THE LIFEBOAT.

The Journal of the Royal National Life-boat Institution.

VOL. XXVII.—No. 293.] FEBRUARY, 1928. [PRICE Qd.

Our President's New Office. Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets. By George F. Shee, M.A., Secretary of the Institution. ALL who are connected in any way principally on account of his presence, with the Life-boat Service will have bringing the Institution over a thousand read with special pleasure the announce- pounds. Finally, readers of The Lifeboat ment which was made on 14th Feb- will be interested to know that the Prince ruary, that the King had decided to himself signs all the Vellums which make a personal link between the mer- accompany the award of medals for chant service and fishing fleets and gallantry, and also those which are the Royal Family, as the Navy and presented to Honorary Life-Governors. Army have long been linked to it, by It is not only because we know, creating a new post, " Master of the through the help which he gives the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets," Life-boat Service, the Prince's deep and by appointing to this post the interest in the sea services, that we wel- Prince of Wales. come his new appointment, but because, The Prince's record as a soldier during as Master of the Fishing Fleets he is the War, and the work which he has linked in a second way with the Institu- done since the War, for such organisa- tion. It is from the men of those Fleets tions as the British Legion, have possibly all round the coasts of Great Britain and led some people to forget how close has Ireland that the great majority of our always been his interest in and his con- Crews are drawn. It is their daily work nexion with the sea. Yet it was as a as fishermen which give the Institution's sailor that he was educated. He went volunteer Crews their unrivalled skill in to the Naval Colleges of Dartmouth and handling a Life-boat, and their intimate Osborne. He served afloat in the Navy, knowledge of all the intricacies of our as his father had done before him, and coasts. To them we feel sure it will be his brothers, the Duke of York and doubly gratifying that the Prince, who Prince George, have done since. It was is already President of the Life-boat only after his sea-training that he went Service, in which they willingly risk to Oxford, joined the Guards shortly their lives for the rescue of seafarers before the War, and, as a Guards round our shores, should now be subaltern, went to France. Master of the Fleets in which they have His interest in the sea services was won their long and hard experience, shown immediately the War was over, and in which they earn their daily when, in 1918, he became President of bread. the Institution, as his father and grand- May we not hope, too, that the Prince's father had been before him. His closer association with the fishermen of association with the Institution has been our coasts will prove of lasting value to very real and very personal. He pre- the nation by arresting the growing sided at the Annual Meeting in 1921, tendency of the younger men to forsake the first opportunity which his overseas the service of the sea, in which their tours allowed him. He was the principal fathers have found their strength of speaker at the Centenary Meeting in character as well as health of body. 1924, and in the same year presided at Such a result would not only be very the Centenary Dinner. Elsewhere in beneficial from the point of view of the this issue will be found an account of a recruitment of our Navy, but of en- Gala Performance which we owe to his during advantage to our position as a initiative, and which was a great success, maritime people. THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY,1928.

The Record of 1927. A Year of Conspicuous Services. THE storms in the latter part of 1927 and the Motor Life-boats at St. Mary's, have supplied the answer, if any were Isles of Scilly, Lowestoft, Great Yar- needed, to the question which is some- mouth and Gorleston, Cromer, and times asked whether the gradual replace- Southwold. The great service of the ment of the sailing ship by steam and Moelfre Life-boat on 28th and 29th oil-driven vessels, the improvement in October to the ketch Excel, in the course the lighting of the coast, and the scien- of which one of the Crew died from tific development of the various means exposure, and the service of the St. by which mariners are warned of their Mary's Life-boat to the Italian steamer proximity to danger have not made the Isabo, were fully described in the sea practically safe for seafarers, and last issue of the Journal, and the rendered the Life-boat Service a costly accounts of the service of the Lowestoft and almost unnecessary organisation, Motor Life-boat to the sailing smack even for the people of these Islands. Lily of Devon on 21st November and They have reminded us of the truth of the service of the Motor Life-boats Sir William Hillary's words, in his at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Appeal to the Nation in 1823, " So long Cromer, and Southwold to the Dutch oil as man shall continue to navigate the tanker Georgia on 21st and 22nd Novem- ocean and the tempests shall hold their ber, will be found elsewhere in this course over its surface, in every age and issue. The exceptional nature of those on every coast, disasters by sea, ship- services, in the dangers faced and the wrecks and peril to human life, must in- gallantry displayed, is recognised by the evitably take place " ; and the calls of awards which were made. For these distress of many ships which the terrible four services the Institution has given weather of the last three months of the three Gold Medals—the highest award year placed in jeopardy proved that the in its power to bestow—four Silver Life-boat Service is as necessary now as Medals and thirty-two Bronze Medals— when the founder of the Institution one of the Silver and three of the Bronze appealed to his fellow-countrymen to being awarded to the crews of shore- establish that Service. boats which took a gallant share in the But the storms of 1927 showed some- rescue of the crew of the Isabo. thing more than this. They have proved that, given the occasion, the Coxswains The Three Gold Medallists. and Crews of the Life-boats to-day are The three Gold Medals have been no whit behind their forefathers in the awarded to Second Coxswain WILLIAM highest qualities of courage and sea- ROBERTS and Captain OWEN JONES of the manship, and in the tenacity which holds Moelfre Life-boat, and Coxswain HENRY on to the task in hand, hour after hour, GEORGE BLOGG of the Cromer Life-boat. in the teeth of the bitter gale, in the face These are the first Gold Medals to be of repeated failure, and in spite of awarded since 1922. The last year in serious injury to the point of collapse, a which three were awarded was 1914, on tenacity faithful even unto death. the occasion of the famous service to the The year 1927 will be memorable in hospital ship Rohilla, and there had then the records of the Institution by reason been no award of three Gold Medals in of four services, two of which will rank one year since 1851. among the greatest in the history of life- Coxswain Blogg was awarded the saving from shipwreck, while the other Gold Medal in 1917, and he has the rare two would, in any other year, have stood distinction of being the only living man out as of conspicuous merit. who has twice won this, the highest The Life-boats which took part in honour of the Service. Only seven other these four services were the Pulling and men have received the honour twice, Sailing Life-boat at Moelfre, Anglesey, and the last occasion on which it was FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. won a second time for an actual service Coxswains and Crews who took part in was in 1848.* these services, and who unhesitatingly The four Silver Medals have been risked the destruction of their Life-boats awarded to Coxswain WILLIAM FLEMING and the loss of their own lives, it is still of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, who more important to emphasise the quali- already has the Gold and Bronze Medals, ties of seamanship in both Coxswains Coxswain MATTHEW LETHBRIDGE of St. and Crews, and the qualities in the Mary's, Isles of Scilly, Coxswain ALBERT design and construction of the Life- SPURGEON of Lowestoft, and Mr. boats, which made it possible for these CHARLES JENKINS, of Bryher, Isles of risks to be taken without disaster. Scilly, who, as Coxswain of a motor boat, played a conspicuous part in the The Cost of Saving Life. service to the Isabo. Coxswain FRANK The value of lives rescued can hardly UPCRAFT of Southwold, whose Life-boat be estimated in terms of money, nor can played a gallant part in the service to payment be made, on any commercial the Georgia, is among those who have standard, to those who risk their own been awarded the Bronze Medal. lives in order to save others. That is | Those four services in a very striking why the Institution has always felt it way epitomise the qualities, value and right to speak of the sums which its j developments of the Service. They illus- Crews receive for their services not as j trate the developments of recent years : pay but as rewards. At the same time 1 of the six Life-boats which took part in it is as well that attention should be them five were Motor Life-boats. They drawn to the large sum which each year illustrate the international value of the the Institution expends in the form of Service : of the four vessels from which rewards and other payments to Cox- lives were rescued, two were foreign. swains and Crews, and in rewards to They illustrate the readiness of the those, whoever they may be, who rescue population of our coasts, even those who life from shipwreck round our coasts ; for are not trained and equipped for the this sum is a considerable part of the work of life-saving, to answer the call of Institution's expenditure, and it goes the shipwrecked : in one of the services entirely to those who take part in the a conspicuous part was played by three actual work of rescue. shore-boats. The two groups of services in Octo- Above all they afford proof, if such ber and November illustrate in a proof were still needed, of the superb striking way this side of the Insti- qualities of the men who man the tution's activities. During the eight Institution's Life-boats. They illus- days of October which culminated in trate their splendid endurance : of the the terrible gale on the night of the six Life-boats, one was out for thirteen 28th and 29th, and during the severe hours, another for seventeen, another gales on 21st and 22nd November, for twenty-one and another for twenty- twenty-two Lifeboats were launched, eight, all at the height of bitter winter and the total number of lives rescued, gales. They illustrate their splendid including those rescued by the shore- courage and unrivalled seamanship : boats from Bryher in the service to four of the Coxswains had to take sudden the Isabo, was 84. In awards to the decisions in circumstances in which rescuers and to the launchers of the Life- delay would probably have been fatal boats, and in compensation to the to the men whom they were attempting Moelfre Crew, who were incapacitated to rescue ; they chose the courses of by their long and terrible struggle, the immediate action and greatest risk, and Institution has paid some £1,300. In in each case the risk was triumphantly addition it has pensioned the widow of surmounted. While the highest tribute the Moelfre Life-boatman who died from should be paid to the courage of the exposure, and given her an allowance for a grandchild dependent on her. * Coxswain Fish, of Ramsgate, won the Gold Medal This pension, if purchased as an imme- in 1881, and received a Bar to it in 1891, but the Bar was awarded on his retirement. diate annuity, would cost some £700. THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928. It may be fairly added to the capital pay- men and fishermen, but, as already ments resulting from the gales. Thus, mentioned, two of the four principal for those ten days of gales the Institu- services of the year were to foreign tion made payments, to those who vessels, and, altogether, services were actually took part in the work of rescue, rendered to fourteen foreign vessels of amounting to £2,000. eight different nationalities, 79 lives being rescued from them. Of these The Record of Rescues. foreign vessels five were French, two During the year there were 262 Dutch, two Swedish, one Italian, one launches, and 354 lives were rescued German, one Belgian, one Danish, and from shipwreck as compared with 456 one from the Unites States of America. in 1926. In the last three months of the year, with the very heavy gales which Building of Motor Life-boats. came at the end of each of these months, In other ways 1927 was a busy there were 104 launches and 116 lives year. New Motor Life-boats were built were rescued by Life-boats, a third of for Piel (Barrow), Lancashire ; East- the total for the whole year. Of this bourne, Sussex; and Rosslare Har- total 217 were rescued by Life-boats bour, Co. Wexford—this last being the and the remaining 137 by shore-boats first boat in the Institution's Fleet to be and in other ways. During the year 23 fitted with wireless. A new Life-boat boats and vessels were saved or helped Station was established in the Aran to safety. The number of lives for whose Islands, off the coast of Galway, in the rescue rewards had been given by the west of Ireland, and 11 Motor Life-boats Institution since its foundation up to were under construction at the end of the end of 1927 is 61,168. the year. The Life-boat Fleet at the As in previous years, the majority of end of the year numbered 211, of which lives rescued were those of British sea- 63 were Motor Life-boats.

Two Great Services on the East Coast. Cromer, Norfolk; Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk; Southwold, Suffolk; Lowestoft, Suffolk. AT 8.30, in the evening of 21st Novem- Trent standing by. The Master of the ber, 1927, the Motor Life-boat at Great Trent told the Coxswain of the general Yarmouth and Gorleston was launched situation and said that, in his opinion, in response to a wireless message re- it would be impossible to do anything ceived from s.s. Trent that help was until daylight. In view of the terrible urgently required to save the lives of the weather conditions the Coxswain agreed, crew of the Dutch oil tanker, Georgia, and the Trent passed a hawser to the which had stranded on the South Life-boat, which enabled her to remain ' Haisborough Sands. She had broken in a position handy to make an attempt completely in two, and the after-part, if the situation appeared really des- i with sixteen men on board, had drifted perate. A careful look-out was kept by away to the northward, ultimately the Crew throughout the night, but no stranding off Cromer. The Trent suc- signals from the wreck were observed. ceeded in rescuing the men from this During this time the Crew of the Life- half of the vessel before she stranded. boat were suffering considerably from When the Life-boat was launched it the cold. was blowing a full gale from the east by At daybreak the Master of the Trent south, with a very heavy sea. The hove up anchor, and proceeded as close night was very dark and extremely cold. to the wreck as he could, in the hope of The Life-boat reached the scene of the giving some lee to the Life-boat. The wreck at 10.20 p.m., and there found the Life-boat then approached and let go FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT.

- HAS80ROUSH V ; •--. LIGHTSHIP "'

CROMER, LIFE-BOATS COURSE TO WRECK ---- (^YARMOUTH & GORLESTON COURSE TO WRECK. . ---- SouTHWoi-o LIFE BOAT'S COURSE TO WRECK. VARMOUTH CORLESTON '

LOWESTOFT

THE WRECK OF THE SS.GEORGIA 2 I ST NOVEMBER i

SOUTNWOLO

The Service to the S.S. " Georgia." 6 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928. her anchor. The seas were terrific and of 22nd November. She had been out for were breaking over the upper bridge of 21 hours. the wreck, where the crew were shelter- The Cromer Life-boat. ing. The Life-boat was not near Meanwhile, at 2.15 in the afternoon of enough to establish communication, the 21st, five hours before the Great and it was impossible to approach any Yarmouth and Gorleston Life-boat was nearer until the force of the tide had launched, the Coxswain of the Cromer taken off somewhat, so the anchor was Motor Life-boat had observed a large weighed and the Life-boat anchored steamship apparently in a sinking con- further out, hoping that the change dition about four miles N.E. of Cromer. of tide would bring about a modera- This proved to be the after-part of the tion of the sea. At noon the anchor s.s. Georgia, from which the Trent had was again weighed and once more the already rescued 16 men. The Life-boat Life-boat approached the wreck and found nobody on board the wreck, and anchored. She then attempted to returned to her Station. The sea was establish communication with the line- so rough that she could not be put throwing gun, and, after four failures, on the slipway, and the Coxswain after a line was thrown right across the wreck thinking that he should run to Yarmouth from a distance of about 60 yards. But for shelter, decided that it was his duty to the ill-luck which pursued the Life-boat remain by the wreck, which was a grave was not yet at an end, for after the danger to shipping, being right in the stout veering line, 2 inches in circum- fairway. The Crew therefore spent the ference, had been actually hauled aboard night in the Life-boat, suffering a good the wreck for the purpose of getting the deal of inconvenience, although perhaps Georgia's crew into the Lif e-boat,'a terrific not quite as much as the Great Yarmouth sea swept the rope to leeward, bringing and Gorleston Crew. such a strain upon it that it parted. At daybreak the Life-boat returned to her Station to await a favour- Over 20 Hours on Service. able opportunity for being housed. All the lines had now been fired, and While she was waiting a message was by this time the Crew of the Life-boat received from the Coastguard, stating were completely exhausted, having been that they had observed a small boat afloat for about twenty hours. They drifting shorewards and apparently in were wet through and very cold from difficulties. The Life-boat accordingly their long exposure ; and they had had once more put to sea to search for this no food except the emergency rations of boat. When near Bacton she saw her biscuits, a little tinned meat and Navy drift ashore, and as there was obviously rum, which had been issued to them at nobody on board, the Life-boat again intervals. The Coxswain, realising that returned to her Station, reaching it his men were at the end of their tether, about 12.30 P.M. Arrangements were weighed anchor and proceeded towards then made to house the boat, but un- H.M. Destroyer Thanet, which had by fortunately while this was being done that time arrived on the scene from the propeller became fouled, and while Chatham. The Commanding Officer of the Crew were clearing it, the Honorary that ship gave the worn-out Crew some Secretary arrived on the scene with a hot tea, for which they were most grate- telegram from the Head Office in ful, and also supplied fresh water for London, ordering the Cromer Boat to the circulating system of the motor, proceed to the Haisborough Sands to which had given considerable trouble. reinforce the Great Yarmouth and Gorle- The Life-boat remained astern of the ston Boat. Once more she put out. Destroyer for about twenty minutes, She reached the wreck at 4.20 P.M. and the Coxswain left with a promise to By this time there was little daylight her Commanding Officer that he would left, and the position of the Georgia's return at daybreak to make a further crew appeared to be desperate. Cox- attempt. The Life-boat reached Gorle- swain Blogg therefore boldly decided to ston again at six o'clock on the evening attempt to run alongside her without By permission of] S.S. "GEORGIA." [Photo Press. The half of the vessel which drove towards Cromer and from which the men were rescued by the s.s. "Trent."

By permission of] [Photo Press. THE CREW OF THE S.S. "GEORGIA" Being fitted with new clothes at the Sailors' Home, Great Yarmouth. THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928. anchoring or using his line-throwing gun, action until late that night, and that as this seemed to give the best chance instructions had been received from the of a quick rescue. He ran alongside and Head Office that if Lowestoft could attempted to get lines out to her, but not launch, the Southwold Boat was to the sea and strong tide turned the Life- go out to reinforce the Great Yarmouth boat completely round and threw her and Gorleston Boat at the wreck. She stern first against the side of the wreck, was also ordered to embark oil, which doing a considerable amount of damage was being held in readiness for her at to her sternpost, but happily not putting Gorleston, where she had instructions to her out of action. What at first ap- call. Gorleston was reached at about peared to be a calamity turned out to 4 P.M. and Captain Carver, District be a blessing in disguise, for it enabled Inspector of Lifeboats, and Mr. W. C. communication once more to be estab- Johnson, a Gorleston drifter skipper, lished with those on board the wreck. whose local knowledge of the Hais- Eopes were thrown from the Life-boat borough Sands it was felt would be to the wreck, and by ones and twos the valuable, embarked in the Life-boat. exhausted crew jumped as the Life- The Southwold Boat was many miles boat rose on the crest of the seas. out of her area, and the Coxswain could As soon as all were on board the ropes not be expected to be familiar with the were cut and the Life-boat set out to dangerous sands off this part of the get clear of the wreck. At that moment coast. she was caught by another heavy sea When the Southwold Life-boat left which carried her right on to the bul- Gorleston the Cromer Life-boat had just warks of the Georgia, and for a few succeeded in rescuing the 15 men, and seconds she was in imminent danger of was on her way with them to Yarmouth. being completely smashed, but the The two Life-boats actually passed one Coxswain reversed his engines, and the another unseen in the darkness, and the Life-boat was thrown clear. A few Southwold Boat, not knowing what had minutes later she was shaping course for happened, continued her way to the Yarmouth, the rescued men receiving now deserted wreck. H.M.S. Thanet was attention of which they were much in still standing by, and the Life-boat made need. for her and asked for information about Gorleston was reached at 6.25 P.M., the survivors. The Destroyer turned and the Life-boat remained there for the her searchlight on the wreck and a night, returning to her Station the day careful examination was made of her, following. When they arrived at Yar- but there was no sign of life. The mouth the Crew had been on duty for District Inspector and the Coxswain, twenty-eight hours. however, decided that they must know Shortly after the Cromer Life-boat with absolute certainty whether or not reached Gorleston, the Gorleston private any one was still aboard her, and this Life-boat, being in ignorance that the could only be done by actually running 15 men had already been rescued, put alongside the wreck. The Life-boat out and stood by the empty wreck all therefore left the Thanet at about night. 9.15 P.M. and proceeded to the wreck in the rays of the Destroyer's searchlight. The Southwold Life-boat. The Life-boat's own searchlight was also To the south of Great Yarmouth and used, and with considerable difficulty it Gorleston are two other Motor Life-boat was definitely established that there Stations—Lowestoft, and still further was no one on board. south, Southwold. As with the Cromer and Great At 1.15 P.M. on the 22nd November, Yarmouth and Gorleston Boats, the the Coastguard handed to the Honorary Crew had a very trying experience. The Secretary at Southwold a telephone District Inspector in his report stated message from Lowestoft, advising him that he was standing up with his arms that the Lowestoft Boat had been round the mizen-mast conning the Boat damaged on service and would be out of alongside, when suddenly a huge break- FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 9

ing sea completely engulfed her. She from shipwreck. The last time on which lay over at an angle of nearly 45 degrees the Gold Medal was twice awarded to and for a moment the District Inspector the same man for actual services was in seemed, so he reported, to be clinging to 1848. a mast that rose straight out of a roaring To each of the other twelve men in mass of foam, none of the Crew and the Cromer Crew the Bronze Medal, and nothing of the rest of the Life-boat to the Coxswain and each member of being visible. the Crew an additional monetary award. Her search completed, the Life-boat To Coxswain William Fleming, of made for Great Yarmouth. She had Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, the been out for 13 hours. Silver Medal. Coxswain Fleming already There is no question that had not holds the Gold and Bronze Medals. the Cromer Boat rescued the men at To each of the other fourteen men of 4.30 P.M., the Southwold Boat would the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston have been successful at 9.30 P.M., and Crew the Thanks of the Institution the greatest credit is due to all con- inscribed on Vellum, and to the Cox- cerned for their determined effort. swain and each member of the Crew an With the return of the Southwold additional monetary award. Life-boat, thus happily ended a service To Coxswain Frank Upcraft, of almost unique in the annals of the Southwold, the Bronze Medal. Institution. It was characteristic of the To the Coxswain and each member Crews of these Life-boats that they of the Southwold Crew, an additional should disregard their own personal monetary award. safety, and endure great hardships in To Mr. W. C. Johnson, the Gorleston their efforts to help their brother sea- skipper who went out with the South- men, and while all three Crews nobly wold Lifeboat, a Letter of appreciation played their part, to the Crew of Great and thanks and a monetary reward. Yarmouth and Gorleston is due a very To the following the Committee of large measure of sympathy for their Management sent letters of appreciation failure, through no fault of their own, and thank:—• to complete the task. In the words of Mr. F. H. Barclay, J.P., Honorary their gallant Coxswain, " What could I Secretary of the Cromer Station. do ? We were all finished and half Mr. A. H. Cartwright, Chairman of dead." It is all the more gratifying to the Committee of the Great Yarmouth be able to record that this Crew were and Gorleston Station. the first to express their admiration for Mr. A. D. Snell, Honorary Secretary their Cromer comrades, who, brilliantly of the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston led by a Coxswain whose courage and Station. ability are only eclipsed by his modesty, Mr. Sydney Taylor, Honorary Secre- so worthily upheld the traditions of the tary of the Lowestoft Station. Life-boat Service. Major Bernard D. Hayton, Honorary Secretary of the Southwold Station. The Awards. The Commanding Officer of H.M.S. The exceptional character of this Thanet. service justified the Institution in recog- The Manager of the Gorleston Mari- nising it by exceptional awards, as ners' Refuge, for his hospitality to the follows:— Southwold Crew. To Coxswain Henry Blogg, of Cromer, Captain Howard F. J. Rowley, a Second Service Clasp to the Gold B.E., R.N., Chief Inspector of Life- Medal of the Institution which he won soats, who directed operations from the in 1917 for the service to the Swedish Bead Office, London. steamer Fernebo. Coxswain Blogg is Captain E. S. Carver, R.D., R.N.R., the only living man who has twice Inspector of Life-boats for the Eastern received this, the highest honour which District, who was in charge at Gorleston, it is in the power of the Institution to and went out with the Southwold Life- bestow for gallantry in rescuing life boat. 10 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBKTJABY, 1928. The Lowestoft Life-boat. being carried towards a concrete break- The Lowestoft Motor Life-boat, a water, not 40 yards away. The Life- few miles to the south of Great Yar- boat anchored and began to veer down mouth and Gorleston, would have been to the smack, but she also struck the launched to the help of the Georgia bottom and was swept by heavy seas instead of the Southwold boat, but on so that her Crew were in danger of the afternoon before she had carried being washed out of her. As the seas, out a dangerous and very gallant rescue lifted her she was gradually got along- and been so badly damaged that she was side. Then a very heavy sea threw temporarily unfit for further service. her under the wreck's stern, and she was Shortly after four in the afternoon of badly damaged. Fortunately, she was 21st November—that is to say, between not out of control, although the starting- two and three hours before the Great gear handle of the engine was smashed, Yarmouth and Gorleston boat was so that had the engine stopped it would called out to the Georgia—a sailing have been impossible to restart it. As smack, Lily of Devon, attempted to the Life-boat lay by the wreck the three make Lowestoft Harbour. A whole men in the rigging jumped aboard her, gale was blowing, with a very heavy and with all hands hauling on the cable, sea. The smack was caught by the and the engines going full speed, the tide, missed the entrance, and was Life-boat was gradually worked clear carried into broken shallow water, of the surf. It was a service carried where she began to bump heavily on out with great promptness and courage the sand. The seas were breaking in face of the gravest danger, and the clean over her, and her crew of three Silver Medal of the Institution was took refuge in the rigging. In two awarded to Coxswain Albert Spurgeon, minutes the Life-boat was launched. II while he and each member of the the men were to be saved it would have Crew received an additional monetary to be done at once, as the smack was reward.

The Christmas Gales. Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Life-boat's Four Launches in one Day. THE gales at the end of October and boats at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, November were followed by rough Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze weather at the end of December, with were all launched, the first of them going heavy gales on Christmas night and the out four times in the one day. On only following day. During the seven days one of the services was her help required, of the Christmas week, from 21st Decem- but the day was remarkable for the ber to 27th December, there were 20 courage and devotion shown by Cox- launches, and 37 lives were rescued. swain William Fleming and the Motor The majority of the launches were on Mechanic, B. J. Darby, both of whom, the East and South coasts, and two of although injured on the first service, the Life-boats which had taken part in insisted on going out on the other three. the great services of the November gales The first call came shortly before four again distinguished themselves, the in the morning from a Swedish steamer, Motor Life-boat at Great Yarmouth Oscar, which was on fire in the roadstead. and Gorleston and the Motor Life-boat A strong gale was blowing from the S.S.E., at Cromer. with a rough sea, and the night was very On 21st December the Motor Life- dark, with squalls of rain and hail. As FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 11

Jiy permission of] [S. V. Waters, Lowestoft. THE "LILY OF DEVON," WRECKED AT LOWESTOFT.

By permission of] [Photo Press. MEN OF THE LOWESTOFT CREW IN THE LORD MAYOR'S DAY PROCESSION. 12 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928.

the Life-boat was rounding the turn out came in and reported that she had of the harbour the Coxswain's vision grounded but had got off. It was six was temporarily obscured, and the Life- o'clock before the Life-boat reached boat rammed the piling of the pier very harbour after the fourth call. The heavily. The Coxswain was thrown off injured Coxswain and Mechanic went his feet and fell with his chin on a spoke out with her on all four services, the of the steering wheel, cutting his chin Mechanic leaving his bed for each of the and loosening his teeth. The Motor last two calls. In recognition of their Mechanic was also thrown off his feet very plucky conduct Coxswain Fleming and fell against the control-wheel, and Motor Mechanic Darby both re- severely bruising his body. Both men ceived additional monetary rewards. carried on. The Oscar could be seen On the following day the Runswick blazing furiously in the gale. Her deck Pulling and Sailing Life-boat rescued cargo of timber was alight, and the 9 lives from the S.S. Pyrope, and on the whole length of the vessel except 23rd the Motor Life-boats at Bembridge the forecastle head. The crew of the and Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, were steamer, 19 in all, were found in the called out to the Isle of Wight packet- j ship's boats, sheltering under the lee of boat Prince of Wales, which had been the steamer's bow, and were taken into in collision in Cowes Outer Roads, and the Life-boat. stood by her until a tug arrived. On The Life-boat had only just returned, Christmas Day the Fishguard Motor and the Coxswain was having his injured Life-boat went to the help of a schooner, face bandaged, when fresh signals of and in the gales on the following day distress were received. In the opinion six Life-boats were launched. of the Honorary Secretary he was not fit to go out on another service, but all Launch from the Lizard. he said was, " I'll have another go," The chief service of the day was by and he again took command of the Life- the Motor Life-boat at the Lizard, which boat, the injured Mechanic taking charge rescued two men from a ketch, the of the engines. This second call was Lady Daphne, of Rochester, in circum- from the St. Nicholas Light-ship. The stances of great difficulty, and after the Life-boat found, on reaching her, that two men had gone through an exhaust- she had been firing guns for tha Oscar, ing and terrible struggle in bitterly cold not having seen, in the thick weather, weather. On Christmas night, in a that the Life-boat had already rescued north-easterly gale, with a heavy sea her crew. running, snow and sleet, the master of the ketch had been washed overboard The Third and Fourth Calls. and drowned when attempting to make It was seven in the morning when the Plymouth. The ketch then became Life-boat returned to harbour. Just unmanageable, and with her sails in before two in the afternoon she was called ribands drove down channel, burning out again. A dense fog had come up, the flares and handlights, from ten at night sea was running heavily, and a steamer until nearly four next morning, when was reported aground. No steamer was her signals were seen oS the Lizard and found in need of help, but as one was the Motor Life-boat was launched. No passed coming from the direction in further flares were seen until the Life- which the casualty had been reported, it boat burned some handlights. These was evident that she had been aground were answered, and it was discovered and had got off. afterwards that the two men on board The Life-boat was back in harbour by had already burnt everything that could 2.30 and the fourth call came two hours be used for signals, and when they saw later. The fog was still dense and there the handlights did not know how to was a nasty sea on the sands. Another answer them until they remembered vessel was reported aground, but again that there was still some oil left in a nothing was found, and the Life-boat lamp in the cabin. With that last drop returned. Later in the evening a trawler of oil they showed their position. FBBKTTAEY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 13

The Life-boat in Pursuit. the morning to the help of the s.s. Craw- As the ketch drove down Channel ford Castle, of the Union Castle Line, before the gale the Life-boat did not which was reported to have been in overtake her until she was 12 miles collision with the Haisborough Light- W.S.W. of the Lizard. In the heavy sea ship and to be drifting, unmanageable, it was very difficult to get alongside. At into shoal water. the first attempt one of the two men Shortly afterwards messages were jumped on to the Life-boat's end-box and received that the steamer was under was hauled into the boat. The Life-boat control, but the severe weather made it was then carried away from the ketch, impossible to communicate with the but again got alongside of her, and the Life-boat. Some anxiety was felt for second man was dragged aboard. The her safety, and as all the telegraph Life-boat herself was slightly damaged poles had been blown down messages by a blow from the rail of the ketch, and were sent by motor-car to the neighbour- the two rescued men were utterly ex- ing Stations. hausted by their long struggle. The The Life-boat meanwhile had found Life-boat was out for three and a half no trace of the steamer, and had then hours, and additional monetary rewards learnt from the Light-vessel that she were given to her Coxswain and Crew. had been seen going north under her own One of the Crew on this service was power. It was impossible for the Life- the father of one of the regular members, boat to return to Cromer in the E.N.E. who was away, and the father, an old gale that was blowing, or to make for soldier, a man about 60 years old and a Great Yarmouth, so she set a course for landsman, considered it his duty to take Grimsby. It was 11.35 at night before his son's place. He not only did this, she arrived, and she had then travelled but probably saved the Bowman's life. altogether 65 miles. This journey in While the Life-boat was alongside the such weather was a severe test for the ketch he saw the ketch's boom swinging Life-boat. The seas were very steep. down on the Bowman and likely to sweep Heavy spray was continually breaking him overboard, so he promptly knocked over the boat, and about every twenty him down—much to the Bowman's minutes she took heavy green seas on annoyance until he realised the reason board which buried her, sweeping along for it. The abandoned ketch drove the deck and filling the cockpit. But down Channel, weathered the storm, so quickly did the relieving valves and on the same day was sighted off empty the boat that at no time was the the Isles of Scilly. The St. Mary's cockpit fuller than the deck level. Motor Life-boat went out to her and The journey was no less a severe test found the master's canary in its cage. for the Crew. They were wet to the Later, the ketch was salved. skin within a few minutes of leaving the Slipway, and the weather was bitterly cold. In recognition of their endurance The Cromer Life-boat's Twelve Hours' they were all given additional monetary Journey. rewards. On the same day, on the East Coast, the Motor Life-boat at Cromer was The Christmas Snow-storms. launched in weather described as the While there was rough weather at sea, worst which she had ever experienced. on land the heavy snowfalls isolated A whole gale was blowing from the many villages, and there was much E.N.E. The weather, though fine, was anxiety and suffering from scarcity of very cold, and the sea was so heavy that food. To help in relieving this scarcity had she been an open boat of the Nor- the Motor Life-boat at Torbay offered, folk and Suffolk type, instead of the without expense to the Institution, to Watson Cabin type, her Crew would take food by sea to a number of villages have been washed out of her as she took along the coast, but when this offer was the water at the end of the Slipway. telephoned to them it was found that She was launched just before eleven in they had succeeded in getting supplies. 14 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928.

Super-Quality of Life-boats. Some Examples from the Recent Gales. By Captain Howard F. I. Rowley, C.B.E., R.N., Chief Inspector of Life-boats. IN an article with the above title which help of the Dutch oil-tanker Georgia on appeared in The Lifeboat for February, the Haisborough Sands on the 21st and 1925, I pointed out the reasons why, in 22nd November last. material and construction, Life-boats The Coxswain decided to run alongside must of necessity be of superior quality without anchoring or using his line- to the vessels which they help. These throwing gun. In this attempt the vessels have, in one way or another, suc- seas and strong tide turned the Life-boat cumbed to the elements. The Life-boat, completely round and threw her, stern in going out to their help, has to face first, against the wreck, doing consider- the same conditions, and unless she is able damage to her stern-post and badly of superior quality, then she is incurring straining her rudder. This damage, the gravest risk to herself and her however, did not put the Life-boat Crew. out of action, and the Coxswain was The gales of last autumn provided able to get lines on board and rescue some striking proofs both of the need the fifteen men. The Life-boat then for this super-quality and of the fact attempted to get clear, but in doing so that our Life-boats have it. The she was caught by another heavy sea principal services have already been and carried on to the bulwarks of described in detail, either elsewhere in the wreck, sustaining the following this issue of The Lifeboat, or in the issue additional damage : A jagged hole was for last November. Here I am dealing made on the starboard side forward under- simply with the damage which Life- fender on theforeside of the bulkhead fore- boats sustained in carrying out their peak. The fore-compartment was filled duty. I give six cases. In each case the with water. The fore end of the bilge-keel Life-boat, although severely damaged, was torn off. completed her task, rescued the men, and got safely back to port. Newbiggin. Lowestoft. While on service for the purpose of The Lowestoft Motor Life-boat was escorting cobles into harbour on the launched on the 21st November, 1927, 5th December last in a moderate gale, to the help of the sailing smack Lily of the Newbiggin Life-boat was to the Devon, which had stranded close to the windward of one coble. Seeing two harbour entrance. In coming alongside heavy seas following one another which the wreck (after several attempts) the threatened to poop the coble, the Life-boat grounded and was thrown by Coxswain brought the Life-boat broad- a heavy sea under the stern of the side on to act as a breakwater. wreck, being considerably damaged. While this action may possibly have The Life-boat's port wash stroke, was averted a disaster, it caused the Life- fractured. Five ridge-rope stanchions were boat to be thrown on to the coble and badly bent. The handrail round the the stem of the coble crashed through engine-room casing was broken and the the Life-boat's port quarter, causing starting-handle of the engines was smashed. four outer planks to be smashed and the The teakwood hatch casing was also wing hatch broken away. smashed to pieces. In spite of this damage the Life-boat Whitby No. 2. succeeded in rescuing the crew of three The Whitby No. 2 Life-boat was and reaching harbour safely. called out on service on the 7th Decem- Cromer. ber last to stand by the fishing fleet The Cromer Motor Life-boat was which was making for harbour in a launched with other Life-boats to the rough and broken sea. Having escorted FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 15 the majority of the fleet into safety the sea right on top of the upper deck of the Life-boat went to the aid of two cobles vessel. As a result the boat's bottom was which were disabled, one by a fouled stove in, two holes being torn in her on propeller, and the other by engine the port side, and one on the starboard trouble. As she was about to take one side. of the cobles in tow, another motor The desperate course taken made it coble came along to take over the tow, possible for the three men on the and, in so doing, unfortunately rammed wreck to be hauled on board the the Life-boat, tearing a hole in the fore Life-boat, which then started her end-box, both inner and outer skins (three homeward journey in a waterlogged planks) being broken, starting the ends of condition. the planking where secured to the boundary Later on her jib was blown away, and cant-piece and fracturing the gunwale this seriously impaired her sailing inside the end-box. qualities, but she was successful in In spite of this damage the Life- reaching a suitable place in which to boat towed the remaining coble into anchor in the Menai Straits at about safety. The Surveyor reported after 2 A.M., having been out since 5.30 P.M. inspecting the damage: " The Life- on the previous day. boat received a severe blow. . . . The iron knee inside the end-box Ramsgate. appears to have saved the boat." The Eamsgate Motor Life-boat was Moelfre. called out to a steam trawler which had While on service to the ketch Excel struck the pier in an attempt to enter on the 28th October last, the Moelfre the harbour. In going alongside, the Life-boat sustained considerable damage. Life-boat's bow struck the wreck, with As the ketch was waterlogged and in a the result that the stem was badly very serious position, it was decided— damaged and set back | inch out of after an unsuccessful attempt to get line. alongside—to sail the Life-boat across The crew of five were rescued the wreck. When this was being done and the Life-boat returned safely to the Life-boat was carried by a heavy harbour.

A Gallant Mechanic. ON 21st October last the mechanic of pression on them; so Mr. Jefferson threw the Hartlepool Motor Life-boat, Mr. one of the extinguishers into the engine- H. W. Jefferson, was at work in the room and closed the hatches. The Boat-house cleaning the engine. He winchman, Mr. J. W. Bunton, had now went on deck to turn the crank-shaft by arrived in answer to young Jefferson's hand, and the engine backfired and call, and single-handled though he was, set alight the cleaning rags which were very quickly released the Boat, and she saturated with oil and paraffin. There went down the Slipway. Mr. Jefferson, were some eighty gallons of petrol in who remained on board, took the helm the tanks just on the other side of the and the Boat ran out into the harbour. bulkhead, and had they exploded, the This prompt action would have saved the mechanic himself would have been Boat-house, even had the Boat herself wrapped in flames, and the Boat and gone up in flames, but fortunately, with Boat-house destroyed. Mr. Jefferson the hatches closed, the fire quickly got to work at once with the fire- burnt itself out. The damage done was extinguishers, while his little boy ran not great. The engine itself was quite for help. The flames, however, were so uninjured, and the damage was confined great that extinguishers made little im- to the electric wiring and paint-work 16 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928. in the engine-room, and the mast and taking such prompt and successful steps rigging which was lying, in the housed to put out the fire at considerable risk position, on the engine-room hatch. to himself. They therefore awarded him The reason why the engine back- the Thanks of the Institution inscribed fired was that, by mistake, the ignition- on Vellum and £25. He also received switch had been left on. While recog- £25 from the Insurance Company. Mr. nising that this was an error on the Bunton was awarded £5 and Jefferson's mechanic's part, the Committee felt son an inscribed copy of " Britain's that he had shown great courage in Lifeboats."

Life-boats as Ambulances. AT 8.15 on the morning of 8th Novem- by this time been taken in tow and stood ber last, the Motor Life-boat on the by her until she was safe in the Humber. Humber was launched in a strong breeze, It was three o'clock on the following with a rough sea in answer to signals of morning before the Life-boat returned distress, and after travelling for two to her Station. hours at full speed found a steam- On the morning of 4th January, when trawler, the Bessie, of Grimsby. The a gale was blowing, the Eosslare Harbour trawler's boiler had burst, killing one Motor Life-boat took out a doctor to man and injuring another. The engine- the steamer Lady Gertrude Cochrane, room was half full of water, and the which was lying a mile off the pier, to vessel damaged in other ways, but the attend to the skipper, who had been skipper hoped to save her. The Life- taken ill. The Life-boat then brought boat took the injured man on board and the sick man ashore, where a car at 12.30 landed him at Grimsby. She was waiting to convey him to the hos- then returned to the trawler, which had pital.

A Gala Performance.

H.R.H. The Prince of Wales's Idea. AT the suggestion of the Prince of was so much impressed that he sug- Wales, the President of the Institution, gested it should be shown in Great the first presentation in England of the Britain. M. Andre Citroen at once film " The Black Journey" was given offered to give the first presentation in in aid of the Life-boat Service, at a Gala aid of a British charity, and the Prince performance, on 16th January last. The suggested that the charity should be the film is the record of a wonderful expedi- Life-boat Service. tion by Citroen cars, through the whole M. Citroen arranged that the film length of Africa, from Algiers to the should be shown at the Plaza Theatre, Cape. The expedition was under the the Management of which generously leadership of Messieurs Haardt and placed the theatre, the orchestra and Audouin Dubreuil, the explorers, who the staff at the entire disposal of the five years ago were the first to cross the Institution for the evening. Sahara Desert by automobile. Much of The Prince of Wales not only attended their second journey was through British the gala performance, but gave a dinner territory, the expedition touching party before it, his guests being the Northern Nigeria, and passing through Duke and Duchess of York, M. and Kenya Colony, the Tanganyika Terri- Mme. Citroen, M. Haardt, M. Audouin tory, Rhodesia and the Union of South Dubreuil, Admiral Sir Lionel Halsey, Africa. Comptroller of the Prince's Household, The Prince saw the film in Paris, and and Lady Halsey, Sir Godfrey Baring, FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 17 Bt., Chairman of the Committee of tableau vivant, showing the meeting of Management of the Institution, and Livingstone and Stanley, and during Lady Baring, the Hon. George Colville, the film the orchestra played specially Deputy-Chairman, and Lady Cynthia arranged music, including five pieces Colville, and Mr. George F. Shee, Secre- based upon native melodies which had tary of the Institution. been recorded during the journey by a The theatre was full, and among those member of the expedition. who were present in addition to the At the end of the performance the Prince's party, were Prince and Princess Prince of Wales and M. Citroen went on Arthur of Connaught, the French Am- the stage, and the Prince, after speaking bassador, the Duchess of Portland, Vice- of the nation's pride in its Life-boat Patron of the Ladies' Life-boat Guild, Service, thanked both M. Citroen and the Marquess of Londonderry, the Vis- the Plaza Theatre for their generous countess Bertie of Thame, Chairman help. He recalled the fact that five of the Central London Women's Com- years ago, in December, 1923, M. mittee, Lady Florence Pery, Honorary Citroen had helped the Service by giving Secretary of the Ladies' Life-boat Guild, on its behalf the first presentation in General Sir George Milne, Chief of the England of the film of the " Sahara Ex- Imperial General Staff, Viscount Chelms- pedition," and that on that occasion the ford, late First Lord of the Admiralty, Queen had been present. He was able Lord Southborough, President of the to announce that the performance had Civil Service Life-boat Fund, Sir William contributed over £1,000 to the funds of Tyrrell, Permanent Under-Secretary of the Institution. State for Foreign Affairs, Lord Lugard, The actual sum was £1,086 10s. Id. late Governor-General of Nigeria, Major- Thanks to the generosity of M. Citroen General the Lord Edward Gleiohen, and and the Plaza Theatre this is the whole Admiral Sir William Goodenough, Vice- sum realised by sale of tickets, dona- Presidents of the Royal Geographical tions, and the sale of programmes, Society, Major-General Sir Ernest Swin- without any deduction for expenses. It ton, Brigadier-General Sir S. H. Wilson, even includes £5 of tips given to the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for cloak-room staff, who had asked that the Colonies, Sir Ernest Wild, K.C., Re- Life-boat collecting boxes should be put corder of London, members of the Com- in the cloak-rooms. mittee of Management, and members of As recorded elsewhere M. Citroen has the Central London Women's Committee. been elected an Honorary Life-Governor The performance opened with a of the Institution.

Life-boat Carol Singers. LAST Christmas a choir of twelve got scattered. We went in three cars, together by the Honorary Secretary of parking them outside, unless the drives the Branch at East Grinstead, in were very long, and walked up to the Sussex, went carol singing for the Life- houses carrying hurricane lamps. boats. They wore oilskins and sou- " We sang inside in practically every westers lent them by the Institution, case, and if we had accepted all the and carried hurricane lamps. So suc- offers of refreshment we should never cessful were they that the Institution have completed our round ! has received from them a cheque for " We found a tuning-pipe invaluable, £25. Their adventures are best de- and we also found that people preferred scribed in the words of the Honorary the good old-fashioned carols to any Secretary of the Branch :—• newer ones, however attractive. " We warned our victims beforehand " The oilskins and sou-westers with a formal notice, to save fruitless looked very businesslike, and, besides journeys, as the houses were rather being eminently suitable for the weather

n3 18 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928.

By permission of] (Central Xms. GALA PERFORMANCE AT THE PLAZA. Left to right: The Duke of York, Admiral Sir Lionel HaJsey, the Duchess of York, Madame Citroen, the Duchess of Portland, M. Citroen, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, Mr. George F. Shee, Sir Godfrey Baring, the Hon. George Colville.

LIFE-BOAT CAROL SINGERS AT EAST GRINSTEAD. FEBRUABY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 19 we had, they aroused much interest and At Wilden, near Southport, a party excitement. of carol-singers collected a pound for " Our chief thrills were provided by the Life-boats on Christmas Eve, and the weather—one car being completely from Bedford the Institution received lost in the fog for half an hour ; and eight shillings and threepence collected another time the last car had engine by children who went carol singing. We trouble, and we only discovered it was hope that the example of East Grinstead, missing when we arrived at our destina- Wilden and Bedford, may be followed tion and wanted tenors ! " by other Branches next Christmas.

District Conferences. * The Isle of Wight and Exeter. Two conferences were held in the South- was given by Sir Godfrey Baring, who western District during January. The thanked the Isle of Wight for the first, at Newport, Isle of Wight, was a splendid support which it was giving to conference of Life-boat workers in the the Institution. He mentioned, in par- Island, and the second, at Exeter, of ticular, the name of Major-General Life-boat workers in Cornwall and Seely, who, as President of the Isle of Devonshire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Wight Branch, as a member of the Com- Dorset. mittee of Management, and as a member The Isle of Wight Conference took of the Brooke Life-boat Crew knew place on January 21st, on the occasion everything that there was to know about of the annual meeting of the Isle of Life-boat work. Sir Godfrey Baring Wight Life-boat Board. The Mayor of also thanked, in the name of the Institu- Newport (Mr. W. Blake) presided, and tion, Mr. Wykeham, the Honorary Secre- he and the Mayoress entertained the tary, and the Honorary Secretaries of delegates to tea after the meeting. the three Stations for their services to Among those supporting the Mayor were the Life-boat cause. Sir Godfrey Baring, Bt., Chairman of The Mayor proposed a vote of thanks the Committee of Management and a to Sir Godfrey Baring, and in seconding Vice-President of the Isle of Wight it, Mr. Wykeham welcomed the mem- Branch, and Lady Baring, Mr. Aubrey bers of the Ladies' Life-boat Guild, and A. H. Wykeham, J.P., Honorary Secre- said that he hoped that such joint meet- tary for the Isle of Wight, Mr. ings of the Branch and the Guild would P. W. Day, Honorary Treasurer, the always be held in future. Hon. Mabel Gough-Calthorpe, Honorary Secretary of the Ladies' Life-boat Exeter. Guild, and the Honorary Secretaries The Conference at Exeter was held of the three Isle of Wight Life-boat on January 25th, twenty-seven branches Stations. and guilds being represented. Before The Kev. Courtney Shaw presented the Conference several prominent guests the report of the Brooke Station, Mr. W. were entertained to luncheon by Mr. Couldrey the report of the Bembridge and Mrs. A. C. Eeed (Chairman of the Station, and Captain A. G. Coles the Branch and Guild), among those present report of the Yarmouth Station. The being Sir Godfrey Baring, Bt., Chairman Honorary Treasurer presented the of the Committee of Management, the balance sheet, which showed that for the Mayor and Mayoress of Exeter (Mr. and year ending September 30th, 1927, the Mrs. A. Brock), the Earl of Devon, Isle of Wight Branches had collected President of the Exeter Branch, Dr. £950 as compared with £905 in the Ferris-Tozer, Honorary Treasurer of the previous year. Exeter Branch, and Mr. George F. Shee, An address on the work of the Service Secretary of the Institution. 20 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928. The delegates to the Conference, which Gee, Honorary Secretary of the Weston- was held in the Guildhall, were: Captain super-Mare Ladies' Life-boat Guild; Prideaux-Brune, Chairman, and Mr. H. Major M. Rawlence, D.S.O., Honorary C. Whitehead, Honorary Secretary of Secretary of the Salisbury Branch ; Miss the Appledore Branch ; Major A. C. F. Macdonell, representing the Shaftesbury Luttrell, Honorary Secretary of the Ladies' Life-boat Guild ; Mrs. Watson, Axminster Branch; Major W. H. representing the Swanage Branch. Grimshaw, Honorary Secretary of the Cullompton Branch, and Mrs. Grim- The Mayor's Appeal. shaw ; Mrs. Macfie, Honorary Secretary of the Dartmouth Branch ; Commander The Mayor presided and extended a Browning, Honorary Secretary of the hearty welcome to the delegates. Many Dawlish Branch ; Mrs. Arthur Reed, meetings, he said, had been held in that Chairman, Dr. Ferris Tozer, Honorary ancient hall, and some very good causes Treasurer, and Miss F. A. Howard, advocated there, but none, he thought, Honorary Secretary, of the Exeter more worthy than the cause for which Branch ; Mrs. Frost, Honorary Secretary they were meeting that afternoon. He of the Exeter Ladies' Life-boat Guild, was afraid that, in inland towns and and fifty-six members of the Guild ; cities, there was a danger sometimes of Captain A. B. Grenfell, Chairman, and not realising the importance of the work Captain C. P. Shrubb, Honorary Secre- of the Lifeboat' Institution, but when tary, of the Exmouth Branch; Miss they were at the seaside for their holi- Woodcock, Honorary Secretary of the days in the summer and saw the Life- Exmouth Ladies' Life-boat Guild ; Mr. boat launched, or drawn through the F. C. Pittman, Assistant Honorary streets, it was brought home to them. Secretary of the Paignton Branch; In a city such as Exeter, they should be Mr. C. Shillitoe, Honorary Secretary of proud to be connected with an Institu- the Salcombe and Hope Cove Branch ; tion that had such a wonderful record of Miss Browning, Honorary Secretary of life-saving, and which was so up-to-date the Sidmouth Ladies' Life-boat Guild; in its methods. It was wonderful to see Mr. W. J. Burden, Honorary Secretary the tremendous amount of useful work of the Teignmouth Branch; Mr. H. done by voluntary organisations all over Clayton, Chairman of the Brixham the country. What, he asked, would Branch ; Mrs. Clayton, representing the their Empire be like if all such good Brixham Ladies' Life-boat Guild ; Mr. work were paid for ? W. Ball, President, and Mr. H. C. Slade, Sir Godfrey Baring, Mr. Shee, the Honorary Secretary, of the Torquay Secretary of the Institution, and the Branch ; Mrs. Pethybridge, representing District Organising Secretary, gave short the Bodmin Ladies' Life-boat Guild ; addresses on different aspects of the Admiral Stuart Nicholson, C.B., M.V.O., work of the Institution, and reports Honorary Secretary of the Bude Branch; of the working of their Branches were Mr. R. S. Farran, Honorary Secretary given by Mr. H. C. Whitehead, of of the Mevagissey Branch; Captain Appledore, Major Rawlence, of Salis- E. P. Hutchings, Honorary Secretary bury, Mr. W. J. Burden, of Teignmouth, of the Padstow Branch ; Mrs. Gibson, Admiral Stuart Nicholson, of Bude, Honorary Secretary of the Truro Ladies' Captain E. P. Hutchings, of Padsto'w, Life-boat Guild ; Mrs. Goldie, Honorary and Mrs. Gee, of Weston-super-Mare. Secretary of the Bath Branch ; Mrs. A number of matters connected with Engelenburg, President of the Burnham publicity and propaganda were dis- Ladies' Life-boat Guild ; Mrs. Ferguson, cussed, and after Mr. Shee had proposed Honorary Secretary of the Bridgwater and Major Rawlence seconded a vote Ladies' Life-boat Guild ; Captain A. G. of thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress Warren, Honorary Secretary of the for their help and hospitality, the dele- Taunton Branch; Mr. W. J. E. Lee, gates were entertained to tea by the Honorary Secretary, and Mr. H. J. Mayor and Mayoress. Thus ended a Norman of the Watchet Branch ; Mrs. very successful Conference. FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 21 The lafe-boat Service 100 Years Ago. Case of the "Venus" Steam Packet. " AT 9 P.M. on the 18th of March, 1828, manner; and, from the same cause, the boat belonging to the Venus Steam they also refused. By this time, we lost Packet, of Glasgow, William Brown, sight of the light, and we returned to Commander, landed at Glynn, in the the shore, to those who had landed in County of Wexford, with nine persons the boat, and took them to the watch- on board, including himself and one house, furnished them with refreshment, female ; and being informed that they etc., and made them as comfortable as had left the vessel in a sinking state, we could. with sixteen souls on board, we, under " Captain Blois ordered a most strict the direction of Captain J. E. Blois, look-out during the night, and at day- E.N., Inspecting Commander (and break we observed the fore and main accompanied by him), immediately masts out of the water. We then, with launched our boat. It was then blowing prompt exertions, launched our boat, hard, with a very heavy sea. At this and succeeded in getting to the vessel, time, we observed a light, supposed to where we found ten survivors, whom we be on board the packet. It being im- brought on shore in an almost exhausted possible to approach the vessel in our state." small boat, we boarded an Arklow This statement was signed by the six fishing boat, and Captain Blois exhorted boatmen and certified by Captain Blois them in the strongest manner possible as correct. For this service Captain Blois, to accompany us to the vessel; but Inspecting Commander of Coastguard, they, in consequence of the gale, was awarded the " Gold Medallion " refused : we then boarded the second of the Institution. " Two Sovereigns " fishing boat, and exhorted them in like were awarded to each of the six men.

Armistice Day. AT a number of places round the coast who had gone out in 1915 in the hope wreaths were cast on the sea on llth of rescuing the men on the torpedoed November, in memory of men who lost steamer. When the Life-boat had their lives at sea during the war. reached, as near as could be judged, the At Southwold, Suffolk, following the spot where the Mangara went down, service in the parish church, the Mayor the engines were shut off. Buglers on went to the harbour, where the Motor board her sounded the Last Post. Life-boat was moored, and a short The Vicar offered prayers and cast the religious service was conducted by the wreath on the sea in memory of the Vicar. A wreath of laurel leaves, men who had been drowned in the Flanders poppies and white chrysanthe- service of their country. The hymn mums, in the form of an anchor, was " Eternal Father " was sung, and the blessed and taken on board the Life- buglers sounded the Eeveille. boat, which then went out to the Size- At Whitby, as the weather was too well Bank, where in the evening of rough for boats to put out to hold a 28th July, 1915, the S.S. Mangara had memorial service for the sixty-five local been torpedoed. The Southwold Life- mariners who lost their lives in the war, boat had been launched to her help, but a wreath was cast on the sea at the reached the sands to find only the harbour bar, and a religious service was steamer's mastheads visible. Six or held in the harbour. At Eedcar also seven of her crew had been picked up the weather was so rough that the by other vessels, but eleven had been wreath in memory of the local fisher- drowned. men, instead of being taken to sea as Among the Crew of the Life-boat on in previous years by the Life-boat, was Armistice Day were several of the Crew cast on the sea at the end of the pier. 22 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928.

The Lord Mayor's Show. LAST November, for the first time that they were coming to London, and since 1924, the Centenary year, a Life- how much they deserved this honour. boat took part in the Lord Mayor's She herself was the daughter of a mem- Show. The Boat was a Pulling and ber of the Caister Crew who had served Sailing Life-boat from the Reserve Fleet for forty-one years, and her father's at the Store-yard at Poplar. She was brother was one of the nine men who drawn by a Launching Motor Tractor lost their lives when the Beauchamp, and manned by Coxswain Albert Spur- the Caister No. 2 Life-boat, was wrecked geon of Lowestoft and eleven men of in November, 1901. his Crew. The Lowestoft Life-boatmen On 19th December the Crew were were chosen for this honour as Lady entertained to dinner at Lowestoft by Batho, the Lady Mayoress, takes a great the Lord Mayor. Neither he nor the interest in Lowestoft, where she was Lady Mayoress could be present, but born; and how wellde served it was, their place was taken by the Mayor of Coxswain Spurgeon and his Crew showed Lowestoft, and after the dinner the less than a fortnight later by their awards for the service to the Lily of gallant service (described elsewhere) to Devon were presented. Coxswain Spur- the ketch Lily of Devon. geon gave an account of the Clew's visit The announcement that the Lowestoft to London, said that they had had a most Crew would take part in the Show enthusiastic reception, and asked that brought a letter from a lady living in their heartiest thanks might be sent to London, who wrote how pleased she was the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress.*

r The Padstow Centenary " : An Addition.

The Silver Medallists of the Station. An article on the Padstow Station, Greenock. William Hills, who was which last year celebrated its Centenary, Coxswain of the Life-boat when the appeared in the Life-boat for last service to the Juliet was carried out, was November, and particulars were given awarded the Silver Medal for that service. of the Medals which had been won by Coxswain William Corkhill won the Padstow Life-boatmen. Several Medals Silver Medal in 1872 for the service to have to be added to those mentioned the barque Viking, of Sunderland, and in that article, and the following is the three years later he received the Clasp complete list of these honours:— " for long and valuable services." The first Silver Medal was won by Samuel Bate, the Second Coxswain, William Giles in 1833, when he went out was also awarded the Silver Medal for with seven volunteers and saved four the service to the Viking. out of five of the crew of the brig Albion. Coxswain William Webb received the The second was awarded in 1859 to Silver Medal on his retirement in 1883, Daniel Shea, Chief officer of Coastguard and it was awarded to Coxswain and Coxswain of the Life-boat, for long William Henry Baker in 1911, for the service. Next year he won the Second service to the Angele, of Brest, when he Service Clasp for the service to the ship showed conspicuous courage and leader- James Alexander, of Liverpool, and five ship. years later a Third Service Clasp for Altogether during the century the his share in the rescue of the crew of Padstow Life-boatmen were awarded seventeen of the barque Juliet, of seven Silver Medals and three Clasps.

* See also under " News from the Branches : Presentations to Crews." FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 23

Obituary. Ex-Coxswain Robert Smith, of Tynemouth; Mrs. Margaret Armstrong, of Cresswell; Mr. Sholto F. Middleton, Honorary Secretary of the Seaford Branch; Mr. Herbert F. Lancashire, J.P., of Nottingham, a Member of the Committee of Management. BY the death of ex-Coxswain Kobert close to Blyth east pier, at low water, Smith of Tynemouth, on 30th October in such a position that the Blyth Life- last, in his eightieth year, one of the boat could not reach her. The Tyne- greatest of the Institution's Coxswains mouth Motor Life-boat, ten miles away, has passed away. No man more was summoned, and Major Burton gallantly and more honourably carried and Coxswain Smith, although they on the great traditions of the Service could not get together a full Crew, on that North-East Coast, where the brought the Life-boat to Blyth, in a first permanent Life-boat Station was whole S.E. gale, with a very heavy sea, established and where men and women and rescued the shipwrecked men. have shown, in the work of saving life The epic story of the service to the from shipwreck, a gallantry unsurpassed Rohilla has been told many times. anywhere in the British Isles. Here it is only necessary to recall that Born at Cullercoats in 1849, Robert after the late Coxswain Langlands— Smith was connected with the Service another of the great Life-boat figures of for fifty years. He was already a the North - East Coast—had twice Life-boatman of long experience when, succeeded, by heroic efforts, in reaching in 1909, he was appointed Second Cox- the wreck in the Whitby No. 2 Life- swain of the Tynemouth Life-boat. The boat, and had rescued thirty-five men and following year he was appointed Cox- women, the Life-boat being so badly swain, and he held that post through the damaged that she was unfit for further dangerous years of the War, retiring on service, and after every effort of four account of old age in March 1920, at the other Pulling and Sailing Life-boats to age of seventy-one. reach the wreck had failed, the Tyne- Some years before Robert Smith mouth Motor Life-boat was summoned became Second Coxswain, the first as the last hope of saving those who still Life-boat to be converted by the lived on the wreck. Within fifteen Institution to motor-power was minutes of the summons, she was stationed at Tynemouth, and this was launched, and Coxswain Smith and replaced, the year after he became Major Burton brought her safely Coxswain, by the Motor Life-boat Henry through her hazardous journey of Vernon. Thus Robert Smith was one of forty-four miles in the wild night storm, the pioneers in the use of the Motor with all the coast-lights extinguished Life-boat which has revolutionized the on account of the War. Early next Service. morning she rescued the fifty men on the It was in the Henry Vernon that wreck, who had survived their terrible Robert Smith performed the great ordeal of forty-eight hours. For that service—the rescue of the fifty sur- service, one of the greatest in the history vivors of the hospital ship Rohilla in of the Institution, Robert Smith, with 1914—for which his name will be chiefly Major Burton and Thomas Langlands, remembered. The year before, how- was awarded the Gold Medal, the ever, he and Major Burton, R.E., the highest honour which can be given by Honorary Superintendent of the Tyne- the Institution, and which it gives only mouth Motor Life-boat, had each been for conspicuous courage and devotion. awarded the Silver Medal for their Robert Smith held a number of other gallantry in the service to the s.s. decorations and awards. He was one of Dunelm, of Sunderland, one of the most the eight Gold Medallists of the Institu- daring in the history of the Life-boat tion alive when its Centenary was cele- Service on the North-East Coast. brated in 1924. He attended the Cen- The Dunelm had stranded quite tenary dinner at which the Prince of 24 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928. Wales presided, and, with the other Institution was represented by the Gold Medallists, was received by the District Organizing Secretary for the King at Buckingham Palace, and North of England, Mr. Edgar H. John- decorated with the Medal of the Order son, who wrote of it as follows :— of the British Empire. It was to him, " As Margaret Armstrong was re- so one of the other Gold Medallists said verently borne outside her cottage a large afterwards, that the King talked most, gathering sang the fishermen's hymn. asking him about all his medals. Then, lifted on to the shoulders of four He lived for another four years. His stalwart Life-boatmen, she was taken up sight, already failing in 1924, had com- the hill to the little Parish Church,'the pletely gone some time before his death. only wreath on her coffin being that sent He has died, in his eightieth year, leav- by the Institution in the form of an ing behind him a great record and a anchor, with the words, ' The Royal name which will be remembered with National Life-boat Institution's last honour and gratitude so long as the mark of respect.' In the Church the Life-boat Service itself is remembered. coffin rested for the last time on two kitchen chairs which had been brought Mrs. Margaret Armstrong, of CressweQ. from her cottage. A congregation of ANOTHER great figure on the North- over 200 from miles around filled the East Coast has also passed away by the little place of worship. At the Vicar's death on 2nd February last of Mrs. request I spoke a few words on behalf Margaret Armstrong, of Cresswell. She of the Institution, saying that we were was perhaps the best known of that bidding good-bye to Margaret Arm- devoted body of women who, in the little strong, a woman who, for fifty years, fishing villages of that coast, play a part had never missed a launch of the in the work of saving life from shipwreck Cresswell Life-boat, and one whose only less conspicuous than that of the brave exploit in 1876 would never be men. She was in her eightieth year, forgotten. We deplored her passing, and had lived all her life at Cresswell, but rejoiced in the thought that we the daughter of a family of fishermen. had had the privilege of knowing her. None could have had more tragic know- She had gone to her last home a shining ledge of what those must suffer who example to the women of the British earn their hard living on and by the sea. Isles." While still a girl she helped to drag ashore her father and her three brothers, Mr. Sholto F. Middleton. flung out of their overturned coble, only BY the death of Mr. Sholto F. Middle- to find that they were dead. Through ton, in October of last year, the Institu- her long life she was one of the launchers tion has lost one of its most successful of the Cresswell Life-boat, and in fifty and devoted Honorary Secretaries. Mr. years she never missed a launch. Her Middleton founded the Branch at Sea- most conspicuous service was in 1876, ford, Sussex, in 1917, and remained its when she carried the news of a wreck to Honorary Secretary until his death. the Rocket Life-saving Apparatus, five During those eleven years the Seaford miles along the coast. It was a terrible Branch raised over £1,100. In March of journey in the face of a whole gale, and last year, on the completion of ten years she reached the end of it with feet cut as Honorary Secretary, Mr. Middleton and bleeding, with half her clothes torn was presented with a framed picture off by the wind and waves and so of a Life-boat going out to a vessel in exhausted that she collapsed speechless distress, as a small mark of the —but the Coastguard knew her, and Institution's gratitude for his devoted knew what her message must be. services. A special award was made to her by the Institution for that gallant journey, and Mr. Herbert F. Lancashire, J.P. in 1922 it recognized her life-time of Mr. Herbert F. Lancashire, a member devotion to the Service by awarding her of the Committee of Management and its Gold Brooch. At her funeral the the Chairman of the Nottingham and FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 25 District Branch, died on 30th January men and affairs. The Nottingham last, and the Committee deeply regret Branch, of which he was Chairman, is one i the loss of a most valued colleague. Mr. of the best organized and most generous Lancashire was Chairman of one of the of the Institution's inland Branches. big hosiery manufacturing firms of Not- Besides the regular contribution which tingham and had been connected with for many years it has made to the that industry all his life. He was Chair- Institution, the Branch raised a special man of the Nottingham Chamber of fund of over £5,000 as a Centenary Gift Commerce in 1923, and at the time of his to the Service, and this sum is providing death Chairman of the National Federa- the Motor Life-boat which is to be built tion of Hosiery Trade Manufacturers. for Folkestone. The success of the fund He took an active part in the work of was largely due not only to Mr. Lan- recruiting during the War, and in the cashire's interest and advocacy, but to War Savings Movement, and for years his personal and very generous help. was Chairman of the Nottingham War No one could be associated with him Pensions Committee. He travelled without recognizing at once that he was extensively, visiting Australia, New a man of very wide interests and humane Zealand, South Africa and other and generous ideals. He felt that his j parts of the world. Mr. Lancashire position as an industrialist and employer became Chairman of the Nottingham of labour was a high and serious trust, and District Branch in 1915, and when and the Institution is fortunate that for he accepted the Institution's invitation so many years a man of Mr. Lancashire's to become a member of the Committee energy, experience and ideals should of Management in 1918, he brought have been so closely associated with to it a wide and ripe experience of its work in the Midlands.

Summary of the Meetings of the Committee of Management. Thursday, 10th November, 1927. Lives Life-boat. Vessel. Rescued. SIR GODFREY BARING, Bt., in the Chair. Stromness . . Steam trawler Amethyst, Co-opted Mr. A. MATJDSLAY, Colonel the (Motor) of Hull .... 10 MASTEB or SEMPILL, and Mr. H. TANSLEY The Humber . Steam trawler Bessie, WITT, members of the Committee of Manage- (Motor) of Grimsby. Rendered ment. assistance and landed Reported the receipt of the following one injured man. special contribution :— Whitby . . Motor fishing boats Anonymous (Donation) £30 (Motor) Faith, Mizpah, Irene, Paid £14,609 17s. for sundry charges in Pilot Me, and Guide connection with the construction of Life-boats, Me, of Whitby. Es- * Life-boat Houses and Slipways, and the corted boats into har- maintenance of the various Life-boat Estab- bour. lishments. Whitby No. 2 . Motor fishing boat Re- Voted £336 13s. to pay the expenses of the membrance, of Whit- following Life-boat services :— by. Escorted boat Lives into harbour. Life-boat. Vessel. Rescued. Youghal . . S.S. Clew Bay, of Bel- Llandudno . Motor yacht Delphore, fast. Stood by vessel. of Liverpool ... 3 The Lowestoft (Motor) Life-boat assisted to Moelfre . . Ketch Excel, of Poole . 2 save the sailing lugger Johanne Marie, of Porthdinllaen . S.S. Matje, of Hull, and Scheveningen, and rescued from shipwreck (Motor) S.S. Dunvegan, of her crew of twelve; also the St. Mary's Preston. Stood by (Motor) Life-boat saved the schooner Rosco- vessels. vite, of Treguier, and rescued from shipwreck St. Mary's . . S.S. Isabo, of Lussin- her crew of eight. (Motor) piccolo .... 4 Scarborough . Motor fishing cobles Also voted £420 16s. 9d. to pay the expenses (Motor) Jock and Georgia, of the following Life-boat launches, assemblies of Scarborough. of crews, etc., with a view to assisting persons Escorted boats into on vessels in distress :—Beaumaris (Motor), safety. Bembridge (Motor), Brighton and Hove, 26 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBEUAEY, 1928. Buckle (Motor), Caister, Cromer No. 1 (Motor), Granted a pension to the widow and grand- Ferryside, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston daughter of WILLIAM ROBERTS, together with (Motor), Holyhead No. 1 (Steam), Holyhead a Memorial Certificate, and defrayed the No. 2, Hoylake, The Humber (Motor), Lowe- funeral expenses. stoft (Motor), Lytham, Margate (Motor), Directed that a Letter of Thanks be sent Maryport, The Mumbles (Motor), New to Mr. and Mrs. MUSGRAVE, of the Bulkeley Brighton No. 2 (Motor), St. Abbs (Motor), Arms Hotel, Beaumaris, for their hospitality Sheringham, Tynemouth (Motor), and Wey- to the Life-boat crew, and granted additional mouth (Motor). monetary rewards to all the men. Granted £7 10s. to a man for injury in the (A full account of this service was published Life-boat service at Wicklow. hi the November issue of The Lifeboat, p. 521.) Granted the sum of £25 and the Thanks of Decided that, in recognition of the fine the Institution inscribed on Vellum to H. W. services rendered by the St. Mary's, Isles of JEFFERSON, Mechanic of the Hartlepool Scilly, Motor Life-boat on 27th-28th October, Motor Life-boat, in recognition of his prompt when four of the crew of the S.S. Isabo, of and intrepid conduct on 21st October, 1927, Lussin-piccolo, were rescued by the Life- in putting off single-handed in the Life-boat, boat, and twenty-eight by shore boats, the which was on fire owing to an explosion in following awards be given to the Life-boat- the engine room, thus facing great risk, as men : MATTHEW LETHBRIDGE, Coxswain, the there was imminent danger of the petrol tanks Silver Medal of the Institution; JAMES exploding. THOMAS LETHBRIDGE, Second Coxswain, J. H. Voted a compassionate grant of £5 to ROKAHR, Motor Mechanic, and Dr. W. E. JEREMIAH LYNCH, an ex-member of the crew IVEBS, who went out in the Life-boat to give of the Ballycotton Life-boat. Lynch had first-aid, the Bronze Medal of the Institution ; been a Life-boatman for over forty years, and H. BARRETT, Bowman, F. HICKS, C. NANCE, was in very poor circumstances with a wife CLAUDE PHILLIPS, CLARENCE PHILLIPS, E. A. and large family. Guy, V. ELLIS, W. CAMERON, and A. W. Directed that Letters of Appreciation be NANCE, of the Life-boat crew, and to Dr. addressed to Capt. OWEN EVANS, Honorary W. B. ADDISON, Honorary Secretary, the Secretary, and to Mr. T. HOOPER, a foreman Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum. employed by the Institution's engineers, for Additional monetary rewards were granted to going out in the Porthdinllaen (Motor) Life- the crew. boat on service on the 28th-29th October; The services rendered by the three shore also granted an additional reward to each of boats were recognized by the following the crew in view of the arduous nature of the awards : CHARLES JENKINS, Silver Medal; service. EDWARD R. JENKINS, Bronze Medal; S. Granted additional rewards to each of TREVELLICK JENKINS, J. JENKINS, J. E. the crews of the Maryport and St. Abbs FENDER, and S. G. JENKINS, Thanks of the (Motor) Life-boats for arduous service launches Institution on Vellum—all of the boat Sun- on 28th-29th October and 9th November beam ; WILLIAM E. JENKINS, Bronze Medal; respectively. SAMUEL J. PENDER, WILLIAM T. PENDER, FRANK R. JENKINS, ALFRED T. JENKINS, Decided that, in recognition of the exception- EDWARD R. PEARCE, NORMAN J. JENKINS, ally gallant service rendered by the Moelfre and JOHN J. JENKINS, Thanks of the Institu- Life-boat on 28th-29th October, when three tion on Vellum—all of the boat Czar ; ERNEST men were rescued from the ketch Excel, of JENKINS, Bronze Medal; SAMPSON JENKINS Poole, in the face of the gravest danger, and and JAMES S. JENKINS, Thanks of the Institu- on* of the Life-boat's crew and one of the tion on Vellum—all of the boat Ivy ; all the three men of the ketch died from injuries and Medals to be accompanied by a copy of the exposure, the following awards be granted: Vote inscribed on Vellum and framed. A WILLIAM ROBERTS, Second Coxswain, and Letter of Appreciation was also sent to the Captain OWEN JONES, Life-boatman, the Gold Agent for the Duchy of Cornwall, and a Medal of the Institution ; WILLIAM WILLIAMS, monetary award granted to the crew of the Bowman, HUQH THOMAS, RICHARD THOMAS, launch belonging to the Duchy. HUGH OWEN, HUGH LLOYD MATTHEWS, ROBERT RICHARD FRANCIS. OWEN JONES, (A full account of these services was pub- THOMAS JONES, ROBERT OWEN, OWEN lished in the November issue of The Lifeboat, OWENS, JOHN LEWIS OWEN, and THOMAS p. 516.) WILLIAMS, the Bronze Medal of the Institu- Directed that Letters of Thanks should be tion ; the widow of WILLIAM ROBERTS, the sent to Mr. JOHN WHELTON and to Messrs. member of the Life-boat crew who died, the R. J. and F. RUDDOCK, and granted £12 to six Bronze Medal of the Institution—all the other men for their services, at Courtmacsherry Medals to be accompanied by a copy of the on the 28th October, when a sand-lighter ran Vote inscribed on Vellum and framed; aground on a sandbank during a whole gale Presentation Barometers suitably inscribed, from the S.W. Also granted 12s. as com- to Colonel LAWRENCE WILLIAMS, Honorary pensation for two oars which were broken. Secretary, Moelfre Station, and to Captain The lighter carried a crew of three who were in R. R. DAVTES, Honorary Secretary, Anglesey considerable danger, and Mr. J. Whelton and Branch. , two other men put off in a two-oared boat to FEBBUABY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 27 their help, but when they got alongside their Paid £14,756 5s. 4td. for sundry charges in boat capsized and they got aboard the lighter. connection with the const uction of Life-boats, Meanwhile another boat, manned by Messrs. Life-boat Houses and Slipways, and the R. J. and F. Ruddock, members of the local maintenance of the various Life-boat establish- Life-boat Committee, and four other men, went ments. out to the sand-lighter and managed to get a Voted £464 9s. 6d. to pay the expenses of the rope fast to her. This rope was taken ashore following Life-boat services :— and by this means the lighter was got off the Life-boat. Vessel. Lives sand-bank and pulled to the quay, the six men Rescued. on board being rescued by these means. Cromer No. 1 . S.S. Georgia, of Amster- Voted £1 to two men for rescuing two other (Motor) dam . . .15 men, each of whom was in a small boat, at Cromer No. 1 . Lighter Bertha, of Goole 4 Ramsgate, on Sunday, the 23rd October. Also (Motor) granted 2s. 6d. for petrol used. The two little Flamborough . A fishing coble of Flam- boats were reported to be in difficulties outside No. 1 borough. Escorted the harbour during a strong north-easterly coble into safety. breeze, and as it was not necessary to send out Great Yarmouth S.S. Georgia, of Amster- the Life-boat a motor boat put out and, with- and Gorleston dam. Stood by vessel. out incurring any risk, brought the boats and (Motor) their occupants into safety. Lowestoft . Ketch Lily of Devon, of Voted £3 to the crews of three motor cobles (Motor) Lowestoft . . 3 for putting out from Piley in a strong N.N.E. Lowestoft . Sailing trawler Dusky gale, with a heavy sea. on the 9th November, (Motor) Queen, of Lowestoft. when the coble Thistle was missing and could Stood by vessel. not be seen from the shore. The Life-boat Newbiggin . Nine fishing cobles of would have been launched but for the action Newbiggin. Stood by of these cobles, whose services, however, were cobles and rendered not needed as the Thistle was able to make assistance. harbour under sail. New Brighton . S.S. Lochmonar, of Lon- Voted £4 to two men, father and son, for No. 2 (Motor) don. Rendered assist- rescuing the three men of the small boat ance, and transferred Britannic, which was swamped and capsized by 74 to tugs. an unexpectedly heavy sea, when going out New Brighton . S.S. Zealand and S.S. lobster fishing on the 26th September, at South No. 2 (Motor) Ravens Point, of Liver- Uist. In response to the cries of the men in the pool. Stood by water, only one of whom could swim, the sal- vessels, and rendered vors, who were also on their way out, hastened assistance. to the capsized boat and at some risk, owing to Peel . . Ketch Wave, of Bridg- the very heavy sea inshore, rescued the men, water ... 2 who were clinging to the mast of their boat. Peterhead No. 2 S.S. Bayford, of Methil. Voted £4 to four men for their efforts to save (Motor) Rendered assistance. life, off Hoylake. On the afternoon of the 17th Ramsgate . S.S. Guardian, of New- October, the motor flat Red Band, of Chester, (Motor) castle. Landed 9 from ran into a N.W. gale with a heavy sea, while the North Goodwin bound from Mostyu to Liverpool. Her cargo Light vessel. shifted and she capsized, but not before her Runswick . Ten fishing boats of crew of five had taken to the ship's boat. Staithes and Runs- Seeing the boat's predicament the four men wick. Stood by cobles. put off to her aid, but their services were not Scarborough . Five fishing cobles of required, as the endangered men were picked (Motor) Scarborough. Escorted up by another motor flat which was in the cobles into harbour. vicinity. A letter of appreciation was ad- Torbay (Motor) Six sprat boats of Tor- dressed to the owner of the boat used, who quay and Teignmouth. missed going out with her through going to Stood by boats. search for a baler. Whitby No. 2 . Fishing fleet of Whitby. Stood by fleet and Thursday, 15th December, 1927. rendered assistance. Sm GODFREY BARING, Bt., in the Chair. The Humber (Motor) Life-boat assisted to Reported the resignation from the Committee save the schooner Ornen, of Svendborg, and to of Management of Mr. J. Bevill Fortescue. rescue from shipwreck her crew of eight. Reported the receipt of the following special Also voted £487 16s. Id. to pay the expenses contributions :— £ s. d. of the following Life-boat launches, assemblies Readers of " The Quiver" (Don.) 116 4 7 of crews, etc., with a view to assisting persons 1st Batt. the Argyll and Sutherland on vessels in distress:—Ayr, Berwick-on- Highlanders, Collection . . 50 17 10 Tweed, Blyth, Bridlington, Broughty Ferry Anonymous (additional donation) 50 0 0 (Motor), Buckhaven, Caister, Cromer No. 2, Do. do. do. . 30 0 0 Douaghadee (Motor), Donna Nook, Dunbar, A. W. do. do. . . 25 0 0 Eastbourne (Motor), Eyemouth, Hartlepool To b» thanked. (Motor}, The Humber (Motor), Ilfraoombe, 28 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928. Johnshaven, Moelfre, New Brighton No. 2 inscribed on Vellum and framed, together with (Motor), Peterhead No. 2 (Motor), Port Logan, an additional monetary reward. Additional Rhoscolyn, Selsey and Bognor (Motor), Skeg- monetary rewards were also granted to the ness, Southwold (Motor), Sunderland (Motor), Crew of the Southwold Life-boat, and a Letter Tenby (Motor), Tynemouth (Motor), and of Thanks and a gratuity to W. G. JOHNSON, Worthing. a Gorleston skipper who went in the Southwold Granted £72 6s. 2d. to men who were injured Life-boat. or temporarily disabled by exposure in the Letters of Thanks for their valuable co- Life-boat service at Broughty Ferry, Buck- operation were sent to the following:—Mr. haven, Moelfre, Swanage, Tenby, Wick and F. H. BARCLAY, Honorary Secretary, Cromer; Winterton. Mr. A. H. CARTWRIGHT, and Mr. A. D. SNELL, Voted a further gratuity of £10 to Richard Chairman and Honorary Secretary at Great Williams, ex-Second Coxswain of the Holy- Yarmouth and Gorleston respectively ; Major head No. 1 Steam Life-boat, who had been BERNARD D. HAYTON Honorary Secretary, compelled to retire owing to ill-health, and Southwold; Mr. SYDNEY TAYLOR, Honorary is in poor circumstances. Secretary, Lowestoft; Commanding Officer of H.M.S. Thanet; The MANAGER, Gorlestou Voted a compassionate grant of £5 to Mariners' Refuge ; Captain H. F. J. ROWLEY, Thomas Clark, Head Launcher, at Bridlington, C.B.E., R.N., Chief Inspector of Life-boats; on his retirement, on account of old age, after and Captain E. S. CARVER, R.D., R.N.R., 40 years' service. Inspector of Life-boats for the Eastern Granted an additional reward to the crew District. of the Broughty Ferry Motor Life-boat for an (A full account of this service appears on arduous service launch on the 22nd November. page 4.) Directed that a Letter of Appreciation be Voted the Silver Medal of the Institution, addressed to Captain W. J. Oliver, Honorary accompanied by a copy of the Vote inscribed Secretary at Sunderland, for going out in the on Vellum and framed, to ALBERT SPURGEON, Life-boat on service on the 16th November. Coxswain of the Lowestoft Motor Life-boat, and granted additional monetary rewards to Voted a gratuity of £5 to James Bunton, him and to the other members of the Crew in Winchman, in recognition of his good services recognition of their fine services in rescuing on the 21st October, when the Hartlepool the crew, three in number, of the Lowestoft Motor Life-boat caught fire. ketch Lily of Devon, during a whole E. gale on Decided that in recognition of the excep- the 21st November. tionally fine services of the Cromer No. 1, Great Awarded Binoculars, suitably inscribed, and Yarmouth and Gorleston, and Southwold Letters of Thanks to JAMES PRYAL, ex- Motor Life-boats on the 21st—22ud November, Sergeant Royal Irish Constabulary, JOHN when these boats proceeded to the aid of the KELLY, Sergeant, Civic Guard, and M. J. ELLIS, Dutch Oil-Tanker Georgia, which stranded on Civic Guard, Letters of Thanks and £5 to seven the Haisborough Sands in very severe weather men ; Letters of Thanks and £2 to three men ; and broke in half, the Cromer Life-boat £1 10s. each to the owners of two boats used ; rescuing fifteen of the crew from the fore-part, and £1 10*. the charge for a motor car used, the following awards be made :—HENRY G. in connection with the rescue of the crew, eight BLOGG, Coxswain, Cromer, Gold Second in number, of the schooner Sine, of Marstal, Service Clasp of the Institution ; WILLIAM G. which was wrecked at Killala, Co. Mayo, on FLEMING, Coxswain, Great Yarmouth and the 6th November. The vessel, loaded with Gorleston, Silver Medal of the Institution; timber for Ballina, was lying in the Ross Road- FKANK UPCRAFT, Coxswain, Southwold, Bronze stead, when a strong gale from the N.N.E. Medal of the Institution; L. HARRISON and sprang up, and her anchor-cables parted. At W. ALLEN, of the Cromer Life-boat Crew, about 5.30 P.M. signals for help were sent up, Bronze Second Service Clasp of the Institu- and these were observed at Killala about three tion ; GEORGE BALLS, Second Coxswain, miles away. In response a small 14-foot JOHN J. DA VIES, Senior, Bowman, R. DAVIES, rowing boat put out with a crew of four under Motor Mechanic, W. J. DAVIES, Assistant James Pryal. A second boat shortly after- Motor Mechanic, J. J. DAVIES, Junior, J. W. wards put off, manned by John Kelly, M. J. DAVIES, H. W. DAVIES, S. HARRISON, R. Ellis and four others, after being temporarily BARKER and G. Cox, of the Cromer Life-boat repaired to make her seaworthy. By this Crew, Bronze Medal of the Institution. All time the vessel was ashore on the West Bartha the above Medals to be accompanied by a copy Island, and the crews of the two small boats of the Vote inscribed on Vellum and framed, incurred great risk in pulling to the scene of together with an additional monetary reward. the casualty. When they arrived, the ship- SAMUEL B. PARKER, Second Coxswain, wrecked crew threw overboard planks with THOMAS C. MOHLEY, Bowman, B. J. DABBY, ropes attached to them, but it was not until Motor Mechanic, N. MONSON, Assistant Motor 9 P.M. that the first boat succeeded in picking Mechanic, L. STUBBS, R. SPUROEON, W. NEW- up a life-buoy, with a line attached. This line SON, W. HIGH, W. HALFNIGHT, S. HALFNIGHT, was brought ashore, and the crews of the two C. WOODS, C. BENSLEY, J. FLEMING and N. boats, helped by other men who had by this CHILDS of the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston time arrived, manned the rope. The rope was Life-boat Crew, the Thanks of the Institution kept taut by the weight of the men, and one FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 29 by one the crew of the shipwrecked vessel slid guard Officer took charge. He and his men, down it. The rescued men were taken to the together with the L&e-boat's Crew and Civic Guard Station at Killala. Helpers, using the breeches buoy instead of the Voted £4 to JOHN MORIARTY, £3 to his boatswain's chair, rescued the remaining men. school-boy son, £3 each to four other men, and Voted £4 10s. to six men for putting off from £2 medical expenses of the boy, who was Staithes in a motor fishing coble and standing subsequently ill, for the rescue of six of the by three other cobles, which were overtaken crew of the S.S. Qiieenie, of Liverpool, who by bad weather when out fishing on the 7th were in distress in the ship's boat, off Dingle, December. Also granted 2s. Gd. to the owner Co. Kerry, on the 20th November. The boat of the coble for petrol used. The three boats left Dingle at about 4.30 P.M. to return to her were experiencing difficulty in making the ship, which was at anchor one and a half miles harbour owing to the very heavy sea, and the off. A heavy N.W. gale was blowing, and the six men put out, stood by two of them as they boat became unmanageable and started to made harbour, and then towed in the last drift out to sea. Seeing this, John Moriarty, boat, her crew being exhausted. with his son and the four other men, put out Voted £2 to four men for putting off in a at considerable risk, and succeeded in reaching motor-boat on 28th November with the in- the boat. A set of oars was transferred to tention of helping the small boat Jessies which her, and she was taken in tow. By this time was in difficulty off Cromarty. Also granted they were three miles from the shore, and it 2s. 6d. to the owner of the boat for petrol used. was not until 8.15 P.M. that all returned to At about 1 P.M. the Coastguard reported that safety. the boat, with a crew of two, was in danger of Voted £14 17s. to thirty Life-boatmen and swamping in the whole S.W. gale which was helpers for rescuing, from the shore, two of the blowing. The Life-boat Coxswain had just twenty-six members of the crew of the S.S. come in in his own motor-boat and at once Djerissa, of Swansea, which stranded at Cress- put out again with the other men, but the well on the 21st November. The remaining small boat was driven rapidly in the direction members of the vessel's crew were all rescued of Balintore, which she reached without help. by the Coastguards. The Djerissa, bound Directed that a Letter of Thanks be sent to from Emden to the Tyne in ballast, had Captain JOHN B. VEENON and the three mem- driven ashore during a whole S.E. gale with a bers of the crew of the motor-flat Fer for very heavy sea, and was so close in that it was rescuing the five hands of the motor-flat Red decided to effect the rescue by means of ropes. Hand, of Chester, off Hoylake, on the 17th A line was floated ashore from the ship, and October. The Bed Hand, bound from Mostyn two of the Life-boat's ropes made fast to it. to Liverpool, had capsized during a N.W. gale This enabled a man to get ashore with another with a heavy sea, and her crew had taken to rope. A boatswain's chair was then rigged, the ship's boat. Seeing the accident the Fer and another man got ashore. In the mean- manoeuvred alongside the boat, and at some time the Coastguard had arrived and the Coast- risk-took off the shipwrecked men.

Awards to Coxswains and Life-boatmen. To H. W. JEFFERSON, Mechanic of the Hartle- To MICHAEL KEATING, on his retirement on pool Motor Life-boat, in recognition of his the closing of the Courtmacsherry Station, intrepid conduct when the Life-boat caught after serving 2 years as Coxswain and fire, the Thanks of the Institution inscribed previously 16 years as Second Coxswain of on Vellum and a monetary grant. the Life-boat, a Pension. To REGINALD JEFFERSON, the 14-year-old son To CHARLES D. ROBSON, on his retirement, of the above, for his help on the same after serving 20 years as Second Coxswain, occasion, an inscribed copy of " Britain's and previously as a member of the Crew of Life-boats." the North Sunderland Life-boat, a Life- boatman's Certificate of Service and a To OWEN EVANS, on his retirement, after Pension. serving 22 years as Coxswain of the Porth- dinllaen Life-boat, a Certificate of Service To JAMES WATKINS, on his retirement, after and a Pension. serving 2 years as Bowman and 50 years as a member of the Crew of the Angle Life-boat, To ROBERT KNAOOS, on his retirement, after a Life-boatman's Certificate of Service. serving 12 years as Coxswain of the Flam- To WILLIAM H. SHARP, on his retirement, after borough No. 2 Life-boat, a Certificate of serving 10 years as Bowman, and previously Service and a Pension. 30 years as a member of the Crew of the To JAMES SMITH, on his retirement, after Ramsey Life-boat, a Life-boatman's Certifi- serving nearly 10 years as Coxswain, over cate of Service and a Pension. 5 years as Second Coxswain, and previously To WILLIAM WOOD, on his retirement, after 21 years as a member of the Crew of the serving 21 years as Signalman to the Newcastle, Co. Down, Life-boat, a Pension. Skateraw Life-boat, a Pension. 30 THE LIFEBOAT. [FBBBtTAKY, 1928. To JOHN PESTELL, on his retirement, after been awarded to MATTHEW NICHOLAS and to serving 34 years as Signalman to the Palling JAMES HENRY BICKFORD, who have retired Life-boats, a Pension. from the St. Mary's, Isles of Soilly, Life-boat, Life-boatmen's Certificates of Service have after 50 and 40 years of service respectively.

Awards to Honorary Workers. M. ANDRE CITROEN has been appointed an at Llandudno, the Gold Brooch and the Honorary Life-Governor of the Institution Record of Thanks. in recognition of his valuable services in To Mr. ALEXANDER ROBERTSON, in recognition showing on behalf of the Institution films of his valuable services as Honorary Secre- of the two African expeditions which have tary of the Eastbourne Branch, the Gold been carried out by the Citroen cars. Pendant and the Record of Thanks. Mrs. A. E. BEAMISH, Honorary Secretary of the Ladies' Life-boat Guild at Coventry, has To Mrs. HILL, in recognition of her assistance been appointed an Honorary Life-Governor at Knowle for a period of 25 years, a Framed of the Institution in recognition of her Photograph of the Life-boat going out to a distinguished services for a period of twenty- vessel in distress. eight years. To Coxswain T. PENGILLY, in recognition of To Alderman A. H. DRINKWATER, J.P., his help in raising funds at Clovelly, a Framed Chairman of the Coventry Branch, in Photograph of the Life-boat going out to a recognition of his twenty-five years' distin- vessel in distress. guished service, a Silver Inkstand. To Mrs. LOCKING and to Mrs. A. SMITH, To Mr. J. B. CUNNINGHAM, upon his retirement Chairman and Honorary Secretary respec- after 22 years as Honorary Secretary of the tively of the Ladies' Life-boat Guild at Stonehaveu Branch, the Thanks of the Cleethorpes, the Record of Thanks. Institution inscribed on Vellum. To Miss Cox, in recognition of her help in To Mrs. E. S. RAYMOND, in recognition of her connection with the Oxford Branch, the valuable services over a period of 34 years Record of Thanks.

News from the Branches. List of New Branches. THE following new Branches have been formed since the list published in The Lifeboat for February, 1927 :— Branch. Honorary Secretary, Abergavenny ..... Miss G. SAVEGAR. Abertillery ..... Mrs. E. J. SEELEY. Altofts Mrs. HOWARD. Ardrishaig ..... JAMES LINDSAY, Esq. Barnoldswick ..... Mrs. WHIPP. Bedlington ..... Mrs. BULLEHWELL. Bedwas ...... Mrs. POWELL (Acting). Billinge ...... Miss J. MAKIN. Bishop's Stortford .... Mrs. BOMPAS. Blackrod ...... Mrs. HAUGHTON. Bolton-upon-Dearne and District . Mrs. W. SPENCER. Bredbury ...... Mrs. W. A. C. MOUNTAIN. Briercliffe ...... Miss BHADSHAW Brigg ...... Mrs. A. J. RIDING. Broughton-in-Furness Miss MARY BARKER. Burgess Hill ..... Captain STANLEY NORFOLK, R.N Clones ...... Mrs. HBNEY. Coppull ...... Miss TANSLEY. Coleraine ...... Miss O'NEnx. Cookstown ..... Mrs. EVELYN N. STEWART. Croston ...... Miss MORRIS. Dodworth ..... J. HALFORD, Esq. Dukinfield Mrs. J. E. WILD. Ennis ...... Mrs. PEARSON. Eton and Windsor .... Mrs. STOKES. Faversham ..... U. H. WESTCOMBB, Esq. FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 31

Branch. Honorary Secretary. Gainsborough . C. F. RICHMOND, Esq. Golcar .... . Mrs. S. THORPE SHAW. Grantham .... . Mrs. FRANK SWALLOW. Grays .... . Mrs. C. WESTWOOD. Greenhithe . Captain N. B. SAYER, C.B.E., R.D., R.N.R. Hemsworth and District . Mrs. W. LINDLEY. Hertford and District . . Mrs. CLEBY. Hitchin .... . Miss BLAIN. Holbeach .... . The Misses TINDALL. Holme .... . Miss E. LITTLE. Holmes Chapel, Gooatrey, Chelford and ) Miss HELA STOCKTON. District .... . J Miss BETTY ABMITAGE. Honley .... . Mrs. J. S. GARSIDE. Horley .... . E. BLUNDELL, Esq. Isle of Arran . Lady MARY GRAHAM. Keswick .... . Mrs. RICHARDSON. Kidderminster . Miss DOROTHY M. FINDON. Kinsale . . . : . Mrs. R. W. HILL. Kirkburton . Mrs. STEPHENS. Kirkheatou Mrs. BROUGHTON. Leamington . Mrs. B. A. HOLDING. Little Lever . A. H. GLOVER, Esq. Lochgilphead . JOHN McALisiER, Esq. Maidstone .... . RUPERT T. W. SMITH, Esq. Market Deeping . . JOHN H. FROMANT, Esq. Meltham .... . Miss E. THORNTON. Milford .... . Miss OSBOHNE. New Mill . . Mrs. J. MALLINSON. Normanton Miss MARGARET BUTLER. Orrell .... . Mrs. J. N. HENDERSON. Petersfield . Miss CAVE. Pinner .... . Mrs. MATHEWS. Rainham .... . J. T. HAWES, Esq. Rickmansworth . . J. H. COOPER, Esq. Romiley .... Mrs. R. CRERAR. Royston .... . Mrs. KEKEWICH. Ruabon .... Mrs. GARRETT. St. Neots . ALBERT HARVEY, Esq. Scunthorpe . Miss R. BOUGHTON. Skelmanthorpe and Scisselt . Miss ROSALIE JACKSON. Slaithwaite f Miss A. SYKES. ' | Miss K. BEAUMONT. Sligo .... . Captain FRANCIS DEVANEY. Southwiok and District (Major PHILLIPS. { Miss MARJORIE ARCHER-SMITH. Stafford . . . ' . . W. H. WESTHEAD, Esq., M.A. . Lady BUTLER FELLOWES. Stone and Eccleshall . C. C. R. MOODY Esq. Strabane . . Mrs. W. H. M. SINCLAIR. Stroud . Mrs. GREEN. Tarbert . Rev. D. MACMILLAN. Tewkesbury . Miss SCOBBLL. Thetford . . Miss BIDWELL. Thirsk . Mrs. L. FRANK. Upper Norwood . . Surgeon-Captain CHARLES R. SHBWAHD, R.N. Warwick . Mrs. ARCHIE WATSON. Wath-upon-Dearne . Rev. R. MILLER. Wexford . . Mrs. CHARLES WALKER. Woodhall Spa . . Miss FLORENCE LUNN. Woodstock . Mrs. TOLLEY. Worcester . . G. HERBERT DAY, Esq. Worsborough . JOHN TAYLOR, Esq. Worsthorne . F. CHADWIOK, Esq. Wragby . . Mrs. G. T. BUTTON. 32 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928.

Presentation of Medals and Other Awards. Edwards, the Head Teacher, then MOELFRE (ANGLESEY).—The pre- addressed the school on the heroism of sentation of the Gold and Bronze Medals the men, of whom some were so young awarded to the Moelfre Life-boat Crew that they had only left school within for their very gallant service to the the last few years. The Second Cox- ketch Excel on 28th October last year swain, William Roberts, thanked the took place in the Town Hall at Llangef ni, school for the honour it had done them. the county town of Anglesey, on 2nd Following this visit the young people February. The Chair was taken by of Moelfre showed their admiration for | Commodore Sir Richard Williams- the Life-boat Crew by entertaining them Bulkeley, Bt., K.C.B., R.N.R., Lord to Supper at the Village Institute. The Lieutenant of Anglesey, a Vice-President chair was taken by Mr. John Roberts, of of the Institution and President of the Bryn Engrad, and speeches were made Anglesey Branch. The hall, which holds by Colonel Lawrence Williams, Honorary about 1,000 people, was so full that many Secretary of the Station, and several were standing on the platform and stair- visitors. Several members of the crew case. Among those supporting the Chair- also spoke and expressed their gratitude man were Colonel Lawrence Williams, for the way in which they had been Honorary Secretary of the Moelfre entertained. Station, Captain R. R. Davies, Honorary ST. MARY'S (!SLES os SCILLY).—The Secretary and Treasurer of the Anglesey presentation of the Silver and Bronze Branch, the District Inspector of Life- Medals and Thanks of the Institution boats and the District Organising inscribed on Vellum for the service to Secretary. The Chairman presented the Italian steamer Isabo on 27th the Gold Medals to Second Coxswain October last, took place in the Town William Roberts and Captain Owen Hall on 7th January. Major Dorrien Jones, who, in the absence of the Cox- Smith, President of the St. Mary's swain, were in charge of the Life-boat, Branch, was in the Chair, and Mrs. and a Bronze Medal to each member Dorrien Smith pinned on the medals. of the Crew. All the medals were Mr. E. N. V. Moyle, Chairman of the accompanied by the Thanks of the Branch, recalled the fact that Bryher Institution inscribed on Vellum and men had, in seventy years, saved 300 framed. In the absence of several of the lives from shipwreck, and described the men at sea, the awards were received by wreck of the Delaware over fifty years their wives or mothers and in one ago, when a six-oared gig had been instance by a sister. The widow of dragged across two big islands, Bryher William Roberts, the Life-boatman who and Samson, and launched from the died of exposure during the service, was windward side, and rescued the two represented by her son-in-law, who was survivors out of fifty men who had been presented with the certificate of the seen on a rocky island. The Inspector Carnegie Hero Fund in addition to the of Life-boats for the Western District Medal and Vellum of the Institution. also spoke, and the Life-boatmen Sir Charles Maclver, Chairman of the presented Dr. Addison, the Honorary Lancashire and Western Sea Fishery Secretary of the Life-boat Station, and Joint Committee, presented each of the Mr. Sam Rogers, the Life-boat Signal- men with the Silver Medal of the Liver- man, with cases of pipes. pool Shipwreck and Humane Society, and the Society's Testimonial on Vellum. CROMEE.—The Cromer Town Hall Before this presentation ceremony, was packed with an enthusiastic two other very interesting ceremonies audience on. 30th January, •whwa the had been held. On 7th November Vellum of Thanks recording the award the Crew visited their old school, the of the Second Service Clasp* to his Llanallgo Council School, where they * The Second Service Clasp itself will be presented to Coxswain Blogg by H.R.H. the were received by the teachers and the Prince oi Wales on 28th March, at the Annual children. The meeting opened with the General Meeting of the Institution, at the singing of a Welsh hymn, and Mr. Central Hall, Westminster. FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 33

By permission o}\ [H. H. Tansley, of Cramer. PRESENTATIONS TO THE CROMER CREW. Mr. George F. Shee, Secretary of the Institution, handing Coxswain Blogg the Vellum of Thanks recording the award of the Second Service Clasp to his Gold Medal.

By permission of] THE STOREYARD'S CHILDREN'S PARTY. [L.N.A. Two hundred and thirty children were entertained at this, the fourth Christmas party, given by the staff at th Storeyard .it Poplar, with the help of *he staff at Headquarters, to poor children of the district. In addition ia tea was given, at their school, to 190 defective children, who entertained the representativ of the Storeyard with singing and dancing. 34 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928.

Gold Medal was presented to Coxswain to be presented with a Gold Watch, and Henry Blogg, and Bronze Medals to each of his Crew with a Silver Watch, the twelve members of his Crew, for and the rest of the fund, at Coxswain the rescue on 22nd November of the Blogg's suggestion, was to be divided fifteen men from the half of the Dutch equally between them, a share going oil-tanker Georgia, which was stranded to the helpers, and to the Crew of the on the Haisborough Sands.* Alderman Cromer No. 2 Life-boat. [As recorded D. Davison, J.P., Chairman of the Urban elsewhere, the Crew have given a dona- District Council, and Chairman of the tion of £15 to the Institution out of this Cromer Station, presided, supported by fund.] Mrs. Barclay then presented Mr. George F. Shee, M.A., Secretary of the Watches, and handed a cheque the Institution. Among those present to Coxswain Blogg, and Mr. Davison were Mr. F. H. Barclay, the Honorary said that he thought it must be a record Secretary of the Station, and Mrs. Bar- for so many fathers and sons to be in clay, Brigadier-General W. F. Clemson, the same Crew. C.M.G., Presidentof theCromerBranch of Mr. Shee then presented the Medals the British Legion, Captain G. L. Palmes, and Vellums awarded by the Institution, D.S.O., President of the Cromer Ex-Ser- and said that there were no finer Life- vice Men's and Social Club, the Inspector boatmen on any part of the coast than of Life-boats for the Eastern District, and the Cromer Crew. What gave him most representatives of the Coastguard. pleasure was to see that while on some In his opening speech Mr. Davison said parts of the coast the young men were that the Cromer Station was in its not following in the footsteps of their hundredth year, and that it had been a fathers, at Cromer the young men re- year of heroic service for the Station. cognised the value of sea-service, and The service to the Dutch oil-tanker were proud to be members of the Georgia again emphasised the great inter- Life-boat Crew. Mr. Shee then paid a national value of the Life-boat Service. tribute to the determination, tenacity Ten years before Coxswain Blogg had and splendid seamanship of Coxswain won his Gold Medal, and members of Blogg, which had distinguished him his Crew the Bronze Medal, for a service even among the Coxswains on our coasts. to another foreign vessel, the Swedish Perhaps the most conspicuous of his steamer Fernebo. In that earlier service qualities was leadership, and Mr. Shee during the War the older men of Cromer quoted what had been written of him on had taken part, while in the service to the occasion of the service to the the Georgia the young men had been Fernebo that" it was his own remarkable conspicuous ; but whether young or old, personality and great quality of leader- the Cromer Life-boatmen were imbued ship which had magnetised the tired and with the spirit of the whole Life-boat somewhat dispirited men and brought Service—to do or die in the saving of their efforts to a successful conclusion." life. Mr. Davison then read letters of After various votes of thanks had been congratulation to the Cromer Crew moved, " Land of Hope and Glory " was which had been received from the Life- sung, followed by the National Anthem. boat Stations at Caister and Great The service to the Georgia had already Yarmouth and Gorleston. He spoke been celebrated in other ways. On also of the special fund which had been the Sunday following the service, raised as a tribute to the Crew for this references were made to it in the sermons service, which had amounted to nearly at the Cromer Parish Church, and special £370, exclusive of a gift of £50 from the prayers were offered for the safe return Dutch owner of the Georgia, and of the Crew. Two days later, on 29th mentioned that the members of the November, the Cromer Life-boatmen Ex-Service Men's and Social Club had were entertained to dinner and a concert given a handsome contribution to it. at the Royal Cromcr Hotel, the dinner At their own wish Coxswain Blogg was having been suggested by the Ex- Service Men's and Social Club, and paid * See page 4. for out of public subscriptions. The FEBRUABY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 35 arrangements were made by Mr. R. made on 8th December. The Mayor, Barnes, the Secretary of the Club, who Mr. H. W. Bell, presided, and the presided. Only a few hours after the Mayoress made the presentation. dinner, at 6.30 on the following morning, Among those present were Colonel R. the Cromer Life-boat was called out on Burton, President of the Hartlepool service to the help of the lighter Bertha, Branch, Mr. Alfred Belk, and Mr. J. D. of Goole, which was foundering in a Howkins, Joint Honorary Secretaries of strong breeze and a rough sea, and which the Branch, the Rector of Hartlepool sank a few hours after the Life-boat and members of the Crew. The Mayor had rescued her crew of four. said that this was the third occasion on The Crew were again entertained on which Mr. Jefferson had received an 7th December to a high tea and award for gallantry. The first occasion concert by Mr. R. W. Clarke at the had been in 1912, when he received a Imperial Hotel. Alderman Davison Medal and Diploma from the King of presided, among those supporting him Denmark, and the second occasion being Mr. F. H. Barclay, the Honorary when he received the thanks of the Secretary of the Station. Admiralty, and special thanks and a cheque from the Institution for his help LOWESTOFT.—The Silver Medal on the occasion of the wreck of the awarded to Coxswain Albert Spurgeon hospital-ship Rohilla off Whitby in and the monetary awards made to the October, 1914. Lowestoft Crew for the service to the ketch Lily of Devon on 21st November COVENTRY.—A special meeting was were presented at a Dinner on 21st held on 10th November, at which Mr. W. December, which, as reported elsewhere, Liggins, the Honorary Secretary of the was given to the Life-boatmen of Lowes- Branch, presided, for the purpose of toft by the Lord Mayor of London, Sir showing to Alderman Drinkwater, Chair- Charles Batho. The Mayor of man of the Branch, the gratitude and Lowestoft, Mr. Arthur Evans, presided, esteem of the Institution and of his and a telegram was read from the Lord fellow-workers at Coventry. Since 1903, Mayor and Lady Mayoress of London, when he was first elected Mayor, he " sending the Season's Greetings to the has held this position, and ever since has gallant Coxswain and Crew of the worked with the greatest enthusiasm Lowestoft Life-boat, and wishing them for the Life-boat Service. Mr. Liggins all an enjoyable evening." The Mayor spoke of the Branch's high appreciation presented the Medals and other awards, of his work, and said that the Life-boat and said that he did not think a better Committee were very proud of the high Crew could have been picked to represent honour conferred upon their Chairman the Life-boat Service in the Lord by the city of Coventry in making him Mayor's Show in London than the one of its Freemen. The Mayor (Alder- man F. Lee) presented Alderman Drink- Lowestoft Crew. During the thirty years that he had been in Lowestoft water with a Silver Inkstand, mounted it had been conspicuous for its fine work. with a replica of a Life-boat, on behalf Coxswain Spurgeon, in replying, spoke of of the Institution, and an autographed his confidence in the Motor Life-boat photograph album on behalf of the Coventry Branch. In doing so the Agnes Cross, and said that there was no weather in which they would be afraid Mayor said that the best testimonial to Alderman Drinkwater's Life-boat to take her out. work was the fact that since he had HARTLEPOOL.—The presentation of been its Chairman Coventry had con- the Thanks of the Institution inscribed tributed to the Institution more than on Vellum, and a cheque for £25, £10,000. The District Organising Secre- awarded to Mr. H. W. Jefferson, the tary said that at the Headquarters of Mechanic of the Motor Life-boat, for the Institution three Coventry names the courageous way in which he put were held in honour : those of Alderman out a fire on the boat on 21st October (as Drinkwater, Mrs. Beamish, the Honorary described elsewhere in this issue) was Secretary of the Guild, and Mr. Liggins, 36 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBBUABY, 1928. Honorary Secretary of the Branch. In BERWICK - ON - TWEED. — On 15th | his reply Alderman Drinkwater said November, Admiral of the Fleet Sir j that he deeply appreciated the gifts. William May, G.C.B., presiding, sup- His work for the Life-boat Service had ported by Lady Francis Oaborne, always been a labour of love, and so and the Mayor (Councillor H. Stuart). long as he could continue to work for it The report for the year ending 30th j he intended to do so. September, 1927, showed that the Life-boat had been out on service on Annual Meetings: Station Branches. one occasion, and that £286 had been ABERDEEN.—On 12th December, Mr. collected, as compared with £57 in the John Ellis, Vice-President, in the chair.* previous year. As proposed at last j The report for the year ending 30th year's meeting, the Committee had been | September, 1927, showed that the No. 1. considerably enlarged. A special appeal j Motor Life-boat had been out on ser- for annual subscriptions had been sent vice on two occasions, rescuing six lives, out, resulting in twelve new subscribers, \ and that £745 had been collected, as and the Honorary Secretary, Captain compared with £537 in the previous Gibsone, D.S.O., in presenting the report, i year. A special tribute was paid to the appealed to subscribers to enlist the work of the Ladies' Life-boat Guild, help of their friends. It seemed to him and in particular to Mrs. Maitland and that a. list of ninety-four subscribers j Mrs. Kilgour, the Honorary Secretary. was still very small for a place like i j With the help of an enthusiastic band of Berwick. The report referred in parti- ; workers, the Guild had collected £319. cular to the great loss sustained by the '' Reference was also made in the report to Branch through the death of ex-Cox- j| the valuable help which the Aberdeen swain Burgon, whose knowledge and | j Press had given to the Branch. The experience had made him a valuable thanks of the Branch were expressed member of the Committee. ' I to the Honorary Secretary, Mr. George Alexander, and Mr. A. J. Wood, the BLAKENEY (NORFOLK).—On 16th Honorary Treasurer. December, Mr. Ellis Turner presiding. The report for the year ending 30th ANSTRUTHER (FIFESHIRE).—On 21st September, 1927, showed that £70 December, Provost Readdie, Chairman had been collected, as compared with £5 of the Branch, presiding. The report in the previous year. During the year for the year ending 30th September, the first Life-boat Day in Blakeney was 1927, showed that £87 had been held, and £30 was collected. Captain collected, as compared with £73 in the H. R. S. Birkin was re-elected President previous year. and Mr. Ellis Turner was elected Chair- APPLEDORE.—On 16th November, the man in place of the Reverend D. L. report for the year ending 30th Septem- Lee Elliott, M.A., who, however, is very ber, 1927, showed that £296 had been kindly continuing to organise the Life- collected, as compared with £315 in the baat Day. previous year. It was pointed out that Appledore had the largest subscription BRIGHTON AND HOVE.—On 29th list of any Branch in Devonshire, a November, Mr. B. J. Saunders, C.B.E., tribute to the work of the ladies J.P., Chairman of the Branch, presiding. connected with the Branch. The report for the year ending 30th September, 1927, showed that the Life- BANFF, MACDUFF AND WHITEHILLS.— boat had been out on service on two On 5th November, Provost Bisset occasions, and that £247 had been presiding. The report for the year collected, as compared with £235 in the ending 30th September, 1927, showed previous year. The Chairman con- that £82 had been collected, as compared gratulated the Branch on having raised with £70 in the previous year. this sum in spite of the fact that the * To the great regret of the Branch and the Town Council had refused to allow Life- Institution, Mr. Ellis died on 29th February.— boat Day to be held, and pointed out ED., The Lifeboat. that, in addition, the sum of £67 12s Od. FEBEUABY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 37 had been received as a legacy to the September, 1927, showed that £314 had Institution. A Vote of Thanks was been collected, as compared with £304 passed to the Chairman and to the in the previous year. Honorary Secretary, Mr. H. King. FOLKESTONE.—On 28th November, DUNBAK AND SKATERAW (HADDING- Mr. Frank Scarborough, Chairman, TONSHIRE) .—On 6th November. The re- presiding. The report for the year port for the year ending 30th September, ending 30th September, 1927, showed 1927, showed that the Dunbar Life- that £271 had been collected, as com- boat had been out on service on one pared with £239 in the previous year. occasion, and that £251 had been In moving the adoption of the report, collected, as compared with £226 in the the Chairman said that there was a previous year. This is the largest sum slight falling off in the number of which the Branch has raised since it annual subscribers, and he was afraid was founded in 1865. that the Institution did not get as much support as it had a right to expect from EASTBOUBNE.—On 16th November, a sea-side town of the size of Folkestone. Mr. E. Armstrong, Chairman of the It was suggested that every member of Branch, presiding. The report for the the Committee should try and get at year ending 30th September, 1927, least one new subscriber. showed that the Life-boat had been out on service on one occasion, and that MONTROSE.—On 8th December, Pro- £1,489 had been collected, as compared vost W. Douglas Johnston, O.B.E., with £1,022 in the previous year. The President of the Branch, in the chair. Chairman, in reviewing the work of the The report for the year ending 30th year, referred to the death of Mr. Arthur September, 1927, showed that the No. 1. Bowen, the former Chairman of the Motor Life-boat had been out on service Branch, and Mr. Arthur Davis, a mem- on two occasions, and that £473 had ber of the Committee, both ardent been collected, as compared with £526 supporters of the Life-boat Service. in the previous year. Last year's total The Chairman then spoke of the included £193 from the special appeal splendid financial result of the year's made by Provost Johnston on the work. When the revenue of the Branch occasion of the Inaugural Ceremony of reached four figures two years ago it the new Motor Life-boat in September was thought that it would be difficult 1926, while the total for 1926 included to maintain. The following year they £350 from this appeal. The Provost had succeeded in maintaining it, but congratulated the Branch on a very in reaching the magnificent sum of successful year, and during the meeting nearly £1,500 during the past year they presented the certificate won by had exceeded their most sanguine Margaret Fotheringham, a scholar at expectations. That sum was five and a the North Links School, in the Life- half times greater than Eastbourne's, boat Essay Competition. contribution to the Service in 1914, and NEWQUAY (CORNWALL).—On 15th more than twice as much as its contribu- November, Mr. E. J. Constantine, tion in 1923. Special tributes were paid Vice-President of the Branch, in the to the work of Mrs. Astley Eoberts, chair. The report for the year ending President of the Ladies' Life-boat 30th September, 1927, showed that Guild, and to Mr. Alexander Robertson, £251 had been collected, as compared Honorary Secretary of the Branch, to with £231 in the previous year. whom Mrs. Astley Roberts presented PENLEE (PENZANCE). — On 17th the Gold Pendant, which had been November, Mr. J. D. Matthews presid- awarded to him by the Institution in ing. The report for the year ending recognition of his valuable work. 30th September, 1927, showed that FLEETWOOD (LANCASHIRE).—On 16th the Life-boat had been out on service on December, Mr. F. J. Thompson, J.P., two occasions, and that £136 had been Chairman of the Branch, presiding. collected, as compared with £339 in The report for tiie year ending SOfeh the previous year, when an anonymous 38 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY,1928. gift of £100 was received. During 1927 Glasgow Ladies' Life-Boat Guild. there was a considerable fall in annual There has been for many years a subscriptions owing to the illness of the very active Committee of ladies in collector, but over £80 was raised by Glasgow who have organised the annual Life-boat Day, and the thanks of the Life-boat Day, but until recently they Branch were expressed to the ex- had not formed themselves into a Mayoress, Miss Williams, and those who Ladies' Life-boat Guild. On the 22nd had helped her to carry out this appeal. November, on the invitation of the Duke Eeference was also made to the loss of Montrose, a Vice-President of the sustained by the death of Mr. Phillip Institution and Chairman of the Scottish Nicholls, a member of the Committee, Life-boat Council, a meeting was held on and ex-Coxswain of the Penzance board the s.s. Transylvania at York Hill Life-boat, and of the Reverend C. Quay, by kind permission of the owners, Stuchbery, who, when Mayor of Pen- the Anchor Line. The guests were zance, had been Chairman of the Branch. received by the Duke and Duchess of POOLE, BOURNEMOUTH, WIMBORNE Montrose and Mr. Leonard Gow, J.P., AND CHEISTCHUECH.—On 29th Novem- Chairman of the Glasgow Committee, ber, the Mayor (Alderman W. P. Hunt), and among those present were Sir a Vice-President of the Branch, in Godfrey Baring, Bt., Chairman of the the chair. The report for the year Committee of Management of the ending 30th September, 1927, showed Institution, the Duchess of Sutherland, that the Poole Life-boat had been out President of the Ladies' Life-boat on service on two occasions, and that Guild, Lady Weir, Lady Mary Graham, £1,011 had been collected, as compared Sir Andrew and Lady Pettigrew, Sir | with £785 in the previous year. D. M. Stevenson, Bt., Colonel J. A. Roxburgh, Mr. J. R. Barnett, O.B.E., SHEEINGHAM (NORFOLK).—On 27th M.I.N.A., Consulting Naval Architect of October, the report for the year ending the Institution, the Inspector of Life- 30th September, 1927, showed that the boats for Scotland and the District Life-boat had been out on one occasion, Organising Secretary. and that £100 had been collected, The Duke of Montrose, who was in the same amount as in the previous the chair, welcomed the guests and spoke year. Of this sum over £84 had of the efforts which were being made by been obtained on Life-boat Day, the recently constituted Scottish Life- and the thanks of the Committee were boat Council to increase public interest expressed to Mrs. Johnson and her and public support. Mr. Gow explained helpers. A Bowls Tournament raised the purpose of the meeting, and another £6, but the subscriptions announced that the Countess of Glasgow amounted to only £6 6s. Od. had consented to be the first President SOUTHWOLD (SUFFOLK).—On llth of the Glasgow Ladies' Life-boat Guild October, Major E. R. Cooper presiding. which it was hoped to form at that The report for the year ending 30th meeting. Sir Godfrey Baring spoke on September, 1927, showed that the the work of the Institution, and the Life-boat had been out on service on Duchess of Sutherland on the work of the two occasions, and that £108 had been Guild. She said that it had been started collected, as compared with £194 in the seven years ago to unite in one body all previous year, when the collection on the women who worked for the Life- the occasion of the Inaugural Ceremony boat Service, and described how success- of the new Motor Life-boat contributed ful it had been in enlisting new workers. £103. Life-boat Day in 1927 raised " The men," she concluded, " man the £59, and the thanks of the meeting were Life-boats, but it is the women who expressed to the Mayoress, Mrs. G. Bee, help to keep them afloat." A resolution who had organised this effort. There was then proposed by Bailie Yiolet Craig were now fifty-three regular subscribers, Roberton, J.P., and seconded by Mrs. and it was hoped considerably to increase Rupert E. M. Bethune, that the meeting the number. should constitute a Glasgow Guild. This FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 39 resolution was unanimously carried, and report for the year ending 30th Sep- the names of the ladies who had tember, 1927, showed that £407 had consented to become Vice-Presidents been collected, as compared with were read to the meeting. Practically £183 in the previous year. Of this all the ladies of the original Committee sum £220 had been collected by had already joined the Guild, and Mrs. the Ladies' Life-boat Guild, which had Hourston and Miss Jean MacLeod been formed twelve months before. Baxter had consented to become Joint The District Organising Secretary Honorary Secretaries pending the appealed to the Branch to do still formal election of the Officers. During better in its support of the Institution. the meeting over 260 ladies present Lady Haslam, who was compelled to joined the Guild, and were presented resign the Honorary Secretaryship of with their badges and certificates of the Guild, was elected a Vice-Presi- membership by the Duchess of Suther- dent. land. BURTON - ON - TRENT.—The Annual This preliminary meeting was followed by a meeting on 9th December, at which, Meeting of the Ladies' Life-boat Guild was held on 25th November, the Vice- in the absence of the Countess of Glasgow, Mrs. Hourston took the chair. President, Mrs. Arthur Fox, presid- ing. The report for the year ending About 150 members of the Guild were 30th September, 1927, showed that £151 present, the election of the Officers was had been collected, as compared with confirmed, and various methods of £155 in the previous year. Mrs. Cronin making Life-boat appeals were dis- was appointed Honorary Secretary for cussed. Among other things it was the coming year, and the very warm decided that each member of the Guild thanks of the meeting were given to should try to enrol two other members Mrs. Fox for her services during the in the course of the year. past year. An address was given by the District Organising Secretary. Annual Meetings: Financial Branches and Guilds. EDINBURGH, LEITH AND GRANTON.— On 23rd November, Lord Provost ACCRINGTON.—On 3rd November, Stevenson, President of the Branch, in Councillor P. C. Holmes, the Honorary the chair, supported by Sir Godfrey Secretary of the Branch, presiding. The Baring, Bt., Chairman of the Committee report for the year ending 30th Septem- of Management of the Institution. The ber, 1927, showed that £69 had been report for the year ending 30th Septem- collected, as compared with £91 in the ber, 1927, showed that £1,596 had been previous year. collected, as compared with £1,558 in BATH.—On 15th November, Com- the previous year. The Lord Provost mander Target, E.N., presiding. The expressed the great regret of the report for the year ending 30th Septem- Branch at the resignation of Mr. T. S. ber, 1927, showed that £346 had been Paterson, who had been its Secretary collected, as compared with £353 in the for over twenty years, and to whose previous year. While there had been energy a great part of the success of the a slight decline in the Branch revenue, Branch was due. He thought that the the proceeds of Life-boat Day, arranged Branch was very fortunate in being able by Mrs. Allon Tucker, Honorary Secre- to get Mr. Paterson's partner, Mr. Harold tary of the Ladies' Life-boat Guild, Cowie, to take up the work. Sir Godfrey had increased from £108 to £159. Baring also spoke of the Institution's An appeal was made for more ladies debt to Mr. Paterson, and paid a tribute to help in the House-to-House collec- to the splendid work that was being done by Lady Findlay as President tion. of the Edinburgh Ladies' Life-boat BOLTON.—The Mayoress, Lady Guild and Honorary Secretary of the Flitcroft, President of the Ladies' Scottish Life-boat Council. He con- Life-boat Guild, in the chair. The gratulated Scotland on the success of 40 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928. the work which its Life-boat Counci RUGELEY (STAFFORDSHIRE). — On was doing. Sir Godfrey also presentee llth November, Councillor W. A. certificates to three pupils of Edinburgh Fowell presiding. The report for the schools which they had won in the year ending 30th September, 1927, the Life-boat Essay Competition. first full year's work of the Branch, showed that £65 had been collected, as HEYWOOD (LANCASHIRE). — The compared with £12 in the previous year. Annual Meeting of the Ladies' Life-boat There were forty-nine regular sub- Guild was held on 22nd November, the scribers, their contributions amounting President, Mrs. Firth, in the chair. to nearly £19; the first Annual Ball raised The report for the year ending 30th over £22 ; and the Life-boat Day also September, 1927, showed that £55 had raised over £22. The Ladies' Life-boat been collected, as compared with £41 in Guild had a membership of twenty-seven, the previous year. and it was hoped that this number would soon be doubled. The Chairman con- HUDDERSFIELD.—The Annual Meet- gratulated the town on this result, and ing of the Ladies' Life-boat Guild was expressed the thanks of the Branch to held on 18th November. The report the Honorary Secretary, Mr. B. H. for the year ending 30th September, Brumwell. The Earl of Lichfield was 1927, showed that £406 had been elected one of the Patrons of the collected, as compared with £165 in the Branch. previous year. Annual subscriptions amounted to £134, £10 less than WAKEFIELD.—The Annual Meeting in the previous year, but a Life-boat of the Ladies' Life-boat Guild was held Day was held for the first time since 1922 on 6th October, the President, Mrs. and raised £212. A concert followed the Arthur Pickles, in the chair. The report meeting. for the year ending 30th September, 1927, showed that £116 had been col- LEEDS.—On 26th September, the lected, as compared with £86 in the Lord Mayor of Leeds (Alderman Hugh previous year. Lupton), President of the Branch, in the chair, supported by Sir Charles WEST HARTLEPOOL. — On 22nd Wilson, M.P., Chairman of the Branch, November, the Mayoress (Mrs. A. Hyde), and Mr. George F. Shee, M.A., Secretary President of the Ladies' Life-boat of the Institution. The report for the Guild, in the chair, the Mayor, President year ending 30th September, 1927, of the Branch, coming on later from showed that £1,105 had been collected, another meeting. The report for the as compared with £599 in the previous year ending 30th September, 1927, year. In presenting the Annual Report showed that £150 had been collected, as Sir Charles Wilson said the result of the compared with £83 in the previous year. Life-boat Day was very satisfactory Mrs. Kendall, the Honorary Treasurer considering the limited number of of the Guild, reported that the Life- workers. If only they could get more boat Day had raised £110, as compared workers, he felt sure that they could with £40 in the previous year. The collect more money, and he hoped to see District Organising Secretary, in the the Life-boat Day raising £1,000 course of an address on the work of annually. He also said that there was a ;he Service, expressed his gratitude to the great opening for some well-disposed Mayoress for the lead which she had citizen of ample means to present the jiven in forming the Guild. Institution with a Life-boat to be named after the city of Leeds. A little time ago a promise had been given of £1,000 if Special Meeting*. ten similar gifts were also promised. BOSTON (LINCOLNSHIRE).—A meeting He hoped that others would come for- was held in the Mayor's Parlour on 15th ward with such promises in order that December, the Mayor (Councillor J. Tait) Leeds, like Bradford, might have a Dresiding, at which it was decided to Life-boat of ite own. develop the work of the Branch, and a FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 41 Committee was appointed, with Mr. B. Mayor (Councillor A. J. Thorpe) Killingworth as Honorary Secretary and presided, to hear an address by Mr. Miss Swain as Honorary Treasurer. The George F. Shee. M.A., Secretary of the Mayor said that he saw no reason why Institution. The meeting was held at the Branch should not raise £100 a year, the kind invitation of Mrs. Harloe- and thanked Mr. Killingworth for the Phibbs. Among those present was Mr. work which, as Honorary Secretary, he Samson, Honorary Secretary of the had been doing for the Branch in the Branch. The Mayor said that a great past. mistake which they made as a nation GLOUCESTER.—A special meeting was was to take things for granted. Ever held at the Guildhall on 21st December, since they were children they had heard at which the Mayor (Alderman W. C. of the wonderful work of the Life-boats, Matthews) presided, for the purpose of but how many had ever taken the developing the work of the Branch. A trouble to think seriously what that Committee was appointed, Mr. Carey work meant, and what their own duty Pitt and Mr. Percy Aas being elected was towards it ? Mr. Shee endorsed all Chairman and Honorary Secretary re- that the Mayor had said, and gave an spectively. An address was given by the account of the work of the Institution District Organising Secretary, and dur- since its foundation in 1824. Coxswain ing the meeting Mrs. P. Farmer was pre- Plummer, of the Hastings Life-boat, sented with a Gold Brooch which had spoke of the work which was being done been awarded to her by the Institution at Hastings and Dungeness. for her devoted services for over twenty WINCHESTER.—A special meeting was years to the Life-boat Cause. The held on 2nd December, at which the Records of Thanks awarded to Miss Mayor (Councillor F. Webb Manley) Hewlett, Mrs. H. Pitt, Miss Clift and presided, supported by the Mayoress, Mrs. George Bailey were also pre- Alderman W. H. Forder (Winchester's sented. Life-boat Mayor), Mrs. G. A. Roberts, GREAT YARMOUTH AND GORLESTON.— Chairman of the Ladies' Life-boat A special meeting was held on 14th Guild, Miss Bostock, Honorary Secretary November, Mr. A. H. Cartwright, the of the Guild, and Captain H. Pearson, Chairman, presiding, supported by Lady Honorary Treasurer of the Branch, at Myer. Mr. C. A. Cooper, Honorary which an address was given by Mr. Secretary at Great Yarmouth, Mr. A. D. George F. Shee, M.A., Secretary of the Snell, Honorary Secretary at Gorleston, Institution. Mr. Shee gave a short and Mr. E. Boning, Honorary Secretary account of the history of the Institution, at Caister, at which Mr. George F. Shee, and of the great mechanical develop- M.A., Secretary of the Institution, gave ments which it was now making, and an address. In the course of it he said the Mayor said that it was the duty of that no part of the coast produced a all to share in the burden of supporting finer type of Life-boatman than Norfolk this great national work. and Suffolk, and recalled that twenty- six years ago on this very day nine New Guilds. gallant Life-boatmen had lost their lives KESWICK (CUMBERLAND).—A special at Caister, and that that marvellous meeting was held on 16th December, old seaman, Thomas Haylett, who was at which Colonel Hope, Chairman of seventy-eight years old, had won the the Urban Council, presided, and it was Gold Medal of the Institution for rescu- decided to form a Ladies' Life-boat ing two of the crew. The Chairman con- Guild. In past years much had been gratulated the Ladies' Life-boat Guild done for the Institution in Keswick, on the excellent work which it was doing, and it was hoped that it would be and said that it was intended to extend possible to revive interest in the its appeal still further. Institution's work. HASTINGS.—A special meeting was SKELMANTHORPE AND SCISSETT held on 30th November, at which the (YORKSHIRE).—A meeting was held on 42 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928. 29th. November, at the invitation of representing the Prudential Assurance \ ! Lady Jackson, at which it was decided Company, the donors of the present to form a Ladies' Life-boat Guild, and Motor Life-boat, Captain Francis j the following Officers were elected : Pre- Symons, the Harbour Master and ', sident, Lady Jackson; Vice-President, Honorary Secretary of the Branch, and Mrs. J. T. Field ; Honorary Treasurer, Commander Hewlett, R.N., the Coast- Mrs. Tinker ; and Honorary Secretary, guard Officer. Among the guests was Miss Rosalie Jackson. one of the four survivors of the Ramsgate Crew which went out to the Indian i 'Theatrical Performance; C/we/inl881. BRADFORD.—The Annual Life-boat The toast of the Institution was ; Matinee was held on 16th November, proposed by the Mayor, and responded ! and, in spite of the industrial depression to by Mr. Shee, and the toast of the in the city, raised £325, £9 more than Prudential was proposed by Mr. Shee, the previous year. The Matinee was and responded to by Mr. Guy Harben. i attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady The health of Guests and Friends of i Mayoress (Alderman and Mrs. Michael the Life-boat was proposed by Mr. Shee, Con way), the Deputy Lord Mayor and and responded to by Commander ! Deputy Lady Mavoress (Mr. and Mrs. Hewlett. Mr. Hargood also spoke, and M. F. Titterington), Sir William Priest- entertained the guests with some very i ley, Chairman of the Branch, and Mr. H. interesting reminiscences. He knew • Sutclifie-Smith, Honorary Treasurer. Admiral Back personally and recalled j During the interval the Lord Mayor meeting him once at Sandwich, when the | moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Francis Admiral discussed with him what he ! Laidler, the Manager of the theatre, the should do to show his high regard for j artistes who had given their services, the Ramsgate Life-boatmen. He also i and the staff of the theatre. This is recalled that a fishing vessel named • the 28th Matinee which, through the after his wife had been lost off Ramsgate. ; generosity of Mr. Laidler, has been given It was then'discovered that one of the I in Bradford in aid of the Life-boat guests at the dinner had, single-handed, j Service. rescued the crew of the vessel. | | CHISLEHURST.—What Might Happen ] was played on 14th, 15th and 17th Entertainment of Crews. December, in aid of the funds of the BRIDLINGTON.—A party of Bridling- Institution, the performance being ton Life-boatmen visited Bradford on ' organised by Miss Sybil Lawson. 9th October, and were received at the i LIVERPOOL.—The Lucilla Amateur Town Hall by the Lord Mayor and Lady i Dramatic Society played The Truth Mayoress (Alderman and Mrs. Richard \ about Blayds on 18th and 19th Novem- Johnson). The Lord Mayor, in honour ] ber, in aid of the funds of the Branch. of his guests, wore a Life-boat jacket with his chain of office over it. He The Admiral Back Dinner. said that there had always been a great The Triennial Dinner given to the friendship between Bradford and Brid- Life-boatmen at Ramsgate was held on lington, and he was very glad to think 26th October. This dinner is provided that Leeds, of which city Bradford was ' out of legacies received from Admiral very jealous, could not compare with Sir George Back, the Arctic explorer, Bradford in support of the Life-boat who died in 1878, and Mrs. Susannah Service. The Life-boatmen, among Stephens, who died in 1914. The other places, visited the Fire Station, chair was taken by Mr. George F. Shee, where the Brigade was turned out for M.A., Secretary of the Institution, their benefit, and were entertained to supported by the Mayor (Councillor lunch and tea. F. C. Llewellyn), Mr. Harry Hargood, MARYPORT.—On 14th December the i O.B.E., a Vice-President of the Institu- Maryport Ladies' Life-boat Guild enter- tion, Lieut.-Colonel Percy L. Reid, tained the Life-boat Crew and Helpers, O.B.E., and Mr. Guy Harben, O.B.E., with their wives, numbering between FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 43 seventy and eighty in all, to Supper, DORCHESTER.—The fifthannualDance which was followed by a Whist Drive. arranged by the Branch was held on Mr. Walker T. Moore, the Honorary 10th November, being organised by Secretary of the Branch, presided. Mrs. S. H. Lodder, Honorary Secretary. An anonymous donor supplied tobacco Over £20 was raised. and cigarettes for the men, while other friends of the Branch supplied fruit Dances in aid of Branch funds have for their wives. also been held at Bristol, Denton (York- shire), Kirkby Stephen (Cumberland), PORT ERIN.—(!SLE OF MAN).—On and Shaftesbury (Dorset). 16th December the Crew and Helpers were entertained to a Hot Pot Supper, WAKEFIELD.—On 26th November followed by a Concert. All those who a Concert and Cinema Show was given contributed to the entertainment were in aid of the Branch, which raised over thanked by Mr. S. Gorry, the Honorary £43. Among the films shown, was the Secretary. Institution's film, Saved by a Motor \; Life-boat. ,' Whist Drives, Dances, Sales of Work, BERWICK.—On 23rd November the , Concerts, etc Berwick Girl Guides and Brownies • KESSINGLAND.—On 29th December gave an Entertainment in aid of the ! j the Kessingland Ladies' Life-boat Guild Life-boat Service, this being the first ! held a Whist Drive and Social Evening, combined effort by the Girl Guide which had been arranged by Mrs. Companies and the Brownie Pack Woolfield, the Honorary Secretary of since they were formed three years the Guild. Among those who attended ago. it was the Coxswain from Southwold. WALTHAMSTOW. — A Concert and Practically all the inhabitants of the Theatrical Entertainment was given in village of Kessingland are connected aid of the Branch on 15th December by with the work of the Life-boat Station the John Ladyman Society of Enter- or with the Guild, and the evening tainers. During an interval, the District raised the splendid sum of £36, in which Organising Secretary for Greater London was included the sum of £2 4s. from gave a short account of the recent the sale of a cushion made by Miss services by the Life-boats, and thanked Wigg, a daughter of the Signalman, all those who had taken part in the and a grand-daughter of Edward Wigg, entertainment. whose family has a magnificent record of service in the Kessingland Life-boat. HOLLINGWORTH (CHESHIRE). A Chrysanthemum Tea was held in St. Whist Drives have also been held in Mary's Schools on 30th November. aid of Branch funds at Arbroath WIGAN.—A successful " Bring and (Forfarshire), Blackpool, Bournemouth, Buy" Sale in aid of the Institution Bridlington, Dukinfield (Lancashire), was held in the Old Council Chamber, by Halifax, Lancaster, Ramsbottom, Stock- kind permission of the Mayor, on- 8th port, Normanton, Whitehills and Worst- December. The sale realised £32 15s. home (Lancashire). BELFAST.—On 2nd December a Ball, Addresses to Rotary Clubs. organised by the Ladies' Life-boat Life-boat Addresses have been given to Guild in aid of the funds of the Branch, the following Rotary Clubs : Folkestone, was held at the Belfast Plaza, the ball- by Captain G. C. Holloway, O.B.E., room being specially decorated. Among R.D., R.N.R., a member of the Com- the Patrons of the Ball were the mittee of Management, on 6th October; Governor and the Duchess of Abercorn, Wakefield, by Mr. Edgar H. Johnson, and the Marchioness of Londonderry. F.C.I.S. (District Organising Secretary This was the first Ball organised by the for the North of England), on 6th Guild, and it is hoped to make it an October; and Fleetwood, by Mr. Edgar annual event. H. Johnson, F.C.I.S., on 9th November. 44 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928.

Services of the Life-boats of the Institution during 1927.

Persons Time of rescued from 1927. Launching. shipwreck. Jan. 5. 9.30 a.m. Motor yawl Provider, of Holy Island. Holy Island No. 1 Life-boat escorted boat into harbour. „ 19. 8.10 a.m. Boat of S.S. Bilton, of Middlesbrough. Aldeburgh No. 2 Life-boat 3 „ 20. 3.30 a.m. S.S. Braywood, of London. Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Life- boat stood by vessel. ,, 26. 10.45 a.m. Fishing boat Cissie, of Port Erin. Port Erin Life-boat saved boat and rescued 2 ,, 26. 11. Oa.m. The fishing fleet of Arbroath. Arbroath Life-boat stood by fishing fleet. ., 26. 11.30 a.m. The fishing fleet of Newbiggin. Newbiggin Life-boat stood by fishing fleet. ,. 26. 11.45 a.m. Motor schooner Elizabeth Ellen Fisher, of Dublin. Helvick Head Life-boat landed 5. ,, 26. 12 noon. Four motor fishing boats of Montrose. Montrose No. 1 Life-boat stood by boats. ,, 26. 12 noon. The fishing fleet of Gourdon. Gourdon Life-boat stood by fishing fleet. ,, 26. 1.45 p.m. Motor fishing boats Clara, Felicity Jean, and Enterprise, of Bridlington. Bridlington Life-boat stood by boats. „ 26. 3.35p.m. Ketch Crystal, of Milford Haven. Angle Life-boat landed 1. ,, 26. 8.30p.m. Yacht Nereda, of Wexford. Wexford Life-boat saved vessel. ,, 29. 2.50 a.m. French trawler Etoile. Torbay Life-boat stood by vessel. Feb. 12. 11. Op.m. S.S. Helmsman, of Newcastle. Sheringham Life-boat stood-by vessel. ,, 13. 10.30 p.m. S.S. Framnas, of Christinehamn, and S.S. Bryntawe, of Swansea. Dungeness No. 1 Life-boat stood by vessels. „ 16. 7.45 p.m. Steam trawler Ben Doran, of Aberdeen. Fraserburgh Life-boat saved vessel and rescued 10 ,, 17. 8. 5a.m. Steam trawler Pomona, of Hull. The Humber Life-boat stood by vessel. ,, 24. 9. 0 a.m. Barge Cambria, of London. Dungeness No. 2 Life-boat ... 3 „ 27. 11. Op.m. Steam trawler Merleton, of Granton. Buckie Life-boat rendered assistance. FEBBUABY, 1928] THE LIFEBOAT. 45

Persons Timo of rescued from 1927. Launching. shipwreck. Mar. 24. 10.30 a.m. Eleven fishing cobles of North Sunderland. North Sunderland Life-boat stood by cobles. „ 24. 12 noon. Motor yawls Victory, Isabella, Breadwinner, and Provider, of Holy Island ; also motor yawl Edith Gave.ll, of Seahouses. Holy Island No. 1 Life-boat stood by fishing boats. „ 24. 1.15 p.m. S.S. Yapalaga, of Philadelphia. Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, Life- boat landed one injured man. ,, 25. 2.10p.m. Schooner Annemarie, of Hamburg. Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, Life- boat rendered assistance. „ 26. 11.30a.m. Fishing cobles John Ray, Unity and Mary, of Whitby. Whitby (Motor) Life-boat stood by cobles. „ 28. 7.15 a.m. S.S. Fulmar, of Liverpool. Dungeness No. 1 Life-boat rendered assistance. ,, 30. 1.45p.m. Motor ketch Tryfan, of Liverpool. Beaumaris Life-boat landed 3. April 5. 1.45 p.m. A motor boat and two small boats of Seaham. Seaham Life-boat saved boats and rescued 1

„ 6. 3.40p.m. Army pontoon ^4.17. Walton-on-Nazef Life-boat salved pontoon. „ 9. 9.45 p.m. French ketch Kelloch. Swanage Life-boat stood by vessel. ,, 16. 8. 0 a.m. Coble Reliance II., of Scarborough. Scarborough Life-boat escorted coble into harbour. ,, 18. 2.40 a.m. Tug Wrestler, of Glasgow. Angle Life-boat saved vessel. ,, 27. 1.30p.m. Steam drifter Cluny, of Milford. Kilmore Life-boat stood by vessel. „ 27. 1.45p.m. A small boat. Porthdinllaen Life-boat stood by boat. May 2. 6.10a.m. Steam drifter Cluny, of Milford. Kilmore Life-boat .... 8 ,, 8. 10. 0 a.m. Steam trawler Sigoletto, of Grimsby. The Humber Life-boat stood by vessel. ,, 21. 4.30p.m. Motor launch Vanitie, of Wivenhoe. Ramsgate Life-boat rendered assistance. „ 30. 9.30 a.m. Fishing coble Mary Elizabeth, of Whitby. Whitby ATo. 2 Life-boat stood by coble. June 5. 7.35p.m. Small yacht Gem, of Dublin. Kingstown Life-boat stood by yacht. ,, 19. 3. Oa.m. Ketch G.L. Munro. of Yarmouth. Aldeburgh No. 1 Life-boat stood . by vessel. „ 21. 11.30a.m. Motor yawl Sarah Brigham, of Holy Island. Holy Island No. 1 Life-boat saved boat and rescued 3 „ 22. 12.30p.m. Motor fishing coble Francis, of Whitby. Whitby (Motor) Life-boat escorted coble to harbour. ,, 24. 10.15 a.m. Lugger Alona, of Wexford. Rosslare Harbour Life-boat saved vessel and rescued 4 „ 26. 2.45a.m. TheFormby Lightvesse). A'ew Brighton No. 2 Life-boat stood by vessel. ,, 26. 5.15a.m. Steam trawler Cei'ic, of Fleetwood. Ramsey Life-boat . ... 6 ,, 26. 11.45a.m. Yacht Smeiv, of Woodbridge. Margate No. 2 Life-boat saved yacht and rescued 1 „ 26. 1. 3p.m. Ketch Nelly, of Portsmouth. Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, Life-boat landed 1. July 1. 1.30p.m. Motor coble Horning Star, of Scarborough. Scarborough Life-boat rendered assistance. „ 8. 10.20 a.m. S.S. Homewood, of Middlesbrough. Cullercoats Life-boat stood by :

9. 9. 0 a.m. Steam trawler Anson, of Grimsby. Cromer No. 1 Life-boat saved vessel and rescued 9 46 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBRUARY, 1928

Persons Time of rescued from 1927. Launching. shipwreck. July 21. 11.45a.m. Steam drifter Verdure, of Fraserburgh, and steam trawler John Dupuis, of Grimsby. Fraserburgh Life-boat rendered assistance and stood by vessels. ,, "2'2. 12 noon. Steam drifter Albatross, of Fraserburgh ; motor drifter Jeannie Noble, of Fraserburgh ; steam drifter Emblem, of Lowestoft; motor boat Comfort, of Fraserburgh ; steam drifter Buchan, of Fraserburgh. Fraserburgh Life-boat stood by vessels. ,, 23. 7.35 a.m. Belgian motor trawler Yolande. Lowestoft Life-boat assisted to save vessel and rescued 4 ,, 23. 12.20 p.m. Steam tug Sun JX., of London. Clacton-on-Sea Life-boat stood by vessel. ,, 30. 2.12p.m. Paddle steamer Queen, of Southampton. Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, Life-boat stood by vessel. ,, 30. 3. 0 p.m. A fishing boat of Porthdinllaen. Porthdinllaen Life-boat ... 3 Aug. 5. 2.35 p.m. Motor boat Fishergirl, of Teignmouth. Torbay Life-boat landed 2. „ 6. 3. 0 p.m. S.S. Gwentland, of Newport. Porthoustock Life-boat stood by vessel and rendered assistance. ,, 6. 7. 0 p.m. S.S. Elterwater, of Newcastle-on-Tyne. Dunbar Life-boat stood by vessel. ,. (i. 11.30 p.m. S.S. Ben Bead, of Bristol. Robin Hood's Bay Life-boat stood by vessel. ,, 12. 3.55p.m. Sailing boat Jean, of Yarmouth. Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, Life- boat 4 ,, 18. 11.20p.m. Motor fishing boat Henrietta, of St. Mary's. St. Mary's Life-boat saved boat and rescued 3 ,, 22. 11.45a.m. Yacht Moira, of Rochford. Clacton-on-Sea Life-boat saved vessel and rescued 2 A boat, of Whitstable. Clacton-on-Sea Life-boat saved boat and rescued 1 ,, 23. 1.45p.m. A fishing boat, of Bannow. Kilmore Life-boat rendered assistance. ,, 30. 12.45a.m. Motor vessel Harparees, of Gloucester. Rosslare Harbour Life-boat stood by vessel. Sept. 1. 9.40a.m. S.S. Branksea, of Southampton. Torbay Life-boat stood by vessel. ,, 6. 5.40 p.m. Steam trawler Island Prince, of North Shields. Cullercoats Life- boat 9 ,, 6. 10.27p.m. Steam trawler Ben Tore, of Aberdeen. Aberdeen No. 1 Life-boat . 6 ,, 13. 6. Op.m. Boat Mary, of Margate. Margate Life-boat saved boat and rescued 2 ,, 15. 7.27 a.m. Barge Lady Maud, of London. Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Life-boat stood by vessel. ,, 15. 9.50 a.m. French yacht Rose Marine. Porthdinllaen Life-boat saved yacht and rescued 3 ,, 15. 10. 0 a.m. S.S. Jolly Kate, of London. Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Life- boat saved vessel and rescued 12 ,, 17. 9.30 a.m. Ketch Emily Barrett, of Barrow. Abersoch Life-boat stood by vessel. ,, 22. 10.20 a.m. Seven fishing cobles of Newbiggin. Newbiggin Life-boat stood by cobles. „ 29. 8. 8 a.m. Ketch Amazon, of Bideford. Mevagissey Life-boat .... 2 Oct. 8. 10. 0 a.m. Steam drifter Cedron, of Banff. Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Life-boat assisted to save vessel and rescued 9 ,, 9. 7.25 p.m. Yacht Silver Hind, of Dover. Ramsgate Life-boat rendered assistance. FEBRUARY, 1928.] THE LIFEBOAT. 47

Persons Time of rescued from 1927. Launching. shipwreck. Oct. 10. 9. Op.m. S.S. Copeman, of London. Appledore Life-boat landed one injured man. „ 2-2. 8. Op.m. Motor yacht Delphore, of LiverpooJ. Llandudno Life-boat . . . 3 „ 24. 12.45p.m. Sailing lugger Johanna Marie, of Scheveningen. Lowestoft Life- boat assisted to save vessel and rescued 12 „ 25. 1.40 a.m. Steam trawler Amethyst, of Hull. Stromness Life-boat .... 10 „ 27. 5.10p.m. S.S. Isabo, of Lussin-piccolo. St. Mary's Life-boat 4 „ 28. 3.30p.m. Ketch Excel, of Poole. Moelfre Life-boat 2 „ 28-29. Midnight. S.S. Matje, of Hull, and S.S. Dum-egan, of Preston. Porthdinllaen Life-boat stood by vessels. Nov. 2. 11.45 a.m. S.S. Clew Bay, of Belfast. Youghal Life-boat stood by vessel. „ 7. 6. Oa.m. Motor fishing boat Remembrance, of Whitby. Whitby No. 2 Life- boat escorted boat into harbour. 8. 8.30p.m. Steam trawler Bessie-, of Grimsby. The Humber Life-boat rendered assistance and landed one injured man. „ 9. 12.30p.m. Motor fishing boats Faith, Mizpah, Irene, Pilot Me, and Guide Me, of Whitby. Whitby (Motor) Life-boat escorted boats into harbour. „ 9. 1.0p.m. Motor fishing cobles Jock and Gloria, of Scarborough. Scarborough Life-boat escorted boats into safety. 9. 2.42p.m. Schooner Rosmrite, of Treguier. St. Mary's Life-boat saved vessel and rescued 8 „ 10. 2.30 a.m. S.S. Monaleen, of Belfast. Scarborough Life-boat rendered assistance. „ 17. 11. Op.m. Ketch Mizpah, of Cowes. Rosslare Harbour Life-boat landed 3. „ 18. 7.30 a.m. Ketch Wave, of Bridgwater. Peel Life-boat 2 „ 20. 11. 0 a.m. Six fishing boats of Torquay and Teignmouth. Torbay Life-boat stood by boats. „ 21. 4.37 p.m. Ketch Lily of Devon, of Lowestoft. Lowestoft Life-boat ... 3 ,,21-22. 8.30p.m. Oil tanker Georgia, of .Rotterdam. Great Yarmouth arid Gorleston Life-boat stood by vessel. „ 22. 7.20 a.m. Schooner Omen, of Svendborg. The Humber Life-boat assisted to save vessel and rescued 7 ,,21-22. 2.40p.m. Oil tanker Georgia, of Rotterdam. Cromer No. 1 Life-boat . . 15 „ 23. 10.30 a.m. S.S. Rayford, of Methil. Peterhead No. 2 Life-boat rendered assistance. „ 29. 1.20 a.m. Sailing trawler Dusky Queen, of Lowestoft. Lowestoft Life-boat stood by vessel. „ 29. 3.50 p.m. S.S. Guardian, of Newcastle. Ramsgate Life-boat landed 9 from the North Goodwin Light vessel. „ 30. 4.35 a.m. S.S. Lochmonar, of London. New Brighton No. 2 Life-boat rendered assistance and transferred 74 to tugs. „ 30. 6.40 a.m. Lighter Bertha, of Goole. Cromer No. 1 Life-boat 4 Dec. 5. 11.30a.m. Nine fishing cobles of Newbiggin. Newbiggin Life-boat stood by cobles and rendered assistance. „ 7. 11.15a.m. Ten fishing cobles of Staithes and Runswick. Runswick Life-boat stood by cobles. „ 7. 11.30a.m. Fishing fleet of Whitby. Whitby No. 2 Life-boat stood by fleet and rendered assistance. „ 7. 1.55p.m. Five fishing cobles of Scarborough. Scarborough Life-boat escorted cobles into harbour. 48 THE LIFEBOAT. [FEBBUABY, 1928.

Persons Time of rescued from 1927. Launching. shipwreck. Dee. 7. 9. 2 p.m. S.S. Zealand, of Liverpool, and S.S. Ravens Point, of Liverpool. New Brighton No. 2 Life-boat stood by vessels and rendered assistance. ,, 10. 10.30 a.m. A fishing coble of Flamborough. Flamborough No. 1 Life-boat stood by coble. „ 14. 11.15a.m. Three fishing cobles of Flamborough. Flamborough No. 1 Life- boat stood by cobles. „ 14. 11.20 a.m. Six fishing cobles of Filey. Filey Life-boat stood by cobles. „ 14. 11.30a.m. Twelve motor fishing boats of Whitby. Whitby (Motor) Life-boat escorted boats into harbour. ,, 15. 5. 0 a.m. Barge Sussex Belle, of London. Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Life-boat stood by vessel. 9.35 a.m. Motor fishing cobles of Filey. Filey Life-boat stood by cobles. 3.45 a.m. S.S. Oscar, of Helsingborg. Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Life- boat 19 21. 7.35a.m. Motor fishing boat Wayside Flower, of Eyemouth. Skateraw Life- boat rendered assistance. 22. 8.15 p.m. S.S. Pyrope, of Glasgow. Eunswick Life-boat 9 23. 6.30 p.m. Schooner Gougou, of Vannes. St. Mary's Life-boat 7 23. 6.37p.m. Paddle steamer Prince of Wales, of Southampton. Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, Life-boat stood by vessel. 25. 10.12 p.m. Schooner Kate, of Barrow. Fishguard Life-boat landed 3. 26. 5. 0 a.m. Ketch Lady Daphne, of Rochester. Lizard Life-boat .... 2 26. 1.30 p.m. Ketch Lady Daphne, of Rochester. St. Mary's Life-boat rendered assistance. 26. 11. Op.m. S.S. Fernwood, of London. Clacton-on-Sea Life-boat stood by vessel. 27. 2.30 p.m. Smack Wide Awake, of Lowestoft. Lowestoft Life-boat stood by vessel. 27. 6.55p.m. S.S. Jolly Bruce, of London. Appledore Liie-boat rendered assistance. 28. 11. Oa.m. Eleven fishing cobles of Newbiggin. Newbiggin Life-boat stood by cobles. 29. 4. 0 p.m. S.S. Dinorwic, of Carnarvon. Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Life- boat rendered assistance. Total lives rescued from shipwreck by the Life-boats in 1927, in addition to which the Life-boats saved, or assisted to save, 23 vessels and boats 217 Life-boats also took 104 persons off vessels as a precau- tionary measure and either landed them or transferred them to other vessels. Rewards were also granted by the Institution in the same periods for rescuing from shipwreck by means of Fishing and other Boats, etc 137 Total for 1927 1$54

Notice. The next number of THE LIFEBOAT will be published in MAY, 1928.

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