THE JOURNAL OF THE RNLI

X

'olume XLIV Number 455 Spring 1976 THE BEST WEATHER CLOTHING IN THE WORLD

•AIRFLOW COAT JACKET LIGHTWEIGHT JACKETS ARE WATERPROOF FREE FROM CONDENSATION

0 ROYAL NATIONAL 2 LIFE-BOAT INSTITUTION I Letter of 28 February 1974 0 from Assistant Superintendent (Stores) U • Your company's protective clothing has now been on extensive D evaluation for over two years 0 and I am pleased to advise CD that the crews of our offshore boats have found LU the clothing warm, a comfortable and a considerable improvement The issue of your clothing t is being extended to all of IB our offshore life-boats as replacements are required 9

UJ U Ralph Lee, Technical Editor 'Camping & Caravanning'

UJ Z " ... the finest outdoor garments 0 I have ever seen . . . not just good material and well made. It is the amount of thought that has gone into the design that delights in me ... I give this UJ firm top marks •n U UJ Derek Agnew, Editor of 'En Route' r UJ Magazine of the Caravan Club a ir ca ^ ... I have been giving an the FUNCTIONAL Jacket in extensive wear trial to n outdoor clothing made by Bill Boddy in 'Motor Sport' Kevin MacDonnell in UinJ Functional of Manchester . . . Photography of May 1975 D All I can say is that one motoring magazine's description •. ... A really top-class " ... My attempts to find the c conscientiously made of Functional as the Rolls-Royce ideaJ photographer's garment have a product ... the Rolls Royce of of outdoor clothing is thoroughly spread over many years ... I bad-weather, keep-warm accurate. If there was a better noticed recently that most outdoor clothing . . . clearly the best epithet I would use it T.V. Crews had ... a standardised possible for outdoor I have sat fishing without garment . . . and I was off on the work and play ... *9 moving in torrential rain for six trail of FUNCTIONAL Clothing hours; I have been all day in the middle of windswept lakes and designed made and sold only by ... on a very warm day . . . I have never experienced the in spite of the two waterproof UJ J slightest discomfort. There are layers there was no condensation . . a pockets galore, really strong zips hanging around an airfield on a wherever they are needed and bitterlv cold day I stayed warm. rain and wind could be non It's an all-weather job! existent for all the effect they fFUNijTIONAL i have on you • , The astonishing thing is the UJ For the caravanner who price. It's incredibly well made wants only the best I thoroughly out of top grade materials \ recommend this range. You UJ cannot buy it retail, but only 20 CHEPSTOW STREET This is the best clothing direct from the manufacturer . . . MANCHESTER Ml 5JF bargain . . . encountered for years— 061-236 2606/7 D j D 9 Alfred Place Store Street Tottenham Court Road London \VC1E 7EB 01-5804906 U write or telephone for further details

CLOTHIMG FOR ACTION FIT FOR FUlSJCTIOrVJ WARM WINTER COOL SUMMEF THE LIFEBOAT

Spring 1976

Notes of the Quarter, by The Editor 111

Contents Henry Blogg Centenary Exhibition 112

Lifeboat Services 113

Volume XLIV International Boat Show ... 119

Number 455 Major-General R. H. Farrant, CB, Chairman of the Institution 120

Donaghadee: One of the Guardians of the Northern Channel, by Joan Davies 122

Chairman: Helicopter Rescue, British Airways Style, by J. D. Ferguson 125 MAJOR-GENERAL R. H. FARRANT, CB Profile of the Offshore Fleet 126 Director and Secretary : CAPTAIN NIGEL DIXON, RN Electronic Eyes and Ears, by Lieut. Ernest Gough, RN 128

Around the Coast ...... 130

Medical Arrangements in the RNLI: Part II, Current Work and Policies, by Geoffrey Hale, MBE MB B.ch ...... 131

Editor: Letters 132 PATRICK HOWARTH Lifeboat People 133 Assistant Editor: JOANDAVIES Some Ways of Raising Money 134

Shoreline 136

„ , Here and There 138 Headquarters: Royal National Life-boat Institution, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 Awards to Coxswains, Crews and Shore Helpers 139 1HZ (Telephone Poole 71133). Offshore Lifeboat Services, September, October and November 1975 ... 141 London Office: Royal National Life-boat Institution, 21 Inshore Lifeboat Services, September, October and November 1975 ... 142 Ebury Street, London SW1W OLD (Telephone 01-7300031). Index to Advertisers 144

Editorial: All material submitted for consideration with a view to publication Advertisements: All advertising en- in the journal should be addressed to the quiries should be addressed to Dyson COVER PICTURE editor, THE LIFEBOAT, Royal National Advertising Services, PO Box 9, Godal- Exercises at sea are part of the regular Life-boat Institution, West Quay Road, ming, Surrey (Telephone Godalming routine of every lifeboat station. On Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ (Telephone (04868) 23675). exercise the crew can familiarise themselves Poole 71133). Photographs intended for with the boat and with her lifesaving equip- return should be accompanied by a ment, and, as a team, practise manoeuvres stamped and addressed envelope. Subscription: A year's subscription of which, on service, may have to be carried four issues costs £1.40, including out in extreme conditions. In this photo- postage, but those who are entitled to graph, taken by Roger Jones, Second Next Issues: The Summer issue of THE Coxswain Peter Gibbons of Lowestoft is LIFEBOAT will appear in July and news receive THE LIFEBOAT free of charge will preparing to fire the line-throwing gun on items should be sent by the end of April. continue to do so. Overseas subscrip- board the 47' Watson class lifeboat News items for the autumn issue should tions depend on the cost of postage to Frederick Edward Crick. be sent in by the end of July. the country concerned.

109 Backbone of the FishingTrade.

This was one that didn't get away. One of a thousand million. A thousand million of the reasons why every day and night men put out to sea in all weathers to earn their living. A thousand million reasons why lifeboatmen are needed as much as they are. We at Birds Eye would like to voice our appreciation of the lifeboatmen. We are proud of our long association with them.

no lifeboats under construction which are New money expected to be completed this year. As part of its drive to raise new money NOTES OF This is a rate of building which cannot the RNLI organised a series of meetings THE QUARTER now be sustained because of inflation, in November 1975 of a new kind. The and the RNLI plans to order only two Institution's advertising agents, Lintas new Rother lifeboats this year. If the Ltd, kindly offered the use of a reception financial situation of the Institution room on their premises in which a small improves appreciably the number of exhibition of models of new lifeboats by the Editor new lifeboats will be increased, but in was staged. Small groups of influential any event 42 new lifeboats will have been people in the City of London were completed since 1970, giving an average invited and were given an audio-visual of seven new lifeboats per year. presentation of the RNLI's present When the new boat building pro- financial problems. On one evening THE RNLI'S ACCOUNTS for 1975 are not gramme was announced in 1970 it was those present were bankers, on another complete at the time of going to press, stated that the aim was to have a self- they were drawn from the oil industry hut it is certain that expenditure will righting fleet of lifeboats by 1980. and on another from shipping. Solicitors have exceeded income. In other words Despite the proposed pause in the new and trustee bankers, people associated there will he a deficit which will have to construction programme the aim is still with the RNLl's City of London he made good. likely to be fulfilled because of the branch, representatives of overseas The reason for this deficit is inflation, number of existing boats in the fleet interests and the press and television and not any falling off in support for which will have been modified and provided the guests on other evenings. the RNLI. Contrary to some people's altered to give a self-righting capability. The sympathetic interest shown by all doubts and fears the branches and It will still be true to say that, apart the RNLI guests on these evenings, all guilds did not in any way lessen their from the three Clyde class lifeboats of whom were people of standing and activities in 1975 following the big drive which were never intended to have a authority, was extremely encouraging, made throughout the country to raise self-righting capability, by 1980 all and there is already evidence of extra funds for'The Year of the Lifeboat' offshore lifeboats in the active fleet will increased financial support. One in 1974. There has been a gratifying be able to right themselves in the event example in particular may be cited, increase in money received from legacies, of a capsize. although the decision was taken before and Shoreline continues to flourish and the meetings held in Lintas House. This expand. But with the cost of new was the action of the Board of British lifeboats ranging from £100,000 to over An outstanding example of sup- Petroleum as reported in the adjacent £200,000 a deficit was hardly surprising. port from one of Great Britain's column. The RNLl's Committee of Management leading companies is the action of Other appeals are being made to therefore decided on two courses of British Petroleum in making a other sections of the community. It is action. One was to control expenditure covenanted donation of £100,000 hoped, too. to increase the interest more sharply still, even to the point of to the RNLI towards the cost of a shown in the work of the RNLI by slowing down the boat building pro- new 54' Anin class lifeboat to be immigrant communities. Other plans gramme. The other was to launch a new stationed at Aberdeen. She will be are also under consideration, and the campaign to obtain new money from called BP Forties. fund raising committee, whose chairman from new sources. This news was announced on is Admiral Sir Peter Compston. will be February 20 by Mr t'raser Cook, glad to learn of any other suggestions Boat building programme BP's chief representative in Scot- for raising new money in new ways. In 1970 the RNLI decided to double land, Mr Tony Kirk by. General the rate of its boat building programme. Manager BP Petroleum Develop- Storm damage on January night The aim was to raise the average number ment Ltd. and Sir Charles Widespread damage to RNLI installa- of new offshore lifeboats completed in \tcGrigor, Convener of the Scot- tions was caused by the exceptional a year from five to ten. When this tish Lifeboat Council. gales during the weekend of January 2 policy was announced Admiral Sir Sir Charles also announced that to 4. On the north-west coast of Wilfrid Woods, who was then the students at Aberdeen University England the 1LB house at Blackpool RNLI's chairman, stated unequivocally wotdd he presenting the RNLI with was completely demolished. The ILB that it was an act of faith and that there £7,000 to provide electronic equip- herself was recovered from the wreck- were not the financial resources available ment for the new lifeboat. age, and although she was not seriously to the Institution at that time to ensure damaged the boat and engine had to be the achievement of this programme. So far as the support of the general public- was concerned this act of faith was justified. What no one could reasonably foresee in 1970 was that the cost of a new lifeboat would be tripled within about five years. The RNLI has at present eleven new

The Duke of Atholl, a deputy chairman of the RNLI, visited six lifeboat stations in the south west of England on January 14 and 15: Salcomhe, Torhay, Exmonth, Lyme Regis, Swanage and Poole. He aha took part in fund raising discussions and is seen here with memhers of Brixham Indies guild, Dart- mouth, Brixham, Paignton and Totnes branches and Ton/nay branch and guild. Standing on the Duke's left (centre front) is Valerie Wood, assistant organising secretary, south west. photograph by courtesy of West of England Newspapers.

111 boathouse door was stove in. One boathouse door at Cromer was smashed beyond repair. The boathouse doors at Scarborough also suffered damage. Reports of lesser damage were received from Aberdovey, Runswick, Seaham and Walton-on-the-Naze. At the time of going to press the full cost of repairs and restoration is not yet known, but it will clearly be appreciable.

Last depot party The last of the traditional Christmas parties at the RNLI depot in Boreham Wood, when a midday meal is served and some members of the staff volunteer to wait on others, was in certain respects a sad affair. Many of those present, it was known, were unable to make the transfer to Poole for various reasons and others were about to retire. Never- theless the party revealed once again the close fellowship of this important part of the RNLI. The Boreham Wood depot was built in 1939, and during the last war it served as the RNLI headquarters. For High seas healing up against Scarborough hoatliouse doors in the January storms. nearly 40 years the Boreham Wood photograph by courtesy of Dennis Dobson. depot has provided a standard of service to volunteer workers, both those who withdrawn to the depot and replaced. McLachlan lifeboat was temporarily off serve in lifeboats and those who raise The lower section of the lifeboat house service. In the south west of England funds, in the highest traditions of the doors at Fleetwood was stove in. The the worst damage was to the slipway at RNLI. The tradition, which no doubt Council slipway used to launch the 1LB Weston-super- M are. the new depot at Poole will sustain, at Morecambe was completely carried A number of places on the east coast dates back to 1882 when the RNLI away, but another slipway some 300 of England were also seriously affected, opened a store yard at Poplar. In those yards away was brought into service. although the early reports in news days the store yard was used both to In Wales the boathouse doors at bulletins that the lifeboat slipway at repair lifeboats and as a base for the Barmouth were stove in and the ILB Wells had been carried away were RNLI's reserve fleet. house at Aberystwyth lost its roof. On fortunately incorrect. Some damage was, At the lunch some of those present the Isle of Man there was considerable however, done to the runway outside were pensioners who had worked in the damage to the slipway at Peel and the the boathouse. At Sheringham half the store yard before 1939.

Henry Blotjy Cromer, it was estimated that between Museum in Greenwich this year; 4,000 and 5,000 people saw it. The opening day was February 16. This is in Centenary Exhibition exhibition itself was extremely interes- addition to fine exhibition of model ting and well prepared, and immense lifeboats on permanent display at the trouble had been taken in its prepara- museum. Born on February 6, 1876, Henry tion by the local branch. Blogg served in Cromer crew from The following tribute was received 1894 and was coxswain from 1909 to from the Rt. Hon. Edward Heath, MP: 1947, through two world wars. He National Maritime Museum was awarded three gold medals for '/ gladly pay my tribute to the lifeboat gallantry and four silver service and those who man it. All over the The National Maritime Museum has country coxswains and crews give of their accepted several hundred drawings made utmost in living up to the great traditions Five Cromer lifeboatmen who were of Henry Blogg and others who have for lifeboats built between 1918 and in the crew when Henry Blogg was rendered outstanding services, sometimes 1933. The drawings were formerly coxswain were at the Cliff House Hotel leading to the sacrifice of their own lives, stored at the RNLI's head office at 42 on February 6 when Patrick Howarth, in trying to save those in distress. Grosvenor Gardens. ' We who sail gain confidence from the public relations officer of the RNLI, In accepting them the museum asked opened the Henry Blogg Centenary fact that the lifeboat service is there in case of need. At the same lime it places on whether there were any drawings for Exhibition; they were George Rook, every one of us the responsibility for lifeboats built before 1918. No such Dick Barker, 'Tuna' Harrison, Jack ensuring that we respect the sea in all its drawings are in the RNLI's possession, Davies and Henry Blogg's nephew changing moods and know what we are but if any reader knows of any the Henry 'Shrimp' Davies who was himself about when we put out upon its waters. RNLI and the National Maritime just on the point of retiring as coxswain '/ welcome the initiative of the Cramer Museum will be interested to hear. after 45 years service in the lifeboats. lifeboat committee in staging this exhibi- R. A. Oakley, former RNLI naval tion to commemorate the centenary of architect, was to have opened the Henry Blogg's birth and commend it to all exhibition but he was unfortunately those who go down to the sea in ships.' Change of address prevented by illness. A memorial service was held in Although the exhibition was only Cromer parish church on Sunday The address of the City of London open for three days (from noon to morning, February 8. organising secretary, R. C. Pope, is now 10 pm) in the depth of winter when A Henry Blogg display is being 40 St Mary Axe, London EC3 (Tel. there were virtually no visitors to staged at the National Maritime 01-283 4680, extension 325).

112 South Eastern Division Storm-disabled sloop THE DUTY OFFICER at the Needles Coast- guard saw a red distress flare to west- ward, estimated two to three miles distant, at 0108 on Sunday, September 14, 1975. The honorary secretary of Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, lifeboat station was requested to launch, the MFV St Patrick, taking water into her engine room, was towed into harbour on November 12, assembly signal made, and at 0122 the 1975, by the 44' Waveney lifeboat 40-001, on temporary duty at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston. 48' 6" Oakley The Earl and Countess The lifeboat was under the command of Coxswain J. Bryan. Howe slipped her moorings. photograph by courtesy of Great Yarmouth Press Agency. Wind direction and force at the time The lifeboat was advised, therefore, to set help find the casualty and at 0341 a 28' of launching, as recorded by HM Coast- course 217°M once past the South West disabled sloop was seen under jib sail guard, was 010°T, force 9. Tide was two Shingles Buoy. and making about 4 knots southward. hours flood setting 082°T at a rate of Meanwhile, The Earl and Countess The wind had now backed to due north 1.2 knots. It was raining very heavily Howe, under the command of-Coxswain/ and continued to be Beaufort 10, storm with visibility under one mile. Mechanic David Kennett, was making force. The sea was very rough and At 0147 further red flares were sighted best possible speed through the Needles confused with wave height estimated at by the Coastguard and it was noted Channel in conditions which had 25 feet; the tide was setting 074T° at a from the bearing obtained that the worsened to force 10 wind with very rate of 1.0 knots. casualty was drifting fast to the south rough confused seas and heavy swell. Coxswain Kennett closed the moving Visibility continued to be reduced to yacht and quickly realised that, with a under one mile by heavy rain. The jammed sail and the violent motion of lifeboat was shipping heavy seas, some both boats, it would be too dangerous to filling the wheelhouse. use the breeches buoy, and there would At 0212 the radar display aboard the be little likelihood of success. He would lifeboat failed after an exceptionally have, therefore, to lay the lifeboat large sea was taken aboard. At 0240 red alongside while underway in an attempt flares, further south than previously, to transfer the yacht's crew of five. were sighted by Needles Coastguard. At One moment the yacht was towering 0256 HMS Solent, an RN minesweeper on above the lifeboat on the crest of a passage, reported sighting a red flare 25-foot wave; the next she was wallowing seven miles to the south of her position in a trough of equal depth. Thus at and that she was heading towards it. 0343, with superb timing and exceptional She sighted Yarmouth lifeboat at 0322, seamanship, Coxswain Kennett drove closed her and remained in company the lifeboat alongside the starboard side during the remainder of the service. of the plunging yacht and maintained perfect position long enough for his Awarded the silver medal for Despite torrential rain, at 0332 the gallantry: Coxswain! Mechanic lifeboat crew sighted a further flare crew to snatch and hoist in board three David Kennett, Yarmouth, Isle of almost dead ahead, distance about one of the survivors. Going astern, the Wight. mile. Parachute flares were set off to coxswain, again with excellent timing, waited until the yacht was on the crest of a wave and drove alongside a second time. Coxswain Kennett's superb boat- handling made these manoeuvres appear relatively easy when, in fact, the aft conning position with 40' of boat ahead made the task of judging the correct time and laying alongside with little damage a very difficult one. On the second occasion the yacht's motion was D74°T too violent to avoid her stern damaging the port forward bulwark. Ok. With considerable difficulty Coxswain Kennett again managed to hold the ya.ch2: (Pia-uka. of hrtLgoOr. lifeboat alongside the yacht long enough

113 for the two remaining survivors to be The time was 2241. Course was altered engines lowered and anchor recovered, snatched from the yacht. One of them, and the ILB closed to within 60 to 70 and Barry Coastguard were advised that who still had his lifeline attached to the yards and, with the aid of the Aldis the survivors would be landed at the yacht, fell between the two boats, but lamp, it was established that the light Ferry Stage, Uphill. The ILB entered prompt and determined action by was from a local motor boat stranded on the River Axe and the five men were put Assistant Mechanic Robert Cooke rocks. f.shore at 2320; they were met by the prevented this man from being crushed The boat was lying bows east with local Coastguard. Five minutes later, between the two hulls. Robert Cooke seas breaking over her. People could be after re-securing the boat's gear, the quickly cut through the lifeline with a seen standing in the water and on a ILB set out, at reduced speed, into knife and, with what was clearly rocky ledge 5 feet above sea level the rough seas and a strong head wind. tremendous effort, hoisted the man right behind the boat, at the base of a sheer Difficulty was experienced in recover- over the guardrail and on to the engine- cliff. Using the Aldis lamp and a para- ing the ILB because of the very rough room canopy. chute flare it was seen that the boat was weather and because direct communica- At 0400 Coxswain Kennett advised ashore in a small cove bounded by tion was impossible between boat and Needles Coastguard that all the occu- sheer cliffs that offered no escape route. shore helpers. It was unsafe for the pants had been taken off the yacht, It was estimated that the tide would rise helpers to stand on the slip, and Chayka of Ardgoiir, which was to be about 14 feet and that those ashore were messages had to be passed via Barry abandoned; the lifeboat was returning in grave danger of being drowned. Coastguard to the boathouse. The ILB to station in company with HMS Solent. Helmsman Morris decided to attempt was eventually taken out of the water at Wind and sea did not abate on the a rescue 0020 and re-housed by 0035. return to station; thus it was a long haul The sea close inshore was rough and For this service the bronze medal for back to Yarmouth against a big head sea confused due to the backwash from the gallantry was awarded to Helmsman with the five survivors and seven crew cliffs. An eddy tidal stream was running Julian Morris. The thanks of the all exhausted, cold and soaked. Cox- westwards at about 1 knot. The ILB Institution inscribed on vellum were swain Kennett remained at the helm was taken in to within 10 yards of the accorded to Crew Members Bernard throughout. At 0645 The Earl and casualty; people ashore could be heard Watts and Ian Watts. Countess Howe arrived back at shouting for the boat to stand off Yarmouth and at 0730 was returned to because of submerged rocks and she her moorings, refuelled and ready for frequently took the ground in the rough, service. confused breaking seas. The ILB was Eastern Division For this service the silver medal for turned round and stood out to sea. gallantry was awarded to Coxswain/ Helmsman Morris anchored the ILB Fast on West Barrow Mechanic David Kennett. The thanks of 20 to 30 yards off the casualty, up-tide, the Institution inscribed on vellum and veered down with both engines A RED FLARE was sighted in the vicinity of were accorded to Assistant Mechanics raised but running. As the boat set too South West Swin Buoy by MV Hounslow Robert Cooke and Nicholas Chandler far westward, the anchor was recovered at 0110 on Saturday, August 16, 1975. and Crew Members Keith Hopkins, and dropped further to the east. The Two minutes later a second flare was Stuart Pimm, Mark Rushton and second attempt was more successful. seen and reported to Warden Point Andries Postma. Letters of appreciation The ILB, felt to be striking the rocks Coastguard via Warden Radio, the signed by Captain Nigel Dixon, the quite frequently, was veered to within Port of London control station in the director, were sent to the Commanding 20 feet of the casualty and a heaving line same building. A request to launch was Officers, HMS Solent and HM Coastguard, thrown ashore to the survivors. Instruc- telephoned to the honorary secretary of Needles. tions were passed for the line to be Sheerness lifeboat station; maroons secured around the waist of a survivor were fired; and at 0128 the 44' Waveney Western Division and he was pulled into the water and lifeboat Helen Turnbull slipped her taken aboard. Four men were rescued moorings. Stranded on rocks in this way; the fifth man, the owner of The wind was south west force 6, with the boat, managed to wade out to the rough, short seas. The weather was fine ON HEARING FROM BARRY COASTGUARD, ILB. with good visibility. High water at at 2220 on Saturday, September 13, All the survivors were safely on board Sheerness was predicted at 0813 and low 1975, that red flares had been reported by 2305. The boat was pulled out, water at 0154. to the west of Brean Down, the honorary secretary of Weston-super-Mare gave H. instructions for the maroons to be fired, and at 2231 the McLachlan ILB A504 was launched; her crew were Helms- man Julian Morris and Crew Members Bernard Watts and Ian Watts. The wind was north by east force 9 and the sea rough. It was a very dark night with overcast sky and squally .SMALL COVE showers. The visibility was good but moderate in showers. It was three hours before high water and the tidal stream setting northwards at about 2 knots, aggravating the rough sea state with wind against tide. Before launching, the honorary EOCK.S secretary had instructed the helmsman to go to a point mid-way along the north side of the Brean Down peninsula and search westward. The ILB set course down wind at maximum speed and wheii half a mile off the Down an irregular flashing light was sighted close inshore about one point on the port bow. BREAN J10WN

114 Once clear of Garrison Point Helen Turnbull set out at full speed down Medway Channel and headed for West Barrow Buoy, passing abeam at 0210. Lights of a small vessel could be seen north-eastward and the GLC vessel Newham was stemming the tide at North East Mouse Buoy, ready to offer help if required. Firing a parachute flare to alert the casualty, Coxswain/Mechanic Charles Bowry manoeuvred the lifeboat close northward of her as she lay on her port bilge, fast on the West Barrow Bank with seas breaking over her stern. By now the wind was gusting force 7, with confused rough seas and heavy broken water over the bank. Predicted depth of water on the bank at this state of tide was about one foot. In her position athwart tide and wind, Helen Turnbull was rolling her wheel- house deck edge under water and Coxswain Bowry realised that he could do little to assist in that state; and if he had placed the boat head to sea, she would have been parallel to the bank edge with little chance of maintaining Sand dredger Sir Cedric, making water fast, was towed from three miles west ofTrevose Light her position safely close to the casualty, back to harbour on October 11,1975, byPadstow's 48' 6" Oakley lifeboat James and Catherine Macfarlane under the command of Coxswain A. Warnock. Water had risen above ship's pumps a 30' motor sailing yacht, Eladnid. and main engine air intakes; RN helicopter lowered pump aboard vessel during tow to keep water Coxswain Bowry therefore man- level under control. Wind was north east fresh to strong, sea moderate with a heavy swell. oeuvred south-westward and anchored photograph by courtesy of A. Prosser. in 15' of water, veering the cable until Helen Turnbull was in a position some 65' north of the yacht, which Newham When this was made fast he ordered Benfleet and had been blown on to West was illuminating by Aldis lamp. Malcolm Keen and Colin Washford to Barrow Bank. The owner accepted that A man was seen clinging precariously check the yacht's bilges as soon as she the tow might have to be cut if con- to the cabin top and, after conversation cleared the bank and to see that all ditions proved too hazardous, but the through the loudhailer, Coxswain survivors were wearing lifejackets ready return passage was made by East Spile Bowry understood that nine people were for immediate transfer to the lifeboat. Buoy to seek a lee as soon as possible aboard. He realised that the man was in and the tow entered Sheerness Great no situation to tend a gun line, so he With the yacht lying stern to sea on her port side and shipping heavy water, Basin safely at 0547. The lifeboat was re- shortened cable to westward and pre- fuelled and ready for service at 0700. pared the inflatable dinghy for launch- the tow had to be made to the west to minimise the weight on the line and to For this service the bronze medal for ing. gallantry has been awarded to Coxswain/ Crew Members Malcolm Keen and avoid the possibility of the casualty being overturned by the weight of seas. Mechanic Charles Bowry. Medal service Colin Washford boarded the dinghy, certificates were presented to Assistant made fast lifelines and were veered At about 0310, with the lifeboat's anchor still down, the yacht was towed Mechanic Roderick Underhill and downwind. At the first attempt they Crew Members Malcolm Keen, Colin were carried out of reach of the yacht clear at half throttle on the engines. After Malcolm Keen and Colin Washford Washford, David Hargreaves and Barry and had to be heaved back to the life- Powell. boat. After manoeuvring the lifeboat's had quickly checked that the yacht engines to re-position the boat the appeared sound, the remaining three crew members on Helen Turnbull dinghy was again veered astern and, North Eastern Division although frequently filled by seas, weighed anchor by hand while Coxswain reached the yacht safely and the two Bowry moved the boat ahead to help crew members scrambled aboard. They and slackened the towline to allow Swimmers rescued lateral movement of the lifeboat's stern. found that there were, in fact, five MABLETHORPE iLB deputy launching people on board; two were adults Once in deeper water, at 0320, the authority was informed by a council suffering from seasickness and two tow was shortened but, because of lifeguard at 1458 on August 6, 1975, were children aged 8 and 12 years. violent pitching and rolling, Coxswain that there were two swimmers in diffi- On receiving this information Cox- Bowry waited some 15 minute's for a lull culties off the 'pipe tunnel', an outfall swain Bowry was able to assess the in the gusting wind and breaking seas pipe protected by a groyne, some quarter dangers facing the survivors. Time was before moving the lifeboat rapidly astern of a mile north of the station. short as he could foresee Helen Turnbull to place her starboard quarter on the Maroons were fired immediately to being driven on to the bank once the yacht's port side. The five survivors assemble the crew. It was three hours to flood tide gained strength. He decided were transferred to Helen Turnbull as high water and the wind was south- that it was too dangerous to risk the quickly as possible and taken down to easterly, force 2. However, despite the children in a breeches buoy or the the forward cabin. Colin Washford also light wind, a moderate south-easterly inflatable dinghy, and that his only returned to the lifeboat while Malcolm swell was producing a heavy surf, course of action was to tow the yacht Keen remained on board the yacht to complicated by an additional cross swell, off the bank. tend her, and, at 0345, the tow was again resulting in a confused, boiling sea on Instructing his two crew members to lengthened to 15 fathoms. the beach and on off-lying shoal ground. batten down the yacht as best they The motor sailing yacht, which was The three helpers and crew were could, Coxswain Bowry passed a heavy the owner's home, had lost her rudder assisted by visitors in holding the boat towline attached to the veering line. while on passage from Maylandsea to head to sea before launching. While the

115 launch was in progress there were more reports of swimmers in difficulties and at the launching site at least two people were dragged from the water by helpers. The ILB, with Bernard Tuplin at the helm and John Mayfield and Michael Westfield as crew, launched at 1503. Handling with superb skill a boat which Whitby ILB crew was frequently being swept by breaking members: (I. to r.) seas and could not in those conditions David Wharton, be effectively drained, Bernard Tuplin Michael Coates, Brian cleared the main surf on the beach and Hodgson and Barry off-lying bank. Despite the state of the Mason. photograph by courtesy sea, the ILB then set course at full speed of Tindale's of Whitby. for a position offshore from the two swimmers and just outside the worst of the break on the bank. The swimmers were in extreme that their atrcraft was a Phantom jet Leaving his crew, David Wharton, to difficulties in the worst of the surf and and that fortunately they were the only tend the line, Michael Coates attached were about 10 feet apart. The situation occupants. The lifeboat returned to the inboard end of the anchor warp to was such that any attempt to manoeuvre station at 1455 and the two men were his lifejacket and swam to the foot of the ILB to each individual casualty taken by helicopter to RAF Coningsby. the cliff, where he was able to cling to would have been impossible and Subsequently a letter of appreciation the rocks immediately below the man. probably would have resulted in the loss was received from RAF Coningsby and From this precarious position he was of both people; there would have also also a donation to the Institution's able to convince him that he would be been a high risk of capsize. Any delay in funds. safe to slide to the bottom of the cliff. picking up the swimmers could well have Although boat and rocks were being resulted in a fatality. swept by surf, Michael Coates managed Bernard Tuplin realised that there was North Eastern Division to hold the casualty until they were both only one course of action, and that was pulled back aboard the ILB. to pick up both people 'on the run'. He Man clinging to cliff By 1843 the operation was completed and his crew were all aware of the and the ILB hauled clear on the anchor urgency and the dangers involved—and A MAN CUT OFF by the tide at Saltwick warp before recovering the anchor and also that they would probably only have Nab was reported to the honorary heading back to Whitby. The survivor the one chance of success. secretary of Whitby lifeboat station by was landed at Scotch Head at 1855 and Bernard Tuplin took a course running the Coastguard at 1805 on Friday, the ILB was rehoused and ready for in with the surf that would bring a July 25, 1975. It was high water and in service at 1910. casualty to each sponson in turn. John normal circumstances, with a falling For this service the bronze medal for Mayfield and Michael Westfield were to tide, anyone cut off at that time would gallantry was awarded to Helmsman grasp a swimmer each and hold him to be safe. As a precautionary measure, Michael Coates and the thanks of the the sponson. however, the honorary secretary fired Institution inscribed on vellum were The determination, skill and good the assembly signal at 1806 while the accorded to Crew Member David teamwork shown by this crew was well situation was clarified by the Coast- Wharton. rewarded by a smooth and successful guard. pick-up of both casualties, and the run On investigation it was clear that the was continued straight in to the beach; man was in trouble on the cliff. The ILB North Eastern Division with the confused swell and the boat launched at 1820. The wind was heavy with water, the ILB could at any northerly, force 1 to 2, the sea smooth Small boat swamped time have broached and capsized. at launching with a moderate northerly The ILB was recovered and ready for swell. ON MONDAY EVENING, AugUSt 18, 1975, service at 1520. On arrival at Saltwick Nab it was the honorary secretary of Whitby life- For this service the thanks of the apparent that the swell was producing boat station was informed by Whitby Institution inscribed on vellum were heavy breaking surf on the shoal ground Coastguard that a small boat which accorded to Helmsman Bernard Tuplin off the point and the sea was right up to they had had under observation had been and Crew Members John Mayfield and the cliffs. The man was sighted clinging swamped a quarter of a mile to seaward Michael Westfield. to the cliff, some 12 feet up, slowly of the Metropole Hotel and that the two slipping down as the handholds crum- crew had been thrown into the water. bled. He had apparently been there for Five minutes later, at 1825, the ILB, some time and had slowly slipped from manned by Helmsman Brian Hodgson, Eastern Division much higher up. At the foot of the cliff Barry Mason and David Wharton, was immediately below him was 4eep water launched and heading out of the harbour Phantom jet crew confused by the breaking surf and rise at full speed. It was four hours after high and fall of the swell. water. The wind was northerly, force 3. ON FRIDAY, December 5,1975, HM Coast- Helmsman Michael Coates took the Outside the harbour the sea was guard informed the honorary secretary ILB in a wide sweep over the bank and moderately rough with a moderate swell. of Skegness lifeboat station at 1400 that below the cliff continuing out over the After an uncomfortable passage an aircraft had crashed into the sea and bank to assess the situation. There was between the piers the ILB set course for that two parachutists had been seen. no hope of laying the ILB alongside the the position off the Metropole. Inshore The 37' Oakley lifeboat Charles Fred cliff long enough to persuade the man of this position very heavy surf was Grant ham launched at 1418 and set out to drop down, so it was decided to breaking on the beach. By 1830 the ILB in a light breeze and slight sea. It was anchor the boat and veer down to a was in the area of the casualty but, with one hour before low water; visibility position below him. the sun shining brightly from the direc- was poor. A second run in was made, the ILB tion of Sandsend, more or less straight The lifeboat quickly reached the two anchored head to the breaking surf and into the eyes of the crew, visibility for men 2J miles north east of Skegness and the cable veered out until the boat was conducting a search from the direction took them aboard. It was discovered close to the cliff, abreast of the man. of the harbour was bad.

116 Having sighted nothing on the first North Western Division It was obvious to Coxswain Roberts search, therefore, the ILB ran off sea- that Heracles was in the greater danger, ward to a position abeam the bar buoy, and a first approach, to assess the situa- ready to start a creeping search across Yachts on a lee shore tion, was made with the lifeboat's bow the area, thus lessening the effect of the towards the yacht. In view of the very sunlight. A YACHT, Westralia, dragging her anchor rough seas and very heavy swell, Although the sea was moderately in Forth Wen Bay and in danger of going together with the awkward and danger- rough and there was a moderate swell, on to rocks was reported to the honorary ous position of the yacht, Coxswain the ILB was still outside the breaking secretary of Moelfre lifeboat station by Roberts decided it would be necessary surf. On her first run in towards the Cemaes Bay Coastguard at 2009 on to veer down on her and tow her out beach the first survivor was spotted a August 30, 1975. Maroons were fired into deeper water. short distance outside the main break- and at 2022 Watkin Williams, Moelfre's First he manoeuvred the lifeboat stern ing surf line. As she closed him the 42'Watson lifeboat, launched on service. first seaward to gain sea room. He then second survivor was sighted some 50 The wind was north north west force anchored, and using helm and engines yards away and almost in the surf. 6 to 7, sea rough with a heavy north- together with the advantage of sea and Because of the critical conditions, and west swell: the state of tide was 4 hours wind brought her head to sea. She was knowing that both men would soon be ebb. then veered down to Heracles so that a in the breaking surf, Brian Hodgson Coxswain William Roberts steered a heaving line and towing line could be entered the water to support the first course to a position half a mile north passed, but, within a boat's length of the survivor, well knowing that he himself east of Lynas Point and thence to Forth yacht, a large sea and swell hit the might be carried into the heavy surf, so Wen Bay, a total distance of 9 miles. lifeboat, broaching her starboard side to that the ILB could go directly to the While on passage information was and dragging the anchor. However, she other survivor who was in the greater received that two yachts were in was now abeam of the yacht and a tow- danger. difficulties and that a helicopter from line was passed and made fast. With Having picked up this survivor just RAF Valley was on her way. She arrived extreme difficulty the lifeboat was as he was about to be engulfed in the at about 2050 and then stood by, as the manoeuvred head to sea again, anchor surf, the ILB returned to recover both crews of the yachts had decided to await weighed, the cable of the yacht slipped the other survivor and Brian Hodgson. the arrival of the lifeboat rather than be and the tow begun at 2205. The opera- By this time they, too, were right on the lifted into the helicopter. tion had taken 35 minutes. edge of the surf line. On arrival at Forth Wen Bay, at 2130, With Heracles in tow it was agreed The ILB then returned to Whitby the lifeboat found both yachts on the between Coxswain Roberts and the Harbour, arriving at 1850. Both western side of the bay: Westralia, skipper of Westralia, still hove to, that survivors were landed; the second was having parted her anchor cable, was Westralia should be escorted under her taken home by David Wharton and put hove to under power, pitching and own power to Moelfre Bay in company to bed for two hours to recover. The rolling heavily about 1 cable from the with the tow. ILB was rehoused and ready for service rocky shore; while the other yacht, On arrival in the comparative shelter at 2001. Heracles, was anchored with full scope of Moelfre Bay two lifeboat crew For this service the bronze medal for of cable (120') out, pitching heavily in members were put aboard each of the gallantry was awarded to Crew Member heavy surf about 50' from the shore. yachts to secure them to buoys. The Brian Hodgson. Medal service certifi- The wind was now northerly force 6 to 7, crew of Westralia stayed aboard their cates were presented to Crew Members gusting 8 in squalls, with a very rough yacht while the crew of Heracles were Barry Mason and David Wharton. sea and northerly swell. landed at 0110. The honorary medical adviser, Dr Parry Jones, was waiting to WEST attend them and they were taken to Bangor Hospital where they remained HORTH overnight. For this service the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum were accorded to Coxswain William Roberts. •-r- Vellum service certificates were presented .S to Second Coxswain David Owen, ••30' Motor Mechanic Evan Jones, Acting / Assistant Mechanic Eifion Jones and Crew Members William Rowlands, Dewi Parry and Kenneth Roberts. "9i l9> •* V ^'T >** *'

$Ij„ f\.f 2"///"/. Eastern Division 25' High and dry on the Goodwins RAMSGATE HONORARY SECRETARY Was informed by Dover Straits Coastguard at 2025 on Thursday, September 11, 1975, that, following a number of reports of red flares sighted over the Goodwin Sands, Walmer lifeboat had been launched; as further reports were received it appeared that the casualty WIND: NORTHERLY poi?at/7 SUSTINS was further northward, and it was FORCE & in -SttUALLS requested that Ramsgate lifeboat should Tir>E: SETTING WEST D-B Jets. launch. Maroons were fired and at 2040 the -«- INDICATES PASSAGE Of LIFEBOAT 46' 9" Watson lifeboat Michael and Lily

117 Davis, built in 1953, slipped her moor- Michael Pett and Tim Hurst. They were accorded to Crew Members Michael ings in the outer harbour and set a all wearing lifejackets. Pett and Timothy Hurst. Vellum service south-easterly course towards the Coxswain Goldfinch rigged the certificates were presented to Coxswain regularly sighted red and green flares. scrambling net forward and the sur- Herbert Goldfinch, Acting Second The weather was fine with good vivors were taken aboard and down to Coxswain David Aves, Motor Mechanic visibility. The wind was south west force the cabin; blankets and hot drinks were Robert Cannon, Assistant Mechanic 4 in the lee of Ramsgate cliffs, increasing provided and, once warm and dry, all William Davies and Crew Member to force 6 as the lifeboat cleared the land. appeared in good health. Derek Pegdon. High water Ramsgate was predicted at Michael Pett and Tim Hurst, using a 1610. gun line as a guide, then returned to the Although both Walmer and Ramsgate yacht to ensure no one else was aboard Ireland Division lifeboats are fitted with radar, the exact and to run out an anchor since the owner position of the casualty was not seen due had said that, as the yacht was on her to excessive clutter on the screens in the maiden voyage, he would appreciate any Fishing boat with vicinity of Goodwin Knoll shoal. Flares effort to save her. continued to be sighted and Walmer At 2215, with the two crew members engine trouble lifeboat was trying to close the casualty safely back aboard, Michael and Lily A MEMBER OF BALTIMORE, Co. Cork, life- from the south of the shoal area when, Davis cleared the bank and steamed boat crew informed the deputy launch- at 2115, she ran hard aground. (Life- around the northern edge of North ing authority at about 1310 on Tuesday, boats are designed to take the ground Sand Head to an anchorage position on November 11, 1975, that the fishing and this is often necessary on a service the eastern side. The Coastguard were boat Dun Na Ri was in difficulty with in areas where there are widespread advised that the lifeboat would await engine trouble east of Bird Island. The sandbanks.) Her coxswain immediately the rising tide, but that she was available 46' Watson lifeboat Henry Blogg, built warned the Ramsgate coxswain, Herbert for service if required. in 1945, on temporary duty at the Goldfinch, and suggested an approach At 0100 Walmer lifeboat re-floated station, was launched at 1320 in a from the north west of the shoal would and, after receiving confirmation that moderate easterly wind and a slight sea. be safer. her help was no longer needed, returned The tide was ebbing. Michael and Lily Davis closed the to station; she was beached and ready Henry Blogg came up with the fishing shoal area to the north east of North for service at 0150. boat, with a crew of three, at 1405 and Goodwin Buoy and both lifeboats fired The yacht started to float shortly after took her in tow. The lifeboat arrived parachute flares to establish the 0130 and Coxswain Goldfinch weighed back at her station an hour later, at 1505. casualty's position. At 2132 Coxswain anchor and closed the bank eastward of Goldfinch requested the attendance of the yacht. Michael Pett and Tim Hurst the Ramsgate McLachlan ILB, but, on went on board to make fast a 10 fathom closer sight of the heavy surf breaking tow, which parted the main cleat from Western Division across the bank, he cancelled his request the deck. After re-securing around the at 2140. mast they remained aboard, baling, as Sunken speed boat the tow started at 0230. The tide was now The wind was now south south west WHILE FISHING with rods and lines from setting southward against the south- force 6, gusting 7, with heavy broken a 14' Dejon motor cruiser, Sandpiper, south-west force 6 wind, causing steep, water over the drying sandbanks of the anchored 150 yards off Tan-y-Bwlch confused, and broken seas around North North Sands area. beach, about half a mile south of Sand Head. At 2145 Coxswain Herbert Goldfinch Aberystwyth Harbour, on Sunday, grounded the forward part of the lifeboat At 0300, as the water in the yacht's July 6, 1975, Richard Wheeler and John on the sands and, by the light of para- cabin had risen to 3' 6" deep, the lifeboat Wall saw a speed boat towing a small chute flares, a yacht was sighted, high closed her to put Assistant Mechanic pram dinghy approaching fast from the and dry, some 4| cables eastward. People William Davies aboard to try to start south; she appeared to be in difficulty. were seen on the sands and two lifeboat the motor pump and help with baling; The time was 1710. The wind was off crew members, Michael Pett and both Michael Pett and Tim Hurst were shore, north-east force 2, and the sea Timothy Hurst, immediately volunteered by now getting very tired. very slight with a slight ground swell. to go overside to escort them to safety. When about 1| miles east of Rams- It was a fine day with cloudless sky and Michael Pett and Tim Hurst are well gate, at 0330, the yacht lurched violently, good visibility. The tide was about 1| acquainted with the irregular swatch- taking on more water, and she settled by hours before high water, and the tidal ways in the area but were at times waist the stern heeling quickly to port. All stream was setting northward at about high in water between the dry sandbanks. three crew members were thrown into half a knot. They were attached by lifeline to the the water. Coxswain Goldfinch brought As the speed boat closed with Sand- lifeboat for part of the journey, but the the lifeboat full astern, and by the light piper the helmsman shouted for help, line was not long enough and they met of the searchlight Crew Member Derek and the boat was seen to be settling by the four survivors from the yacht, three Pegdon threw a breeches buoy to the stern. When about 30 yards off, the men and a woman, escorting them back Michael Pett while Tim Hurst and speed boat sank by the stern, leaving to the lifeboat at 2158. This was clearly William Davies used the slack towline two adults, three children and a large seen on radar by the Walmer coxswain to climb aboard. dog in the water. a mile to the south. With all the crew safely aboard A man without a lifejacket was seen The casualty, Albas, was a Dutch built Coxswain Goldfinch told the Coast- to be helping a boy and girl, both wear- yacht, German owned and on passage guard that he would attempt to continue ing lifejackets, towards Sandpiper. from Ostend to Dover. Her owner, his the tow as far as possible to clear the Another young girl wearing a lifejacket wife and two friends neither spoke nor shipping lane, and although the yacht was swimming towards the anchored understood English well, but implied was waterlogged and on her beam ends, boat without too much difficulty. The that they had been grounded earlier and the tow entered Ramsgate Harbour at fifth member of the crew, a woman, were making water before drifting ashore 0445. The yacht was secured on the could be seen struggling in the water about two hours previously. They had disused hovercraft slipway at 0515 and about 10 feet from the partly submerged loaded an inflatable dinghy with a life- the survivors taken to a local hotel. The boat. She was not wearing a buoyancy raft, flares and stores, abandoned the lifeboat was refuelled and ready for aid and appeared to be unable to swim. fully-rigged yacht and were walking service at 0600. Richard Wheeler removed his towards the lights of the lifeboat, towing For this service the thanks of the the dinghy behind them, when met by Institution inscribed on vellum were (continued on page 141)

118 occasions: £1,202 from the Cambridge Sub Aqua Club and £12,419 from the International Boat Show Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes. Our stalwart collector Sergeant Frank EARLS COURT, JANUARY 1-11 Elverson joined us once again and raised over £300 in his collecting box. The RNLI's 1975 public relations For eleven days the RNLI stand, statuettes were presented early in the show to Norman Cavell, honorary on a splendid site, was thronged secretary Walmer lifeboat station, Leslie Crowther, actor and television persona- with old and new friends lity, and Len Tipper, manager of special events for the Daily Express. Gerald Mair, editor of the Orkney newspaper, AFTER THE TREMENDOUS SUCCESS of the buy souvenirs and to join Shoreline. The Orcadian, could not come to RNLI stand at last year's Boat Show, Welcome boosts to sales were pro- London for his award but will receive it when there were two lifeboats and two vided when well-known personalities— in Scotland. inshore lifeboats on display and the Kenneth Wolstenholme, Harry Car- The results of the show speak for central theme at Earls Court was a penter, Sir Alec Rose, Lord Oaksey, themselves. Shoreline recruitment, lifeboat village, it seemed that this year Miss Great Britain (Sue Cuff) and helped by an extra stand provided by would be a little less exciting. But once Edward Heath—autographed copies of our Boat Show friends, Midland Bank, again the organisers provided a splendid the RNLI's fourth Cook Book until raised just about the same amount as site and with a brief visit from HRH they got writer's cramp; all but Sue last year (£4,228) with over 500 new The Duke of Edinburgh on the opening Cuff had contributed recipes to the members; and thanks to the hard work day the show was under way. The 'open book. Their appearances and kind words of the branches and guilds, who sold plan', triangular stand attracted the also boosted the morale of all working souvenirs (£3,101.53) and competition public who thronged to see the Atlantic on the stand. tickets (£663.35), and to all those other 21 and ILB equipment on display, to Cheques were presented on two exhibitors who displayed RNLI boxes on their stands (£847.72), a healthy profit was made. The 1976 Boat Show was a colourful, happy occasion and it is always sad when, after two weeks of excitement, the time comes to dismantle the stand and leave Earls Court; but the show was again a success for the RNLI—so roll on, 1977!—R.K.

His Royal Highness Prince Philip, one of the first visitors to the RNLI stand, was shown the Atlantic 21 by Major-General Ralph Farrant, chairman of the Institution, and an ILB crew member from Southwold, Roger Trigg.

RNLI Cook Books, signed by recipe contributors well known in the world of sport, went like hot cakes. Offshore yachtsman the Rt. Hon. Edward Heath, MP, supported by Sergeant Frank Elverson, did a roaring trade.

LAUNCH A SHIP

IN THE WHITBY ROUND TABLE 'gUCSS the ship's weight' competition, the right to perform the naming ceremony of Flower- gate, one of Turnbull Scott's new ships built in a Dutch yard, was won by Mr and Mrs D. J. B. Taylor of Southport. The correct weight was: 1,031.22 tons; they estimated 1,031.25 tons. Other prizes included five double tickets to a Shell naming ceremony; trips in a helicopter to a North Sea gas platform (by Shell UK Oil); trips in a lifeboat and copies of a Shell publication. Tickets were sold by branches and guilds in the North Region (£1,071); by the Round Table (£766) and at the Boat Show (£663). For the last there were three special prizes of weekends for two at a Morecambe hotel, won by Mr R. Goode, Miss Nicola Reed and Mr Sexton.

119 Major-General R. H. Farrant, CB CHAIRMAN OF THE INSTITUTION

In a lifetime of sailing and the sea, participation and service have gone hand in hand

7 have always been interested in boats house opposite St Mawes, and, although were old enough to enjoy sailing and, at that would go faster than their wave this uncle unfortunately died, he had Itchenor, Ralph Farrant started them length speed . . .' introduced his nephews to the sea and off in dinghies, first of all in the Lyming- his two dinghies were there for them to ton Scow. Both he and his children FOR MAJOR-GENERAL RALPH FARRANT a sail. enjoyed the round-the-buoy racing in constant search for the key to high speed The years went on ... Rugby, the Chichester Harbour, and he raced there on the water has added zest to a life- Royal Military Academy, a commission with the International 14' class right up time's experience of sailing and the sea. as a second lieutenant in the Royal until his retirement from the army. International 14' dinghy, Star, single- Artillery in 1929 followed by service in Once the barge was sold and the family handed Finn, trimaran, and later inshore the Field and Mountain Artillery until was land-based in a house again, Ralph lifeboats: all could command both his 1938. It was in those years, when a young Farrant bought a light displacement 12- delight and his constructive thought. officer on leave from India, that Ralph ton cruising yacht which could be Gaining great pleasure himself from Farrant bought his first International handled by his wife, his two daughters sailing planing dinghy or fast multihull, 14' dinghy; she was secondhand but and himself. In her they cruised as far as he has paid his debt to the sea, accepting gave him good racing and in her he St Malo with just the family as crew. as a matter of course responsibility, as managed to do quite well. Being preoccupied with fast sailing, it came his way, for the furtherance of Back in this country, being in the it is not surprising that Ralph Farrant yachting or the welfare of the seafaring Royal Regiment of Artillery and a should have become drawn into Olympic community as a whole. member of its yacht club, he sailed in competition. The first Olympic Games Dinghy racing ? He was also a member the 'Gunner' yacht, Rose, in the 1939 after the war were held in Great Britain, of the RYA Council. Reserve Olympic Fastnet Race—the one which finished in 1948 . . . 'It seemed that there wasn't helmsman? He was later to become just before war was declared . . . 'She enough competition in the Star Class, so chairman of the Olympic Yachting was an uncomfortable, wet old boat, but I was persuaded to have a go at that. . .' Committee. Fastnet racing in St it was a great experience . . .' In fact, Ralph Farrant was the top Barbara! He was at one time Later, when peace returned, he was to British Star man just for that season, commodore of the Royal Artillery Yacht sail in two more Fastnet Races, in the but he did not in the end sail in the Club. Co-designer, owner and helmsman Royal Artillery Yacht Club's new yacht, Games: the world champion of the of one of the fastest cruising trimarans St Barbara. class, Durward Knowles, who had expected to sail for the Bahamas, found to sail British Waters? He was soon During the war years Ralph Farrant drawn into the working party which was that he was not eligible to do so, so he held various technical appointments in competed in, and won, the British trials. formed to edit the first draft of an Off- the War Office and the HQ of the MEF shore Multihull Rule. A man whose 3rd British Infantry Division. Searching Another Olympic year, 1952, Ralph leisure has been spent on the water? for a home, he and his wife found a Farrant competed in the single-handed Since 1963, on retirement from the Thames barge, named James Piper, trials—it was the first time that the Finn army, he has served on the Committee moored up the river, above Hampton had been an Olympic class. He was of Management of the RNLI as well as Court, and in her they and their two selected as the reserve helmsman and so on a number of its sub-committees. young daughters lived until the end of went to Helsinki... 'But I didn't actually Participation and service have gone the war. Then James Piper was fitted out do any racing because all our helmsmen hand in hand, and General Farrant is at Sittingbourne for sea. remained fit the whole time!' one of the small group of people who From 1955-58, Ralph Farrant, now a have received the RYA Award (a scroll ' We cruised down to Brixham and back brigadier, was Director of Munitions, and lapel badge) for their outstanding in the barge with the family, taking with British Joint Services Mission, in contributions in Great Britain to us two racing dinghies to compete in the Washington, and while stationed there 'popular pleasure boating'. Prince of Wales's Cup at Brixham. We he raced a 17' Thistle on the Potomac. Ralph Farrant was a schoolboy, about also attended the first Cowes Week after In his last year he won the Thistle series 10 years old, when, during his holidays the war in her, by chance; we just hap- at Marblehead . . . 'It was marvellous spent with an uncle and aunt in Cornwall pened to be spending the night there on our sailing up there in Massachusetts . . .' way back from Brixham. We found we he and his brother first learnt to sail; Returning to this country Brigadier were the biggest and most comfortable he has enjoyed it ever since. His uncle, Farrant became Senior Military Officer yacht in Cowes Week—and certainly the a very keen sailor, built first a 12' at the Armament Research and Develop- only one with an Aga cooker on board!' dinghy and later a 14' racing dinghy of ment Establishment. In 1961 he was a local class in the conservatory of his These were family years. His children promoted to major-general as Vice-

120 President of the Ordnance Board, The Crystal Trophy is the only regular he has always been particularly interested becoming President in 1963. He retired established offshore handicap race in in the development of inshore and fast from the army in 1964 and was created a Europe for cruising multihulls, the afloat lifeboats; these are in his 'parish' Companion of the Bath. course being from Cowes to CH.l, off as he can draw upon his experience both It was about this time that General Cherbourg, to Wolf Rock Lighthouse, in planing dinghies and fast multihulls. Farrant was asked to take on the chair- finishing at Plymouth. While the D class inflatable dinghy was manship of the Olympic Yachting General Farrant does all the detail still being developed, in its early days, Committee, and he became chairman fitting out on Trifle, and another of his General Farrant went out for a short after the 1964 Games. He found it interests is the making of experimental trip in one at Itchenor, so that he has had interesting but rather frustrating be- sailing models. He was at one time on the knowledge of this type of boat right cause, as with so many things, there never Advisory Committee for Yacht Research from its inception, and, later, when the seemed to be enough money to do the at Southampton University; it was from Atlantic 21 came along he followed her job properly. Nevertheless, with the help some of the University staff of this progress closely. of Vernon Stratton, who had competed committee that the Wolfson Trust General Farrant, who now lives at in previous Olympics and knew a lot Research Unit was formed, and, later, Wareham, was elected chairman of the about the practical side of it, and the the WTRU was to be brought in to advise Institution in June 1975. Looking ahead inauguration of BOY, British Olympic on the development of the design of the to his term of office, these are some of his Yachting, a fund-raising body which Atlantic 21. hopes and aims: made money available for British crews While General Farrant was stationed 'Over the past few years, led by the last to go abroad to get international at the Armament Research and Develop- chairman, Commander Ralph Swann, the experience, the committee was able to ment Establishment he came to know RNLI has made great progress in both the build up a very good team. It was in Norman Wales, who lived in the same area of our boats and their equipment and these years that Rodney Pattisson came village, Chipstead, and who was a in our administration. My prime objective to the front in the Flying Dutchman member of the RNLI Committee of is to continue to improve our image as an class, so Great Britain was once again in Management. He was the owner of a up-to-date organisation, ready to try the gold medal field. fast cruising yacht, Fedalah: relevant modern developments and to It was about this time, too, that, ''Norman Wales did not normally race, adopt them, once proven, as quickly as pursuing the answer to the unanswer- but Fedalah was a good, thoroughbred funds permit; at the same time to ensure able—how a cruising yacht might be yacht designed and built by Camper and that our available income is used as made to plane like a dinghy, thus Nicholson. He had the idea of going in effectively and economically as possible. exceeding her wave length speed— for a family race after Cowes Week one 'Of course, we must maintain effective General Farrant began to take a great year and asked me and my wife to go lifesaving coverage around our coasts and interest in the development of multihulls: along with him. He put me on the helm the good standing of the Institution in the 'After a good many years of thinking and we managed to do quite well, so from eyes of the public, while preserving our about it, I started sketching out a big, that we raced in Fedalah several years at voluntary status. This proviso requires 40' trimaran, but it wasn't until I met Cowes Week.' an increase in our income and we have Derek Kelsall down at Wadebridge, in When Norman Wates knew that begun to try to tap new sources. Cornwall, that I could find anyone who General Farrant was due to retire from 'It follows that it is essential to ensure would help me with the more detailed the army on reaching the age of 55, he the continuance of the high morale of design and then with the building. This put his name forward for the Committee our lifeboat crews by close liaison with was in 1966. I found that by altering my of Management of the Institution. The them and by providing them with the best layout a bit we could use the basic General joined the committee in 1963, possible boats and equipment. Further- formers that he had used for his first becoming a deputy chairman in Feb- more, we must also encourage our successfulmultihull, calledTona., in which ruary 1972 and being elected a vice- voluntary and professional fund raisers he had just won the first Round Britain president in the October of that year. in their work, which is vital to our Race. I altered his main hull a little to General Farrant has served on several continued existence as a voluntarily suit my ideas and also the design of the sub-committees. On the Boat Committee supported body.' floats, after doing some tank tests in Southampton Technical College tank. The rig and layout and assembly construction —the beams and so on—were all my design. Anyhow, we worked very happily together and she was launched in '67 under the name Trifle. At that time I think she was considerably in advance of most other multihulls, and even last year she was still able to hold her own.'' Trifle was accustomed to being first 95Y boat home, notably in the Round the Island Race, the annual 'jolly' when, in early July, 400 to 500 yachts race round the Isle of Wight; she achieved the distinction despite the fact that the multihulls start 15 minutes after the rest of the fleet. On one occasion she got In Trifle, a 40' trimaran round in about six hours; the start had built at Wadesbridge in been early on the Saturday morning 1966, General Farrant found and Trifle was back in time for lunch. a cruising boat which would Trifle was the first to finish the annual plane like a dinghy. In her Crystal Trophy Race every year from he held the record for the offshore Crystal Trophy 1968 to 1972; she was the winner on race from 1968-1975—and handicap in 1970. In 1968 she set up a completed a Round the record, unbeaten until 1975, of 1 day Island race between early 17 hours 6 minutes for the 311 mile race. breakfast and lunch.

121 the crew a succession of seas forced the doors open, the sea poured on to the DONAGHADEE car deck and the ferry started to list to starboard. An attempt to return to Loch Ryan left her damaged stern vulnerable One of the guardians of the Irish Sea's to the waves, so she turned bow to seas and continued slowly towards Ireland. northern approaches At 0946 a first message had been sent, asking for the immediate help of a tug; an hour later—sos. Portpatrick lifeboat, by Joan Davies the 46' Watson Jeanie Speirs, launched at 1100 and made for the position given, 4 miles north west of Corsewall Point; AUGUST 1910: DONAGHADEE station was regattas but also for national and when she arrived she could find nothing. established, its first boat being one of the international meetings. An ILB station It was the beginning of a desperate earliest motor lifeboats in the Institu- at Bangor, six miles to the west, has for search in winds increasing to hurricane tion's fleet, a 43' Watson with a 40 hp its particular care the racing dinghies, force and very rough and confused engine capable of nearly 7 knots. cruising yachts and holidaymakers of seas. The destroyer HMS Contest was August 1975: it was announced that the summer months, but Donaghadee already searching. At 1315 Princess the station had been allocated a new fast lifeboat is there to give more extended Victoria sent the message: 'We are afloat lifeboat, a 44' steel Waveney with cover for a growing fleet of pleasure preparing to abandon ship'. Donaghadee twin General Motors diesel engines boats. lifeboat, the 46' 9" Watson Sir Samuel capable of a top speed of just over 15 Ferries, too. They converge on Belfast Kelly, informed of the situation by knots. from Liverpool, Ardrossan and Bangor Coastguard at 1322, slipped her Two unrelated facts? Perhaps, but Douglas; they ply between Larne, moorings at 1340; but, misled by it is interesting that at the station's Stranraer and Cairn Ryan, carrying inaccurate positions, none of these beginning, as now, it was deemed wise between them many hundreds of vessels was able to find Princess Victoria for it to have one of the most advanced passengers. The lifeboat at Donaghadee before she sank soon after 1400. Her boats available. Even without any more is their protection as they approach or radio officer, who went down with the of the background filled in, these two leave the Northern Irish Coast. Happily ship, was sending out messages to the strokes of the brush give an impression their passing is usually a regular daily end, but even the last position given, 5 of broad horizons, well-used waters; and, event without incident, but there was one miles east of the Copeland Islands, was as detail is added, a picture emerges of a winter Saturday, 23 years ago, when in wrong. busy station in a key position. squally winds gusting up to 70 knots a At 1432 Cloughey lifeboat, the 35' 6" Donaghadec, a fishing harbour on stern loading door was breached and the Liverpool Constance Calverley, launched. the southern approaches to Belfast normal was transformed into disaster. Then Sir Samuel Kelly heard from Lough, looks out eastward across the The ferry Princess Victoria left ss Orchy that this ship was near survivors 19 miles of the Northern Channel to Stranraer on the morning of January 31, 4 miles north north east of Mew Island; Portpatrick in Scotland. Traffic to 1953, bound for Larne. She carried 127 the Donaghadee lifeboat altered course Belfast and the smaller ports of Bangor passengers, a crew of 49, mail, cargo northward and at 1515 reached the area and Carrickfergus, trade to the Clyde, and a number of motor vehicles. As she in which Princess Victoria had gone Liverpool, Dublin, the Isle of Man . . . left harbour she ran into severe north- down. She rescued 31 people from the Donaghadee and Portpatrick watch westerly gales and rough seas; frequent ship's lifeboats and rafts but, although over all this shipping as it passes through squalls of sleet and snow cut down she searched until 1700, she could find the neck of the Irish Sea. visibility from five or six miles to, at no other survivors and returned to As well as being the waterway of a times, nothing. Soon after leaving Loch station at 1745. busy port, Belfast Lough is now the Ryan a heavy sea burst open the stern Constance Calverley continued search- sailing water for many a yacht and doors, damaging them so that they could ing until 1920, but found nothing; then dinghy, and the venue not only for local not be re-secured. Despite the efforts of she led Portpatrick lifeboat, with two

(Below) Sir Samuel Kelly, a 46' 9" Watson, the gift of Lady Mary Kelly of Crawfordsburn, County Down, arrives on station in May 1950. At that time her midships cockpit was open; an enclosed wheelhouse has since been added. photograph by courtesy of Belfast Newsletter.

(Above) A long service for Donaghadee lifeboat: On July 17, 1956, MV Douglas, of Bergen, went ashore at the Maidens on an ebbing tide. Sir Samuel Kelly, slipping her moorings at 0830, found her hard and fast on the rocks, holed and taking water; her Norwegian captain asked the lifeboat to stand by. Sir Samuel Kelly remained alongside until July 19, when, her services no longer being needed, she landed four of Douglas's crew at Larne and returned to station at 2100. She had stood by for nearly 53 hours. photograph by courtesy of the Daily Express.

122 Coxswains all: Left to right, aboard the Watson cabin motor lifeboat Civil Service No. 5, Hugh Nelson, coxswain from 1949 to 1954, Andrew White, coxswain from 1917 to 1949, and Alexander Nelson, coxswain from 1954 to 1960. The photograph was taken at the time of Andrew White's retirement. photograph by courtesy of Belfast Telegraph. (Below) 1949 was the year in which Jim Bunting first became a member ofDonaghadee lifeboat crew. He has been coxswain since 1968.

worst suffered by a British merchant family traditions. Like, for instance, ship in time of peace for a quarter of a Bunting and Simpson, Nelson is a name more survivors on board, back to century. which recurs right through its history. Donaghadee. Newcastle's Liverpool For this service the RNLI's bronze The first coxswain was William George class lifeboat, William and Laura, had medals for gallantry were awarded to Nelson. The first bronze medal for also launched, at 1620, but found Coxswain Hugh Nelson of Donaghadee gallantry awarded to the station was to no one. and to Coxswain William McConnell of Coxswain Samuel Nelson for two Sir Samuel Kelly's service had not Portpatrick. Coxswain Nelson was also services in 1940, both to steamers ended. She was out from 2145 to 0130, awarded the British Empire Medal and ashore—ss Coastville of Liverpool on in a north-by-west gale, taking off a the Maud Smith award for the bravest the rocks at Ballymacormick Point, and survivor, six bodies and some recovered act of lifesaving in 1953. The thanks of ss Hope Star of Newcastle-upon-Tyne mail bags from a trawler, Eastcotes, and the Institution inscribed on vellum were aground on the rocky shore of Bally- at 0700, later that morning, she put out awarded to the motor mechanics of the holme Bay; his two brothers, Motor once more, in better weather and good two boats, James 'Jim' Armstrong of Mechanic David Nelson and Bowman visibility, to take up the search with the Donaghadee and James Mitchell of Alexander Nelson, were accorded the help of aircraft; no more survivors, Portpatrick. thanks of the Institution inscribed on however, were found. Nelson is a familiar name at vellum. Today, another Samuel Nelson, The Princess Victoria disaster was the Donaghadee, a station with strong the oldest member of the crew, is assistant mechanic, and Quinton Nelson Coxswain Hugh Nelson (centre) and the Donaghadee crew who took part in the service to Princess Victoria on January 31, 1953. Thirty-four lives were saved by Donaghadee is one of the younger crew members. and Portpatrick lifeboats in winds up to hurricane force. The present coxswain, James 'Jim' photograph by courtesy of Belfast Newsletter. Bunting, has been in the crew since 1949 and served as second coxswain before becoming coxswain in 1968; his father had been assistant mechanic. There are two Simpsons in today's crew—uncle and nephew—Second Coxswain John 'Jack' Simpson and Motor Mechanic Thomas Walker Simpson. Bowman W. T. 'Billy' Lennon is the son-in-law of a previous coxswain, John Trimble. And so it goes on ... The present honorary secretary of Donaghadee, D. T. 'Nicky' McKibbin, followed his father, David McKibbin. The deputy launching authority is Harbour Master Captain Robert Hughes. The lifeboat station is closely woven into the fabric of the town. When the maroons go up the police are on the spot to help rush the crew and their helpers down to the harbour; and, day or night, however bad the weather, other people from the town will come down to see the boat go out—and, such is their concern, wait for her return. On the fund raising side, too, there is strong support. Of particular note is the perpetual Lifeboat Trophy event at

123 Donaghadee Lifeboats 1910-1932: ON 595, William and Laura 43' Watson. 1932-1950: ON 753, Civil Service No. 5 45' 6" Watson cabin motor life- boat. 1950- : ON 885, Sir Samuel Kelly 46' 9" Watson.

by the station from someone con- gratulating the crew on its prompt turn- out: Sir Samuel Kelly had been at sea within six minutes of receiving the call. In 66 years, Donaghadee lifeboat has launched on service 300 times, and saved 221 lives and 27 vessels. With a vast water-borne population to care for—holidaymakers, yachtsmen, fishermen, merchant seamen, ferry passengers—Donaghadee needs a fast boat, and one which can take on board a large number of survivors should the need arise. Her new boat, a Waveney, is now building at Bideford Shipyard, North Devon. This class of lifeboat has a top speed of 15 knots, can travel 175 miles at 13 knots without re-fuelling and carry 25 survivors under cover. She is Donaghadee's future lifeboat (in foreground, left) is one of four steel-hulled 44' Waveneys building at Bideford Shipyard, North Devon. When this photograph was taken, in January, her exceptionally manoeuvrable and, with aluminium alloy deck plates were being offered up before being welded together and riveted steel hull and aluminium superstructure, into place. Her aluminium alloy superstructure was at the same time being built in prefab- has a self-righting capability. She is ricated units on jigs in another part of the yard, ready to be erected on the boat. fitted with radar, radios, direction- finding equipment and an echo-sounder Donaghadee Golf Club; it started as a Samuel Kelly ferried 30 volunteers from and carries such lifesaving equipment as day's competition for the ladies' Sydenhams yard across to comb the a line-throwing gun, breeches buoy and section, but in 1975 it grew into a week's Copeland Islands; but this also proved fire hose. She will take over from a well- competition for the whole club, and fruitless. Thanks for 'the willing and loved veteran, the 26-year-old Sir Samuel outstanding contributions have been intensive effort' made by all who had Kelly; a new chapter in the station's made to the lifeboat station: £641.50 in taken part were received both from RAF history will be starting. 1972, £810.58 in 1973; £1,020.55 in 1974 Pitreavie and from Commander Peter and £1,250 in 1975. Madame Anne Jones, RN, general manager of Sydenham Rittweger, honorary secretary of the Royal Naval Aircraft Yard. NEW YEAR HONOURS ladies' section of the golf club, has this The Copeland Islands, in the summer Knights Bachelor year been awarded a silver badge in months, are holiday playgrounds. One Captain David Stanley Tibbits, recognition of all she has done over April night in 1963 the Coastguard DSC RN (Retd.), Deputy Master, many years for the Institution. reported seeing a fire on the islands and Trinity House. Sir David is an ex- A new lifeboat ladies' guild was a flashing light which could be an sos officio member of the RNLI founded in the town in May last year; message. There was a near gale blowing Committee of Management. by September it had already raised £357. from the south east and the sea was QBE On December 4, 1967, Donaghadee rough. Sir Samuel Kelly put out on an Rodney Murison Addison, Vice- lifeboat took part in an exhaustive ebbing tide with the boarding boat in Chairman, National Savings search for the two-man test crew of a tow. A landing party found that help Committee for Scotland. Mr crashed RAF Sea Vixen aircraft. Naval had been sought for a deaf and dumb Addison is chairman of Aberdeen and merchant ships, RFA, RN and RAF boy of 16, ill and unable to walk. The branch, a member of the Scottish aeroplanes and helicopters searched the lifeboat returned to Donaghadee for a Lifeboat Council and a member of North Channel and Irish Sea; coast- doctor, and by 0310 had brought both the Fund Raising Committee. guards, lifeboats, police, a mountain doctor and boy back to the mainland. Lieut.-Commander John Arthur rescue team and the army searched These islands give shelter from the Douglas, MBE RN (Retd.), Chief coastal waters and land areas in County north east to Donaghadee. The harbour Inspector HM Coastguard, Depart- Down, Wigtownshire, Cumberland, is more open to the east through to the ment of Trade. Lieut.-Comman- Westmorland and the Isle of Man. All south east and, when gales blow from der Douglas is a vice-president of to no avail. A modulator unit was picked that direction, it can become pretty the RNLI Orpington and District up, but there was no sign of the Sea wild; in winter it is cleared of all craft branch. Vixen or her crew. For two days of except the lifeboat and fishing boats. BEM westerly gales Sir Samuel Kelly searched. The lifeboat, however, is snug in her William Sheader, coxswain, She slipped her moorings at 1244 on mooring, stern to the southern harbour Scarborough lifeboat. Mr Sheader December 4, not returning until 2335. wall, with a chain and anchor mooring joined the crew in 1945 and served By 0640 next morning she had resumed forward and stout nylon warps to the as second bowman from 1948, the search and continued until 1820 that quay aft. When the maroons go up, it's bowman from 1952, second coxs- evening. On board were Coxswain down an iron ladder to the boarding wain from 1954 and coxswain George Lindsay, Jim Bunting, then boat, moored on a trot; a few pulls on from 1957. He was awarded the second coxswain, Motor Mechanic Jim the rope and the crew have ferried them- silver medal for gallantry for the Armstrong, Sam Nelson, Billy Lennon, selves across the short gap to the lifeboat. rescue of one of the crew of the Quinton Nelson, D. McKinney, Walker And they can get away quickly. After converted ship's lifeboat Sheena on Simpson. As a last bid, on Friday the service to the missing Sea Vixen an November 23, 1969. December 8, a day of heavy snow, Sir anonymous donation of £5 was received

124 Helicopter Rescue . . .

. .. British Airways style

by J. D. Ferguson

THE ADVENT OF NORTH SEA OIL has January 29, 1976: British Airways helicopter lifts off crew of 17 from trawler Ben Gulvain wrought tremendous changes in almost when, with engine failure, she had run aground near Aberdeen in gale force winds. every sphere among the various areas photograph by courtesy of Miss I. M. Deans involved. None has been so significantly affected as that of the sea rescue services, this being amply reflected portable winch for the aircraft: portable have either Fleet Air Arm or RAF in the RNLI's current re-equipment so that it would not interfere with backgrounds. Training includes the and expansion programme in the north normal commercial activity, and air- recovery of barrels thrown into the and north-east of Scotland. How- driven, from an engine compressor water, using only a grapple on the end ever, the advent of the offshore oil stage, so that it would not suffer from of the winch cable, and every opportunity industry has also brought about a the hoisting limitations inherent in most is taken to work with fishing boats completely new and unique long range other types. and oil rig supply vessels. Lifeboats civil rescue capability in the shape of The unit became operational on are also much involved, and during a British Airways Helicopters Search and November 1, 1971. Six rescue crew- recent exercise the author found himself Rescue Unit. This unit, based at members are employed—when not in an ILB underneath the S61 while Aberdeen's Dyce Airport, has now been flying their task is to service and repair winching was practised. Liaison between operational for well over four years, and company safety equipment—and most the unit and the local RNLI is very close. during this time has achieved a fine Dyce-based BAH aircrew are trained in The unit has already achieved some record of distress calls answered and the role. Calls originate from either notable rescues, often working with lives saved. Aberdeen Coastguard or RCC Pitreavie, lifeboats. One memorable incident was The unit's beginnings stem from and are normally limited to afloat the recovery of the crew of the trawler increasing disquiet in the late 1960's incidents occurring beyond the range Navena, aground off Copinsay in the over the UK'S long-range rescue heli- of RAF Whirlwinds. Each SAR aircraft is Orkneys in a full storm. Another was copter facilities, spotlighted by a number normally manned by two pilots and two the night operation, in another storm of of incidents which had to be covered by rescue crew. Medical assistance is wind, rain and flying sand, to the aid of foreign aircraft but which occurred just immediately available if required, but the Polish trawler Nurzec, aground on off the east coast. The Inspector of HM the crew have thorough first aid training. the sands near Aberdeen in January, Coastguard (East Scotland Division), On arrival at the scene of the incident 1974. Commander M. L. Woollcombe, QBE one of the crew is lowered to the most The unit's gallantry has been RN, went to Norway to assess their suitable deck area; as the pilot cannot recognised by the award of HM Coast- rescue capabilities, and on his return see the lead of the winch cable, the air- guard's Rescue Shield and a Queen's serious planning began for a somewhat craft has to be 'talked' into position by Commendation for Valuable Service in similar UK-based organisation. Plan- the winch operator. With perhaps a the Air. Of great significance, too, is the ning for this organisation brought fishing boat rolling and pitching in a trust and respect accorded to the unit together operational personnel from heavy sea and high winds, this is and its personnel by the local seafaring British Airways Helicopters, their obviously no mean task and calls for community. engineers, HM Coastguard, the Depart- continual training. ment of Trade and Industry and Rescue If necessary, a doctor is also lowered Winch and rescue crew ready for action. Co-ordination Centre staff from to the boat and injured people are Pitreavie. recovered in a modified Neil Robertson The only aircraft then, as now, stretcher. A portable pump can be capable of undertaking the long-range lowered to combat fire or flooding and SAR task was the Sikorsky S61N heli- a very full first aid outfit is carried. A copter, already well proven in the oil new 12-language medical questionnaire support role, and with this in mind is available to help when the rescued plans for the design and manufacture of are non-English-speaking seamen. On equipment went ahead. During 1971 completion of the mission the helicopter BAH engineers produced a revolutionary flies to the nearest suitable airfield, or, if necessary, direct to hospital. The assistance of British Airways Helicopters To maintain this very high operational in compiling this article is much appreciated. standard requires thorough training and James Ferguson is an aviation journalist with both pilots and rescue crews go through a special interest in oil-related and SAR a comprehensive programme. Many of activity; he is also a member of Aberdeen ILB the pilots have, in fact, military SAR experience, and all the rescue crews

125 Profile of the Offshore Fleet Lifeboats stationed round the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland

WATSON AND BARNETT, Oakley, Waveney, Thames, Arun or a number of considerations, the most important being the Clyde . . . names which conjure up the lifeboats of the work she will have to do, the housing or mooring available and RNLI's offshore fleet, each with her own characteristics, her the pattern of lifeboat coverage of her particular sea area. own qualities to offer to the common end of saving life at sea. Some lifeboats are launched down a slipway, some across Watson and Barnett tell of the traditional approach to motor skids on the beach; some are housed on carriages and drawn lifeboats, displacement hulls with great initial stability; down to the sea by tractor; some lie afloat. Oakley speaks of change and the introduction of a self- Whatever their individual characteristics, lifeboats have righting capability, first by ballast water transference; with much in common. All, for instance, are built to a standard in Waveney, Thames and Arun comes the fast afloat concept, excess of Lloyds Al requirements; all have twin diesel using advances in hull and engine design to give, on the one engines; most are built to take the ground and have their hand, higher speed and, on the other, self-righting through propellers housed in tunnels. inherent buoyancy; Clyde has the ring of deep water, of work- On these pages will be seen a profile of a representative boat heritage. lifeboat of each class in the active fleet, with the exception of Which class of boat is allocated to each station depends on a few 'one-off' boats such as the prototype GRP 40' Keith Nelson-hulled lifeboat stationed at Calshot (a photograph of which appears on page 130). While each profile shows the essential design of the class, individual boats may vary in detail; one obvious example is that a number of 52' Barnetts, 47' and 46' 9s Watsons now have air bag installations on the after cabin top. There are also radical variations within some of the classes themselves. The Clyde class, for instance, consists of three boats, alike in purpose and concept but differing in detail; the hulls of 70-001 and 70-003 were both to a design by R. A. Oakley, but some modifications were introduced into the superstructure and layout of 70-003; 70-002, shown on this page, was designed by John Tyrrell. Then there is the Arun, the prototype hull for which was designed by J. A. McLachlan; Clyde (steel): 70-001, length overall 71', beam 18', draft 8' 5", displacement 85 tons; 70-002, length overall 70', beam 17', draft this has been a development class, with modifications to hull, 7' 6", displacement 77 tons; 70-003, length overall 71', beam 18', superstructure and deck fittings in each of the first four draft 8' 6", displacement 87 tons, maximum speed over 11 knots. boats; the profile shown is of 54-03. Cruises or lies at moorings. Clyde lifeboats are capable of remaining Watson, Barnett and Oakley lifeboats are named after their at sea for long periods if necessary and can steam about 600 miles designers; Clyde, Arun, Thames, Solent, Waveney and without refuelling. Each carries an ILB, ready inflated, on deck. Rother after the rivers or sailing waters by which the first of There is sleeping accommodation for her crew of six. the class was designed or built.

Arun (wood or GRP): length overall, 52' and 54', beam 17', draft 5', Thames (steel with aluminium alloy superstructure): length overall displacement 28-30 tons. The Arun, a fast afloat boat with planing 50', beam 14' 6", draft 4' 8", displacement 23.5 tons, maximum hull, can reach over 18 knots and, at full speed, has a range of 220 speed 17 knots, range at full speed about 200 nautical miles. nautical miles. She has self-righting capability in her designed A fast afloat boat, the Thames is a development of the 44' Waveney inherent buoyancy. Her hull is divided into 26 watertight compart- and has self-righting capability in her designed inherent buoyancy. ments, most filled with expanded polyurethane foam, and all Her watertight welded aluminium alloy wheelhouse contains all controls are contained in her watertight wheelhouse. She carries a controls, and she also has an upper steering position. Her twin dinghy, ready inflated, on deck. Crew, five. spade rudders give good manoeuvrability. Crew,[five.

52' Barnett (wood): length overall 52', beam 14', draft 4' 6", 48' 6" Oakley (wood): length overall 48' 6", beam 14', draft 4' 8", displacement 29 tons, maximum speed 9 knots, range 216 nautical displacement 30 tons, maximum speed 9 knots, range 245 nautical miles. Launched down slipway or lies afloat. The last boat designed miles: Launched down slipway or lies afloat. The principle of self- by J. R. Barnett, the 52' was the first from his board with a midship righting by transfer of water ballast, first proven in the 37' Oakley, steering position. There is access through the aft cabin to a small was incorporated in this larger boat. The hull is divided into 14 cockpit aft from which emergency steering could be rigged. Her hull watertight compartments fitted with 244 pvc blocks. Her steering is divided into nine watertight compartments and the floor below position is amidships, with good all-round vision, and all controls the engine room is double bottomed. Crew, seven. can be operated from the steering position. Crew, seven.

126 48' 6" Solent (steel): length overall 48' 6", beam 14', draft 4' 7", 42' Watson (wood): length overall 42', beam 12', draft 3' 7", displacement 27 tons, maximum speed over 9 knots, range at full displacement 17 tons, maximum speed over 8 knots, range at full speed 240 nautical miles. Launched down slipway or lies afloat. speed 220 miles. Two types: one launched down slipway; one The Solent is a development of the 48' 6" Oakley, her self-righting modified for launching over beach. The 42' Watson is divided into capability being in her designed inherent buoyancy instead of in ten watertight compartments; there is a double bottom below the transference of water ballast. Her hull is welded and she has a cast engine. All controls can be operated from the steering position in iron ballast keel and aluminium alloy superstructure. Crew, seven. the aft cockpit. Superstructure, aluminium alloy. Crew, seven.

47' Watson (wood): length overall 47', beam 13', draft 4' 5", 41' Watson (wood): length overall 41', beam 11' 8", draft 3' 8", displacement 23.5 tons, maximum speed over 8 knots, range at full displacement 14.8 tons, maximum speed over 8 knots, range at speed 280 nautical miles. Launched down slipway or lies afloat. full speed 180 nautical miles. Designed as housed boats for launching The 47' Watson, a development of the 46' 9" Watson, has an down slipways; a later version was developed for beach launching. amidship steering position with good vision all round. Her hull The 41' Watson is divided into seven watertight compartments, the is divided into ten watertight compartments. Crew, seven. bow and stern compartments, being completely isolated and packed with air cases, in fact form 'end boxes'. All boats still in the fleet have been re-engined. Crew, seven.

46' 9" Watson (wood): length overall 46' 9", beam 12' 9", draft 37' Oakley (wood): length overall 37', beam 11' 6", draft 3' 4", 4' 4", displacement 23 tons, maximum speed over 8 knots, range at displacement 12.5 tons, maximum speed over 8 knots, range at full least 200 miles. Launched from slipway or lies afloat. The 46' 9" speed 165 nautical miles. Launched down slipway or from carriage. Watson was the first lifeboat to be designed with a midships steer- When designing this boat, R. A. Oakley took the idea of a double ing position: originally it was an open cockpit and shelter but is bottomed tank containing water ballast a stage further, adding a now an enclosed wheelhouse containing all controls. Since build- righting tank under the port deck; if the boat capsizes ballast water ing, most of these boats have been re-engined. Crew, seven. transfers to the righting tank, its asymmetrical weight giving the leverage necessary to start righting the boat. Crew, seven.

is.

46' Watson (wood): length overall 46', beam 12' 9", draft 3' 7", 37' 6" Rother (wood): length overall 37' 6", beam 11' 6", draft 3' 1", displacement 20 tons, maximum speed over 8 knots, range at full displacement 13 tons, maximum speed over 8 knots, range at full speed 209 nautical miles. Launched down slipway or lies afloat. speed 150 nautical miles. Launched down slipway or from carriage. One of the earlier Watson cabin motor lifeboats, the 46' has a The Rother is a development of the 37' Oakley, with an added cabin forward of the engine-room. Her main working cockpit is aft, wheelhouse roof on which a radar is mounted and a re-designed with a double diagonal mahogany shelter. A number of these aluminium alloy superstructure, extending over the forward well, boats, having been re-engined, no longer have funnels. Crew, seven. which gives enough inherent buoyancy for self-righting, thus eliminating the need for water ballast transference. Crew, seven.

44' Waveney (steel with aluminium alloy superstructure): length 35' 6" Liverpool (wood): length overall 35' 6", beam 10' 8", draft overall 44' 10i", beam 12' 8", draft 3' 11", displacement 18 tons, 2' 5"i, displacement 8.75 tons (ballast tank fills with water when maximum speed over 15 knots, range at full speed 167 nautical she goes afloat, adding another half ton), speed over 7 knots, miles. Built to a US Coast Guard design, the Waveney was the range at full speed 140 miles. The Liverpool is a light-weight motor first RNLI fast afloat lifeboat; her hull form and construction give lifeboat launched off the beach on a tractor-drawn carriage or down her a self-righting capability. With twin rudders she is exceptionally a slipway. She is divided into six watertight compartment, and the manoeuvrable. She has an after and a forward cabin for survivors; engine room is a watertight compartment. All boats left in fleet her electronic equipment being housed in the latter. Crew, five. have been re-engined. Crew, seven.

127 Electronic Eyes and Ears COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATIONAL AIDS OF A MODERN LIFEBOAT by Lieutenant Ernest Gough, RN STAFF OFFICER (COMMUNICATIONS), RNLI

SEEING AN OFFSHORE LIFEBOAT for the 2. There is an even smaller whip aerial Because the two larger whip aerials are first time, you may wonder why she has on the port side. It is a similar type of of the same design, should the trans- so many antennae and gadgets sprout- equipment, that is VHF, but it is ampli- mitter aerial (5) be damaged in rough ing out from her superstructure. The tude modulated (AM) and is used to weather or when going alongside a antennae are, of coufse, the ship's communicate with French helicopters in heavily rolling casualty, the tcansmitter aerials, each designed for a specific job; combined services with Arun class life- can very quickly be restored by chang- they, like the other similar fittings, are boats in the waters surrounding the ing over the elements from the aerial at above-decks evidence of the electronic Channel Islands. This aerial need not be position 3; this can be done without eyes, ears and mouth now at the service fitted on Aruns at other stations. having to retune the transmitter. of the crew in the wheelhouse. Through them the lifeboat crew can obtain up- 3. The larger of the whip aerials on the 6. Here you will see the radar scanner; to-the-minute information from the port side acts as the search aerial for a its display is in the wheelhouse, starboard outside world, and in turn pass back medium frequency (MF) receiver. It side, alongside the coxswain. Continu- their own urgent messages. enables the lifeboat to maintain a ally rotating, the scanner picks up the When the new Arun class lifeboat was constant listening watch on the distress shapes of coastline, rocks and ships and, introduced into service she was fitted frequency, 2182 kHz, irrespective of the with a rotating beam, sketches them in with the latest communications and frequency to which her main MF radio on the wheelhouse display in distance navigational aids, and at the foot of this may be tuned. ranges of \ mile, 1-J, 3, 6, 12 and 24 miles, thus presenting the coxswain page is a photograph of an Arun on 4. The whip aerial at position 3 is also which each electronic deck fitting has with an electronic chart, constantly used in conjunction with the loop aerials corrected, of the waters through which been numbered. seen at position 4. These are fixed Bellini Come on board for a guided tour. . . . he is steering, and helping him to locate Tosi direction finding (DF) loops which the casualty for which he may be enable the lifeboat to take radio direc- searching. 1. The smaller of the whip aerials on tion finding bearings for navigational the starboard side of the Arun's wheel- purposes or to home on to a casualty. 7. The dark cylindrical object standing house is for the very high frequency up on the port side is the amplifier for (VHF) frequency modulated (FM) radio 5. The larger whip aerial on the star- the Decca navigator mark 21 receiver. used to communicate with the Coast- board side, similar to the one at position Again, this receiver is in the wheelhouse guard and Coast Radio Stations, other 3, is for the main medium frequency at the chart position. Continually read- ships, search and rescue (SAR) units radio which can be tuned to nine ing signals from groups of shore trans- including helicopters, Royal Navy ships different transmitting channels, includ- mitters, the Decca presents the coxswain, and, of course, any casualty which is ing the distress frequency 2182 kHz, and at any time, with a set of numbers which, fitted with VHF radio. eleven receiving channels. referred to a special lattice chart, immediately plot for him the position of the lifeboat. 8. The little white, round, cyclindrical object is the sensor for the Decca 350 automatic pilot. It can sense when the lifeboat moves off a pre-set course and actuates the rudders automatically to regain the course to be steered, thus relieving the coxswain of the need to steer the boat manually during long passages in open water. 9. At the top of the mast is a blue flash- ing light which identifies the lifeboat, when launched on service, as a search and rescue unit in the same way as an ambulance or a fire engine is distin- guished on shore. 10. Alongside the coxswain when he is conning the lifeboat from the upper steering position is the echo sounder indicator, which gives an immediate indication of the depth of water below the boat by using a neon light, while . . . 11. ... in the wheelhouse at the chart table is a second echo sounder of the recorder type which makes a permanent record on paper of the depth being encountered.

128 The transducers through which the echo sounder signals are transmitted and, after being 'bounced' off the sea bed, received back again cannot, of course, be seen as they are fixed to the Large Helo Nimrod S.A.R.Helo C.G. Mobile hull bottom on either side of the keel. The Arun is also fitted with a five-way intercom unit so that the coxswain can speak to each of the compartments, the upper steering position and to the crew member on the fore deck. Harbour/PoJice/ ^^ That is a brief description of the RAFMarineCraft electronic equipment available to the crew of an Arun; other lifeboat classes are similarly, though not identically, equipped. Every offshore lifeboat has a minimum of MF radio, VHF radio and echo sounder. The majority have a direction finder on the MF radio and over 100 are fitted with radar. All newly constructed lifeboats have radar and direction finder installed on building. Inshore lifeboats are all fitted with VHF radio only. Warships Merchant Ships C.R.Stn Navigational aids are there for the Fishing Vessels coxswain to use in his own wheelhouse as the need arises, but the radios are obviously for two-way conversation. Lifeboat tenance on electronic equipment in our How, then, are radio communications VHF Channel 16 would be used. lifeboats was carried out under contracts afloat organised? From the diagram on c. Units involved: negotiated with the various suppliers. this page it will be quickly seen that Casualty with no radio near to shore Generally this scheme worked out very each search and rescue station or mobile Coastguard station well, but there were of course problems unit is fitted with radio equipment which Inshore lifeboat in arranging for the engineers to visit allows it to work on specific frequencies. SAR helicopter lifeboats at remote stations, and it was Provided no help is required from other expensive. Following an evaluation of These frequencies and the traffic allo- shipping in the area VHF Channel 0 would cated to them are listed below: be used. this policy by the Committee of Management, it was decided that all Medium Frequency (MF) d. Units involved: maintenance should be done by the 2182kHz International distress and French fishing vessel (casualty, offshore) RNLI's own staff. calling frequency British tanker standing by This system has now been introduced 1.6 mHz various Coastguard working Nimrod aircraft Coastguard Headquarters almost completely, and it is working frequency extremely efficiently. The communica- 2241 kHz Ship to ship frequency Lifeboat 3023.5kHz Scene of action search and 2182 kHz MF would be used. tions department has developed a rescue co-ordination planned maintenance scheme which is frequency The other working frequencies that proving of great benefit. If there is a Very High Frequency (VHF) are available between individual units serious problem at any lifeboat station, Channel 16 156.80 mHz International would only be used when the matters it is a straightforward matter to arrange distress and to be discussed are of no interest to for one of our own technical staff to deal calling others taking part in the operation. Any with it without delay. There is no doubt frequency information affecting the rescue opera- that this new scheme is solving many Channel 0 156.00 mHz Coastguard tion received on a working frequency not problems, and costs appreciably less. working common to all units is passed to the co- That is a brief introduction to the frequency ordinating authority and then relayed Channel 6 156.30 mHz Ship to ship electronic equipment carried on board a frequency on the common net to all concerned, modern lifeboat. We live in a sophisti- Channel 12 156.60 mHz Port control usually by means of frequent situation cated age and without doubt electronic Channel 14 156.70 mHz Port control reports. development has put most wonderful A lifeboat launches on service on aids into the hands of lifeboat crews. It Although the diagram may look MF 2182 kHz and VHF Channel 16 and must not be forgotten, however, that rather complicated, lifeboat communica- establishes communications with the they are only aids: that is all they claim tions are really quite simple. The golden primary MF radio station and the Coast- to be. They are far-reaching extensions rule is that the frequency or channel guard VHF radio station on those of the senses of the crew, but they can chosen should always be one that is frequencies. never replace the observant eye, the common to all the units taking part in All further communication is carried perceptive ear, the immediate hail of the rescue service. For example: out on 2182 kHz and VHP Channel 16, the experienced seafarer. Nor can they except that by prior arrangement with fully take the place of the simpler, a. Units involved: the Coastguard, provided it is unlikely familiar tools of communication and Casualty (fitted with MF and VHF radio) that help from ships at sea will be needed navigation, always to hand; loudhailer, Coast Radio Station and the lifeboat has been launched to a signalling lamp, flags, flares, compass Merchant ship service which has not been initiated and leadline. Lifeboat through a Coast Radio Station (e.g. 2182 kHz MF and VHF Channel 16 would Be it simple or sophisticated, in the be used. a Mayday call), then the Coastguard end an aid can only be as good as the station MF working frequency (1.6 mHz) man who is operating it; as in all b. Units involved: or VHF Channel 0 may be used. This, of spheres of lifeboat work, when a storm Casualty with no radio near to shore course, leaves the international distress is blowing, the sea very rough and Warship standing by frequencies free for other emergencies. confused, it is the calibre of the crew Coastguard station Until recently the necessary main- member that counts.

129 Falmouth: When the 50' Thames class lifeboat Rotary Service was lifted out of the water on July 29, 1975, for cleaning off, anti-fouling and the replacing of all cathodic protection anodes, all the work was done free of charge, Falmouth Docks workmen giving up their lunch hour to see the job through. The operation was arranged by Falmouth honorary secretary Captain Frank Edwards, with the co-operation of Captain G. Southwood, manag- ing director, and G. Dewar, works manager of Silley Cox and Co., and A. E. Underwood, managing director Falmouth Docks and Engineering Co.; it was organised by Barry Timmins (outside foreman, Silley Cox, and lifeboat signalman). In the volunteer work force were G. Parry (chargehand), C. Johnson (fitters chargehand) B. Philpott (crane driver), B. Sweet and M. Martin (pivot hands) and R. Anderson and V. Wilson (painters), together with Coxswain Arthur West, Second Coxswain/ Motor Mechanic Vivian Pentecost and Crew Member John Mitchell, While Rotary Service wits out of the water (for about five hours) both propellers were replaced with new ones. (Below) High pressure water jets made quick work of cleaning the bottom.

Around the coast

Minehead: The Royal Corps of Transport is taking an Atlantic 21 into service on a target range off the Hebrides. Last December a detachment of men was sent to Minehead for exercises in launching and recovery with ILB crew members; it is one of the few stations with the special RNLI drive-on, drive-off launching trolley, hauled down and up the beach by caterpillar tractor. The trolley is fitted at the inshore end with an upright recovery net which catches the Atlantic 21 as, returning to the beach at speed, she is driven straight up on to the submerged trolley.

The Mumbles (below): A new winch, installed in the boathouse last January, was brought across from Swansea Dock by an army land- ing craft to be hauled up the slipway by the old Webber winch which it is replacing. photograph by courtesy of Swansea Evening Post.

Calshot (above): Every five months or so 40.001, Ernest William and Elizabeth Ellen Hinde, is slipped on a Sunday mid-day tide to be cleaned below the waterline. Crew and helpers rally round and she comes out at about 0900 and is back again by 1500, only six hours out of service at a time when local weekend rescue organisations are most available. Besides cleaning off and anti-fouling, the sacrificial plates are usually replaced and the opportunity taken to polish the hull, paint the boot top and rub down and varnish all woodwork awkward to get at when she is at her moorings.

Naming Ceremonies: Macduff, Gram- pian, April 3; Swanage, Dorset, May 6.

130 Medical Arrangements in the RNLI

PART II: CURRENT WORK AND POLICIES

by Geoffrey Hale, MBE MB B.Ch

TO OUTLINE ALL the work of the Medical This photograph illustrates the and Survival Committee would take too recommended method of trans- long, so the following paragraphs will ferring a casualty from a vessel contain accounts of activities selected to a lifeboat. because they are likely to be of general interest and, where necessary, explana- most conventional lifeboats, which can however, the standard, which is tions of the reasons behind the policies be used for moving casualties up and good normal vision, has to be reached adopted will be given. down companion ways, through narrow naturally without sight aids. This is The teaching of first aid has been hatches, from one vessel to another and necessary because the crews of ILBs are improved by the acquisition of two for lifting them to helicopters. The only just above the surface of the sea Royal Navy films, 'Emergency Resusci- committee's attention to this subject has and so exposed to wind and spray that tation' and 'Cold Can Kill'. Both these led to the introduction of carrying spectacles would often be no aid to are available, by arrangement, for show sheets for casualties in ILBs, and to the vision and contact lenses in danger of at any lifeboat station, and whenever inclusion in the first aid book of advice displacement. they are shown their quality and on the best method of transferring General medical examinations are material is always greatly appreciated. casualties in a stretcher from one vessel carried out not with the intention of In May 1975 a new edition of 'First to another. rejecting all who do not have perfect Aid for Lifeboat Crews' was issued Exercises with helicopters are of great physique, but with the intention of which confines itself to those subjects importance if lifts of casualties, or other making as sure as possible that men that are of special importance in lifeboat personnel, are to be undertaken safely. accepted are not suffering from condi- work. There are chapters on Personal Up to now there have been differences tions that may cause a failure during Health, Hypothermia, Asphyxia and in equipment and the procedures service, resulting in danger to those Resuscitation (copied verbatim from the required by the RAF and the Navy, but being rescued or taking part in the St John First Aid Manual), a specially it is hoped that discussion now in rescue; or from conditions that may be written chapter on Resuscitation in progress will lead to greater standardisa- aggravated by service in very cold or Lifeboats, Handling and Transport of tion both of equipment and procedures. bad weather and endanger a man's future Injured Persons and Morphia. In the realms of personal equipment health. The examiner also has to As mentioned in Part I of this article, for crews, the history of the development consider whether the effects of any published in the winter issue of THE of the lifejacket has already been dealt treatments prescribed for reported LIFEBOAT, the committee carefully moni- with, but a great deal of work has also conditions could produce side-effects tors developments in the field of been done in order to arrive at the best during service which would reduce a resuscitation and the recent work done type of protective clothing. A two-piece man's efficiency. in Edinburgh on the treatment of hypo- suit which can be worn over normal The committee's intention is that all thermia by the provision of hot, wet air clothing and thigh boots is now in medical examinations should be under- for the casualty to breathe has shown general use by crews of conventional taken by the station honorary medical that this is certainly practical in lifeboats. But the varying conditions and adviser, because this will help the hospitals. Research has now begun, on preferences have so far stood in the way relationship between doctor and crew, behalf of the RNLI, at Edinburgh and of adopting a universal suit for ILB but the final decision on the recom- Newcastle which will attempt to modify crews. In the interest of economy it is mendation to accept or reject is made by a type of resuscitation apparatus to hoped that this will eventually be one of the Institution's medical referees. enable it to be used for rewarming cases achieved. This arrangement relieves the station of hypothermia; but whether the ideal doctor of making decisions about his of an apparatus that can be successfully The application of the scheme of neighbours or patients to which they used by first aiders in ILBs is really medical standards and examinations might take exception. feasible yet remains to be seen. accepted in 1970 has proceeded quite Meetings between station honorary In recent years many new designs of smoothly though some have criticised medical advisers have always been stretcher have been produced in this and the standard of vision required for thought very valuable, but the expense other countries, and as far as possible coxswains and others as being too of arranging formal gatherings has all these are inspected by the committee severe; so it may be as well to explain made this impossible. However in and those that seem to have a possible now that the vision required is the same recent years the Medical Commission application to lifeboat needs are further as that recommended to the Department on Accident Prevention has arranged investigated. None of those seen has of Trade in 1970, by a panel of experts, symposia on the broad subject of seemed better than the very versatile as necessary for 'Masters and Mates in prevention of, and immediate care at, Neil Robertson stretcher supplied to the Merchant Navy, or Skippers and accidents. Doctors have been entitled Second Hands in the Fishing Fleet'. No to claim their expenses from the search and rescue organisation like the National Health Service, and it has been Dr Hale has been a member of the Committee RNLI could accept a standard of vision of Management since 1952 and was elected possible for honorary medical advisers a vice-president in 1964. He served on the lower than that required for the skipper attending to be gathered to private medical working parties and is a member of of a fishing boat, and coxswains (and meetings at which the discussions have the Medical and Survival Committee, of others) in conventional lifeboats may proved valuable, both at the time and which he was chairman from its formation in achieve the standard with the aid of 1971 until 1975. spectacles. For inshore lifeboats, {Continued on page 138)

131 stand fully his obligations to other vessels and this demands a good working knowledge of the Rule of the Road'. Nobody could possibly disagree with this statement, and it was with some relief that I re-read my own advice on Letters... the subject: 'The rules governing right of way at sea, in so far as they affect a Disabled sloop in storm equipment from an ejector seat. We yacht, must be known positively and On September 14, 1975, we, the crew were then shown a newly completed studied until they can be instantly and of the yacht Chayka of Ardgour which aircraft, fuelled and with ejector seat instinctively observed without thought was in distress off the Needles, were armed, followed by a lecture and or reference'. rescued by the Yarmouth lifeboat. demonstration of air sea rescue tech- Quite honestly, reading the entire No words or gestures can adequately nique by the helicopter crew. section, I cannot see where your express the deep gratitude we feel One point that emerged was that if the reviewer got the idea that I was dis- towards you and your crew. We hope, perspex canopy over the cockpit is missing the regulations lightly, unless it however, that you will accept the closed it would have to be cut away to was the one remark that you probably enclosed Metropolitan Police plaque get at the pilot. need not remember by heart what lights and ties as a small measure of our The visit was both instructive and a seaplane under tow should be carrying admiration and esteem. The courage, valuable, particularly as BAC made it at night (can you remember? I can't!). skill and devotion of you and your crew very clear what not to do!—JOHN I think this is probably fair enough, as were an inspiration to us, and confirmed KENNEDY, joint honorary secretary I regard it as quite impractical to expect our already high regard of the lifeboat Lytham St Anne's, 12 Hastings Place, the ordinary cruising yachtsman to service. We were delighted to hear of Lytham, Lancashire. memorise every single combination of your well-merited award for gallantry. lights which he might ever conceivably With very best wishes to you and all Mobile Training Unit meet. Of course he should know all the members of the Yarmouth lifeboat I would like to take this opportunity ordinary ones, but it is much more crew.—DAVID J. MORGAN, 14 Bexhill to thank the Institution for giving important that he should have a quick Road, New Southgate, London Nil 2RG. Shoreham Harbour lifeboat station the reference guide to the others than that use of the facilities of the Mobile he should half-remember them and This letter was written to Coxswain Training Unit. make a wrong decision owing to an David Kennett of Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, As you are aware, the MTU has been in inaccuracy in his memory. and it was very much appreciated" by use at Shoreham for the past six weeks. As a governor of the RNLI, I was himself, his crew and the Institution. The I personally attended a]J the radio classes most upset to be labeiled in the pages of service to Chayka of Ardgour, for which but regretably was unable to make the THE LIFEBOAT as a yachtsman and writer Coxswain Kennett was awarded the silver navigation weekend. who attaches too little importance to medal for gallantry, is reported on page In my opinion this MTU is possibly one such a vital part of the science of safety 113.—THE EDITOR. of the best projects that the Institution at sea, particularly as many of your has undertaken. When I first heard readers will know me, but will not have Silver Wedding about it, although I thought the idea was On January 31 my wife and I cele- read the book and be unable to draw good, I must confess I did have certain their own conclusions. I would be most brated our silver wedding anniversary. reservations. However, having gone In preference to a wasteful party and grateful if you would publish this letter through the course, I can honestly say, to put the record straight.—MARK the attendant unnecessary expense, we and these are the feelings of all of us at decided to make a contribution to the BRACKENBURY, Stubbards Croft, Great Shoreham, that it was all very worth- Bardfield, Essex CM7 4SP. RNLI. while and interesting. Would you therefore please accept Lieut.-Commander Peter Fulton and the enclosed cheque as a tribute to the Mr L. Vipond were very easy to get With the help of our friends courage of your lifeboat crews? There along with and they have certainly both It was a very merry Christmas and it are many varied stories of their unsel- put a lot of thought and hard work into has started to be a very prosperous new fishness and bravery. It would seem the syllabus. My only criticism about year for Port Talbot station; all due to fitting in our celebration to contribute the course was that it was not long a few of our many friends. to a body of men to whom so many owe enough. We would have liked six three- With the Christmas mail was a card so much.—R. G. LIGHTFOOT, 59 Bedford hour lessons rather than six two-hour from ex-crew member the Reverend Hill, Balham, SW12 9EZ. lessons. Perhaps you will regard this not Lionel Webber, now serving his calling so much as a criticism but as a compli- in another part of the country; it To free a trapped pilot ment and a measure of success. contained a cheque for £18.50, made On December 13 last, at the invitation I would strongly recommend all life- up of gifts in memory of one of the of British Aircraft Corporation, the boat stations to make full use of the ladies of his parish. Another gift—£5 crews of Lytham-St Anne's lifeboat, MTU facilities; they will, I feel sure, find raised by a charity football match ILB, helpers, DLAS and myself visited them interesting, instructive and be played over Christmas—was received their Warton factory for a demonstra- sorry when the course is over.—KEN from the bar boys of the local RNA tion of what to do if a fighter aircraft VOICE, coxswain, Shoreham Harbour Club. ditches with the pilot inside. lifeboat, 69 The Green, Southwick, Sussex Two of our new year presents are very If, in such circumstances, a would-be BN4 4FX. welcome pieces of equipment. One is a rescuer accidentally actuates the ejector radio receiver costing £108; the other seat the consequences might be disas- Book reviews gift is a large Calor gas fire; this cost trous to himself and the pilot. As test Your review of my book 'Begin £50 and with it comes the promise of flights of aircraft with ejector seats are Cruising under Sail' sent me rushing free gas when needed. It will help to cut taking place almost daily over the back to re-read the chapter on the Rule down the station's electricity bill and is Ribble Estuary such an occurrence is of the Road. Your reviewer, E.W.M., much appreciated by the crew, now on not improbable. criticises the book in the phrase 'nor winter service. BAC laid on a film showing the should the International Regulations Both the new year gifts were acquired design and construction of the Jaguar for Preventing Collisions at Sea be and paid for through the generosity of fighter followed by an actual demonstra- dismissed quite so lightly; it is the duty two English friends, Frank and Shirley tion of how to free a man wearing full of the master of any vessel to under- Clarke. They own a small licensed

132 restaurant close to our station and both have Lieut.-Commander and Mrs very special. May God bless her and the are great favourites with the crew George Cooper with us; both are many more like her.—DAVID F. AUBREY, members and their families because of always very welcome in Port Talbot. honorary secretary Port Talbot, 24 their sincere interest in the station. It It was a wonderful evening and one Handel Avenue, Sandfields Estate, Port started some time ago with hot coffee or that will be talked of for a long time to Talbot, West Glamorgan. something a little stronger when the lads come. The table was a magnificent returned from a service or an exercise. sight: every kind of cooked meats Saltburn station Through this kindness a firm friendship including venison, a variety of fresh- Do any of your readers versed in early has grown. water and sea foods, salads and a fine lifeboat history have information on a The fire was paid for by the raffle of a selection of pastries, and all home made. lifeboat stationed at Saltburn, North giant teddy bear, the money left over Festivities went on past midnight—and Riding, Yorkshire, toward the end of going towards another big bear on then it was Shirley Clarke's birthday and the last century and early this century? wheels so that the raffle should continue. our turn to show our appreciation. I have heard that my grandfather and When Mr and Mrs Clarke heard the I think that everyone will agree that his family were associated with this boat lads talking about the new radio they it is nice to have friends, especially the and I seem to remember as a boy in the offered to put on a buffet evening, all right kind of friends. One very touching 1920s seeing a lifeboat house on the profits to be donated towards the-'Set. moment in all this festive gathering was lower promenade. Having lost touch They agreed to prepare and cook the when I was called aside by one of the with my family some 40 years ago I have food and other friends offered their ladies present and was given an no means of confirming this.—s. services behind the bar free. envelope: she had been asked by an SPRINGETT, 28 Northway, Porton Down, Tickets were £2.50 each. We had to old-age pensioner to say that although Salisbury, Wiltshire. limit numbers to 60 because of the size she could not possibly attend she had of the restaurant; we could have filled heard of our cause and had sent a the place over again and had to dis- donation. The envelope contained a A lifeboat was established at Saltburn in 1849 by a local association, which in 1858 appoint a number of our friends. pound note. I will probably never meet requested the RNLI to take it over. The The Mayor and Mayoress of Avon, that lady, and I wondered if she could station was closed in 1922, 24 launches Councillor and Mrs Ted Owen, were afford such a gift. With all the money having been made and 51 lives saved. guests of honour at this informal being spent that evening for such a Perhaps there are readers who remember gathering, and we were very pleased to cause, that one pound was something some of the crew members.—THE EDITOR. Lifeboat people

Coxswain Richard Evans, BEM, Olympic skating star John received the Honorary Fellowship of Curry shows his gold medal Manchester Polytechnic on Thursday, to branch members man- December 4, 1975, in honour of his long ning the RNLI stand at Birmingham Boat Show: and distinguished service as a member (I. to r.) Mrs G. Cope, of the crew and as coxswain of Moelfre Bill Cotton, Roger Cope; lifeboat. Coxswain Evans, who retired looking over their shoulders as coxswain in 1970, is the only man is Mrs C. E. Lea, honorary alive today to have been awarded the secretary of Birmingham gold medal for gallantry twice; his first branch. gold medal was for the service to MV photograph by courtesy Hindlea on October 27, 1959, and his of Birmingham Post and second was for the service to the Greek Mail. MV Nafsiporos on December 2, 1966. * * * wife, at Bromborough on Friday, medal for gallantry for the rescue of the The Carnegie Hero Fund Trustees January 30. crew of five from the drilling rig William have awarded the bronze medallion, * * * Allpress in a strong south-westerly gale their highest award, to Dr Peter Davy of It is with deep regret that we announce with a very rough sea and very poor Hastings for his service to injured sea- the following deaths: visibility on October 19, 1971; and he men aboard the Argentinian warship March 1975 was awarded a bar to his bronze medal Candida de Lasala on December 23, William Benjamin Sayle, who was for the saving of the yacht Albin Ballad 1974, for which he was awarded the second coxswain of Peel lifeboat from and the rescue of her crew of three in a RNLI's silver medal for gallantry. They 1926 to 1936 and coxswain from 1937 strong south-westerly gale and a very will also review from time to time any to 1954. rough sea on August 5, 1973. effect that the severe injuries he sus- December 1975 January 1976 tained may have on his health. Dr John H. Lamble, who had been a Alick Mackay, who joined Anstruther * * * member of Manchester and District crew in 1930, was motor mechanic of Last September the Bishop of South- Executive Committee since 1946, when Arbroath lifeboat from 1957 to 1964 ampton, the Rt. Reverend J. K. Cavell, he became honorary secretary of a and coxswain of "Broughty Ferry MA, agreed to become patron of South- special Manchester City Organising lifeboat from 1964 to 1973. After his hampton Lifeboat Board. His great Committee. He was elected chairman retirement, and despite ill health, Mr interest in the work of the RNLI stems of the Manchester and District Executive Mackay travelled all over Scotland to from a long family connection with Committee in 1960, a post which he held lecture on the lifeboat service. Walmer lifeboat station. until his death last year. Dr Lamble Commander Hendrik Thomas Booy, * * * represented the Manchester committee a former director of the Royal North Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries at The Mumbles at the time of the and South Holland Lifeboat Institution have named a new patrol vessel after disaster in 1947. (from 1930 to 1963) and a member of its Sam Baxter, who is chairman of the John Alfred Fox, coxswain of Committee of Management from 1963 Fisheries committee and has been Shoreham lifeboat from 1968. He had to 1971. Commander Booy, who was an honorary secretary of Morecambe life- joined the crew in 1946 and served as honorary life governor, and a very good boat since 1967. The 64' vessel was second coxswain from 1963 to 1968. friend, of the RNLI, was a much respec- named by Mrs Eileen Baxter, Sam's Coxswain Fox was awarded the bronze ted figure at international conferences.

133 Some

For the third year Ray Rushton offered his car, a 1904 Wolseley, to the RNLI for sponsorship in last November's Veteran Car Run. His passenger was Charlie Smithers, Comedian of The Year in 1974. More than £3,000 was raised. In addition 'life-yards' of Money the route from London to Brighton were sold for Wp each, the holders being entitled to take part in a free draw for premium bonds. Other districts gave good support and the During 1975 Dublin branch and seven prizewinners came from a number of ladies' guild achieved the fine result of different parts of the country. £24,000. Of this amount £5,874 came photograph by courtesy of Len Thorpe. from the lifeboat shop run by Mrs Montague Kavanagh and her helpers, and £4,198 was raised in a one-day spring sale. £3,324 was collected on two very wet flag days and £3,038 came from Coxswain H. T. 'Shrimp' Danes presents house-to-house collectors. the Lifeboat Cup to the captain of Gimming- ham, the winning team in Cramer's 1975 football final. Sounds of battle rang round Long- slade Heath in the New Forest as the Bumbledon Knights, in full 'armour', organised by Michael Patrick, manager Cromer claims the longest-running met the Plough Yokels, in country of the Plough Inn, Tiptoe, and at the fund raising event in the history of the smocks, for a comic football match on end of the day the RNLI benefited by RNLI: a football competition which a sunny Sunday last July. Speed of play £60. Since then the inn has collected a goes back 70 years to 1906. Originally it necessitated the use of a bicycle by the further £13 in its boxes. was for a cup given by the Tucker referee and fortifying liquids were brothers, but since 1950 this cup has dispensed from a red sports car which A cheque for £150 was presented to been awarded to the runners-up, while careered among the players. A lifeboat New Romney and Romney Marsh to the winners has gone a cup presented collecting box yielded £11.40 after its branch by Ashford North Boys School. by E. P. Hansell in memory of his passage through spectators. The match, The result of a sponsored general father, E. M. Hansell. Service as well as and a raffle which followed, were knowledge quiz in which about 200 local teams have competed, all of junior boys in the third and fourth years took status. All matches are now played in part, it will go towards a new boathouse Cromer in the early part of the year, as for Littlestone ILB. soon as the evenings are light enough. Receipts reached a peak of £100 in 1957, Hallowe'en in Beccles: Maria Raus- and now average about £50 annually. cher, Skip Shipley and Joe Crowfoot, the minstrels, played, danced and sang Over the past few years, Clacton-on- at a garden party, at each of the seven Sea ladies' guild has held a number of inns of the town and, last of all, at a fashion shows from which the RNLI has fish-and-chip shop. With them went benefited by over £1,000. John Suckling and Roy Stroud, com- mittee members of Beccles branch, and Richard Beck of Dunfermile, Fife, by the end of the evening they had built in 1971 a replica Liverpool collected £17.53 for the Institution. lifeboat (f" = 1') based on James and Ruby Jackson, formerly stationed at Anstruther. Since then this model has been on almost permanent display at Ten-year-old Peter Jensen of Highgate sent the Scottish Fisheries Museum, Ans- £9.07, collected with his splendid guy, to truther, which kindly allowed it to be Hornsey branch. The RNLI, he said in his used for RNLI fund raising. As a result letter, is his favourite charity. of this and other activities more than photograph by courtesy of Andrew Franks. £600 has been collected.

134 Two fine results from Salcombe: Crew members, by running disco dances last summer, raised £1,400 for the lifeboat service. Mr and Mrs T. Heycock of Millbay, East Portlemouth, presented the branch with £110, col- lected by allowing boats to use the beach in front of their house, making no charge but suggesting a contribution should be made to the lifeboat box.

Northampton ladies' guild raised £395 at a Caledonian market held in the Guild Hall last November.

Eday is a small island in the Orkneys with a population of only 170, yet in its special effort year for the RNLI 150th anniversary the ladies' guild raised £227.65-J. As well as a house-to-house Fifty-six rafts took part in the 1975 Wadebridge and Padstow Round Table raft race. About collection (£54.15) they held a beetle £500 was raised in sponsorship, the moneys being divided between Wadebridge and Padstow drive with auction and box supper branches. photograph by courtesy of W. A. Cogan. (£28.12) and a Burns's supper (£9.43); the young men of Eday Youth Club A cheese and wine party held at the As in previous years, B. M. Miller, raised £44.41 with a sponsored crawl Royal Naval College, Greenwich, on harbour master of Port Hamble, orga- around the Community Centre (one man Friday, November 7,1975, was attended nised a fireworks party at Hamble last completed 23 laps); and, finally, the by 260 people and raised more than November. More than £200 was raised biennial summer sale of work cleared £400 for the RNLI. Rear Admiral Sir for the RNLI. £91.544. Edmund Irving represented the Com- mittee of Management and among the Two members of Morecambe and Thames Gas Sailing Club raised £165 guests were Admiral and Mrs Bazal- Heysham Yacht Club, Mr and Mrs for the RNLI with a sponsored sail-in gette and the Mayor and Mayoress of Spencer, organised a Christmas draw at Thorpe, near Chertsey, last September Greenwich. which raised £574.22 for the RNLI. 20 and 21. Thirteen members took part, They collected 115 prizes from local seven of them for 24 hours' duration. The ladies' guild of Middleton St people; the first prize was a £30 wrist- George, a village in Co. Durham, last watch donated by John C. West Ltd. £1,500 was raised in 1975 by a holiday year raised £355 with a coffee morning and the list included such unusual items draw competition organised by the at the Devonport Hotel, by kind as a thermometer and a tray of eggs. southern district office. First prize, a permission of Mr and Mrs K. Cotterill, Mr Spencer is a former Morecambe return voyage for two on the Union and sales of souvenirs. The raffle of a ILB crew member. Castle liner Windsor Castle to Las cake, baked and magnificently decorated Palmas, was won by P. M. House of with a model lifeboat by Mrs J. B. Coventry ladies' guild was invited by Southampton. A tie for second and Robson, brought in £12. the Lady Mayoress of Coventry to see third prizes resulted in G. Carter, of films about the city and its new cathe- Southampton, choosing a week's holi- As part of Golders Green Unitarians' dral, and to take tea with her afterwards day for two at a Pontins holiday centre, 50th anniversary celebrations last Octo- in the Guildhall of St Mary. 150 while Mrs S. Perry, of Portsmouth, ber the Hoop Lane Players put on a members and friends were present and chose two return flights to Jersey by production of Peter Terson's 'The £45.50 was raised for the lifeboat British Airways. All prizes were kindly Whitby Lifeboat Disaster'. £40 was donated by the companies involved. collected in the interval for the RNLI. (continued on page 137)

On one day of last autumn's Scottish (Left) E. Mangold (r.) was presented with a plaque Offshore Oil Exhibition at Aberdeen a earlier this year by George Powell, organising collection for the RNLI was organised secretary North London. Mr Mangold, who is in by Mrs Cowper, honorary secretary of his mid 70s, has raised £925 for the RNLI since the Aberdeen ladies' guild. £106 was he first collected for Wood Green Branch in 1974; taken, including £2 in Norwegian £250 during lifeboat week that year, £427 in life- boat week 1975 and the remaining £248 in a kroner. Christmas goodwill gift collection. photograph by courtesy of North London To crown a summer's punting four Weekly Herald. Oxford undergraduates, Neil Johnson and Chris Reddick (St Edmund Hall), Keith Plunkett (St Catherine's) and Marcus Sephton (New College), under- took a sponsored punt from Oxford to Cambridge by the shortest navigable route: the Cherwell, Oxford Canal, Grand Union Canal, Great Ouse and the River Cam. They lived off biscuits, (Right) The Benevolents, a group of men from eggs, fruit and orange squash and Easingwold, Yorkshire, have raised funds for the camped each night by the water's edge. RNLI since 1970. Last November a cheque for £301.40, proceeds of a sponsored walk, and a Where canals were too muddy for donation of £50 towards amenities for Humber punting, they resorted to a towrope. crew and their families at Spurn Point, were pre- The 170-mile journey took ten very sented by their president, Mr Tucker (/.), to gruelling but rewarding days, and £250 Kenneth Thirlwell, divisional organiser north east. was raised for the RNLI. photography by courtesy of Bill Hadley, York.

135 Book to which he had contributed a recipe for grilled chicken. While there, Mr. Heath, one of our founder YLA members and an outstandingly success- ful offshore yachtsman, agreed to answer a few questions put by Heather Deane, a member of our staff who has helped on the Shoreline stand at many shows: Shoreline 'Mr Heath, it is almost six years to the day since you visited Earls Court on January 10, 1969, and bought the first Morning Cloud. Section On that same visit you also enrolled as a member of the RNLI—No. 165. Would you be surprised to hear that we now have Edward Heath autographs a Cook Book for 28,030 members of Shoreline?' ONCE AGAIN, to look back at the Boat Miss Great Britain, Sue CuffofMorecambe. Show is to look back on eleven happy 'This is splendid news, and I think on and successful days. With the help of your part you've done a tremendous job!' 'Make sure they learn how to do it. This is volunteer Shoreline members on the 'It would be interesting to know which essential.' RNLI stand and of our friends at the event occurred first: did you feel you should 'Are you happy with your present yacht? Midland Bank stand, we enrolled 528 enrol with the RNLI before or after you Is there anything you would like to change new members and a brisk business was bought Morning CloudT in her?' also done in insignia; with subscriptions 'Oh, I enrolled first.' ' Yes, but of course, we are always trying and sale of insignia we took, in all, to improve her.' £4,228 during the show. 'Have you ever met any members of a Many old friends looked in to see us, lifeboat crew?' 'Which is the next major sailing event you are looking forward to ?' six established members visiting us ' Yes, on many occasions' specially to make considerable increases 'There will be the Solent races next, and 'Does it increase your confidence, knowing in their subscriptions. That is a great the Channel races. One always looks there is a lifeboat station within hailing forward to these events' encouragement. distance, in home waters ?' One visitor who is always welcome 'Finally, Mr Heath, have you a message for was The Right Hon. Edward Heath, ' Yes, it does, most certainly.' our lifeboat crews and our voluntary MBE, MP, who came to autograph copies 'Is there any advice you would offer to workers ?' of the 4th edition of the RNLI Cook someone taking up sailing?' '/ should like to express deep gratitude for the work you all do. Please, keep it up!'

On August 7, Henley-on-Thames branch is holding a Boat Rally at Remenham Club, Henley, to which a warm welcome is extended to all Shoreline members. There is to be an Austrian Beer-garden—with appropriate musical accompaniment—and, in the One of our younger Shoreline evening, to wind up festivities, a dance. members: Zoe Ballantyne of Shorne, Kent. Zoe, who ob- Here is an excellent opportunity viously enters into the spirit of for Shoreline members in the Henley the service with a will, is area to meet socially and also, of course, eighteen months old. Have we to help local fund raising efforts. a more junior member ? Further details will be available nearer

To: SHORELINE, RNLI, WEST QUAY ROAD, POOLE, DORSET, BH15 1HZ. I should like to be a part of such a worthwhile voluntary cause by becoming a SHORELINE member of the lifeboat service and joining the Institution as: A Life Member and Life Governor: minimum donation £60, Below are the various including journal items you are entitled to A Member and Governor: minimum annual subscription £10, wear or fly as a member including journal of SHORELINE: An Offshore Member: minimum annual subscription £3, Members' tie (Terylene) £1.50 including journal Lady's brooch £0.50 Metal car badge £1.55 Pair of cuff-links £1.75 8 "hoist flag £1.25 12" hoist flag £2.00 Dinghy burgee £1.25

Total subscription Insignia payment

Shoreline Giro number is 294 7056 NAME / enclose P. O'/'cheque/cash for £... ADDRESS Date Signature

136 the time from R. Gothard, telephone In 1975, for the second year, a number Henley-on-Thames (04912) Some ways of sponsored walk was organised by 3602. Schermuly; the walkers were joined by * * * raising money five colleagues from their sister com- Shoreline member 0008211 Lieut.- pany, Pains-Wessex. Sponsorship Commander A. Prideaux, RD RNR, (continued from page 135) money, together with a donation, chief officer of P & O MS Slrathmeigle, amounted to £500 for the RNLI. has written to tell us of a social evening in aid of the RNLI held by the officers W. J. Griffiths and his son, who is on board his ship while anchored at service. During the past year £1,300 has licensee of the Prince of Wales Hotel at Sitra Anchorage, Bahrain, at the end of been raised in Coventry, and the guild Aberaeron, have presented a cheque to October. He writes: has planted a plane tree on one of the the RNLI for £500 raised from the city's lovely greens to commemorate 'The evening was attended by officers and profits of a tote; they plan to continue wives from two other P & O General the 150th anniversary of the RNLI. to run the tote for the benefit of the Cargo Division ships, Strathmay and lifeboat service. Strathnaver. Due to the intense boredom A stage suit generously given by the felt while waiting for berths at heavily singer Tom Jones to Rhyl and District Lawrenny Yacht Club first decided to congested gulf ports (up to 150 days for branch for fund raising has made £50 help the RNLI in 1973 when, as a result some) the response was excellent. Thirty- for the RNLI. of stalls on its regatta day, £150 was five officers and wives from the three raised. In 1974 the regatta was enlarged ships were present and a very pleasant Branch efforts at Croydon raised with sideshows, stalls and a barbecue, time was had by all. A raffle was held £5,360.08 in the year 1974/75. Of this and £500 was raised. In 1975 W. J. and the sum of £100 was raised for the Institution. I feel this is remarkable, amount almost £700 came from the Barry, the commodore, and his com- particularly as twelve of those present annual autumn lifeboat fair organised mittee made a change; they organised a were cadets, not noted for being well by Mrs Iris M. Betson. Mrs Betson, dance at the Double Diamond Club, paid. Perhaps our example might be whose son Steven is the motor mechanic Caerphilly. Held in August, it was followed elsewhere . . .' at Walton and Frinton station, makes a attended by many rugby personalities large proportion of the goods for sale at including Barry John, the former Welsh the fair herself: hundreds of pounds of and Lions international player. As a Please note: Members will see that an preserves and hundreds of knitted and result, a cheque for £1,300 was presented extra digit has been added to their fancy goods; she even takes orders for by the vice-commodore, Geoffrey Ashe, existing membership numbers. It is an knitting, to be delivered next time over, to Admiral Sir Peter Compston, a additional check to ensure that sub- when she and her husband, Bill, visit member of the Committee of Manage- scriptions are placed to the right their daughter in Canada each alternate ment, at the South Wales District accounts. year. Conference on November 5.

A lifeboat float built by Whitstable crew took part in five local carnivals last summer and Lieut.-Colonel Watson of Stirling- won several prizes. It is seen here at Herne Bay carnival. shire has written, as have other mem- bers, questioning the extra expense incurred by posting receipts and membership cards separately. The receipts themselves have to be made out, as a carbon copy is the prime document to be 'fed' into the cash activated computer we use. The computer run is once a month. A member's subscription arriving on, say, January 1, is not entered therefore, until the computer run after January 31; taking the time of the run and of the post, there may be a delay of six or seven weeks before that member receives his membership card. This delay we feel is not tolerable for acknowledging receipt of moneys, be they £3 or, as sometimes, £500. The present system employed does in fact save labour costs even though postage is involved. However, with improved technology it is hoped that next year a direct link with the computer will mean that a membership card can be produced immediately, thus cutting others. From RNLI, West Quay Road, out the need for receipts. RNLI Cook Books Poole, Dorset BH15 1HZ, price 60p We would wish to mention that our (postage lOp). costs could be drastically cut if members For those who like an individual The second Tarbert Lifeboat Recipe would pay their subscriptions by direct touch to their cooking the RNLI has Book: Recipes range from the exotic, debit (a form is supplied on renewal two good recipe books: like Scampi Conil (Mrs Macdonald, notices), thus obviating postal and Fourth RNLI Cook Book: Among Largs), to homely fare like Granny's clerical costs in sending out both other contributions there are recipes Dumpling (Mrs D. MacFarlane, Garval renewal reminder notices and the receipts from well-known sporting personalities: Terrace). And do you know the easiest mentioned in this text.—o. R. 'BOB' Chilli Con Carne from Ann Moore, way to melt chocolate? F. S. Mackenna, WALTON, membership secretary, RNLI, Coq au Vin from Roger Taylor, Pork the editor, will let you into the secret. West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 Chops with Green Peppers and Sweet From RNLI, 45 Queen Street, Edin- 1 HZ (Tel. Poole 71133). Corn from Mary Peters, and many burgh EH2 3NN, price 30p (postage 9p).

137 (Below) Basildon branch raised the funds to purchase the present Burnham-on-Crouch ILB—-and has already set as its target for the future a replacement boat. Last autumn Connor O'Brien, chairman of Basildon District Council, came to Burnham to unveil a commemorative plaque, accompanied by Councillor Tony Ball (centre), secretary, and Ray Hoskins, treasurer of Basildon branch. They were welcomed by Commander I. McL. Methven, chairman of Burnham ILB station (extreme left). Sidney Hull, Mayor of Burnham, was present on that occasion and (left) the following week was taken to sea by Crew Members Peter Evans (I.) and John Clowes for an in- spection of the river as part of a drive to improve local lifesaving facilities.

Bradford and District branch has presented former Lord Mayor, Coun- HERE cillor Tom Hall, with a leather-bound book containing the names of the and thousands of people who have contri- buted to his appeal for funds to cover the cost of a new lifeboat at Spurn THERE Point. The target set was £51,000; the Westward Television have given Winston Churchill (Civil Service No. 8) amount raised was more than £80,000. £1,000 towards the City of Bristol with radar and VHP radio; it was made * * * appeal. It was presented by their in memory of her great grandfather, When the Shaw Savill liner Northern chairman, Peter Cadbury, to the Lord George Heron, who, aged 25, lost his Star was withdrawn from service, the Mayor, Councillor Hubert Williams. life on service in the Blyth lifeboat in crew's social club had well over £1,000 * * * 1841. in the 'kitty', and members agreed that Already 2,500 books of Green Shield * * * the money should be donated to the stamps, representing nearly £2,000, have Chiswick and Hammersmith branch, RNLI. A cheque for £1,230.64 was been collected by the branches and newly formed, welcomes new members. presented by Graham Pepper, former guilds of the north-west division towards The secretary, Miss V. Hall, 33c St. Ann's first officer of Northern Star and the cost of a new lifeboat. Green Shield Villas, London Wll (Tel. 01-603 3003) honorary secretary of her social club, to Trading Co. has generously offered 60p will be pleased to receive offers of time Captain Nigel Dixon, RN, director of per book instead of the usual 42^p. and help. the RNLI, at the Shaw Savill Line head Stamps, preferably complete books, are * * * office in London just before Christmas. welcomed at RNLI, Prince's Chambers, Bournemouth branch is arranging a 26 Pall Mall, Manchester M2 1JR. * * * concert by Caldicot and District Male Clive Dunn has very kindly donated * * * Voice Choir from South Wales in the to the RNLI his recording fee of £80 for On November 2, 1975. Mrs Marian Grand Hall, St Stephens Road, on the LP of 'Dad's Army' stage show. He Kelman unveiled a plaque in BIyth Friday, May 28. Entrance by pro- has asked that it be split equally boathouse recording the gift of £2,200 gramme only, price £1, from B. Wood, between Eastney and Littlehampton. to equip the 46' 9" Watson lifeboat 140 Portland Road, Bournemouth.

conventional lifeboats were given a member, and of course the more the Medical Arrangements nominal proficiency payment to which better, but first aid specialists, in members of ILB crews were not entitled, ILB crews, would not improve the in the RNLI and it seems worthwhile to repeat the over-all service. explanation here: As reported in the autumn issue of (from page 131) THE LIFEBOAT, the writer of this article (i) A first aider in the ILB is unlikely collaborated with Surgeon Captain to have charge of a casualty for later as a basis for a 'newsletter' to bring longer than one hour, probably very F. W. Baskerville in a paper entitled all honorary medical advisers up to date much less, and further medical "The Origin and Work of the Medical with current problems. The subjects assistance is often available. In and Survival Committee of the RNLI', have included such items as lifelines, contrast, the first aider in the which the Surgeon Captain, now chair- retrieving casualties from the water, conventional boat may have res- man of the committee, presented at the communications and hypothermia. One ponsibilities for casualties for some International Lifeboat Conference in of the meetings discussed and stressed hours without the possibility of Helsinki last June. He also showed the the importance of honorary medical obtaining any assistance, films mentioned earlier and many items advisers being in close touch with the (ii) Conditions in an ILB are so of equipment. This article, with the one crews and attending exercises. Divisional restricting that little first aid is which preceded it, covers much the same possible beyond resuscitation and ground as that paper. inspectors of lifeboats have been asked careful handling. to encourage this practice, but probably Finally, honorary medical advisers (iii) It is a desirable, but not always and first aiders throughout the Institu- it is even more important for station attainable, principle that all ILB honorary secretaries to tell the doctor crew members should be inter- tion are to be congratulated on the well in advance of arranged exercises. changeable and all equally trained work they do to provide a service The newsletter was also used to in their skills. Some first aid know- unbeaten in any other lifeboat service in explain why certificated first aiders in ledge is essential for an ILB crew the world.

138 Galway Bay B. Fitzpatrick Bowman 11$ years Awards Crew Member 14j- years. Girvan R. Daly Bowman 8J years to Coxswains, Crews Crew Member 2£ years. and Shore Helpers Holyhead W. H. Condra Winchman 25 years Shore Helper 3 years. The following coxswains, members of lifeboat crews and shore helpers were awarded certificates of service on their Islay retirement and, in addition, those entitled to them by the M. Mackay Coxswain 1£ years Institution's regulations, were awarded an annuity, Second Coxswain 9f years gratuity or pension. Bowman 1 year Bronze Medal 1972 Bronze Second Service Clasp 1973. Barrow E. A. Diamond Second Coxswain 2f years Kirkcudbright Bowman 6 years J. Sassoon Second Coxswain 18£ years Crew Member 9J years. Crew Member 11 years. Blackpool T. Thomson Assistant Mechanic 16J years J. Stanhope Coxswain 6 years Emergency Mechanic 2f years Second Coxswain 5 years Crew Member 2 years. Bowman 9 years J. Smith Winchman and Shore Helper Crew Member 9 years. 35 years. H. R. Parr Motor Mechanic 19| years Assistant Mechanic Hi years. The Lizard-Cadgwirh J. Stanhope Second Coxswain 6J years J. C. Curnow Head Launcher 34 years Bowman 4J years Shore Helper 18 years. Crew Member 11 years. F. V. Cornall Assistant Mechanic 28f years Longhope Crew Member 14 years. W. Sutherland Head Launcher and Shore Helper 48 years. Bridlington G. Taylor Shore Helper 14 years. J. E. King Coxswain 10 years Second Coxswain 2 years Mallaig Bowman 4 years C. Henderson Coxswain 9 years Crew Member 1 year Second Coxswain 14 years Bronze Medal 1968 Crew Member 4 years. Bronze Second Service Clasp 1972 Silver Medal 1973. Newbiggin G. W. Traves Second Coxswain 7J years T. D. Taylor Second Coxswain 7£ years Assistant Mechanic 3J years Bowman 9J years Crew Member 4 years. Crew Member 13 years. F. Hoggard Shore Helper and Head Launcher 65 G. R. Armstrong Tractor Driver 26 years. years. Newhaven Buckie R. Ingram Winchman 44 years. J. Roy Assistant Motor Mechanic 24J years Crew Member 1J years. New Quay A. Slater Emergency Mechanic 18 years. E. G. S. Fowler Motor Mechanic 10J years Tractor Driver Helper 5 months Clacton Assistant Motor Mechanic If years C. H. G. Bolingbroke Coxswain 7 years Second Coxswain 1 year Second Coxswain 15 years Crew Member 12 years. Assistant Mechanic 7 years Crew Member 1 year. North Sunderland J. W. Bolingbroke Emergency Mechanic 13f years D. Mole Motor Mechanic 4J years Crew Member 8 years. Crew Member 9 years.

Cromer Penlee J. J. Davies Shore Helper 2 years A. N. Bawden Assistant Mechanic 8f years Crew Member 46 years. Crew Member 6 years.

Douglas Poole J. Swindlehurst Crew Member 22 years. G. Buckby Second Coxswain 5 months Crew Member 28f years. Dungeness T. R. Tart Coxswain 10 years Ramsey Second Coxswain 18 years R. F. Christian Crew Member 51 years Bowman 1 year R. J. Corkish Crew Member 30 years Crew Member 8 years W. I. Gawne Crew Member 30 years. Silver Medal 1974. Ramsgate Exmouth T. J. H. Cooper Coxswain 12 years M. Mellish Second Coxswain 10| years Second Coxswain 10 years Crew Member 5 years. Bowman 6 years Crew Member 16 years. Falmouth W. L. Brown Coxswain 3 years Second Coxswain 12 years Crew Member 10 years. (Continued on next page)

139 Awards (from previous page)

Salcombe H. W. Distin Coxswain 10 years (Posthumous) Second Coxswain 11 years Bowman 5 years Crew Member 9 years. A. O. Taylor Second Coxswain 114 years We take pride in the fact Crew Member 10 years. that we supply Scarborough A. Rennard Motor Mechanic 23J years COMPASSES AND Tractor Driver 5i years. NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT Selsey D. Arnell Second Coxswain 6J years TO THE R.N.LI. Bowman 5 years Crew Member 15 years. FULL RANGE ON DISPLAY IN OUR LONDON Sennen Cove SHOWROOM W. Hutchens Shore Helper 33 years. Skegness Write for illustrated catalogue of compasses H. A. Burrows Shore Helper 4 years Assistant Tractor Driver 11 years Tractor Driver 6 years Henry Browne*Son Limited Crew Member 9 years. Compass Craftsmen since 1885 Sunderland T. E. Dobson Bowman 15J years Crew Member 4 years. Sales Dapt. & Showroom: 79 Grosvenor Street, London WIX OEQ Swanage D. R. Dyke Second Coxswain 8J years Glasgow: 193 St. Vincent Street Tel: 041-248 6956 Crew Member 13 J years. Thurso G. M. Reid Coxswain 7 years Bowman 2 years Crew Member 20 years. Torbay B. J. Pike Motor Mechanic 9J years Assistant Mechanic (Humber) 7 months Reserve Mechanic 1J years Silver Medal 1973. Walmer F. G. Marchant Assistant Mechanic 1£ years Crew Member 11£ years.

FOR MARITIME ORGANISATIONS Weston-super-Mare YACHTSMEN AND HARD WEAR F. E. Watts Second Coxswain 22} years Bowman 1 year our Crew Member 5 years. FOUL WEATHER GARMENTS Weymouth E. Groves Crew Member 20 years. are Whitby BRITISH DESIGNED W. Harland Coxswain 12 years Bowman 6 years Crew Member 6 years BRITISH MADE Bronze Medal 1970. from E. Breckon Emergency Mechanic 5J years Crew Member 7 years. R. D. Frampton Second Coxswain 8 months BRITISH MATERIALS Assistant Mechanic 2£ years and Bowman 6} years Manufactured in our own Factory Crew Member 14 years. D. Peart Shore Helper 15 years. EVETT SAILWEAR LTD. G. Peart Head Launcher 15 years TIMBER HALL WORKS Shore Helper 5 years. THE SQUARE Wicklow CATERHAM, SURREY, CR3 6QA James Bonus Motor Mechanic 30£ years Reserve Mechanic 5J years. Tel: Caterham (STD 0883) 44433 & 48704 M. Malone Winchman 26 years Crew Member 18 years.

140 the dog swimming alongside, dragged it Lochinver, Highland Lifeboat Services in over the gunwale and then checked September 24 and October 3. Longhope, Orkney (from page 118) to see if any of the survivors needed resuscitation. The time was now 1720. September 20. Lowestoft, Suffolk Another speed boat, crewed by Paul September 14, November 20, 22 and 27. spectacles and dived into the water to Davies and Wyn Evans, arrived along- •Macduff, Grampian help the woman. At the same time John side Sandpiper and was asked to go to September 20. Wall threw a line to the man approach- Aberystwyth to call out the ILB. Margate, Kent ing with the children. Sandpiper was got under way, took the September 12,26, October 31 and November On reaching the woman Richard small pram dinghy in tow and marked 17. Wheeler, a trained life-saver, gave her off the sunken speed boat with an air- Moelfre, Gwynedd support and reassurance that she was tight plastic container. She then set out September 19. now out of danger and, using the 'close for Aberystwyth, meeting the ILB as The Mumbles, West Glamorgan September 27 and October 31. chin tow' method and lifesaving back- she rounded the southern breakwater at Newhaven, East Sussex stroke, towed her towards Sandpiper. 1730. The ILB went on to recover the September 14, 18, 24 and October 16. The tow was hampered by the occasional speed boat, while Sandpiper landed the New Quay, Dyfed breaking swell and by the dog which survivors at Aberystwyth at 1735. September 14. kept trying to climb on to the rescuer The ILB found the sunken boat at Padstow, Cornwall and his casualty; Richard Wheeler in 1740 and managed to tow it back into September 8 and October 11. fact sustained scratches to his face, arms harbour some 15 minutes later. The ILB Peterhead, Grampian and body. was rehoused and ready for service at September 27. When about 5 feet from the boat 1800. Plymouth, Devon October 18. Richard Wheeler was able to grab a line For this service, framed letters of Poole, Dorset and pull the woman alongside. She was appreciation signed by Major-General October 4, 12, 29 and November 12. helped from the water by John Wall and Ralph Farrant, the Chairman of the Port Erin, Isle of Man the other man, her husband. Richard Institution, were awarded to Richard September 11, October 11 and 25. Wheeler climbed into the boat, grabbed Wheeler and John Wall. Porthdinllaen, Gwynedd November 20. Porrpatrick, Wigtownshire September 15. Dunmore East, Co. Waterford Portrush, Co. Antrim Services by Offshore October 3. September 23. Eastbourne, Sussex Pwllheli, Gwynedd Lifeboats, September, September 13 and November 16. October 4. Exmouth, South Devon Ramsey, Isle of Man October and November, September 25 and November 10. September 9 and 27. Falmouth, Cornwall Ramsgate, Kent 1975 October 26, November 9 and 26. September 4, 11, 22 and November 24. Filey, North Yorkshire Redcar, Cleveland September 7 and November 16. September 28. Aldeburgh, Suffolk Fishguard, Dyfed Rhyl, Clwyd September 15. September 13, 23 and 27. November 11. Ballycotton, Co. Cork Fleetwood, Lancashire Runswick, Cleveland November 3 and 6. September 14, October 4, 5, 19 and October 10. Baltimore, Co. Cork November 2. St Helier, Jersey September 13, October 10,26 and November Fowey, Cornwall September 13, 27, November 16 and 19. 11. September 24. St Ives, Cornwall Barrow, Cumbria Galway Bay, Galway September 5, November 12 and 24. September 2 and November 15. September 17, 30, October 9, 21, November St Mary's, Isles of Scilly Barry Dock, South Glamorgan 10 and 16. September 12. September 14 (twice), 20, 27, October 14, Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk St Peter Port, Guernsey 19, November 2, 23 and 30. October 9, 19, 24, November 4, 12, 22, 23 October 26, November 11,16,17,19 and 30. Bembridge, Isle of Wight and 27. Salcombe, Devon September 3, 13, 14, 29, October 12, 31, Harwich, Essex September 3, 17, 26, 28, October 4 and November 17 and 30. September 8 (twice), 9, 14, 18, October 24, November 2. Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland November 15, 19 and 30 (twice). Seaham, Co. Durham September 5, 6 and 21. Hastings, Sussex September 10 and 12. Bridlington, Humberside September 16, 20, 25, October 19 and Selsey, Sussex November 16 and 27. November 7. September 14, 25 and October 7. Calshot, Hampshire Holyhead, Gwynedd Sheerness, Kent September 14 and November 30. September 8. September 7, 25, 27, 29, October 5, 12, 13, Campbeltown, Argyll Howth, Co. Dublin 25, November 14 and 15. September 30. September 27, November 16 and 17. Sheringham, Norfolk Clacton-on-Sea, Essex Humber, Humberside September 9. September 3, 11, 14 (twice) and 19. September 9, 14, 19, October 2, 8, 12, 20 Shoreham Harbour, Sussex Clogher Head, Co. Lough and November 21. September 25. September 20. Ilfracombe, Devon Skegness, Lincolnshire Cloughey-Portavogie, Co. Down September 8. September 6, October 20, November 12, 15 September 19 and November 2. Islay, Strathclyde and 24. Courtmacsherry, Co. Cork September 28 and October 3. Southend-on-Sea, Essex September 1, 19 and November 10. Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway September 17, 27 and November 9. Clovelly, North Devon October 15. Stornoway, Western Isles September 13, October 24 and 27. Kirkwall, Orkney October 3 and 27. Cromer, Norfolk October 10 and 20. September 8 and October 26. Stromness, Orkney Dover, Kent Lerwick, Shetland September 20. October 11,31, November 9, 12 and 30. October 3, November 15 and 20. Sunderland, Tyne and Wear Dungeness, Kent The Lizard-Cadgwith, Cornwall October 20. October 25 and November 30. September 18 and October 3. Swanage, Dorset Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Llandudno, Gwynedd September 18, October 11, 28, November 2, September 1, 10, 13 and November 21. October 12 and November 15. 12 and 28.

141 Teesmouth, Cleveland Burnham-on-Crouch, Suffolk Poole, Dorset September 12, 25, November 2 and 13. September 27 (twice). September 16, 27 (twice), October 1, 11, 12, Tenby, Dyfed Clacton-on-Sea, Essex 22 and November 9. September 3, October 17 and 18. September 19. Port Isaac, Cornwall Thurso, Caithness Craster, Northumberland September 13 and October 5. November 20. September 9. Port Talbot, West Glamorgan Torbay; Devon Criccieth, Gwynedd November 19. September 13,14,21, October 22, November September 30. Pwllheli, Gwynedd 4, 10, 17 and 21. CuUercoats, Tyne and Wear September 3. Troon, Strathclyde September 24 and October 20. Queensferry, Forth September 24, October 15, 25, November Eastbourne, East Sussex September 22 (twice), November 7, 13, 16 17 and 29. September 16, 28 and October 10. and 23. Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear Eastney, Hampshire Ramsgate, Kent September 24. September 13, 14 (twice), 21, October 12, September 10, 19, 22, 23, 28 and November Walmer, Kent 18 (twice), 19, 29 and November 30 2. September 11. (twice). Red Bay, Northern Ireland Walton and Frinton, Essex Filey, North Yorkshire October 19. September 14, October 24 and 31. September 1, 7, 26 and October 25. Redcar, Cleveland Weymouth, Dorset Fleetwood, Lancashire October 10. September 27 (twice), October 4, 10, 11 and September 22 and October 19. Rhyl, Clwyd November 30. Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk October 10 and 19. Whitby, North Yorkshire October 1, 3, 23, November 2 and 27. Selsey, Sussex September 10, 29 and October 25. Hartlepool, Cleveland September 28, October 7, 13 and 25. Wicklow, Co. Wicklow November 2, 5, 13 and 29. Sheerness, Kent October 25. Harwich, Essex November 3, 8 and 14. Workington, Cumbria September 14 and October 23. Shoreham Harbour, Sussex September 13, November 21 and 27. Hayling Island, Hampshire September 10, 21 (twice), 24, October 5, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight September 11, 14, 23, 26, October 4, 11, 12, 12, 26 and November 1. September 14, 29 and November 30. 23, 31 (twice) and November 5. Silloth, Cumbria Youghal, Co. Cork Holyhead, Gwynedd September 6. September 30. September 13. Skegness, Lincolnshire Largs, Strathclyde September 6 and October 30. September 13,14,26,27,29 and October 26. Southend-on-Sea, Essex Littlehampton, Sussex September 2, 5, 13, 14, 19, October 4, 5, 11, October 26, November 16,23 and 30 (twice). 12 (twice), 18, 24 and November 30. Services by Inshore Littlestone-on-Sea, Kent Southwold, Suffolk September 12. September 1, 13, 19 and October 11. Lifeboats, September, Llandudno, Gwynedd Stonehaven, Grampian September 3, October 13, 26 and November September 6, 7, October 10 and 25. October and November, 15. Stranraer, Wigtownshire Lyme Regis, Dorset September 6. 1975 September 12, 13, October 4, 11, 23, Tenby, Dyfed November 14 (twice) and 29. September 6 (twice) and 8. Abersoch, Gwynedd Lymington, Hampshire Tighnabruaich, Argyll October 10 and November 5. September 5, 11, 29, October 12, 22, September 27 and 28. Aberystwyth, Dyfed November 9 and 30. Torbay, Devon September 19 and 21. Lytham St Anne's, Lancashire October 18. Bangor, Co. Down September 6. Tramore, Co. Waterford October 5. Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire September 21. Barmouth, Gwynedd September 21 (twice). Trearddur Bay, Gwynedd September 21. Margate, Kent September 4. Barrow, Cumbria September 27 and November 21. Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear September 4. Minehead, Somerset September 21 and 24. Beaumaris, Gwynedd September 6, 7, 13 and 14. Walmer, Kent September 1, October 3 and 4. Moelfre, Gwynedd October 2, 18 and 29. Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland September 2 and 8 (twice) West Kirby, Merseyside September 21. Morecambe, Lancashire September 13. Blackpool, Lancashire September 11, October 12 and 29. West Mersea, Essex September 18, October 11,15,19, November Mudeford, Dorset September 11,12,14,27, 28, October 12, 13, 8, 9, 23, 24 and 30. September 3, 24, 28 and October 2. 26, November 1, 8 and 29. Borth, Dyfed The Mumbles, West Glamorgan Weston-super-Mare, Avon September 2. September 14 and October 31. September 4, 5, 13, 14, 20, October 22, 31, Bridlington, Humberside Newquay, Cornwall November 2 and 4. September 10, 23 and 28. September 8, 15 and 30. Whitby, North Yorkshire Brighton, East Sussex North Sunderland, Northumberland September 7. October 14. October 4. Whitstable, Kent Broughty Ferry, Tayside Oban, Strathclyde September 3, 13, 18, October 31 and September 1,24, October 4 (twice), 7 and 18. September 4 and October 5. November 15.

SERVICES AND LIVES SAVED BY OFFSHORE AND INSHORE LIFEBOATS

January 1, 1975 to December 31, 1975: Services 2,840; lives saved 1,026

THE STATION FLEET (as at 31/12/75) 134 offshore lifeboats 123 inshore lifeboats operating in the summer 47 inshore lifeboats operating in the winter LIVES RESCUED 100,904 from the Institution's foundation in 1824 to December, 31, 1975

142 Apart from the MERMAID Type 595-TP TURBO-PLUS Marine Diesel Engines being installed in the new WAVENEY Class R.N.L.I. 44ft Steel Lifeboats, twin MERMAID type 397 are currently being installed in a number of this type of ROTHER Class R.N.L.I. Self-Righting Lifeboats now under construction at William Osborne Ltd of Littlehampton.

Mermaid Marine Engines Ltd Mermaid THAMES MARINA THAMES DITTON SURREY Telephone: 01-398 6802

Zodiac, the best inflatable in the world. Zodiac is Number One. Built by the oldest and As a fast yacht tender, ski-boat, sub-aqua boat or best known inflatable manufacturers in the world, an honest-to-goodness runabout, the Zodiac range Zodiac inflatables confirm their pedigree, as soon from 7' 3" to 19 feet provides all the correct as the going gets tough. answers. Life Saving professionals, explorers in remote UK Concessionaires:— places and the military turn to Zodiac for their University Marine Ltd., Silverdale Road, HAYES, Middx. needs. In the cut and thrust of racing, Zodiac Tel: 01-573 8311 keep ahead of the rest - particulary in rugged Please send me your full colour brochure and price list describing conditions. the l<)j6 range of Zodiac inflatables. NAME ADD RE S S __ L/2 Index to Advertisers

Balcan Engineering Ltd (BELL Line-thrower) 144 TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Birds Eye Foods 110 Brooke Marine Ltd Outside Back Cover When your organisation holds its next fund raising effort at a Henry Browne & Son Ltd 140 carnival, fete, donkey derby, boat show or similar activity you Cogswell & Harrison Ltd Inside Back Cover can make an additional £200 in a few hours by running a Teddy Bears Picnic. No financial risk as all stock is supplied at Evett Sailwear Ltd 140 wholesale price on full sale or return, nothing to pay until Functional Clothing Ltd Inside Front Cover after the event, then you pay for what you use, return the David Jolly (Tiller Master) ... 144 balance. Send for full details giving Club/Guild name and Mermaid Marine Engines Ltd 143 status to: Loose Insert J. H. Minet Life & Pensions Ltd V. WEBSTER (DEPT LB) Neco Marine Ltd Inside Back Cover Rentokil Inside Back Cover BRINELL WAY R.C.C. Press Ltd Loose Insert HARFREYS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE Tiller Master (David Jolly) ... 144 GREAT YARMOUTH William R. Selwood Ltd Inside Back Cover NORFOLK NR31 OLU University Marine Ltd (Zodiac) 143 V. Webster 144 C. P. Witter Ltd 144

TROPHIES SMALL VESSEL DELIVERIES RACE SETS—MAINSAILS—DINGHIES CLASSIFIEDS TREVOR VINCETT Yacht Deliveries. 20p per word; Minimum 10 words —CUPS. W. & E. Astin, 7 Westerley Lane, Shelley, Huddersfield. Kirkburton 2368. BoT Yachtmaster. Prompt professional FUND RAISING FOR ALL types of Trophy Cups, Medals, service by sea. Sail or power. Dartmouth Advertising pencils, superb ballpens, combs, Medallions, Shields and Statuettes, Sports Yacht Services. Mayors Avenue, Dart- diaries, each gold stamped Lifeboat name, Prizes, Fancy Goods, Carnival Hats, mouth, Devon. Tel: (080-43) 2035. etc., raise funds, quickly, easily. Bran Tub Balloons, Novelties, Fund-raisers. All Toys: samples from Northern Novelties, requirements for CHILDREN'S CHRIST- Bradford BD1 3HE. MAS PARTIES supplied. ALSO NOW INSURANCE AVAILABLE TO CLUB MEMBERS, MISCELLANEOUS Lounge, Dining and Bedroom Suites, FOR ALL INSURANCE, Phone, Call or Marine Artist, Sean Ludgate, will Carpets. All types of light fittings and Write J. A. Harrison (Brokers) Ltd, undertake commissions for paintings of shades, etc., ALL AT WHOLESALE 'Security House', 160-161 Bromsgrove yachts and marine subjects. Ludgate TRADE PRICES. Send for our 64-page Street, Birmingham B5 6NY. Telephone: catalogue. SWINNERTONS LTD., Dept. Gallery, 13 Seamoor Road, Bourne- LB, UNION STREET, WALSALL WS1 021-692 1245 (10 lines). For keenest rates, mouth BH4 9AA, Hants. 2HJ. service and security.

THE ORIGINAL TILLER MASTER

AUTOMATIC STEERING on a COMPASS COURSE For craft up to 50ft. over 100lbs. thrust. Self-contained unit with simple 2-hole installation. Quickly disengaged. 3 amp. average drain. Ocean proved. £235 ex VAT

SOLAR and WIND BATTERY CHARGERS AVAILABLE Emergency ^ST DAVID JOLLY l__ if P hM^i • ^ NO other hand thrown rescue 3 Little Russel, Lytchett Minster, Poole I mf> aid can achieve the perform- *"" '^ anceofB.E.LL Dorset BH16 6JD. Tel.: 020 122 2142

B.E.L.L.s are widely acclaimed for their throwability to enable direct contact to be made with the man overboard. 132 ft. of 260 ibs. breaking strain floating line wound into a bright orange plastic capsule. It can be thrown by hand an average of 90 ft. or 132 ft. with the aid of a FLIKSTIK, thus superseding any other known safety aid for accuracy, distance and reliability. TOWING B.E L.L.s cannot be rewound—however, they serve as :ellent heaving lines fvt subsequent use. BRACKETS Authenticated rescues at distances exceeding 100 ft. have oved the success of this unique device which exceeds merous D.T.I., I.O.R.C. and U.S. Coastguard regulations. Approved by car manufacturers and issued with Order NOW—before it's too late! ck of 2 B.E.L.L.s, I FLIKSTIK & set of mounting clips— fitting Instructions. Also shock absorbers £9.75 incl. p&p and VAT. stabiliser and couplings. Comprehensive leaflet sent on request- BALCAN ENGINEERING LIMITED, Woodhatl Spa, Lincolnshire, Please save a little for the people who Telephone 0526 52256. save a lot—giVe generously to the R.N.LI.

C. P. WITTER LTD. CHESTER Tel. 0244-4II6«

Designed and Printed in Great Britain by Ditchling Press Ltd., Ditchling, Hassocks, Sussex THE WORLD'S MOST Instant POWERFUL FLASHLIGHT pump

OYNALITE FLASHES One of the world's most powerful flashlights, specially imported from the U.S.A. This six-cell flashlight is 80,000 candle power made of strong plastic, and unconditionally guaranteed for one year. This is an ideal outdoor light for every purpose including signalling. As sold to, and SPAT3"&4" induced floEw tested by the Royal National Life-boat Institution. UNIVERSAL MARINE PUMPS Also approved by the Game Conservancy. Will go to a depth of 30ft and remain 100% water- at work throughout the shipping world Lightweight - Portable - Glandless - Dry running proof. Self priming - Independently driven Marine applications include Tank cleaning * Emergency refuelling * Oil spillage recovery £6.00 (Batteries extra) Cargo transfer * Emergency fire fighting * Deck washing Salvage Silge pumpinc Price includes VAT. IMMEDIATE DELIVERY Post and Packing 45p (UK only) Further information from your local agent or the manufacturers WrHttoD*>t.J WILLIAM R. SELWOOD LTD. Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, Pump Division 105 COQBWEUi ft HARRISON LTD Hampshire, 505 321, England. Phone: (042-15) 66311. Telex: 47683

Automatic Pilot To hold a set course in most conditions Pett Control It Timber Pitiemrion Services & Product! Repeater Compass For easy reading and optimum siting An admittedly Electric Capstan Push-button control modest of 650 Ibs pull quid pro quo Anchor Windlass 1,600 Ibs pull from 12-220 volt D.C. supply You save lives. We save buildings. Including, we're pleased to say, many Dinghy Hoists R.N.L.I. stations. For dinghies, etc., We are proud to serve you in our up to 1,500 Ibs lift small way-just as you, in your big Indicators way, serve others. For Rudder Angle, Battery State RENTOKIL fl, NECO MARINE LTD. guards your property Walton Rd., Eastern Rd., Cosham, Portsmouth, Fclcourt, East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 2JY. Hants. PO61SZ Tel: Cosham (07018) 70988 Brooke Marine Limited ESTABLISHED 1874 SHIPBUILDERS ENGINEERS AND CONSULTING NAVAL ARCHITECTS

TypeSOftSelf-Righting Electronic Equipment Comprises. Length overall 50'0" Kelvin Hughes Type 17W Radar Beam 14' 6" Kelvin Hughes Falkland M.F R.T. Displacement 23.5 tons Decca Navigator Mk 21 Fuel Capacity 400 imp. gallons Pye Westminster VHF Twin General Motors 8V-71 Radio transmitter and receiver Total Power 780 SHP Ferrograph Echo Sounder Maximum Speed about 17 knots Easco Intercom 5-station Unit Range at 17 knots- over 200 miles

I* Lowestoft * Suffolk * England A DOWSETT COMPANY TELEPHONE: LOWESTOFT 65221 - TELEX 97145 CABLES BROOKCRAFT LOWESTOFT.