew, but the older men as well It is interesting to look at the crew were in her as well. When my uncle readily gave him their full confidence. lists for the three St Mary's services in finished—he was a bit older than He still sets great store by the fact that recent years for which the silver medal Dad—/ went second coxswain with my his father, who continued for many for gallantry was awarded: the service father . . . then, a few years after I years as head launcher, came out in his to Braemar, in 1967; to Nordanhav in became coxswain myself, my cousin, crew on one service; and he still 1970; and to Enfant de Bretagne in he went second coxswain with me for a remembers a day, soon after he had 1977. Five names appear each time: spell. . . .' taken over, when, as he was on his way Coxswain Matthew Lethbridge, Jnr, The lifeboat tradition of family ser- down to the boathouse to go out on three silver medals; Second Coxswain vice at its best has flourished on the exercise, one of the older men, who Ernest Roy Guy and Motor Mechanic Isles of Scilly; a look at the family tree had been in his father's crew, stopped William Burrow, bronze medals in 1967 on this page makes that plain. For three him and said: 'If you're short-handed and 1970, vellums in 1977; Assistant generations, spanning 64 years, there at any time, I'll go with 'ee, boy.' Mechanic William Harry Lethbridge has been a Lethbridge at the wheel of Matthew Lethbridge prefers to keep and Crew Member Rodney Terry, St Mary's lifeboat: first, the eldest more or less the same crew. As he three vellums. Bowman Richard Leth- James Thomas Lethbridge, from 1914 explains: bridge was in the crew in 1967 and to 1925; then Matthew Lethbridge, Snr, 'There's a lot to be said for being the 1970, and Crew Member George BEM, 'Father Matt', from 1925 to 1956; same crowd in the boat all the time. You Symons in 1967 and 1977. The remain- now Matthew 'Matt' Lethbridge, Jnr, learn to trust each other more, I think. ing places were taken by Frederick BEM, coxswain since 1956. Grand- With length of experience, perhaps a simi- Woodcock (1967), Leslie Green (1970) lar incident will turn up again and you father, father and son. Moreover, at no and Roy Duncan (1977). For each ser- time since 1919 have there been fewer have learned from the first time. If you have too many people on the crew list, vice, all crew members, except those than two Lethbridges in the crew; for a some of them have got to be left behind on receiving medals, were accorded the little while there were six. Serving with the slip—and that after they have perhaps thanks of the Institution inscribed on Matt now are his two brothers: Harry, turned out of bed and run down to the vellum. who has been assistant mechanic since JAMES THOMAS LETHBRIDGE 1965, and Richard, who has been bow- coxswain 1914-1925 man since 1952. And the awards for gal- second coxswain 1901-1914 bowman 1897-1901 lantry made during these years reflect vellum, 1927, service to SS Concordia the fine quality of the service given. of Genoa When the young Matt Lethbridge took over from his father in 1956 he had indeed been set a high standard to fol- JAMES THOMAS LETHBRIDGE MATTHEW LETHBRIDGE Senior, BEM low. He was, however, already a sea- second coxswain 1927-1949 coxswain 1925-1956 bowman 1925-1927 second coxswain 1920-1925 man of exceptional experience. For the bronze medal and Italian bronze med- bowman 1919-1920 whole of his life he had known, from al, 1927, service to Italian SS teatoo silver medal and Italian silver medal, 1927, service to open boats, the waters round the 48 vellum, 1945, service to American liberty Italian SS /sabo ship Jonas Lie vellum, 1945, service to American liberty ship Jonas islands which make up the Scillies Lie together with 'the above water and bronze medal, 1955, service to Panamanian SS JAMES THOMAS LETHBRIDGE Mando sunken rocks', as the 'West Coast of second coxswain 1960-1963 England Pilot' sums them up, '. . . too joined crew 1947 numerous to admit of description'. He had been out working in boats round the islands, fishing, crabbing, laying MATTHEW LETHBRIDGE Junior, BEM WILLIAM HARRY RICHARD LETHBRIDGE down lobster pots . . . During the war coxswain 1956- LETHBRIDGE bowman 1952- second coxswain 1950-1956 assistant mechanic 1965- joined crew 1946 he had served in the high speed boats of bowman 1946-1949 joined crew 1947 medal service certificate, the RAF Air Sea Rescue Service in sta- joined crew 1946 medal service certificate, 1955, service to Panamanian tions as far apart as Stranraer, Inver- medal service certificate, 1955, service to 1955, service to Panamanian SS Mando Panamanian SS Mando SS Mando vellum, 1967, service to yacht gordon, Bridlington (where he came to chairman's letter to coxswain and crew, 1967, ser- vellum, 1967, service to yacht Braemar know Coxswain Tom Hutchinson vice to Torrey Canyon of Monrovia Braemar vellum, 1970, service to silver medal, 1967, service to yacht Braemar veltum, 1970, service to Swedish MV Nordanhav well), Africa—and even, yes, the Sci- bar to silver medal, 1970, service to Swedish MV Swedish MV Nordanhav llies! The war over Matt returned home Nordanhav vellum, 1977, service to French vellum, 1972, service to yacht Moronel MFV Enfant de Bretagne to St Mary's and, joining the lifeboat second bar to silver medal, 1977, service to crew, served an 'apprenticeship', just French MFV Enfant de Bretagne 14 Second Coxswain Roy Guy, who was a crew member at the time of the service to ss Mando (1955) and received a medal service certificate, also comes from a lifeboat family; his father had served for a few years as bowman and then second coxswain in the 1920s: his grandfather was in the crew with Mail's grandfather—but that was in the days of pulling and sailing lifeboats. Matthew Lethbridge Junior's years as coxswain coincide almost exactly with the time that Guy and Clare Hunt- er, a 46ft 9in housed slipway Watson class lifeboat, has been stationed at St Mary's. Matt, then second coxswain, was one of the delivery crew who brought her to her station just after she was built, in 1955: as she was not called

Guy and Clare Hunter, in gale force winds, standing by four or five miles off the islands. Radar the \acht Braemar before taking her in tow. May 22, helps (I don't lie awake now worrying 1967. about fog!) but even that, on a really bad photograph by courtesy of Bowman Richard Lethbridge night, is far from a hundred per cent. We are not worried about hitting the rocks. It's the ground sea set up by the under- (Left) Coxswain Matthew Lethbridge. Jnr, BEM. with his water ledges which is the trouble: in wife Pal. really bad weather it could swamp any boat—just turn her over. We can get a 20 or 30 fathom swell and it will actually The Isles of Scilly: produced from portion of BA Chart break. Imagine what sort of breaking No.1123 with the sanction of the Controller HM Station- wave it is with 20 fathom of water under ery Office and of the Hydrographer of the Navy. it. When there's a big ground sea it is worse getting from the lifeboat house to the Bishop Lighthouse than it would be going from here to Pen~ance—or to France, as far as that goes; in bad weather it would take us three quarters of an hour to get to the Bishop even going flat out. The keepers down at the light- house—their kitchen window is 95 feet high and there have been times, in had , JU h storms, when they have had the swells up mf* 17 'l-fCpson Sho*l !~~ f Wolf ffoc* It 54 level with that kitchen window; the room I « Ait Fl W R 30 MC 16 M s, a3'*" has been turned green inside with the green water.' At St Mary's they never use a drogue because, until they get out into open sea, there is no single pattern of water. 'It's all bits and pieces around here—patches of shallow ground', is out until after he had taken over from Over the years, many a fine vessel Matt's description. Of the tidal his father the following June, he was bound north for the Bristol Channel or streams, the Admiralty 'Pilot' says: the first coxswain to take her out on St George's Channel, looking for a 'The rotary off-shore streams run service. Since then, she has launched landfall in fog, many a small boat mis- towards the isles from a different direc- on service 152 times and rescued 103 judging her rounding of Land's End in tion at each hour of the day and, in lives: there have, of course, also been winter storms, have foundered on the passing round and between them, are other services in relief boats on tem- rocks. Vessels are recommended not to much affected by the trend of the land porary duty at the station. approach, in thick weather, within and channels, and by shallow water. As with all coxswains, the lifeboat is depths of 60 fathoms—a line which lies These effects vary with the direction of completely interwoven into Matt's life. about 18 miles westward and 22 miles the approaching stream so that the G//v and Clare Hunter even finds her southward of Bishop Rock, at the streams near and between the islands way into his house, for she is a favour- south-western extremity of the are subject to great irregularities and ite subject for the fine seascapes he archipelago—and there are shipping inconsistences. Though the streams paints as a hobby. He is striving after a separation zones to the south, west and round the isles are not of any great perfect portrayal of his boat at sea for east. Radar, Decca Navigator and strength, their rates increase off salient his wife. Pat, to have with her at home. other modern navigational aids have points, and over and near rocks and As well as oils. Matt is now moving on reduced the hazard both for ships pas- shores, where overfalls and races may to an even more exacting art—engrav- sing by, which can now stand further occur.' ing ships on glass. off, and for little boats feeling their way Whatever the weather, St Mary's But. back to sea . . . Ships of all among the rocks, but the dangers are lifeboat can get off the slip, though nationalities pass through the waters still there, lying in wait. launching is a little restricted on a very watched over from St Mary's, for the 'If anything is going to happen on a bad big spring tide. In really rough weather, Scillies reach right out from the west- night, I would rather it were 20 miles the most difficult part of any service is ern tip of Cornwall into the Atlantic. away than two miles,' is Matt Leth- getting away from the islands, and of French, German. Russian, American, bridge's comment. 'It's as simple as that. course, a casualty could be in any British . . . everything you can think of. We are always a lot better off when we are direction, through the full 360 degrees. 15 The first vital decision is which would the side of Torrey Canyon. / thought 'My unable to save her crew. be the best track to take out to sea? In God, he's gone . . .' It's terrible. Anyway, bad weather some of the channels as soon as we dropped back the crew 7 think about it time and time again. You are always thinking if only this or if would not be safe, even in a lifeboat. It said, 'He's all right! He's clear!' So we got him round the bows and aboard. ' only that . . . hut we had no time. From is always possible to get in and out of St the moment the 'mayday' was picked up Mary's Sound, between St Mary's and Then there was the Swedish ship, there was no waste of time at all. The St Agnes Islands, but if the casualty is Nordanhav, in 1970, listing heavily Coastguard reported it immediately, and to the north or north west, that means north of the Scillies in a force 8 gale: although we had no exact position, by going right round the islands. luck we went straight to her . . . and we 'We took ten off her that morning. It were going flat out. All we knew was that ' Your instinct would be to go out by was still dark; just before daylight. It just North Channel or Broad Sound,' says there was a trawler ashore near the didn't seem possible. Nordanhav was ten Bishop, so we started going that way, and Matt. 'We have always been lucky enough or twelve feet above us one moment and to get out, but it's a bit of a job sometimes your own experience tends to knock out then rolling her deck under the next. She some things. You know she won't be on to decide whether you ought to go that had a list on and the iron rails were going way or whether you ought perhaps to go the Bishop, because if she were the keep- under water and then coming up against ers would know, wouldn't they? But she the longer way. After all, you aren't doing our side while we were lying alongside any good unless you get there.' could be on rocks to the north or to the her. The noise! You never heard anything south of the lighthouse. So we thought Coming back to an unlit passage in like it. Her crew were having to run back our best chance was to make straight for fog or on a night when visibility has from the rails as the deck went under, the Bishop so that, if there were any lights closed right in, the crew can tell when wait the right chance and then jump, and or anything to give us a clue, we could see we grabbed them. And yet they all came either side. Then the keepers told us they the boat enters a sound by the charac- off and there wasn't one hurt. . . .' teristic shape of the swell. To deter- had seen steaming lights earlier down mine their position more closely, as Braemar, in 1967, had gone out to towards the South West Rocks, so we headed that way. . . . well as keeping a lookout for familiar meet Sir Francis Chichester returning 'Before we got there we smelt oil and landmarks, they will note the colour of home after his circumnavigation. She saw stuff floating on the water. We had sprung a leak in her engine room the water, or turn on the searchlight to started searching, and eventually saw see the nature of the bottom. Searching and started filling up 28 miles from part of what we thought was a trawler for a casualty among the rocks, Bishop Rock in a near gale gusting to among the white water . . . it was the perhaps the smell of oil, or debris on strong gale. Guy and Clare Hunter set worst place you could get, probably, at the water, will give a clue. Seagulls, out at 0625 on May 22 to join two ships, that particular state of the tide because disturbed and crying out, may lead the Trader and British Fulmar, searching the sea comes in from three different ang- lifeboat in the right direction. The for this large motor yacht: les into a neck. We thought she was at the lifeboat engines will be stopped some- back of the rocks, so we tore round the '// was a bad day, with rain squalls as back and put more flares up, but there times while the crew shout to see if well. Now, you can pick up rain squalls on was nothing there. We knew we had seen anyone answers from the rocks. . . . radar, and eventually one of the ships got something but we didn't know quite what. To listen to Matt describing some of the idea of asking the yacht to transmit We came back to the same spot . . . it was his experiences at sea is almost like when the squalls were passing her. They only a matter of two or three minutes . . . being given the privilege of being taken traced her that way. . . . and saw it again. The trouble is, with a 'They sent for a salvage tug and we flare, you've only got a second or two and aboard his boat. There was the service stood by . . . then we noticed she had a big in 1967 to Torrey Canyon, aground on whatever is there is being smothered with coil of nylon warp on her deck, so we said breaking water as well . . . the Seven Stones, when, in two spells, if they would give us the end of that we 'So then we went in among the rocks. St Mary's lifeboat was at sea for 54 would try to get them into Newlyn. . . . We knew there was a passage—I've been hours: 'We parted different times. The snag through there hundreds of times in fine was she kept sheering one way—as if her weather. We went in close and fired 'During the night we were just steaming rudder was jammed over. Every now and another flare, and there was just a little around her, standing by, and even above then we would be right abreast of her. We the engines you could hear all her plates bit of the trawler's bow and the tip of her would slack off everything and come back mast sticking up. While we were looking, groaning and creaking. Her after part and try to get ahead of her again. We had was afloat and she was pivoting and in comes another boiling sea, what we a right day of it! The worrying part was, call a rage. It was obvious we couldn't grinding on the rocks. Then, at about she was supposed to be sinking and we three o'clock in the morning there was a stay there. The only thing I could do was hadn't heard any more about the tug . . . just hope to get through to the other side crash and a/I her lights went out. We just We were towing for 13 hours or more. At steamed straight in towards her . . . we of the rocks and come up round again. So one spell when the tide was coming back we went in and hard over the other way thought she had broken in half. Some round the Lizard we were going so slowly cables broke, I suppose . . . but then the and out round the back . . . we certainly that we only made half-a-mile's progress weren't more than three minutes . . . but emergency lights came on again. . . . in two hours. It was about half past two 'Next morning the wind had freshened by the time we got back there was abso- the following morning before we got into lutely nothing left—just part of the bow 25 up from the north east. There were gale Newlyn. ..." warnings, so the skipper agreed that we feet up on the rock. should take off the rest of the crew—we When St Mary's lifeboat takes a ves- 'When divers went down two or three days later a/I they could find was the had already taken 14 off and put them sel in tow, it is likely to be one with a engine and engine bed on the bottom; the aboard the Trinity House tender Stella. fair displacement, so they now carry So we went in. There was a bit of lump boat herself, she had smashed to two lumps of chain on board. The smithereens in no time. Sometime after, alongside her and the lifeboat was rang- chain, put in the middle to the tow ing about a lot. Anyway, we got eight of we found marks on another rock where she must have hit on the way in; there them aboard. When the lifeboat came up, rope, weighs it down; when the chain they had to jump from the rails and a cou- starts coming up through the water, the were marks where the gallows had struck ple of our blokes caught them and landed coxswain knows it is time to ease down along the rocks. We must have been right them on the rope box. This ninth one—it's on the engines. over her stern when we went in . . . we terrible the things that happen—we told At the annual presentation of awards were as close as that.' him to jump but he hesitated; he started to at the Royal Festival Hall on May 16, Summing up lifeboat service, Matt jump, changed his mind, and then Coxswain Matthew Lethbridge, Jnr, maintains: decided to go. By this time it was too late received a second bar to his silver '// is the women, waiting at home, that and he went down between the boat and medal, for the service to the French Torrey Canyon. We had just one rope have the worst of it. Out on the water we forward and I shouted out, 'Let go.' The trawler Enfant de Bretagne which have worries, of course we do, but we are man on the bows hadn't made it fast foundered on the South West Rocks on on the spot and we can tackle them. We because of the range. He was just tending the night of February 13, 1977. It is, know what is happening. It's not nearly as it. So he let go quickly and I came full naturally, a great distress to Matt that, bad as just having to wait. It's the women astern. That boat came in, bang, against despite all their efforts, they were who have the worst of it.' 16 Backroom organisation Knott, coxswain at Lowestoft, whom I had known for many years—indeed we once crewed together in a reserve lifeboat on a special escort job from The author, Alan Neal, Dover to Calais. He had recognised me deputy secretary (Opera- while I was on my way round, greeting tions Division) runs arrivals. I suppose mine was the first through details of the final programme with his familiar face he had spotted among the team (I. to r.) Norman throng. Ford, station personnel On average about 15 coxswains, supervisor, David Link- crew members or 'shore boat' seamen later of rescue records travel to London every year to receive staff, and Norman medals for gallantry at the Royal Festi- Stripp, rescue records val Hall. Their wives, and sometimes supervisor. their children, come with them as the guests of the Institution and it is the special responsibility, and pleasure, of Across a Crowded Room my team—at present Norman Stripp, rescue records supervisor, Norman Ford, station personnel supervisor, THOUGHTS ON THE ANNUAL PRESENTATION OF David Linklater of rescue records staff, and myself, to ensure that all members of the party, which in a 'busy' year can AWARDS FOR GALLANTRY number at least 50, enjoy their visit and take home happy memories with them. When there are a large number of guests, Keith Peters, who works in the RNLI London office, helps us to escort by Alan Neal our guests. It has been the tradition of the RNLI Deputy Secretary (Operations Division) for very many years to entertain medal- lists and their families for the two days they spend in London and the occasion 'AH! THERE'S THE RNLI,' exclaimed the gives the Institution's staff the oppor- coxswain of an East Anglian lifeboat tunity of meeting very brave men and who had travelled to London to receive making new friends among our lifeboat a medal for gallantry at the Institution's colleagues on the coast. During that annual presentation of awards at the first evening a number of RNLI people Royal Festival Hall. The scene was the will call in, if only for a few minutes. I crowded lounge of the Rubens Hotel at can hardly remember, for instance, a which the Institution accommodates year in the past quarter of a century the medallists and their wives: the when Pat Howarth, public relations time, the evening before the presenta- officer, or John Atterton, now deputy tions, when senior members of the director, has not been there. Usually Morning . . . RNLI staff come to welcome the each medallist will be supported by the lifeboat people arriving from the coast A long, happv day for medallists and their station honorary secretary and his families starts with a photographic session and to discuss with them the prog- wife. And so the party assembles, on the embankment outside the Royal ramme for the following day. It was ready for what always proves to be one Festival Hall . . . 1977: gold medallist Sec- back in 1975 that I caught those of the most memorable and happy days ond Coxswain Keith Bower of Torbay heart-warming words above the general on the Institution's calendar. arrives with his wife, Rosalin . . . conversation; and there was Tommy Coincidences have occurred. In 1975 a Suffolk station honorary secretary met a Scottish station chairman. They knew each other well in the business world but neither was aware that the other would be in London for the pre- sentations. That same year silver med- als were to be presented to Coxswain Albert Bird from Aberdeen and to Cox- swain Ben Tart from Dungeness. Now, one of the greatest rescues in the his- tory of Dungeness station was to the motor vessel Teeswood, in 1956, when Albert Bird had been one of Tees- wood's crew; it was because of his . . . 7975: silver medallists Cox- experiences that day that he later vol- swain Ben Tart of Dungeness (I.) and Coxswain Albert Bird of Aber- unteered for the lifeboat service. And deen meet after nearly 20 years . . . then, after nearly 20 years, Albert and Ben met at the Festival Hall. What a reunion that was! The sole aim of my team, indeed of 1974: bronze medallists the staff as a whole, is to ensure that Helmsman Donald Jones of Rhyl our guests thoroughly enjoy themselves and Helmsman Benjamin Pearson while they are with us. The day of the of North Berwick 'kit up' ready to presentations can perhaps best be meet photographers and press. described as informally formal—at

17 . . . afternoon . . . Presentation of awards . . . 1964 at the Central Hall, Westminster: presentations were made by HRH Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, then president of the Institution. Alan Neal and Norman Stripp, act- ing as ushers for the medallists, can be seen in background . . . photograph by courtesy of Sport and General Press Agency (Below) . . . 1974: Coxswain Derek Scott, BEM, of The Mumbles, guest speaker, made a truly memorable speech. On his left, Cdr Ralph Swann, CBE RNVR, at that time chairman of the Institution . . .

least we try to make it so. It begins with one of the most convivial breakfasts that any hotel can ever witness; and we are at hand to answer questions, deal with any problems, or just chat. At 9.15 we give the party a run-down on the timetable of events for the day. It is a tight schedule beginning with . . . 1975: (left) end of the after- press and television interviews and noon, tea in the Royal Festival Hall photographs on the Thames Embank- foyer. From Workington, bronze ment outside the Royal Festival Hall, medallist Coxswain Albert Brown followed by a sightseeing tour of cen- and his wife Margaret with Captain David Thomas (I.), station honor- tral London and back to the hotel for ary secretary. lunch at noon. The Rubens Hotel is not far from Buckingham Palace and our everyone adjourns for tea and biscuits made more than one trip to London to return nearly always coincides with the in the foyer. During the refreshments receive medals during those years, was Changing of the Guard, to the great His Royal Highness talks with the updated from time to time. delight of the younger members of our medallists and their wives but they are Flanagan, who had great regard for party and, I imagine, to some of the also in great demand by their Members the RNLI, used to stop the show and adults as well. of Parliament, Mayors, old friends and announce that RNLI medallists were in Lunch over, the medallists and their the press. the audience; spotlights picked them guests are driven to the Royal Festival Tea over, the party is conducted out and the applause they were given Hall where, at three o'clock, the meet- back to the hotel for a short break and a did your heart good to hear. ing begins, supported by eminent men light meal before going on to a theatre Alas, the majority of shows now- and women from public life and witnes- as guests of the Institution. After the adays do not allow for announcements sed by an audience of some 2,000. show everyone comes back to the hotel to be made from the stage during the Unless other official engagements for supper, which this year will have performance, but some theatre man- make it impossible, it is the normal been a gift to the medallists and their agements have arranged back stage practice for His Royal Highness The families from Mrs. Anne Wall. The ten- parties and meetings with the cast in Duke of Kent, as president of the sions of the day are forgotten and only recent years. One memorable occasion RNLI, to present the medals for gallan- pleasant memories remain. By now was when we met Anna Neagle and the try following the reading of the cita- there has been time for everyone to get cast of 'Charlie Girl'; another was a tions by the director, Captain Nigel to know each other well and there is a party given by the management of the Dixon. fine party atmosphere. If there are Vaudeville Theatre and the cast of The speeches of the afternoon are Welshmen among the medallists we are 'Salad Days', which the entire cast both interesting and entertaining; the sure to have some singing .... attended and which lasted well into the first is given by the chairman of the It is difficult these days to choose small hours; and there was the time Committee of Mangement, the second what can be described as a 'family when the cast of 'There's a Girl in my by a guest speaker. At the AGM in 1974, show' in London to suit the tastes of 50 Soup' came round to the front of the the Institution's 150th anniversary or so people, but this year our guests house to talk. year, Coxswain Derek Scott of The will have seen the musical 'Oliver' at While the medallists are in their com- Mumbles gave a speech none of us who the Albery Theatre. If the reviews are fortable seats enjoying the show it were there will ever forget, and how we anything to go by they will have had a seems a far cry from the gales, storms laughed with our good friend, most enjoyable evening. We were for- and cold in which they won their Raymond Baxter, in 1975. This year tunate in the early post-war years to be awards. the principal guest speaker will have able to book annual seats for the Crazy The backroom organisation of the been Clare Francis, just back from the Gang show which featured Bud annual presentation of awards falls to round-the-world yacht race. Presenta- Flanagan and his henchmen. I recall several different departments of the tions to voluntary workers and a vote that for at least ten years running the Institution but it is one of the Operation of thanks brings the business of the day medallists and their families saw this Division's jobs to ensure that travelling to an end, and soon after four o'clock show which, luckily for those men who arrangements, accommodation, cater- 18 ing and entertainment for our guests the thanks of the Institution inscribed cal airs as they have done so well for are arranged down to the last detail. on vellum. It was the first time for very the past ten years or more. This year, The most important thing we have to many years that the RNLI had made unfortunately, they will not have do is to make sure that the medals awards for gallantry to foreign nation- played for us because their own com- themselves are ready on time and a few als and I remember how impressed the mitments made it impossible, but we anxious moments have occurred when, pilot and his wife were with the whole shall look forward to having them with because of manufacturing delays, med- atmosphere of the meeting. I can also us again in 1979. als have reached us only days before recall the time when the AGM, as the Up to 1972 medals for gallantry were the meeting. Over years of sometimes meeting was known in those days, presented at the annual general meeting nerve-racking experiences we have coincided with St Patrick's Day and a of the governors of the Institution, but built up our own 'fail safe' measures; coxswain from the Republic of Ireland in 1973 it was decided to hold a sepa- for instance, the medals are now gave Princess Marina a box of sham- rate business meeting for the governors removed from the office safe a day or rock in return for his medal. in the morning (the AGM) and to follow two before the meeting because one I am sure that our American friends it up by another meeting for the presen- year when we went to unlock the safe took back with them to the USA happy tations in the afternoon. This proce- on the presentation morning the key memories of their visit, but our meeting dure does, among other things, allow broke in the lock! It was several hours was certainly not unheard of over there more time to be devoted to the actual before a locksmith could be found to years before. In the old BBC Trans- medal presentations, citations and retrieve the medals, which finally atlantic Quiz days, in the immediate speeches. RNLI medals for gallantry arrived at the hall with literally only post-war years, on one programme the have not always been presented at the minutes to spare. A few more grey question was asked from London: 'On Institution's annual meetings. It is hairs—but an important lesson had what annual occasion in England is the recorded that in 1902 ex-Second Coxs- been learnt. Sailors' Hornpipe danced?' Back came wain James Haylett of Caister was pre- I have had the privilege of being a the quizzical reply: 'Would that be the sented with the gold medal for gallantry member of the organising team for annual meeting of the Royal National by King Edward VII at Sandringham, upwards of 30 years and can look back Life-boat Institution?' Alas, that is not when Haylett earnestly expressed his on many outstanding occasions. Since so. The hornpipe was in fact danced by hope that His Majesty would live to be 1947 five men have been awarded gold the boys of TS Arethusa at the Shaftes- a hundred years old and then die and go medals for gallantry; Coxswain bury Homes annual prizegiving day. to heaven. Thomas King of Jersey, who sadly died The boys' own brass band provided the There is no doubt that our visitors to earlier this year aged 92; Coxswain music and they were trained by a chief London enjoy themselves as did a Richard Evans, BEM, of Moelfre, who yeoman of signals who had served in Scottish second coxswain, James Sim has been awarded two gold medals; HMS Sheffield for the whole of the war. of Fraserburgh, who, on his return Coxswain Hubert Petit of St Peter Port, I must say that endless possibilities are home nearly 50 years ago told the Guernsey; a former lifeboat inspector, conjured up by the thought that RNLI press: 7 cannot get words to express Harold Harvey; and Second Coxswain staff should dance the hornpipe at the the fine way I was treated. Supposing I Keith Bower of Torbay. When Keith annual presentation of awards but had been a lord I could not have been Bower and his crew went up on to the perhaps we had better leave it to the better looked after'. It will be our aim platform last year to receive their med- band of the Royal Marines to continue to maintain our high standards of hospi- als they received a spontaneous stand- to set the scene before the presenta- tality in the years to come—that's the ing ovation. There is no doubt that, tions begin with their melodious nauti- RNLI! year by year, audiences find the meet- ings uplifting. I can well remember, a . . . and evening. few years ago, a lady coming up to me afterwards and telling me that she had felt inspired to collect more money The dav over, a theatre than ever for the RNL1. I am quite sure party of medallists and that a great many of our fund raisers go their families . . . 1966: the away determined to redouble their late Coxswain Gordon Elliott of Padstow (silver efforts after watching the medallists medal), Skipper Ian Innes going up on to the platform, one by of Helmsdale and Crew one, and listening to the citations which Member Donald Laker of sum up so much endeavour and endur- Weymouth (bronze med- ance in so few, quiet words. als) and 12-year-old Ian There was one occasion, in 1955, Gillies of Gourock when the silver medal for gallantry was (inscribed wrist watch), presented by Her Royal Highness Prin- meet the cast of 'Charlie Girl', (1. to r.) Jane Mur- cess Marina, Duchess of Kent and at doch, David Torguri, that time our president, to th'e pilot of a Stuart Damon, Anna United States Air Force helicopter, Neagle, Lyn Ashley, Joe Capt Curtis E. Parkins, for the rescue Brown, Christine Holmes, of a man from the South Goodwin Derek Nimmo and Hy Lightvessel; his crew were accorded Hazel.

SERVICES AND LIVES SAVED BY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE LIFEBOATS January 1, 1978 to April 30, 1978: Services 363; lives saved 146 THE STATION FLEET (as at 30/4/78) 134 offshore lifeboats 126 inshore lifeboats operating in the summer 50 inshore lifeboats operating in the winter LIVES RESCUED 103,405 from the Institution's foundation in 1824 to April 30, 1978

19 A Corner in Cumbria

WORKINGTON, SILLOTH AND ST BEES: THREE LIFEBOAT STATIONS ON THE SOLWAY FIRTH AND ITS SOUTHERN APPROACHES

THREE CUMBRIAN STATIONS, St BeeS, alarmed at what I had heard; for the tide only accommodate small vessels and Workington and Silloth, complement- advances with such rapidity upon these fishing boats these days. Silloth, higher ing each other, are the guardians of the fatal sands, that well-mounted horsemen up the firth, with a tidal basin and wet southern approaches to the Firth of lay aside hopes of safety, if they see its dock, is used for the import of grain, Solway and of the firth itself, just as white surge advancing while they are yet building materials and cattle, exporting at a distance from the bank. Kirkcudbright and Kippford guard the 'These recollections grew more agitat- scrap metal, while Annan, at the limit waters to the north. ing, and, instead of walking deliberately of navigation, can only be reached by 'Shipping bound for Whitehaven, I began a race as fast as I could, feeling, vessels of light draught with local Workington, Silloth or Annan in Firth of or thinking [felt, each pool of salt water knowledge. With its swift tides, the Solway', advises the Admiralty 'West through which I splashed, grow deeper Solway Firth is no place for pleasure Coast of England Pilot', 'should make St and deeper.' boats, although wild-fowlers go out in Bees Head since the best, and only Well, it was Redgauntlet, on horse- the marshy upper reaches. marked, navigable channel lies in the Offshore cover for the southern south east portion of the firth.' back, who, on that occasion, rescued the stranded lad from the sea: at low approaches to the firth is given by Approaching ships will first pass tide the sands still lure the unwary from Workington. A station was first estab- cliffs, backed by the rising ground of safety, but nowadays an ILB would lished in this port in 1886 following the the Lake District, until, having have done the job . . . wreck of the schooner Margaret of rounded St Bees Head and steamed on It is of passing interest that 'Red- Ramsey with all hands. Closed in 1905, towards Workington, they enter the gauntlet' set in the eighteenth century it was reopened again in 1948 to take English Channel, leaving to port the in the twilight days of Bonnie Prince the place of Maryport. Workington's first of the sandbanks which make the Charlie, was published in 1824, the first lifeboat had been The Dodo, a 34ft firth such a treacherous waterway, and year in which the RNLI was founded. open self-righting boat rowing ten oars to starboard the beginning of a Twenty years earlier, in 1804, a double banked; her present boat, foreshore of rocky ledges and stones, Greathead Original was stationed at moored in the dock, is the 46ft Watson outcrop and boulders. Whitehaven—she was the Solway Sir Godfrey Baring. Throughout the 'The channels on the north side of the Firth's first lifeboat. years, however, the threat of the sand- firth are unmarked and subject to con- Since those days there have also banks, particularly when the wind is stant change: they should not be attemp- been lifeboat stations at one time or south west through to west, has not ted without local know/edge,' says the changed: 'Pilot'. And again, 'The upper part of the another at Maryport (1865-1949, closed firth is encumbered with continually because of silting up in the harbour) January 1887: ss Rheola bound from shifting drying sandbanks interspersed and Seascale (1875-1895). Whitehaven Carthagena for Maryport with a cargo of with channels; buoys are moved as station was closed in 1925. Before leav- iron ore, grounded to the north of Work- necessary to meet the changes. Conse- ing these older stations perhaps we ington pier in a strong south west breeze. quently this area is left blank on the could pause for a timeless word from December 1889: ss Lady Eglington charts, and . . .' the repeated warning the late A. E. Jolly, who was the first bound from Cardiff for Workington with '. . . navigation within it should not be motor mechanic at Maryport in the a cargo of coke stranded on the north attempted without a pilot . . . the rate 1930s. Describing the service to ss shore in a strong south-west breeze. and range of the tidal stream is consid- Plawsworth in a south-westerly gale on January 1950: ss Turquoise of Glasgow erable and the rise from low water very- aground one mile north of Maryport in a rapid, especially near springs when there January 17, 1934, he wrote: westerly gale. may be a bore. It is said that as the tide 'Occasionally a wave would come along October 1952: ss Baron Dunmore of rises the sea advances across the banks that was father of them all. There is time Ardrossan laden with iron ore aground so rapidly that a horseman if caught by to look round on a wave like this. Over on the south side of the channel. the tide at some distance offshore would our stern is the last wave that we rode, hare small chance of escape ..." already yards away, with the tops of There have been times when ships, Sir Walter Scott knew all about that; others beyond it. I thank my lucky stars I arriving from distant lands and unable he made these treacherous sands the can enjoy this majestic scenery . . .' to enter harbour in bad weather have scene for the meeting of Darsie Latimer Although set against the background had to ask the lifeboat to bring out pro- with Redgauntlet and his mounted sal- of the high lands of the Lake District, visions or take off sick or injured men mon fishers. After the riders began to the littoral of the Solway Firth is busy as no other boat could get out to them. make for the shore, Redgauntlet gal- with everyday life: industry, com- The station honorary secretary is loped back to warn Darsie, who was merce, fishing. Captain David Thomas, harbour mas- lingering on the sands looking towards There is Whitehaven, exporting coal ter and so right on the spot, and several the shores of England: and detergents and importing grain, of the crew are pilots or work in the ' ". . . Are you mad?—or have you a chemicals, phosphates, timber and docks—that number includes the twins mind for the next world?" fish. At one time three ships to carry Joe, second coxswain, and Bert Reay. ' "I am a stranger," 1 answered, "and phosphate rock from Casablanca were Coxswain Albert Brown, who was a had no other purpose than looking on at 'tailor made' to fit Whitehaven's tidal coxswain pilot, is now up at the steel the fishing—/ am about to return to the harbour: as tonnage increased they works. When the maroons are fired he side I came from." have been superseded by bulk carriers is on his way down immediately, pick- ' "Best make haste then," said he. which have to anchor off, but the three ing up other members of the crew on "He that dreams on the bed of the Sol- smaller ships still ferry in the cargo. his way. One January night in 1974, the way, may wake in the next world. The Workington, with a tidal harbour and a lifeboat was called out to a fishing ves- sky threatens a blast that will bring in the waves three feet a-breast." wet dock, ships in pig iron, liquid sul- sel Kia-Ora, dragging her anchor half a 'So saying, he turned his horse and phur, oil, vulcanic ash, pumice, bricks mile east of Hestan Island in storm rode off, while I began to walk back and coal, and ships out ingot moulds, force winds. Because of the very rough towards the Scottish shore, a little rail track, pitch and tar. Maryport can seas and the depth of water there would 20 be at that state of the tide (one hour after low water), the lifeboat had to take the outside course to the island. When she arrived at the casualty it took great seamanship and determination to manoeuvre her alongside, but a young boy and seven men were successfully taken off. For this service the bronze medal for gallantry was awarded to Coxswain Brown. Co-operation between the station branch and the ladies' guild is strong at Workington, and both are well backed up by the local sailing fraternity: Har- rington Fishing and Sailing Club, of which Albert Brown is a committee member, and Vanguard Sailing Club, several members of which sit on the lifeboat committee. There is no doubt that everyone enjoys their mutual lifeboating activities. Every year the guild holds a dance, well supported by both lifeboat and sailing people, as well as organising nearly new sales; in the 12 years since it was formed, the guild has raised more than £10,000. When Harrington Fishing and Sailing Club runs a wine buffet evening at West- lands, the lifeboat ladies are invited to put on a tombola and raffles; and on its bonfire night the club invites the ladies to go round with collecting boxes. Another way the club helps: when its members go out lobster potting and netting, they cook crabs and bring them down to the club for people to take what they want, putting money in one of the club's four or five lifeboat boxes. The two Workington sailing clubs unite under a common banner to pro- duce a joint racing programme and run two annual events in aid of the RNLI: a could be taken to the lakes as well. She and from there takes to the water. The race to Ramsey, Isle of Man, and the is towed along the coast road to the local police are always ready to help Whitehaven RNLI gala race. launching point nearest to the casualty keep the road open and ensure that the Sir Godfrey Baring, ILB's land passage is clear. Workington's 46ft Wat- St Bees may be a young station but it son lifeboat, recovering already has a strong corporate spirit. from capsize in trials Last year a new crew room was built after she had been fitted and this winter a new boathouse, all at with an air bag to give no cost to the Institution. None of the her a self-righting 12 crew members has ever claimed the capability. small awards made for services or

When the Duke of Atholl, a deputy chairman of the Institution, visited Workington last year he met members of the crew and also officers and members of both Workington and Maryport ladies' guilds. He presented the silver badge to the chairman of Workington guild, Mrs G. J. A. White, standing on his right. To the south of Workington, round the headland, is the youngest of the Cumbrian stations, St Bees, where a D class inflatable ILB is 'on duty' during the summer months. She was the gift of Egremont and Whitehaven Round Table and her concern is, to a great extent, holidaymakers who get into dif- ficulties in the sea or along the coast. Last summer, for instance, she was launched to help sailing dinghies, fish- ing boats, inflatable dinghies and peo- ple stranded on the cliffs. While her base is at St Bees, this inshore lifeboat, kept on a road trailer, can answer calls over a very wide area: from Working- ton in the north to Millom in the south, and, of course, were it necessary she 21 exercise, all the money being put straight into the building fund. Their wives, who have now formed a ladies' guild and sell souvenirs in the boat- house, helped to raise money for the project and various gifts of materials were received from local people. The building itself was done, at no charge, by Community Industries, the aim of which is to provide practical experi- ence for young people having difficulty in finding work. A very fine enterprise, whatever way you look at it, and, at the end, a very fine shore establishment. Leon Goldwater, honorary secretary of St Bees station branch, was himself once a member of Hartlepool ILB crew, and holds the distinction of being the first helmsman to take an Atlantic 21 out on a night service. The crews of both St Bees and Sil- I860: The launching of Silloth's first loth are certainly representative of the lifeboat, Angela and Hannah, and . . . activities of the communities they serve: inshore fishing, teaching, engineering and electrical work, farm- ing, accounting, driving (crane, fork lift, bus), shopkeeping and a number of other occupations. Silloth, which has the longest history 1977: Some of the present ILB crew and of any of the present Solway lifeboat branch members with their training stations, is situated well up the firth. board: (I. to r.) Jim Graham, DLA, Pulling and sailing lifeboats were Senior Helmsman Colin Akitt, Crew placed here from 1860 until the station Members Derek Wilson, Robert Bell, was closed in 18%, to be re-opened as Dick Jordan and George Ritchie, and an all-the-year-round ILB station in George Egdell, honorary secretary. 1967. Despite this 70-year gap tradition has been handed down and the links fitted with water ballast tanks. missing. The fishing boat, her propeller between yesterday and today are still Good vision is of particular import- fouled by nets, was eventually found at strong; for instance, the grandfather of ance in an area of shallows and shifting 0854 and the ILB then towed her Robert Bell, who is now a crew sands where, indeed, the hazards and towards Maryport until another fishing member, was in the crew of the 1890s. the passages that can be navigated, boat was able to take over. By the time Silloth's present boat is a 19ft Zodiac even by a shallow-draft boat, vary hour she returned to station and was Mark V inflatable inshore lifeboat of by hour with the ebb and flow of a very rehoused it was 1046, and she had been the type illustrated on the front cover swift tide. A search may have to be at sea just on ten hours. Although crew of the summer 1977 journal. The gift of made at night (navigation lights are car- members had been changed during that the John Gilpin Trust, she is named ried on John Gilpin's steering console) time, Senior Helmsman Colin Akitt had John Gilpin and is unusual in that she and that search may be prolonged. On a remained in command throughout. has a standing steering position to give frosty night in early May 1977 the ILB In such waters, for which there is no the helmsman better height of eye to launched at 0055 to search for a detailed chart, local knowledge is of the read the sea and sandbanks; she is also Morecambe Bay prawner reported greatest importance, and so Silloth branch worked out an extensive St Bees: (1. to r.) Leon Goldwater, honorary secretary, Stanley Kelly, DLA, Jim Baty, station instruction programme for its younger, administrative officer, Crew Members Ian McDowell, Russell Cranston, Jack Soittham, less experienced crew members. It was Michael Goldwater and Bill Forbes, and Malcolm Reid, DLA. In background (I.) the new crew room nearing completion; a new boathouse has been built since this photograph was Bill Irving, a professional fisherman taken. and a deputy launching authority, who suggested the training board which is now a feature of the boathouse. He himself made the plywood board, on a wooden frame, 6 feet by 6 feet; then, together with George Egdell (station honorary secretary) he marked it off in two inch squares and drew in the high water coastline from an Ordnance Sur- vey map. With the help of Bill Wilson (also a fisherman and a DLA) the low water line and sandbank outlines were marked in, the main channel being shown by pins of different colours indi- cating whether or not the buoys were lit. Landmarks and compass roses were added and the lights of towns and vil- lages shown by yellow circles. Jim Graham (another DLA who is also the station's mechanic) surveyed the hazardous Dubmill Point area and Allonby Bay and reproduced them on 22 one corner of the training board. While Fred Williams (I.), With the aid of this board, Bill Irving appeals office super- planned a course of lectures on local visor, spins the drum, navigation, with particular reference to Tom O'Connor (centre) tidal variations, the accessibility of draws the winning tickets in the RNLl's second lot- areas according to tidal time and tery at Poole HQ on height, and deviations from courses March 31. With them are necessary in different weather condi- Joyce Pearce, who tons; another point made was the rela- organises the lottery at tionship of moonlight to the tides. To HQ, and Cdr Ted Pritch- make full use of the training board Bill ard, appeals secretary. A Irving devised a game. Each crew splendid total of £35,000 member drew one card from two sepa- was raised by this second rate packs. On one card was given the lottery. date and time of the call and the dura- Second lottery winners £50; Miss C. E. Dunmore, Redhill; P. tion of the service; on the other was Dowd, Newbury; G. Skinner, Lon- given the area of search and visibility. COMEDIAN TOM O'CONNOR drew the don; I. Whittaker, Chester; J. McFad- The crew member then had to describe winning tickets for the second RNLI den, Dunstable; Mr Pumpkin, London; the courses he would take to the area of national lottery at Poole on March 31 in B. Parkinson, Harrow; D. W. Smith, search and on his return passage to sta- the presence of Major-General Ralph Preston; T. A. Jackson, Manchester. tion, giving the navigational points he Farrant, chairman of the Committee of With a sales limit of £40,000, this would use and drawing attention to any Management, John Atterton, deputy second lottery raised nearly £35,000. difficulties and advantages he might director, Cdr Ted Pritchard, appeals Some entries which arrived too late expect to find. To complete the training secretary, and members of the RNLI for the draw are being transferred to programme, Jim Graham spoke on the headquarters staff. Mr O'Connor, who tickets in the third lottery. Additional structure and mechanics of the ILB and was accompanied by his wife, children tickets for the draw to be made on on his study of the coastline from Sil- and agent, Billy 'Uke' Scott, one of the September 29 are available from the loth to Dubmill Point, and Dr Robert elite Water Rats, kept everyone laugh- Appeals Department, RNLI, West Yule (honorary medical adviser) gave a ing as he drew the tickets and took Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ. course of instruction on first aid. great interest in all he was shown on a Thus was knowledge and experience later tour of the RNLI building. The Winners of the third lottery will be shared; a combined, thorough exercise, prizewinners were: announced in the winter 1978/79 issue typical of Silloth's cheerful dedication. £1,000: P. F. Tee, Salisbury. Of THE LIFEBOAT. Once again, here is a station which in itself is a happy family with everyone, Lloyd's choir record whether they belong to the crew, the A STEREO RECORD has been made by branch or the ladies' committee, ready Lloyd's of London Male Voice Choir, to give whatever help is needed, and conducted by David de Warrenne, in which is well supported by the local conjunction with the RNLI, all pro- community. Alterations to the boat- ceeds being given to the lifeboat ser- house? Crew and committee members vice. On side A are four carols; on side all contributed their various skills and B four folk songs. their hard work (' When I think of Colin Lloyd's, which began in a London Akitt it is through a spectrum begin- coffee house in about 1688, was already ning with seamanship and ending with established as a marine insurance mar- a paint brush', is George Egdell's Brian King, a member of the Lifeboat ket at the beginning of the nineteenth summing up). Fund raising? The Enthusiasts Society, with three non-working century and in 1802 its underwriters souvenir stall in the boathouse is kept models he has made, two for the RNLI and gave £2,000 to 'encourage the building one for himself, of Margate's new 37ft 6in open at all times in the summer season, Rather lifeboat Silver Jubilee (Civil Service of lifeboats'. right up to 10 o'clock at night. Bill No. 38). Built mainly of GRP, they took The record is available from the Shanks (branch honorary treasurer) is about 20 months to complete. William RNLI City Office, 40 St Mary Axe, in charge and gives up endless time (not Osbornes, Jack Groves and LBES members London EC3, price £1.50 including to mention space in his own sitting helped with advice and photographs. postage and packing. room which doubles up as a souvenir store); he is helped by George Egdell, A diorama, depicting the launch of Arbroath lifeboat Robert Lindsay in the tremendous storms of October 26, 1953, made by the Army Apprentices College Model Club, Arborfield, Jim and Agnes Graham and many other Reading, was entered by Berkshire branch in the national championship of the International crew and branch members who come in Plastic Modellers Society. It was outright winner of its class. to give a hand. Last year the shop tak- ings were over £3,500. The station has need of a particular item? There always seems to be someone ready to help—the crew themselves, the Friends of Silloth Lifeboat, Silloth Rotary Club, or sometimes support comes from further afield; when laun- chers waders were needed, they were given by Wigton Ladies' Circle. A corner in Cumbria; three lifeboat stations, each with its different type of boat, contributing differing but com- plementary capabilities to a common, devoted service at sea; and each by the sheer joyous, wholehearted approach of its people contributing great strength to the Institution as a whole in the best lifeboat tradition. J.D. 23 Fig. I: Bilge keels, port and starboard, take weight of hull so that Fig. 2: After end jacked up so that holes can be drilled through mild steel ballast keel can be slid into place. deadwood for keel bolts, the longest bolt being 3ft 6in.

forefoot, hog or deadwood. Those Building a Rother Class Lifeboat going through the deadwood are the longest—the one furthest aft being no less than 3ft 6in long—and, to give PART VIII: BALLAST KELL room for their holes to be drilled and the bolts driven through, the stern of MORE THAN TWO TONS of mild steel are being bolted into place the bilge keels the boat has to be jacked up as shown forged into the Rother's ballast keel. will be galvanised. in Fig. 2. Each bolt has a countersunk Together with such heavy members as The ballast keel is fixed with 38 3mm head with a protruding key which, the twin diesel engines, set low in the bolts of varying length depending on driven up into a prepared groove, hull, the purpose of the ballast keel is to the depth of the centreline structure prevents the bolt from turning. lower the centre of gravity of the boat through which each has to pass: (To be continued) and thus increase her stability. Acting like a pendulum, it helps counteract the effect of wind and waves on hull and superstructure; the greater the heel and the higher the keel is lifted up through the water, the greater will be the force of the righting lever bringing the boat back on to an even keel. Fig 3: Looking up into the Before the ballast keel can be slid starboard propeller tunnel, into position under the hull the blocks lower end of rectangular on which her centreline structure has propeller freeing scupper been resting must be moved. So blocks can be seen clearly and also, are now built up under her bilge keels, further forward, the hole which will take the stern tube port and starboard, which will carry the for the propeller shaft. Out- hull weight. These bilge keels are cut 3 board of the tunnel cant can from 6in x 3'/2in x Ain mild steel angle be seen the four starboard and bolted on with '/2Jn galvanised cockpit relieving scupper aluminium bronze bolts; before finally openings.

Crew Member James Kevin Osborn was injured badly, had been working at the RNLI at Poole depot on April 11. of Littlehampton has been awarded the the mast top in a bosun's chair. The gift results from a visit by HRH The Royal Humane Society's certificate of Duke of Kent to the new Lister Power commendation for the rescue last Plant works at Thrupp, near Stroud, October of a man thrown into the water R. A. Lister Power Plant Ltd pre- which he opened last September. when a mast collapsed. The man, who sented a generator worth over £800 to Asked by the company's directors to nominate a charity to receive a presen- tation generating set, the Duke, as pres- ident of the RNLI, nominated the Institution. The set will be available for Presentation of Lister gener- ator: (1. to r.) Mike Pennell, any station needing emergency power. executive assistant to director RNLI, John Atterton, deputy RIGHT WAY UP director RNLI; Cdr David Wil- An exhibition telling the story of ford, superintendent Poole the self-righting lifeboat is being depot; John Ball, production director R. A. Lister Power staged at the Science Museum, Plant; Cdr Ted Over, RNLI South Kensington, until Sep- staff officer (technical); David tember 3. It will be open to the Purkis, chief contracts public from 1000 to 1800 Mon- engineer, Lister; Coxswain days to Saturdays and from 1430 Frank Ide, Poole lifeboat; to 1800 on Sundays. John Ward, an electrical Admission free. wireman, Lister. 24 and a supervisor are able to keep their Marianne, receive the paperwork from heads above water with the member- our accounts office. They sort it out ship figure currently standing at 47,000 into new members and renewals and and rising! Well, up to June 1977 all the pass it over to the VDU operators, work was dealt with manually on a another Linda and myself. The mem- monthly basis. Everything was written bership clerks also deal with all the cor- down and sent to a centre in Croydon, respondence regarding subscriptions where it was processed on comput- which are paid through the bank. They ers—and, believe me, the end of the are responsible, too, for sending out Shoreline monthly 'run', as it was called, left us membership cards together with any all breathless. We would have a few insignia which may have been ordered. days break in between the work going The VDU operators process member- to Croydon and it being returned to be ship forms on the computer and make Section any necessary amendments for existing sorted and filed, during which we would deal with work which was con- members; for example, changes of sidered less urgent—queries and insig- address or increased subscriptions. TO MAKE A CHANGE from the usual nia orders, for example—but which The work is then passed to Peggy, Shoreline page, I have asked Linda was nonetheless important. Inevitably our correspondence clerk who, besides Grainger, one of my assistants, to write delays occurred which often resulted in being second to none at deciphering about the work of herself and her col- additional correspondence .... signatures, is happy to answer any of leagues. First of all, however, I am When in June the computer visual our members enquiries. pleased to announce that RNLB display units (VDU) were installed in Lastly, but by no means least, we Shoreline has been allocated to Blyth, a the Shoreline office, we set about learn- have Carol, our covenant clerk, who station on the north east coast of Eng- ing how to operate them and tried to deals with no less than 16,000 land established in 1826. We shall have find the best way to handle the work covenanted subscriptions. Watching a great deal to tell you about Blyth as load in order to achieve the smoothest her at work I feel sure she would quite time goes by. possible running of the office. We happily deal with 50,000 covenants, so And, before I hand over to Linda, 66 seemed to be everlastingly reorganising it seems a great pity that more sub- new members were signed on at Bristol and reallocating the work and it was scriptions are not convenanted as, Boat Show in April—well done!— some months before we began to see besides the extra benefit this would PETER HOLNESS, membership secret- any real change for the better. bring into Shoreline, we all wonder ary, RNLI, West Quav Road, Poole, We are now divided into sections. Dorset, BH15 I HZ (Tel. Poole 71133). Two membership clerks, Christine and continued on page 32

No doubt you remember that, in the spring 1978 journal, mention was made Linda Grainger operat- of the fact that Shoreline members are ing one of the two visual now enrolled straight on to computer display units linking from head office. Well, I am one of a Shoreline office directly merry band of six girls who are respon- to the CMC computer at sible for seeing that all new applica- Croydon in which mem- tions for membership are dealt with bership details are without delay and with the greatest recorded. The link rep- ease. We also deal with membership resents a considerable renewals, insignia orders, our mem- saving for the RNLI in labour, postage and bers' correspondence and a great many time. In background, other aspects of the membership Frank Dean, Shoreline scheme. superviser, and You may ask yourself how six girls Marianne Billings.

THE INCHCAPE HARD COURT TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS OF GREAT BRITAIN BOURNEMOUTH

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 18 to SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 1978

Twenty per cent of the price of all tickets sold will be donated to the RXLI.

Special reduced prices for season tickets will be available through our branches and guilds.

Here is a first class opportunity to see championship tennis in delightful surroundings. Further details from Anthony Olver, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset.

25 river port of Bere Ferrers. Its maritime traditions are old and strong. Recently 11 industrious ladies of the village organised a sponsored knit-in for the RNLI, raising £52.70 in two hours. A bring and buy stall, tea with home- made cakes and a raffle brought the result of the afternoon's activities to Some £77 for Tavistock branch. The multi- coloured knitted strips are being made into a blanket for another charity. A sponsored swim undertaken in January by pupils of Barnard Castle School, Co. Durham, raised a stagger- ing £1,463, of which £400 was raised by juniors in the preparatory school. The young daughter of the swimming instructor, Katherine White, achieved Rupert, lifeboat collector par excellence: 24'/2 lengths and one boy, Nicholas Captain and Mrs F. Wilson's African grey Oliver, raised £42. parrot does his trick of duty at their front gate. Being a talkative bird, he is very per- Mrs Mabel Thomas, one-time honor- suasive and in just three weeks last August, ary secretary and still a stalwart collected more than £12 for Falmouth member of St David's ladies' guild, ladies' guild. raised £30 this year by selling paper leeks for St David's day in a local shop. Lymington branch and ladies guild raised £714.84 at Beaulieu Boat Jumble, Despite weather that would have held for the first time on Sunday April 16. kept any sane person indoors by his Marine jumble collected by branch own fireside, the 'Any Questions' members brought in £475.19; £30.30 evening held by Pangbourne branch at came from the sale of lOp tickets for the A total of 400 RNLI lottery tickets Pangbourne Nautical College on Feb- Southern District's competition for a sold by one person is a record set by ruary 3 was very nearly a sell-out. The Saab motor car, and the guild sold £94 Stuart Maggs of Hythe branch. Well panel consisted of Sir Havelock Hud- worth of souvenirs. A final sum of done Mr Maggs—but are there any son, chairman of Lloyds, Tony Durant, £ 115.35 was raised by an auction held by challengers? MP for Reading North, Sheridan Mor- the organisers of Beaulieu Boat Jumble ley, author, broadcaster and theatre at the end of the day; a loudspeaker How about individual flag day collec- critic, and Baroness Phillips, chairman request to stallholders to donate any- tors? Roger Cope, a member of Bir- of the Association for the Prevention of thing they did not want to take away to be mingham branch committee on leave Theft in Shops; the chair was taken by auctioned off for the RNLI met with a from Canadian Pacific, collected Alastair Scott Johnston (doing penance generous response and Don Smith, of £149.56 in about 7'/2 hours in Birming- for 18 years on the BBC's 'The Navy ham's main shopping street on April Lark'). College six-formers asked 22. A week earlier, in Wolverhampton, questions that led to an interesting and Bob Proudlock, the branch honorary enjoyable evening, at the end of which secretary, collected over £92 on the the profit for the RNLI was £300. street, with Malcolm Timmins, the chairman, running up at over £78. 1977 was a bumper year for Rustington and East Preston branch. A Lying comfortably in a bend of the record amount of £1,650 was raised River Tavy, about a mile from its con- from their flag day, coffee morning and fluence with the Tamar, is the ancient a sponsored walk.

Faced with the problem of transporting a 35ft mast ten miles from Venton to the yacht he is building at Oreston, Peter Compton turned the exercise into a fund-raising event. The sponsored marchers, who raised £125 for Plymouth lifeboat station, were met at Lyneham Inn by Coxswain John Dare and members of his crew. photography by courtesy of 'The Western Morning News'

Pauline Morris, chairman of Newquay ladies' guild, Cornwall, and her husband, Mr M. H. Morris, station honorary secre- tary, run a dance club in aid of the RNLI which meets at the WI Hall every Saturday evening. A small charge is made for mem- bers and visitors and voluntary contribu- tions for tea and biscuits are collected in a lifeboat box. The Toshiba amplifier was a gift to the branch. Between June 1975 and September 1977 a profit of £975 was achieved—and they are still dancing. 26 Montagu Ventures who organised the Five hundred people Jumble, proved a fast and lively attending Gorleston auctioneer. lifeboat hall gave a big 'send off to a mammoth The owner of the Regency hair- fund-raising event by- dressing salon in Otley. West York- Great Yarmouth and Dis- trict Round Table No. 41. shire, has thought of a new way of The Tabler.i aim to raise increasing the takings in her lifeboat £10,000 for the Institution collecting box: she has gathered a large with a sponsored voyage collection of paperbacks and from Great Yarmouth to magazines which can be borrowed and Glasgow by ILB. Montmo- read—providing 5p is placed in the rency the dog was given to box. them as a mascot by Mrs Thelma Dowding, ladies' Bridgwater branch raised £270 for guild chairman. The ball the RNLI with its autumn ball at Chit- itself resulted in a record profit of i\.212. ton Trinity School. The tombola was photograph by courtesy of the most successful the branch has ever 'Yarmouth Mercury' run. and during the evening two gallon bottles of whisky were raffled. Poole ladies' guild started its tenth year with an Milton Southsea branch, formed in exhibition of crafts at February 1977. had a splendid first which there were demon- year, raising £3.223. This amount strations ranging from the included £677 raised during their making of Dorset buttons lifeboat week, which culminated at the < 13-year-old David Johns), time of the Jubilee Fleet Review at to enamel craft I Mrs Renate Wadham). Peter Fallon shows his macrame to (I. to r.) Mrs Margaret _ Adam, guild chairman. Mrs Molly Sedgewick, honorarv treasurer, and Mrs Mary Verner, honor- ary secretary. During its ninth \ear. 1977. I'oole guild raised £9.200. photograph by courtesy of 'Poole and Dorset Herald'

Brownies of the 4th Bishopbriggs Pack, Glas- gow, seen with Guider. Mrs Sheena Smith, give the income of their Her Grace Lavinia, Duchess of Norfolk. monthly tuck shop to the patron of Linlehampton branch, presented lifeboat service. Gradually a silver statuette to Mr R. J. C. Richards, a their contribution has former treasurer of the branch, during Lit- increased: 1973, £3.40: tlehampton's lifeboat ball last autumn. With 1974. £6.50: 1975. £5.40: them is Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Compston, 1976. CII.45: and 1977, chairman of the Fund Raising Committee. £14 . . . Ar the end of an evening very much enjoyed. photograph by courtesy of £5f<2 hud been raised for lifeboats. Brian Swinburne . . . While Brownies of the 13th Durham I below left I and 9th < below right) Packs are helping the RNLI hy collecting foreign coins. The Brownies also took part in a poster competition and the three best entries were displayed at a coffee morning held for the R\'l.l in the spring at the Town Hall, Durham.

27 For one day during London lifeboat week in hoth 1977 and 1978. Peter Elgar, a Shoreline member, set up a stand at British Airways Engineering West Base. Heathrow Airport, using his own boat as centrepiece. In 1977 he and his colleagues collected £57.28 for Staines and Ashford branch: in 1978 they collected £85.40, which was made up to £100 by the Joint Shop Stewards Committee. (I. to r.) John Denn. Peter Elgar and Geoff Andrews.

The 7-ixex Club, supporters ofPewsey branch, used the white horse they had made for Pewsey Carnival to raise money for the lifeboat service, towing it on wheels from Pewsey via Salisbury, Downton, Spithead: also a generous donation of Fordingbridge, Ringwood and Christclnirch to Mudeford. £300 was £335 from McMurdo Investments: and raised by sponsorship and en route collections. Mudeford station a film show and presentation in welcomed the party, took over the horse and used it for a further Portsmouth's Guildhall on the fund-raising effort on Boxing Day before finally burning it in January. RNSA/Whithread Round the World A gentle tap from Robert Race given by Southern Television Morley on a Salmanazar personality Barry Westwood and champagne bottle releases Rohin Knox-Johnston. a member of the £150.65 in pound notes, Committee of Management, and pennies and half-pennies others, which raised £1,136. collected for the RNLl by The White Hart public A branch manager of Wavy Line house at Margrave be- Grocers organised a sponsored raft tween June last year and race which raised the staggering March. Ian Malim. the amount of £6,250. The cheque was manager, looks on. A guess-the-amount compet- received on behalf of Southend-on-Sea ition brought in £60.70. branch by Sir Alec Rose, several of photograph by courtesy of whose books 'My Lively Lady' were 'The Maidenhead also raffled; the resulting £100, given to Advertiser' Sir Alec for his local branch, has been apportioned between Havant branch A sponsored 25-hour game and Walmer. where The Hampshire of crib played by Brighton Rose is stationed. policemen. Sgt. Peter dear, PCs Dave Rowland. Sore feet have figured prominently Harold Green, Kim Wood. during the last few months as we hear Roger Charles and WPC of various sponsored walks. Walkers Sue Bought en, raised £1,058 for Brighton's new from Kastleigh and Chandler's Ford ILB station. The cheque raised £315.95. Arthur Roberts of was presented by Dame Gravesend needed all his determination Vera Lynn to Charles Wil- when a misdirection sent him some son, chairman of Brighton miles further than the planned 38 miles: station branch. With them nevertheless he finished the walk and are (I.) Ian Wallington, DOSISEl and (r.i WPC Bought en.

The ladies oj Kirkburton guild. West Yorkshire, together with many friends, volunteered to be extras in a training film made recently for the National Biscuit Company at Hillards stores. After a very entertaining afternoon, the guild was presented with a cheque for £100 by Barry Lockwood, an executive oj the company.

Mrs Bill Bennett of the Dolau Inn, known to everyone as Maudie, comes from a seafar- ing family and has given so much help to the lifeboat service over many years that she has been made an honorary member of New Quay ladies' guild, Dyfed. Her annual col- lections have increased so much that her lifeboat box has had to be replaced with a specially topped collecting bottle. During 1977 her efforts realised £250.

2S Twickenham and District Branch held a 'Thank Yon Evening' for all their friends and helpers at the British Motor Yacht Club last November. After a cheese salad and wine supper came entertain- ment by international cabaret artists Joy and Jennifer. After many encores, they even tried to accompany the singing of (I. to r.) Jack Sims, Bob Tough, branch chairman, George Powell, then DOS (1. to r.) Adrian Moore, Richard Lane (aged (North London) and 14) and Nigel Rankin (aged 16) of Newmar- Richard Wilson. ket are already confirmed lifeboat suppor- ters. With school assemblies, a sponsored walk, a jumble sale and their flag day collec- tions they have raised more than £500. Their ambition: to become crew members.

Litchfield ladies' guild organised their tenth annual fork luncheon in the spring, cooking, preparing and serving all the food themselves. Held, as usual, in the Guildhall it was a sell out, some 250 people attending; the profit was £340. Having been given a monster potato by a raised £55. In October Petersfield variety of events were organised customer, the landlord of The Sir Douglas branch organised a 15-mile walk which including a sponsored swim, a tuck Haig, Effingham, Rod Davis, and his wife, included an 888 ft climb up Butser Hill, shop, a lunch-time disco and a Frost Jean, held a competition to guess how many raising £528. Fair which, due to the temporary clos- bags of crisps could be made from it. At lOp ure of the school, had, alas, to be held a guess, £23.60 was soon raised for the The Queens Head Inn, Cullercoats, in balmy, spring-like weather. RNLI. photograph by courtesy of is a strong supporter of the local ILB 'The Surrey Daily Advertiser' station. Earlier this year the licensee, Girls from Hastings High School visited their local lifeboat station in March to present a Danny Goering, and bar manager, John cheque for £600 to Hastings and St Leonards branch, the result of their 1977 charity project: it Wedderburn, presented two cheques to is twice as much as they have ever collected before. The project was launched in fine style by Helmsman Ned Clark and other crew a film show and talk given by Coxswain Joe Martin (seen receiving the cheque from last year's members; £70 for the crew fund and head girl) and Motor Mechanic R. Shoesmith. The girls then took over with great enthusiasm, £60 for the RNLI. The money had been organising all kinds of fund-raising events. Jack Cooke, chairman of the Board of Governors, raised in a number of ways including and Mrs Spendlove, headmistress, are second and third on the left. raffles and domino cards, pool compet- photograph by courtesy of 'Hastings Observer' itions and lOp bets on a racing car machine. West Wight ladies' guild raised over £3,500 last year from the sale of souvenirs and Saab draw tickets, and £511 from a coffee morning and a boutique held in July at King's Manor, Freshwater, the home of Mr and Mrs A. J. Sheldon. A further £306 was raised at a Christmas Fair held in Yar- mouth Town Hall in December.

A haircut raised £19.50 on Christmas Eve when Engineer Cadet Ciaron Cal- lan, on board British Ranger, had his hair cut in public on the condition that crew members watching donated 50p each to RNLI funds. The 'Sweeney Todd' who did the cutting was Third Engineer Gerry Gwynn.

£65.79 was the total raised during the spring term by the children of All Saints Church of England (Controlled) Primary School in Wellingborough. A 29 IRELAND, station honorary secretary, Dun Laoghaire, Caprera, Grosvenor Terrace, Sorrento Road, Dalkey, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Letters... Knock for knock? As a close reader of the journal for many years, I have come to the conclu- sion that few of the ways of raising funds which are thought to be original The RNLI in Ireland states that a co-ordinated lifeboat ser- are, in fact, unique; but I think that the Having been for more than 21 years vice existed round Canton as early as one I am about to relate is probably honorary secretary of one of the 1737.) unusual. busiest lifeboat stations in Ireland, I The Dublin Bay service was active in Last February I parked our family was naturally much interested by the the lifesaving business from its incep- car by the kerb for a few minutes and fine article in the spring issue of THE tion. Not only are there references to returned just in time to see it receive a LIFEBOAT by my friend Brian Clark, as its services in numbers of the influen- heavy blow on the front bumper from a well as by the late Captain Hall's recol- tial 'Naval Chronicle' of the first much larger car. The bumper was lections of his stint as Irish district decade of the last century, but, thanks pushed out of line and the offending inspector. May I be permitted to add a to the care taken of its archives by driver, a company director, gave me few historical notes to these? Harry Gilligan, secretary of Dublin the card of his company who subse- The barque wrecked at Seapoint, Co. Port and Docks Board, and some of his quently agreed to meet the cost of Dublin, on Christmas Eve 1895 was not predecessors, records have survived repairs. It proved a simple matter to Norwegian but Finnish. Her crew and of a number of its rescues—crews' restore to the apparently normal passengers were later rescued by the names, ships served, numbers rescued appearance; but a bracket had been left Irish Lights 'Commissioners' tender and so on. Dublin Port continued to a few millimetres out of shape. Having Tearaght. Relics of the rescue record- control the Dublin Bay lifeboats regard to the disturbance necessary to ing the skill and courage of the late (whose earliest boats, incidentally, cost get it off for treatment, it was decided Captain McCombie of the Irish Lights just under £100), long after the RNLI to let ill alone. were unearthed by Brian Clark quite entered the Irish scene with the estab- Telling the company that they would recently. Until last year there had lishment of the Arklow station in 1826. therefore have nothing to pay, I sug- always been relatives of one or other of It was not indeed till the appalling gale gested that as a thank-offering they the 15 victims of the 1895 disaster in the of February 1861, in which a score of might like to make a donation to our crew of the Dun Laoghaire boat. The ships and many lives were lost in the local branch, and, lo and behold, they last left us last year: our very popular Dublin area, showed up the defects of sent them £10. motor mechanic, Charlie Blackmore, the boats provided by the port author- This is not to be taken as suggesting who in 30 years to his retirement, had ity that the RNLI took over the three that dedicated supporters might leave taken part in 219 services, 26 of them in remaining Dublin Bay stations, Howth, their cars in vulnerable positions in the gale conditions and six in dense fog, Dun Laoghaire and Poolbeg. hope of raising funds in a similar man- resulting in all in the rescue of 178 peo- In the early years of the Dublin Bay ner!—NORMAN CLARKE, honorary ple. He is now caretaker at the recently lifeboat service the outstanding figure information officer, 41 Victoria Road, automated East Pier Lighthouse at Dun was a Co. Kildare man, William Hutch- Colchester, Essex. Laoghaire. Opposite the local lifeboat ison, former naval officer, then haven station is a granite plinth bearing the master at Bulloch, Dalkey, and later names of the 1895 victims. first harbour master at Dun Laoghaire. Lifeboats at model regatta Brian Clark briefly records that 'the This remarkable man, an outstanding Two years ago Crosby Model Club Ballast Board', which was the popular figure in Irish nineteenth century adopted a lifeboat and each year holds title of the Corporation for the Preser- maritime history, was the first Irish a model boat regatta at which we col- vation of the Port of Dublin, ancestor lifeboatman to win the Shipwreck lect around the lakeside for our of the present Dublin Port and Docks Institution (later RNLI) gold medal, for lifeboat. In the past we have given Board, 'had disposed a number of the rescue of the crew of the collier demonstrations using models to simu- lifeboats round Dublin Bay at the Duke aground in a gale at Sandycove late rescues and staged mock battles beginning of the (nineteenth) century'. Point in 1829. Last year Mr Gilligan, with model warships. We have just had The Dun Laoghaire and Howth whose interest in William Hutchison another idea. lifeboat stations are very proud of their had been aroused when our researches With model lifeboats becoming so pre-RNLI origin, which, I feel, began to reveal what an exceptional popular we thought it would be a good deserves rather greater attention than man he was, obtained from Mrs Joan idea to give lifeboat modellers a chance Brian Clark affords it. A committee of Blundell, resident in England, a to get together, to exchange ideas and the pre-Union Irish Parliament, great-granddaughter of the recipient, at the same time help raise funds. If abolished in 1800, had taken public Hutchison's original gold medal for enough modellers would like to come evidence from master mariners and display at the newly-established Irish to our regetta we will give them a dis- others of the notorious perils of Dublin National Maritime Museum in the play stand and models will be judged Bay in those days, and in consequence former Mariners' Church, Dun for authenticity and appearance on the the port authority had been asked and Laoghaire, where William Hutchison water by representatives of the RNLI. had agreed to set up stations with worshipped, and on one of whose walls A trophy, to be held for one year, lifeboats round Dublin Bay. These first there is a plaque to his memory. would be given to the modeller whose stations, at Howth, Sutton, Old Dun- After the RNLI took over Dun boat received the highest marks, with a leary, Sandycove and Dalkey, make Laoghaire station, William Hutchison duplicate for the winner to keep. up, so far as fairly extensive researches became its first honorary secretary. I shall be happy to hear from anyone lead me to believe, the first When, following the drowning of my interested so that we can assess the co-ordinated lifeboat service in Euro- predecessor Captain Kearon, I was possibility of this idea; for further pean history, previously-established appointed honorary secretary here I information please send to me a lifeboat stations in England and the was, quite unknown to myself, living stamped addressed envelope.—DES Netherlands having been single, iso- in the house where Hutchison had NEWTON, press officer, Crosby Model lated local stations. (But one historian lived as RNLI honorary secretary, Club, 29 Westminster Avenue, Bootle of the Netherlands lifeboat services Dun Laoghaire.—JOHN DE COURCY 10, Merseyside, L30 5QY.

30 On his retirement after 30 years ser- vice as honorary treasurer, first at Exeter and then Exmouth, Leslie Aplin was presented with a clock from Exmouth branch by honorary secretary Len Smith (I.) and an inscribed shield by John Atterton (r.), deputy director RNLI. A silver badge was presented to Mrs Gladys Aplin, chairman of Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton ladies' guild. photograph by courtesy of The Western Times'

1939 and second coxswain from 1939 to Lifeboat People 1945. Coxswain King was awarded the Flashback: (above) Mrs E. A. Harris, chairman of Hawarden branch, and Mrs gold medal for outstanding gallantry in Reidford, a committee member, taking their It is with deep regret that we 1949. part in flag day in 1977, just as they have announce the following deaths: Honorary Alderman G. H. W. Grif- done ever since (below) 1937. fith, Lord Mayor of Birmingham dur- January ing Coronation Year and chairman of Horace Eric Pengilly, coxswain of Birmingham branch from 1956 until Sennen Cove lifeboat from 1967 to 1968 1974 when he became president. It was and then coxswain/mechanic until during his chairmanship that the City of 1978. He had served as second cox- Birmingham lifeboat appeal provided swain from 1963 to 1967 and reserve the funds for City of Birmingham now mechanic from 1961 to 1963. The silver stationed at Exmouth. He was awarded medal for gallantry was awarded to a silver badge in 1969. Coxswain Pengilly in 1977. April February E. G. E. Rayner, a member of the Alastair R. T. Garrett, original sec- Committee of Mangement since 1972. Tudor B. Roberts, honorary secre- retary of the YLA, forerunner of tary of Holyhead lifeboat station from Shoreline membership of the RNL1. Mr Rayner, vice-chairman of Cadbury Schweppes Ltd and chairman of Can- 1963 and Trearddur Bay ILB station March trell and Cochrane (GB) Ltd, served on from 1967 until his death. Thomas James King, coxswain of St the RNLI Executive and Public Rela- May Helier lifeboat, Jersey, from 1945 to tions Committees. Captain F. H. Edwards, harbour 1949. He had joined the crew in 1922 Percy G. Garon, MC GM, who had master at Falmouth and honorary sec- and served as bowman from 1929 to served Southend-on-Sea lifeboat sta- retary of the lifeboat station from 1969 tion as chairman from 1945 to 1952, as until his death. honorary secretary from 1952 to 1975 Andrew A. Mitchell, cox- and subsequently as vice-president, swain/mechanic of Portpatrick lifeboat remaining an active committee since 1968. He had served as reserve member. He was awarded a gold badge mechanic from 1950 until 1968. in 1975 and was made an honorary life Gilbert Chambers, BEM, second cox- governor of the RNLI in 1977. swain/mechanic of Portrush lifeboat from 1975. He had served as assistant (Left) Coxswain James Turpin of Fowey lifeboat was presented with the BEM, mechanic from 1937 to 1939, returning awarded to him in the 1977 Birthday Hon- after the war as motor mechanic from ours, by the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, 1947 to 1975. He was awarded the Viscount Falmouth, at Fowey Gallants Sail- thanks of the Institution inscribed on ing Club on December 4. vellum in 1961 and 1965.

A double baptism aboard Appledore lifeboat: On Sunday March 5 The Reverend Donald L. Peyton Jones, Vicar of Appledore and Priest-in-charge of Lundy Island, christened Faye, daughter of Clifford and Angela Edwards, and Matthew (Below) David John Nelson, son of Assistant Mechanic Roy, son of Roy and Elizabeth Harkness. Both fathers are crew members. John Buckland of Eastbourne lifeboat and his wife Joan, and horn on Trafalgar Day 1977, was christened by Father Roy Cotton using the ship's bell of the former HMS Eastbourne as font. Coxswain Joe Martin of Hastings lifeboat (I.) is David's godfather.

31 Shoreline in that it has adopted us for running a tombola stall at this year's Shoreline four years so that we may benefit from Royal Norfolk Show, with the pro- from page 25 the many functions they are arranging ceeds again coming to Shoreline. throughout this period, the proceeds of The target set by the IOF for the what it would take to get Carol into a which will bring welcome boosts to our four-year period is £50,000 with which flap! If you would like to start coven- funds. One of the events is a concert at they will purchase a boathouse and two anting your subscriptions you may do the Colston Hall, Bristol, at 7.30 pm on inshore lifeboats. Already a cheque for so at any time by indicating this on Saturday, October 28, to be given by £5,000 has been given to the Institu- your next correspondence. We shall the Morriston Orpheus Male Voice tion; it was presented at the London then be happy to forward to you the Choir together with the Band of the Boat Show by Nick Carter, assistant to necessary form. Royal Corps of Signals. Tickets are the chief ranger of the Independent A frequent opinion seems to be that £1.50, £1 and 75p, from J. Stringer, Order of Foresters, to John Atterton, once computers become involved the Home Lea, Crossview, Coppleston, deputy director RNLI. So, all power to 'personal touch' is soon lost, but we, in Devon, to whom all enquiries should be their elbow!—LINDA GRAINGER. the membership section, like to feel sent. The absolute deadline is Sep- that this is not so and that we shall con- tember 16, when the remaining tickets tinue to feel personally involved with will be returned to Colston Hall from 'A Century of Valour' all our members. Perhaps after this where they will be available from THE STORY OF CLACTON lifeboat station brief insight into Shoreline office, you September 23. from 1878 to 1978 has been told in a may feel a little more personally Another IOF event which is booklet written by Jack Froom, honor- involved with us. expected to be extremely popular is 'A ary secretary of the Lifeboat One of our members who has Show Boat to Le Havre'. Leaving from Enthusiasts' Society Essex and become very personally involved with Portsmouth at 1430 on Saturday Thames Estuary Research Group. Shoreline is Mrs Nora Neill. She has Novemoer 18, afternoon tea will be The reader is taken right into the put a great deal of effort into collecting served on the way. Arrival at Le Havre heart of the work of the station with a unwanted Green Shield stamps and will be at 2000. Departure from Le vivid description of a present-day ser- turning them into cash. To date she has Havre at 2230 to enjoy a smorgasbord vice over Jubilee weekend in 1977, amassed £1,200 worth and is hoping to dinner dance and breakfast on the way starting well before the firing of the keep up the momentum. So, if you back to Southampton, to arrive at 0700 maroons: then back into the last cen- have any Green Shield stamps to on November 19. There will be a duty tury to trace the pattern from the spare—a few, half a book ... a whole free shop on board for your Christmas beginning with a good selection of book full!—Mrs Neill would welcome shopping! Tickets cost £12.50 and all photographs, old and new. them. Her address is 95 Fitzroy bookings should be made through Ber- All profits from the sale of this book- Avenue, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 nard E. Bloom, PHCR, 27 Wilmington let, which is supported by local adver- 8RG. To Mrs Neill, thank you: your Close, Townhill Park, Southampton, tisers, are in aid of Claction branch; it efforts are sincerely appreciated. SO2 2RD. is available from the author at Burford The Independent Order of Foresters Yet another entry for your calendar Lodge, 164 Stock Road, Billericay, (IOF) has also become involved with is June 28 and 29, when the IOF will be Essex, price 60p including post.

144 pages Many of the most stirring tales of 'the men who never turn back'— the crews of the R.N.L.I.—arc included from the very beginning of the service to today. So, too, are the stories of rescue and heroics by others including the helicopter crews who risk their lives over the stormy seas.

The author is Commander Eric Middlcton, V.R.D., R.N.V.R., a former lifeboat inspector, whose respect for the sea and the men who rescue those in danger upon it is reflected in these thrilling tales he relates so vividly. AID R.N.L.I. FUNDS by selling these books in R.N.L.I, kiosks or shops. Order 10 SINGLE COPIES 50p. or more copies and benefit from a special 50% discount — Send cheque or postal order to payment within one month— on the books which retail at Heritage Publications, 50p. This means that 25p from every copy sold at your shop Merchants House, or fund raising function could help to boost R.N.L.I, funds. Barley Market Street, Order from: Heritage Publications, Merchants House, Tavistock, Devon. Barley Market Street, Tavistock, Devon.

32 Askew would assume command of the Still steering 195°M, Blue Peter II Lifeboat Services casualty and, helped by Dr Dubberley, made a landfall at 1450 and 15 minutes from page 12 would take her into Beaumaris later sighted West Constable Buoy to escorted by the ILB. port; she had been set about seven Rossekop was headed north east miles east by the strong wind and three and, over a period of 40 minutes, her hours of flood tide. Helmsman Jones, 1004 the Atlantic 21 ILB Blue Peter II crew were transferred to the aircraft. very concerned about his fuel state, launched on service with David Jones Before leaving, her skipper had told abandoned the idea of trying to reach as helmsman and John Askew and John Askew that the sight glass on the Beaumaris and told Penmon Coast- Simon Dubberley as crew; the honor- main fuel tank was fractured and guard he would head for Conwy. Llan- ary medical adviser, Dr Jack Dubber- engine fuel would have to be pumped dudno lifeboat, at sea on exercise, ley, also embarked. every 15 minutes up to a small intercepted the radio message and The sky was overcast with a fresh to emergency three-gallon header tank. advised the ILB to make for the shelter strong breeze, force 5 to 6, blowing The oil pressure and temperature of Llandudno Bay and land on the from the south west. The sea was slight gauges were not working. beach where shore helpers would be and visibility was good. It was about 40 By 1150 all seven members of Ros- waiting for her. Blue Peter II arrived minutes before low water and the last sekop's crew were safely on board the alongside Llandudno public slipway at of the weak ebb stream was setting helicopter and the pilot gave the two 1520 with only two gallons of fuel re- north eastwards. The tides were small boats the course for Puffin Island. The maining, having been at sea for over on this day with the moon being in its wind was now gusting over force 7 and five hours in gale force winds and first quarter. the sea was very rough. John Askew rough seas. She remained at Llandudno Blue Peter 11 set off at full speed for checked the engine room bilges and overnight and returned to Beaumaris Puffin Island. As she reached Puffin fuel state and set course on 195° M with by sea the next day. Sound at 1010 she received a radio the ILB in close attendance and in Meanwhile, it was now one hour message from Penmon Coastguard radio contact. Helmsman Jones in the since the last radio contact with describing the casualty as being a 65ft ILB was having extreme difficulty in Rossekop and Llandudno lifeboat, the white-hulled motor yacht in position 23 maintaining station with Rossekop, 37ft Oakley Lilly Wainwright, was miles north of Penmon. The ILB was which was making about 7 knots. His requested to join Beaumaris lifeboat in advised to steer north magnetic and fuel was down to 16 gallons. the search. At 1540 MV Sea Valiant, six maintain radio watch on VHP channel At 1250 Rossekop's engine stopped, miles north of Great Ormes Head, also 16. Course was set to 000°M, but, leav- and on entering the engine room John started to search. ing the shelter of land, the sea became Askew found steam and boiling water On board Rossekop John Askew was so much rougher that Helmsman Jones erupting from the cooling water tank. having difficulty keeping the engines found it necessary to reduce speed The cooling water pump had failed and going because of the air in the fuel sys- slightly. As the ILB continued north- the diesel engine had overheated and tem; they had stopped a further five wards the wind, still from the south seized up. It took more than three quar- times. Dr Jack Dubberley, despite per- west, freshened while visibility ters of an hour working in very difficult sistent seasickness, nevertheless car- deteriorated. conditions, with Rossekop lying beam ried out all work assigned to him. At 1030 an RAF helicopter was heard to the sea and rolling violently, for John A little while after 1600 visibility to make radio contact with Rossekop Askew to rig a jury water cooling sys- lifted to about two miles and occasion- and at 1055 the helicopter was sighted tem and restart the engine. ally more. From Rossekop land was one mile ahead, the limit of visibility, Course was then resumed towards sighted ahead but could not be disting- hovering over the casualty. Beaumaris but Rossekop's engine was uished, and course was altered a little As the ILB approached, Rossekop to stop twice more in the next half hour further westward. After a reported was seen to be heading slowly south due to air in the fuel system. At 1352 sighting by Sea Valiant at 1620 five west, into the sea, and rolling very John Askew estimated his position to miles north of Great Ormes Head, the heavily. The wind had increased to be six or seven miles off Puffin Island, two lifeboats made for the position and strong to near gale, force 6 to 7, with a but by this time Beaumaris honorary both were in company with Rossekop moderate to heavy swell and breaking secretary was becoming apprehensive ten minutes later. She was escorted to seas. Radio contact was established about the position of both the casualty Llandudno Bay, arriving in sheltered with both the helicopter and Rossekop. and the ILB. An auxiliary coastguard waters at 1740. By this time the wind Helmsman Jones approached the afloat vessel, Cordelia II four miles had moderated to force 5 to 6 and visi- casualty from ahead, passed down her north of Penmon, which had reported bility was good. port side and round her stern, station- sighting Rossekop at 1300, could no Rossekop's engine was examined by ing the ILB on Rossekop's starboard longer see her 23 minutes later. It was Llandudno motor mechanic, Bob quarter to assess the effect of the sea. therefore decided to launch Beaumaris Jones, and it was considered she could At 1100, with difficulty, he man- 46ft 9in Watson lifeboat Greater go on to Beaumaris escorted by oeuvred the ILB alongside Rossekop London II (Civil Service No. 30); she Beaumaris lifeboat. Crew Members and Dr Dubberley and his son Simon slipped at 1411. Roy Jones and Richard Zalot transfer- managed to scramble on board over her The wind, still blowing hard from the red to Rossekop to help John Askew starboard side. Blue Peter II then stood south west, was now estimated to be and Dr Dubberley and the two boats off on the starboard quarter. gusting to gale force 8 and severe gale left Llandudno at 1816. The passage to It was found that Rossekop was force 9 at times. Rossekop and Blue Menai Straits was made without inci- being steered by a member of the Peter II continued slowly southward on dent at half speed and by 2135 Ros- helicopter crew, with her injured skip- their course of 195°M into rough and sekop was safely secured alongside a per in the wheelhouse. While Dr Dub- breaking seas. At 1420 the ILB was concrete barge at Menai Bridge and the berley was examining those on board. down to eight gallons of fuel and lifeboat had returned to her mooring off Helmsman Jones exchanged Crew Helmsman Jones decided that he must Beaumaris Pier ready for service. Member John Askew for Simon Dub- leave the casualty and make for For this service the thanks of the berley because John Askew had more Beaumaris. He told Rossekop what he Institution inscribed on vellum have experience with motor yachts and was going to do by radio and set off. been accorded to Helmsman David W. machinery. At 1110 it was decided that This was the last contact the ILB had Jones and vellum service certificates to the skipper and six crew members with the casualty because Rossekop's Crew Members John C. Askew and should be winched off Rossekop and VHP became detached from its housing Simon Dubberley and to Honorary taken to hospital by helicopter. John in the wheelhouse and was damaged. Medical Adviser Dr Jack Dubberley. 33 Lowes toft, Suffolk Yarmouth, Isle of Wight Services by Offshore January 8. December 8,15 and February 15. Margate, Kent ON 1043 On trials Lifeboats, December, January 8 and 11. January 26. 1977, January and Moelfre, Gwynedd ON 890 On passage February 27. January 23. February, 1978 Montrose, Angus January 23, 24, 25 and 26 (twice). North Sunderland, Northumberland December 8 and 15. Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire Padstow, Cornwall December 11. December 10, 24, 27, January 23 and Services by Inshore Aith, Shetland February 19. December 9. Penlee, Cornwall Aldeburgh, Suffolk Lifeboats, December, December 5, 27 (three times), 28 and January 1. February 18. 1977, January and Amble, Northumberland December 12. Peterhead, Aberdeenshire February, 1978 Appledore, North Devon December 7. December 11 and January 21. Plymouth, South Devon Arranmore, Co. Donegal January 5, 14 and February 15. Aberdovey, Gwynedd February 18. Poole, Dorset January 10. Barra Island, Inverness-shire December 4, 13, 18, January 8 and 18. Arbroath, Angus December 2, January 5 and February 28. Port St Mary, Isle of Man January 4. Bembridge, Isle of Wight January 4. Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland December 3 and January 23. Pwllheli, Gwynedd December 10. Blyth, Northumberland December 24. Blackpool, (1)1171, Lancashire December 17. Ramsgate, Kent February 19. Bridlington, Humberside December 11 and January 8. Blackpool, (D528), Lancashire December 3, 5, January 3 (three times), 11, Redcar, Cleveland January 18. 23 and February 23 January 3, and February 23. Broughty Ferry, Angus Calshot, Hampshire Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford February 5. December 4,11, January 11,25 and December 24, February 6 and 26. Eastney, (B530), Hampshire February 18. Runswick, Cleveland December 11, 29 and February 25. Clacton-on-Sea, Essex January 3 (twice), 11 and 18. Eastney, (D184), Hampshire January 8 (twice). St David's, Dyfed December 11,18 and January 12 (twice). Clogher Head, Co. Louth December 24. Hartlepool, Cleveland December 22. St Helier, Jersey January 18. Clovelly, North Devon February 1 and 3. Harwich, Essex December 11, 24 and 27. St Ives, Cornwall January 22, February 4 and 14. Cromer, Norfolk December 5, 22, 23, 24, January 11 and Hayling Island, Hampshire December 24. February 28. December 23, 29, January 2 and 3. Douglas, Isle of Man St Mary's, Isles of Scilly Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire January 27 and 29. January 12 and February 6. December 19 and 25. Dover, Kent St Peter Port, Guernsey Largs, Ayrshire December 7. December 1, February 1, 10 and 15. January 28. Dunbar, East Lothian Scarborough, North Yorkshire Littlehampton, West Sussex January 16. January 7 and 14. December 20. Dungeness, Kent Selsey, West Sussex Llandudno, Gwynedd December 3. February 23. December 10. Lytham-St Anne's, Lancashire Dunmore East, Co. Waterford Sennen Cove, Cornwall December 20, February 1 and 20. January 20. December 5 and February 18. Margate, Kent Eastbourne, East Sussex Sheerness, Kent January 17. December 23. January 1. Morecambe, Lancashire Eyemouth, Berwickshire Shoreham Harbour, West Sussex February 14. February 25. January 14 (twice). Mudeford, Dorset Falmouth, Cornwall Skegness, Lincolnshire December 19, January 15, February 19 and January 11 and February 25. January 8, 11 and 13 (twice). Newquay, Cornwall 27. Stornoway, Ross-shire Flamborough, Humberside December 10. December 31 and February 16. February 19 and 23. Poole, Dorset Fleetwood, Lancashire Sunderland, Tyne and Wear December 3, 4 and January 1. December 7 and January 1. December 30. Queensferry, West Lothian Fowey, Cornwall Thurso, Caithness January 6 and 21. December 1 and January 5. January 31. Silloth, Cumbria Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk Torbay, South Devon December 29 (twice). December 24, 31, January 11, 12 (twice), January 8 and February 19. Southwold, Suffolk 13, 26, 28 and 29 Troon, Ayrshire January 7, 8 and 9. Hartlepool, Cleveland December 30, January 3 and February 8. Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear December 18 and January 18 Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear February 8 and 25. Harwich, Essex February 3. West Kirby, Merseyside January 8, 22, February 1 and 17. Walmer, Kent January 1. Holy head, Gwynedd December 10 and 11. West Mersea, Essex December 2, 27, January 7, February 6 and Walton and Frinton, Essex January 7 and February 8. 9. January 8. Humber, Humberside Wells, Norfolk When you have finished with January 3, 10 and 28. January 8. Invergordon, Highland Weymouth, Dorset your copy of THE LIFEBOAT January 27. January 21. Islay, Argyllshire Whitby, North Yorkshire PLEASE PASS IT ON ... January 6, 11 and February 18. December 4, 6, January 11,18 and 31. Kilmore, Co. Wexford Wick, Caithness December 5 and 24 (twice). December 12. . . .to a friend, a waiting room, Longhope, Orkney Workington, Cumbria a library, a school ... December 12 and January 31. December 20 and January 19. 34 CORNWALL

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D BOOK SOCIETY and make your choice from the best books - at big discounts off publishers' prices Weekend sailor or ocean-going mariner, would be boat-owner or and inland waterways; the seashore; marine painting; mari armchair traveller, whatever your interest in ships and the water, time history and warfare: these are just some of the subjects the Maritime Book Society has a book for you. covered in a wealth of practical and information books The Step-by-step guides to the construction, maintenance and Maritime Book Society also tells the stories of great ships, sailors repair of boats of all types; sailing, power boating and water and explorers - from the Vikings to present-day adventurers like sports; weather forecasting, navigation and equipment; canals Robin Knox Johnston. As a member, you become entitled to take advantage of the hundreds of quality book bargains that Readers Union has on offer at any one time. Reference and reading books cover the To: Maritime Book Society, PO Box 6. Newton Abbot, Devon Arts, Crafts, Gardening, the Countryside, history, travel and I would like to join the MARITIME BOOK SOCIETY biography. Please supply the Publishers' Editions 3 introductory books numbers |_ • ' The Maritime Book Society offers publishers' own editions at a at the special introductory price of only 25p each (plus 60p total carriage)andlwill pay upon receipt for any books I choose. discount of up to 25% off the publisher's price and sometimes (Allow up to 21 days for delivery). If I keep the introductory even more! books I will automatically become a member and agree to purchase at least 4 books (in addition to the introductory offer) i Choose at Leisure during a year's membership, and may resign thereafter. //" / am You have time to choose the society newsletter comes to you not satisfied with the introductory boohs 1 may return them FREE every two months. It is packed with the very best mari- within 10 days and owe nothing. time books and all we ask is that you select four books during Mr/Mrs/Miss _ your first year of membership We shall be surprised if you do Address not want to take more when you see the wide range offered in our bi monthly mailings and seasonal catalogues - all at big Signature Maritime Book Society is run by Readers Union (Signature of Parent or Guardian part of the David & Charles Group ISEND NO MONEY Maritime Book Society, Brunei House. Newton Abbot. Reg No 843946