THE LIFE-BOAT The Journal of the Royal National Life-boat Institution

VOL. XXXVII JUNE, 1963 No. 404

Notes of the Quarter THE first quarter of 1963 was a period prototype life-boat can be built, and in which a number of important some two or three years may elapse before advances were made in the develop- this prototype can be effectively tested ment of life-boat design and in the under service conditions. task, which is a continuous one, of NEW FAST RESCUE CRAFT modernizing and re-equipping the life- Concurrently with these important boat service as a whole. During this developments in the design of life-boats period a new type of life-boat was com- experiments have been carried out with pleted. This was the 48-foot 6-inch a new type of fast rescue craft designed Oakley life-boat, which is described in primarily for inshore rescue work in the detail on page 452 and illustrated on summer months. These craft are inflat- pages 472 and 473. able and are constructed of a tough In the summer of 1958 the first of the nylon material proofed with neoprene. Oakley type of life-boat was completed. They can be driven at 20 knots or more, This was the 37-foot boat, and a num- a 40 h.p. outboard motor being ber of these life-boats are now in mounted on a wooden transom. The service. The Oakley life-boat, as is types with which the Institution has generally known, is a self-righting boat, been experimenting are 15 feet 9 inches but the most important quality of the in length and have a beam of 6 feet boat is not simply that she will right 4 inches. Craft of this type are being herself automatically if she capsizes but placed at the life-boat stations at that she is a more stable boat than Aberystwyth, Gorleston, Redcar and comparable life-boats of the non-self- Wells, and trials will be carried out at righting type, her self-righting quality other points on the coast between life- being provided by an ingenious system boat stations. The craft will normally of shifting of water ballast. The same be manned by a crew of two with two principle has been applied in the new additional helpers to assist in launching 48-foot 6-inch boat, but this is, of course, where necessary. Those who man them a boat of a larger type with a cabin and will receive service rewards on the same shelter for the crew and survivors. At scale as members of life-boat crews. An the time of going to press the new life- illustration of this new type of rescue boat is on her way to Leith, where she craft is to be found on page 475. will be inspected by representatives of life-boat societies from many countries WORST WINTER IN MEMORY who are attending the ninth interna- The winter of 1962-1963 was as tional life-boat conference. severe as any in living memory, and an The 48-foot 6-inch life-boat is not the examination of the accounts of services only type on which the Institution is in this number of the Life-boat will working. Designs have been submitted show continual references to sleet, for a life-boat which will be some 70 snow and ice, with more than one feet in length, will have a higher cruising instance of a life-boat being used to speed than existing life-boats in the convey people or supplies when places fleet and from which it will be possible had been cut off by blizzards. In the to launch a smaller boat for inshore course of the winter one outstanding rescue work. When inviting designs for service by a life-boat led to the winning the new type of life-boat the Institution of the Institution's highest award for gal- made it clear that steel construction lantry, the gold medal. The medal, which might be acceptable. Extensive tank is being presented by Princess Marina, tests will have to be carried out before a Duchess of Kent, at the international 450 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 life-boat conference in Edinburgh, was framed letter of thanks was sent from awarded to Coxswain Hubert Petit, of the Chairman of the Institution to St. Peter Port, Guernsey, for the rescue Coxswain George Mitchell and his of nine people from the Norwegian crew. This service was briefly referred motor vessel Johan Collett on the night to in the March 1963 number of the of 5th/6th February. A full account of Life-boat on page 440. the service appears on this page. Cox- swain Petit is only the third man to SUPPORT FROM AMERICAN7 WIVES receive the Institution's gold medal A delightful ceremony of an unusual since the end of the second world war, kind took place in Aldeburgh recently and it is an interesting fact that one of when the Mayoress of Aldeburgh, Mrs. the others was also a Channel Islander. Dudley O. Knowles, issued membership This was Coxswain Thomas King, of badges of the ladies' life-boat guild to the St. Helier, whose medal was awarded 38 wives of the fighter pilots of the U.S. in 1949. The third gold medallist was 91st Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Coxswain Richard Evans, of Moelfre. 81st Tactical Fighter Wing stationed at Another service of exceptional merit in the R.A.F. station at Bentwaters, appalling conditions was carried out by Suffolk. There has been no previous the Lizard-Cadgwith life-boat on the example of a group of American women 28th and the 29th December, 1962, joining a ladies' life-boat guild en masse when an east-north-easterly gale reach- in this fashion, and the example of the ing force 11 was blowing, and the wives was soon emulated by their hus- life-boat carried out a search for bands, when eleven members of the approximately 14 hours, conditions Tactical Fighter Wing became active being such that during the entire search associate members of the Aldeburgh the life-boat's drogue was streamed. A and District ladies' life-boat guild.

Third Gold Medal since the war AT 3.15 on the afternoon of 5th casualty about six o'clock and that February, 1963, Niton radio informed some six other vessels were also making St. Peter Port radio in Guernsey that for the position to give help if needed. the Norwegian motor vessel Johan The Johan Collett, a vessel of 1,995 Collett needed help immediately. Her gross tons, with an overall length of position was fourteen miles west-north- 258 feet, a beam of 41 feet and a loaded west of Les Hanois lighthouse. draught of approximately 19 ft. 6 ins., The assembly signal was made at was bound from Tunis to Ghent. Her 3.30, and at 3.45 the St. Peter Port cargo of zinc concentrates had shifted, life-boat Euphrosyne Kendal, which is causing a severe list to starboard. one of the 52-foot Barnett class, left her Ship's Boat Lowered moorings. At that time a near gale was At five o'clock her master decided to blowing from the south, but the wind lower the ship's boat while the weather was increasing, the sea was rough and conditions still allowed him to do so, the weather was overcast, visibility and eleven of the crew were transferred being moderate. It was high water. to the s.s. Bonnard and later landed at Message from Frigate Ostend. At 6.4 three more of the crew Coxswain Hubert Petit set a course left in a rubber raft and were picked close inshore south of the island in up by the s.s. Kaupanger. By this time order to avoid a 3-j knot foul tide. By the President Kruger had reached the going inside the rocks and keeping only scene, and four of the merchant ships about fifty yards off shore the life-boat which had been standing by left. made good time to Les Hanois light- Coxswain Petit was ably assisted in house and passed it at 4.46. An hour navigating to the scene of the casualty earlier a message had been received from by his son, John Petit, a master mariner. the South African frigate President Mechanic E. C. Pattimore also helped Kruger that she expected to reach the by taking occasional D/F bearings of JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 451 the President Kruger, and the frigate was on her beam ends with seas sweep- gave useful assistance by taking check ing her port side. There were still six bearings of the life-boat. men on board. The life-boat reached the Johan At 12.45 these men decided to Collett at 6.30. By then the weather had abandon ship, and Coxswain Petit ran deteriorated, the wind had shifted to the in under her port quarter. He could south-east and was blowing a gale, and hardly have had more difficult con- visibility was about four miles. There ditions as the vessel was still being was a long low swell and seas estimated towed at about 3 knots. at some fifteen feet between trough and crest. It was snowing and there was Illuminated by Searchlight severe icing on the windscreen. The Coxswain Petit had to manoeuvre the depth of water around the Johan life-boat so that her starboard side was Collett was about 36 fathoms. alongside the motor vessel's port quar- ter on the top of a sea, allowing enough Heavy List to Starboard time for the survivors to jump aboard. The Johan Collett was lying stopped With the President Kruger illuminating in the trough of the sea with her port the scene by searchlight he made six beam to the wind. She had a heavy list more runs in. On the first run the life- to starboard with her gunwale awash. boat's bow was swung off by a huge sea, Her master had earlier refused an offer but the coxswain positioned her accur- of a tow and was awaiting the arrival of the tug Abeille 10 from Cherbourg. The ately on the second and third runs, life-boat stood by and tried to com- when first one man and then two men municate by masthead signalling lamp, jumped aboard the life-boat. but the seas were so heavy that the On the fourth run one man jumped, signals were largely obliterated as the but on the fifth the man who was about life-boat fell into the trough, and to jump hesitated for a second and fell eventually the President Kruger relayed twenty feet into the life-boat. On the the life-boat's R/T signals to the Johan sixth run the master jumped and fell on Collett by lamp. the outside of the guard rail. Three At 9.35 the master of the Johan members of the life-boat's crew suc- Collett asked the life-boat to take off ceeded in dragging him inboard just his chief engineer and two apprentices. before the life-boat struck heavily To do this Coxswain Petit had to make against the motor vessel's quarter. four runs into the starboard or lee Nine Survivors Landed quarter of the casualty. On the first run The time was now 1.17 in the the blocks and falls swinging from the morning, and the life-boat made for St. davits of the ship's boats impeded him Peter Port with the nine survivors. She and they had to be hauled inboard. He eventually arrived at 6.45. then took one man off at each successive For this service the gold medal for run, remaining alongside each time just gallantry has been awarded to Cox- long enough for a man to jump. swain Hubert Ernest Petit. Bronze Full Gale Blowing medals were awarded to Motor Mech- The tug Abeille 10, which was pre- anic Eric Clifford Pattimore and John ceded by H.M.S. Ark Royal, reached Hubert Petit. The thanks of the In- the scene at 10.41, and after seven at- stitution inscribed on vellum were tempts secured a tow line to the Johan accorded to Bowman John William Le Collett, this operation lasting nearly an Page, Assistant Mechanic Robert Lewis hour and a half. The tug began towing Vowles and crew members Alfred into the wind at about 3 knots, and this William Ogier, Reuben Martel and immediately increased the motor vessel's Henry Charles Bisson. list to 35-40 degrees. A letter of thanks signed by the The weather had grown steadily Chairman of the Committee of Man- worse. A full gale gusting to force 10 agement was sent to Captain M. R. against the 3-knot tide was causing very Terry-Lloyd, who commanded the rough steep seas, and the Johan Collett frigate President Kruger. 452 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 Rescue by 14-foot rowing boat About eight o'clock on the evening The Scalpay Isle therefore made for of 8th December, 1962, the trawler Tarbert, where she embarked the life- Boston Heron ran aground at Stilamair, saving apparatus company, whom she an uninhabited island south-west of landed on the north side of Stilamair Scalpay in the Little Minch. A south- Island. south-westerly gale was blowing, gusting In the meantime a 14-foot open to force 9, and the sea was very rough. rowing boat manned by six men put It was one hour after low water. The out from Scalpay Island. She was able night was dark with an overcast sky and to approach closer to the trawler, and occasional rain showers. although she could not get alongside At 9.30 the Stornoway coastguard she rescued the master, who was cling- informed the honorary secretary of the ing to a rock in a state of exhaustion, Stornoway life-boat station, Captain and two other men who had managed Alexander Mackay, of the casualty, and to swim ashore. The rowing boat then at 10.5 the Stornoway life-boat The returned to Scalpay and the survivors James and Margaret Boyd, which is one were taken to Tarbert. of the 52-foot Barnett type, left her The Tarbert L.S.A. team succeeded moorings. in rescuing two more men by breeches buoy, but it was learnt later that seven of the crew were drowned. Five of the Hampered by Outlying Rocks bodies were recovered. When the life-boat reached the scene For this service the thanks of the of the casualty she found four motor Institution inscribed on vellum were fishing vessels, Scalpay Isle, Venture, accorded to the six men who manned the Marion and Jahan, standing by. Neither rowing boat. They were: William the life-boat nor any of the fishing MacSween, Senior, William MacSween, vessels could get close enough to give Junior, Finlay MacSween, Neil Cun- effective help because of the outlying ningham, Norman Cunningham and rocks. Calum Gillies.

The new 48-foot 6-inch life-boat THE Institution has produced its first All controls in the life-boat are cen- life-boat of the larger class, with a cabin tralized near the coxswain at the wheel, and shelter for the crew and survivors, and for the first time a radar set is being which incorporates the self-righting fitted into one of the Institution's life- principle. This is a 48-foot 6-inch life- boats. boat designed by Mr. R. A. Oakley, Surveyor of Life-boats and built by Conrad Memorial Messrs. William Osborne at Little- In the wheelhouse shelter there is a hampton. The life-boat has a water bulkhead at the fore-end incorporating ballast tank sited beneath the engines. the instrument panel on the starboard This fills automatically when the boat side and the electronic consol on the enters the sea, and if the life-boat should port side. In the consol are housed the capsize, 1\ tons of water would be medium wave radio transmitter and speedily transferred into a righting tank receiver, the very high frequency radio on the port side. The water would pass receiver and transmitter, the echo through three trunks or pipes, in each of sounder recorder, the radar display unit which is fitted a valve designed to open and the radio direction finder. when the boat is heeled over to an angle For many years enquiries have been of about 110 degrees. The boat has been made with the object of finding a radar subjected to capsizing trials which prove set which can be of practical use in a that she would right herself in 5/7 life-boat. The set being fitted in the seconds. 48-foot 6-inch boat is the new Decca JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 453 type 202 set. It has been provided as a type. In 1959 the 37-foot Oakley life- memorial to the great novelist Joseph boat, which is a self-righter, came into Conrad. Conrad was born on 3rd service, but this was an open boat with a December, 1857, and to mark the cen- shelter but no cabin. tenary of his birth an appeal was launched with a letter signed, among More Initial Stability others, by the Poet Laureate for funds One of the most important features to provide a new life-boat as a Conrad of the new life-boat is that she has memorial. Although contributions came decidedly more initial stability than the in from a number of countries the 47-foot type. The deck area liable to amount received fell far short of the swamping has been reduced and any cost of a life-boat, and with the agree- water shipped passes down tubes ment of Conrad's family the money through the bottom of the boat, each subscribed is being used for the radar tube being fitted with a non-return valve. set. The new life-boat is propelled by twin Gardner 6 LX diesel engines, each Characteristics of Boat developing 101 brake horse power at 1,200 revolutions per minute, driving The following table shows the main the propellers through 2:1 reduction characteristics of the new life-boat and gears. Each propeller is designed to of a comparable boat of the non-self- absorb 95 brake horse power so that a righting type, the 47-foot Watson boat. reserve of 6 brake horse power is left to minimize loss of speed when the boat is New 47' 0" punching through heavy head seas. Design Watson The air for the engines and ventilation Length 48' 6" 47' 0" of the boat is delivered by three electric Beam 14'0" 13'0" Displacement, estimated 27 tons 23 tons fans. If the life-boat capsizes the fans Water ballast 2i tons Nil are switched off automatically and the Weight of ballast keel 3 tons 3 tons ventilation trunks closed by automatic Speed 9 knots 8.8 knots Maximum righting valves to prevent water from rushing in. moment 43.5 tons 34.3 tons ft. at 44° ft. at 37° Passage to Edinburgh Righting moment at 90° 33.5 11.5 There are three watertight doors, one tons ft. tons ft. 3 leading from the steering position to the Range of stability ISO 105° after cabin, one from the after cabin into the engine room, and one from the Before the new life-boat was built ex- engine room into the forward cabin. tensive tank tests were carried out with If the after door of the engine room and various models. The results of the tests fore cabin emergency hatches are left were most encouraging and suggested open, the coxswain's attention is called that the new boat's performance in by red warning lights. heavy seas might well be superior to that The new life-boat, which is named of the 47-foot Watson type. This was a The Earl and Countess Howe, after com- striking advance, for up to 1959 the pleting extensive sea trials in the Little- trend in life-boat design had been to- hampton area, made the passage to wards the building of non-self-righting Edinburgh, where she was shown at the life-boats, as they were considered more ninth international life-boat conference. stable and therefore less liable to cap- She will eventually be stationed at size than life-boats of the self-righting Yarmouth in the Isle of Wight.

Naming Ceremonies in 1963 AT the time of going to press it is 20th June, Sunderland on 4th July, known that naming ceremonies of new Boulmer on 6th July and Shoreham on life-boats will take place at Salcombe on 18th July. 454 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 Annual General Meeting H.R.H. PRINCESS MARINA, DUCHESS OF "On the financial side results have KENT, President of the Institution, once also been satisfactory, and for this we again attended the annual general meet- have to thank the wonderful body of ing of the governors of the Institution voluntary workers who devote so much at the Central Hall, Westminster, on the time and effort to raising money for us 2nd April, 1963. The meeting was an in all parts of the country. The work exceptional one in that as many as they did last year was truly magnificent fourteen medals for gallantry were and reflected in the results, but even so presented, and there were a number of I feel I must sound a note of warning. other awards. Reporting on the past As the few examples of technical year's work, Earl Howe, Chairman of developments which I have mentioned the Committee of Management, said: may indicate, we are engaged in a huge "My first duty today is to report to you programme of reconstruction and re- on the work of the life-boat service in equipment, our reserves for a service 1962. In the course of that year the lives of this nature are not high, and there is of 422 people were saved by our life- no doubt whatever that we shall have boat crews. This is six higher than the to raise more money in the future to figure for 1961, which was the busiest carry out our task of giving our life-boat year that our life-boat service had crews the best of everything. We shall known in time of peace. carry out that task—have no doubt "In other respects too, the year was about that; and I believe that with the one of notable achievement, particu- help of all our splendid voluntary work- larly in the technical field. During the ers we shall raise the necessary funds. year work continued on the building of a new type of life-boat, which has now Seaham Disaster Fund been completed. This life-boat is the "The year was, as I have suggested, 48-foot 6-inch Oakley boat, and she is in very many ways a successful one, the first life-boat of the larger class with but it was not without tragic losses. Last a cabin in which the self-righting year six members of our life-boat crews principle has been incorporated. A few gave their lives on service. Five of them years ago we introduced the 37-foot were involved in the capsize of the Oakley boat, which was revolutionary Seaham life-boat last November: the in that it was a self-righter yet had other was a member of the New greater initial stability than other life- Brighton crew. These were terrible boats of comparable size which had losses. It has been our privilege, as it been built before. Now we have taken always is, to give pensions to the a further important step forward, and dependents of these men out of the the new life-boat will be shown to Institution's general funds, and in representatives of life-boat societies all addition it is gratifying to learn that the over the world at the Ninth International fund launched by the Chairman of the Conference, which is to be held in Seaham Urban District Council raised Edinburgh in June and which Your over £48,000. But nothing can compen- Royal Highness has graciously con- sate for the loss that is felt. sented to open. "We did, of course, make a most thorough inquiry into the circumstances Design for New Life-boat of the disaster and a most detailed "We have also invited designs from examination of the boat, and from this a number of leading boat builders for it was clear that the cause of the disaster another new kind of life-boat, which was simply the terrible state of the sea will be 70 feet in length, will have a just outside the harbour at the time higher cruising speed than other life- when the life-boat was returning. Even boats and from which it will be possible after all the pounding she received to launch a smaller or, as it is sometimes following the capsize the boat was still called, a 'daughter' boat for inshore seaworthy, and such is her condition work. that after re-engining her and carrying JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 455 out certain repairs we shall place her in especially gruelling one for our life-boat the reserve fleet. crews. Lord Howe has already referred to the tragedy at Seaham which shocked Experts from Many Countries and distressed us so deeply. Once again, on behalf of you all, I would like to "This disaster was not attributable to express our heartfelt sympathy to the any defect in the boat or its machinery. families of the very gallant men who Nevertheless, our task of constantly lost their lives in that catastrophe. improving our life-boats goes on and will go on. The real purpose of the conference in Edinburgh this year is to Fourteen Medallists enable experts from all over the world "Conditions at that time were terrible to come together and to learn from each everywhere; this will be evident to you other's ideas and experiences. We in when you hear some of the accounts of this country have led the world in the services undertaken by life-boat crews life-boat service, but we are certainly from all over the country. And it is not not too proud to learn all we can from without significance that last year, for our friends overseas. instance, there was only one medallist "Before I propose formally that the to come up to this platform; this year report and accounts be adopted I have there will be no less than fourteen. the extremely pleasant task of welcom- "A number of these splendid actions ing once again Your Royal Highness, were undertaken by men such as Thomas whom we are all delighted to see here Fawcus, of Blyth, and Sidney Cann, of again. I wish I could tell you what an Appledore, both of whom have been in enormous encouragement it is to the the service of the Institution for very whole service, men and everybody, that many years. you should be able to come here and "But there were also a number of see us as you have today. I have much most gallant rescues carried out by pleasure too in introducing our guest much younger men, and some of these speaker. This year we are to have an you will see on this platform this address from someone who has served afternoon, when I have the honour of as coxswain of a life-boat for a number conferring upon them their medals and of years. He is also a member of our awards. Committee of Management. This is Mr. P. Denham Christie, who until Visit to Edinburgh recently was coxswain of the Tynemouth "This year, I am greatly looking life-boat. forward to the International Conference "Other guests I am delighted to wel- which is to take place at Edinburgh and come include His Excellency the to the opportunities it will give me of Netherlands Ambassador. I am glad meeting representatives of many life- too, to think that there are many boat societies from overseas. I am sure members of Parliament, whose con- the exchange of ideas will be of the stituents have won awards for gallantry, greatest value to everyone and a most and many heads of civic authorities rewarding experience. present." "Finally, I would like to send my good wishes to all those who work so Presidential Address faithfully on behalf of the Life-boat The report and accounts for 1962 were Institution. In particular, I send once adopted, and the president, vice-presi- more my congratulations to the life-boat dents, treasurer and other members of crews on their outstanding record this the Committee of Management and the year, and my very best wishes to them auditors were elected. for the future. I would also like to add PRINCESS MARINA then gave her my thanks and sincere wishes to all presidential address. After thanking the those who through their voluntary Chairman for his welcome she said: efforts help to keep this magnificent "This has been as bad a winter as any service alive and uphold its splendid of us can remember; it has been an reputation throught the world." 456 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 Princess Marina then presented: To MASTER CHRISTOPHER DUFFY, of Ham- worthy, an engraved wrist watch for the To COXSWAIN MALCOLM MACDONALD, of rescue of an eight-year-old girl on 10th June; Stornoway, the silver medal for gallantry for the rescue of two of the motor fishing vessel Maime To MR. NIGEL HARDING and MR. DAVID on 30th January; METTAM engraved wrist watches for the rescue of one man, two women and a dog at Axmouth To MOTOR MECHANIC JOHN MACLEOD the harbour on 15th July: bronze medal for the same service; To ASSISTANT MECHANIC JOHN MACDONALD To MASTER DEREK HUMFRYES of Bembridge, the bronze medal for the same service; an engraved wrist watch for the rescue of a man, a woman, and a boy from a dinghy on 31st To COXSWAIN HAROLD CAMPINI, of Rhyl, the July. silver medal for the rescue of the crew of three on board the hovercraft VA3-001 on 17th September; Earl Howe then asked Mr. P. Denham Christie, a member of the Committee of To COXSWAIN SIDNEY CANN, of Appledore, Management, to propose the usual the silver medal for a service to the Royal Fleet resolution of appreciation of the Insti- Auxiliary tanker Green Ranger on 17th/18th November; tution's coxswains and crews, its local committees and officers of station To COXSWAIN THOMAS FAWCUS, of Blyth, the branches, financial branches and the silver medal for the rescue of the crew of two of ladies' life-boat guild. the motor vessel Paullgate on 18th November; In doing so, he said: "I would like to tell you about the life-boat To BOWMAN JOHN KERR the bronze medal for the same service; from the point of view of those who man and serve the boats. To COXSWAIN COLEMAN HERNON, of Galway "In the old days the coxswains and Bay, the bronze medal for the rescue of the crew crews used, in the main, to be inshore of eight of the Dutch motor vessel June on fishermen, though in certain cases every 16th January; able-bodied man turned out to launch To ASSISTANT MECHANIC BARTLEY MULLEN or man the boat, and sometimes the the bronze medal for the same service; women had to do the launching. "Now, with the alteration in fishing To PATRICK QUINN the bronze medal for the methods, and the fact that motor life- same service; boats, with their longer range, may be To THOMAS JOYCE the bronze medal for the stationed where there are no fishing same service; boats, the fisherman is not always available, and we have to draw on the To COXSWAIN WALTER SEMPLE, of Cloughey, the bronze medal for the rescue of the crew of ordinary Briton's understanding of the five of the Dutch coaster Frida Blokzijl on 7th sea. March; Policeman, Carpenter and Printer To COXSWAIN HAROLD PARKINSON, of Lytham-St. Anne's, the bronze medal for the "In the Tynemouth life-boat the rescue of the crew of four from the yacht second coxswain was a builder's fore- Lone Seeker on 21st July; man, and we had a policeman, a joiner, a carpenter, a printer, and To CAPTAIN ARTHUR JENNINGS, of Alderney, the bronze medal for the rescue of the crew of a young shipyard manager. seven of the motor vessel Ridunian on 28th "In some cases it has even been known March; for the local clergyman to be pressed into service, but the position of clergy- To MR. G. G. WRIGHT and MR. L. S. men in ships is a disturbing one. In BETTISON the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum for the rescue of one man and five days of old, when the king gathered children from a cabin cruiser near Conway on together a fleet of ships, he went to the 16th September; church to supply his senior officers as there were few other suitable people who To Miss LIZETTE JOHNSON and MASTER MICHAEL JOHNSON engraved wrist watches for could read and write. So monks were their parts in the same service; appointed as admirals, and as monks JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 457 could have no belongings of their own, tainment if the weather deteriorates they were made archdeacons to enable and you feel you should remain in easy them to keep their pay, and anything call, and the quickening of the heart if else they obtained from their appoint- the 'phone rings at an unusual time, ment. Later on, however, ideas changed, so it is actually a relief when a call does probably in the days of the Armada, come. when every ship had her clergyman, and "It is perhaps during this period of some forgot that man must do what he waiting that the good coxswain does his can to help himself when in difficulties, best work in keeping up the efficiency and many ships were lost through the of the boat and the morale of his crew, crew being called from handling sails so that when they go to sea they work as and gear in an emergency in order to a well-trained team. In service it is not pray. So today, clergymen—together his job to try and earn medals—in fact with ladies—who also take men's it is his duty to avoid as much risk as minds from their work—are classed as possible and to know when to wait and menaces aboard ship. when to take a calculated risk, for smashed boats and injured crews do not make rescues. There are times when Time of Great Advance the decision to wait is of much more "The fact that the crew of the boat is value to the shipwrecked than just to made up of such a mixture of people has go in regardless of everything, but it is on more than one occasion been thrown a very hard decision for the coxswain to in my face with the contemptuous re- make. mark, 'Oh, amateurs, surely you can do better than that!' Happy Crew an Efficient One "My reply is, 'Volunteers, certainly, "So, you see, a very brave man who with all the advantages of the volunteer, ignores danger is not necessarily the best but there is nothing amateurish about coxswain, for he needs vision to weigh their work: trained as a team, trusting up a situation, self-discipline to take each other, and with boats and gear on the unpopular decision, moral courage which they can rely, you won't find to face uninformed criticism ashore and crews to touch them anywhere in the not to let it affect his judgment, and the world.' organizing ability and imagination to "With regard to boats, I would just keep the crew keen, efficient and happy like to say this: now is a time of great during long periods of inactivity between advance. Future boats are going to be calls. For a happy crew is an efficient built that are far finer and better life- one. boats than those we have at present, "In the life-saving team are others but I myself have been frightened on too: the honorary secretary who author- occasions during service with the terrible izes the launch, the head launcher and and lonely feeling of inadequacy, but his helpers, who have the work of never once have I had a moment's fear launching the boat, preparing the slip- that the boat would not do what I way and gear for her coming back, put- wanted her to do or more. ting on hot soup for the crew, and then waiting and waiting—and wondering what is happening. Plenty of work and Long Periods of Waiting worry and none of the excitement. "Imagination is caught by the life- Behind them are the committees and boatman who goes to sea in weather those who work for funds and never which causes others to run for safety, even see a life-boat, but know that their and whose only thought is the saving of efforts have made possible every rescue life. There are other sides to the job— around our coast. work on the boat to keep her in a first- "The big rescue job only comes along rate state, exercises at sea, long periods occasionally. A description of some of of waiting, and the feeling of being tied, the work of the Tynemouth boat will of never going out without leaving an show the usual sort of thing that address, cancelling your evening's enter- happens. 458 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 "Two boys and a dog put out in a engineer from a trawler, and she was late small boat in a 20 m.p.h. offshore wind, due to engine trouble, so we decided to and once clear of the shelter of shore go ashore and raid the larder and come began rapidly drifting towards Norway out again. As we cast off the second time in an increasing sea. They were very someone threw on board a very early pleased to see the life-boat when picked edition of the newspaper, and as we left up two miles off the coast, but their harbour we delightedly read a glowing pride rapidly overcame their gratitude account of the service we had not yet when it came to explaining what had performed. happened to the press and to their "Then there was the man that we friends. came upon at the harbour entrance as "A swimmer went out in a heavy on- we returned from a service call, fishing shore swell and got into difficulties, so happily and so intent on his line and deaf that two life-boats had to search over a to the calls of a large crowd gathered on bad reef in breaking water and in the cliff top, that he never realized that failing light, with little hope of success. he had drifted out of smooth water into a really frightening sea, and who, Dimly out of Blackness when we had towed him to safety, smiled kindly upon us—and went on "One Sunday night we received a call fishing. to a German trawler 30 miles out into "Helicopters always gave us a nasty a very stormy North Sea; afterwards feeling that they might settle on us, and there was some doubt whether it had one nearly did. She proved extremely been a real SOS or a hoax, but we did difficult to come alongside because her not know that at the time. rotor tips kept suddenly appearing out of "That night the phrase 'brotherhood the sea in unexpected places and at of the sea' took on a new meaning for incredible distances from the machine. me; as we neared the search area in shocking weather we sighted dark form Fog the Main Worry after dark form dimly appearing out of "It was fog, however, that really the blackness—a trawler, a coaster, worried me. The design of small, another trawler, and a lordly mailboat, transistorized navigation instruments is brilliantly illuminated and rolling so now making such rapid strides that heavily that it made me queasy to watch many of them are becoming suitable for her; all of them searching hour after fitting in life-boats. But even a year ago hour for signs of survivors, at enormous you only had compass, hand lead-line cost to their owners and inconvenience and your own ears to find your way to their crews and passengers. home perhaps for four or five miles "Eventually the search was called off, along a rocky coast, grope your way and dawn found us wet, cold and through a harbour entrance you never desperately disappointed approaching even saw, and then navigate a mile of the piers; as we entered we saw a small a river in fog so thick that you could not fishing boat sheltering behind the north see bows from cockpit. This is the most pier where no boat would normally difficult thing I ever had to do; it leaves think of lying, and as we came past she you with nerves raw, eyes sore and followed us upstream: she had run for strained, and dog-tired. Above all things shelter as we went out the night before; preserve me from fog. her crew had listened to our search all "The head sea in heavy weather is not night on their radio, and they felt that the greatest danger; the going out can they must at all costs see us safely over can be wet and even exhilarating, but the bar. Talk of 'sympathy in action'. the sea, like other enemies, is at its I cannot tell you how much it meant to deadliest when you turn your back upon us at that hour. it, for it comes up behind, lifts your stern, thus reducing your rudder area, Went on Fishing and at the same time forces your bow "Comedy plays its part; one night we down into the water, so that there is a went out to collect a badly injured risk that the boat swings violently JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 459 broadside on and is rolled over and MRS. W. D. GALE, of West Cowes. over by the next wave. Her Royal Highness then presented Value of Drogue bars to their gold badges to: "We have, however, a device we use Miss M. TART, Dungeness; in these cases; it is called a drogue and MRS. C. LEYLAND, O.B.E., Southend-on-Sea; is a conical-shaped sleeve made of very stout canvas, open at the ends. It is most and gold badges to: effective but gives a peculiar sensation of life hanging on a thread—as indeed it MRS. A. EDDY, Central London; MRS. R. MATHERS, Dundee; does. Such a simple device, but it must ALDERMAN G. T. PAINE, M.D.E., J.P., Dunge- have saved thousands of lives, and it is ness; to my mind the most important piece of MR. W. MILLS, Forest Row; equipment in the life-boat. MRS. E. P. LE MASURIER, Jersey; MR. J. M. F. GROAT, Longhope; "On these occasions the worst mo- MRS. C. C. SAYLE, Rhyl. ment is just before reaching home, when the waves begin to build up in the Captain G. E. Barnard, a member of shallowing water and form extremely the Committee of Management and steep following seas. Deputy Master of Trinity House, moved "I remember one occasion with the a vote of thanks to Princess Marina, harbour entrance completely obscured saying: when the boat was in the trough, and an awe-inspiring view when on the Thanks of Elder Brethren crest, with a cauldron of breaking water "It is an honour and privilege for me to the side of the entrance and the end to move this vote of thanks to your of the pier taking a terrific battering and Royal Highness for coming here today huge sheets of flying spray forming fans to preside over this meeting and to of white tracery many times the height present the awards won by the members of the lighthouse. of the crews of your life-boats who have "The drogue was tending to jump, so hazarded their own lives in services to the line was paid out a little, and you all in danger from the seas and rocks could feel the tension ease as it became around our coasts during this past year obvious that the drogue was holding the and others who have rendered valuable stern up to the seas, and one by one we service in saving life to the Institution. were attracted by the wonder and "I am sure that it is right to say that beauty of the scene, and very vividly to those who have received awards this my mind came the words: 'They that go afternoon must feel doubly rewarded down to the sea in ships and occupy that you, Madam, have been able to be their business in great waters, these men here today to make these presentations. see the works of the Lord and the "As in many previous years, there wonders of the deep.' have been numerous dangerous services during the year, all brought to a safe A Small Boat Sailor conclusion apart from that off Seaham "You know, whoever wrote the one on the 17th November last, which Your hundred and seventh psalm must have Royal Highness has mentioned and in been a small boat sailor—it is so which casualty Your Royal Highness wonderfully and magnificently true. showed such a deeply sympathetic "I have tried to tell, very simply, how concern. Those who suffered most were the day to day work of the life-boat heartened and the whole service is very affects the lives of some of those taking grateful. part, and with all my heart I move the "Among the many missions under- adoption of the resolution." taken by your life-boats a number are The resolution was carried unani- on behalf of Trinity House and I would mously and Princess Marina then particularly wish to express the thanks presented the certificate of an honorary of the Elder Brethren for the ever- life governor to: willing assistance given. 460 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 "Mr. Christie has already said some- of Management, to be allowed to take thing of the life facing life-boatmen. part in these proceedings and above all Many times during my thirty-five years it is an honour for me to be associated at sea, most of it spent in large, powerful with this expression of thanks to our steamers, the sight of gale-driven break- President for her presence here today. ing seas has been awe-inspiring and In addition, perhaps you will allow me even frightening in their destructive to say, my Lord Chairman, as repre- force. What they must look like from a sentative of the Isle of Wight life-boat 48-foot 6-inch life-boat in shoal water I board, that it is a great honour for the can only imagine, but whatever it may members of the board to know that a be the crews take it all as part of the young man (I will not say of tender day's work. years, for that will offend him, but certainly very young) has been awarded Tribute to Coxswains' Skill a wrist watch for gallantry, and also "When we consider the sort of honoured is a lady who is a member weather conditions and the many of the ladies' guild in the Isle of services carried out, it is not perhaps Wight. surprising that there has been an "Perhaps I should explain the Isle of occasional casualty; it is much more sur- Wight is still part of the United King- prising that there have been so few. dom. A lady asked me the other day This is a great tribute, not only to the where the Customs and Currency Office skill of the coxswains and crews of your was. I assured her that with or without life-boats, but also to the seaworthy a railway the Isle of Wight was still qualities of these boats as stressed by part of the United Kingdom. Mr. Christie in his speech. As the Earl Howe has already said, we are never Carried with Acclamation complacent about this matter of quality. "The grace and fervour and freshness Improvements and possibilities for im- which Your Royal Highness brings to provement are under constant con- us as President commands our constant sideration. admiration. Perhaps I may mention an "Your Royal Highness, we are greatly attribute which is more enduring, and indebted to you, and I am sure all that is the sincerity which you, Madam, present will be very ready to support bring to your task. This is a quality this vote of thanks." which springs straight from the heart Seconding the vote, Sir Charles and must always command our respect Baring, a member of the Committee of and affection. Management, said: "For the family reasons that I have "In the usual way it would be entirely mentioned, may I assure you, Madam, inappropriate for me to introduce a that this occasion will remain for me a personal note into the proceedings, but treasured memory and with a great I should be less than human if I did not feeling of obligation I beg leave to second make a brief reference to one who so this vote of thanks." often presided at these meetings. Your The vote of thanks was carried with predecessor, my Lord Chairman, so acclamation. often spoke of the charm and distinction Supporting Princess Marina on the with which Her Royal Highness dis- platform were His Excellency the charges her duties, and it is warming to Netherlands Ambassador; the Mayor know that to the end of his life he and Mayoress of Westminster; the retained the happiest memories of the members of Parliament for Blyth, kindness and consideration which our Edinburgh, N. Devon, South Fylde, President extended not only to him and Torrington, W. Flint, West Southend, the Committee of Management but to and the Western Isles; the mayors the crews and workers of the Institution. and mayoresses of forty-nine towns and boroughs; the chairmen of two urban Isle of Wight Awards district councils; representatives of the "It is therefore a great privilege for Ministry of Transport; donors of life- me, as a new member of the Committee boats or their representatives, including JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 461 the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows and Life-boat Guild and the chairman and the Canadian Pacific Steamship Com- vice-chairmen of the Central London pany; representatives of charitable trusts Women's Committee of the Institu- which have been actively supporting the tion. life-boat service; honorary life-govern- In the evening those who had received ors and vice-presidents of the Institution; awards for gallantry and their families members of the Committee of Manage- saw the Black and White Minstrel show ment; the President of the Ladies' at the Victoria Palace,

New District Inspectors appointed As a consequence of the steady in- Two new district inspectors have been crease in the number of services by life- appointed. One is Lieut.-Commander boats and the need to train crews in the L. A. Forbes, R.N., who was born in use of new types of rescue craft and 1921. He served as a sub-lieutenant and equipment it has been decided to increase lieutenant in cruisers and destroyers on from the 1st July, 1963, the number of the Russian convoys from 1942-1944 and the Institution's operational districts on east-coast convoys for the remainder from five to six in order to ensure that of the war. He became a torpedo and district inspectors have the time to anti-submarine specialist and was on carry out their duties of supervision the instructional staff of H.M.S. Vernon. fully at all stations. From 1956-1962 he was fleet torpedo and anti-submarine officer in the reserve The following are the new districts fleet, and sea trials officer at Portland in with the names of the district inspectors: charge of sea trials of coastal and in- shore minesweepers. Scottish district: (Lieut.-Commander The other is Lieutenant P. F. Glad- L. A. Forbes, R.N.), to include the win, R.N.R., who was born in 1930 and whole of Scotland; who joined the B.P. Tanker Company in 1946. He obtained his master's certifi- North-Eastern: (Commander L. F. L. cate in 1956 and was promoted Chief Hill, R.N.R.), to include all life-boat Officer five years later. He specialized in stations on the north-east coast of hydrographic surveying, his last period England from Berwick-upon-Tweed to of training being in H.M.S. Scott, when Skegness inclusive; she was engaged in the North Sea sur- vey. Since 1962 he has been employed South-Eastern: (Lieut. E. D. Stog- by the Milford Haven Conservancy don, R.N.V.R.), to include all life-boat Board. stations from Wells to Yarmouth, Isle An Assistant District Inspector has of Wight, inclusive, as well as the Chan- also been appointed for Scotland. He is nel Islands stations; Mr. G. R. Walton, who was born in South-Western: (Lieut. P. F. Glad- 1933 and joined the Blue Funnel and win, R.N.R.), to include all life-boat Glen Line in 1949. Five years later he stations from Poole to Angle inclusive: joined the General Steam Navigation Company and was promoted Chief North-Western: (Lieut.-Commander Officer in 1957, gaining a master's H. H. Harvey, R.N.R.), to include all foreign-going certificate in 1959. life-boat stations from St. David's to Lieut.-Commander M. Roden, Workington, inclusive, as well as the R.M.N., has been transferred from the stations in the Isle of Man. post of Northern District Inspector to the head office to serve as personal Irish district: (Lieut.-Commander D. assistant to the Chief Inspector. B. Cairns, R.N.R.), to include the whole of Ireland. (For Operational Districts Map, see page 462.) 462 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963

OPERATIONAL DISTRICTS OF THE R.NL.I. WITH EFFECT PRCM IST. JJUT' 196% JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 463 Services of the Life-boats in January, February and March 15 Lives Rescued

JANUARY DOCTOR TAKEN TO LIGHTVESSEL Humber, Yorkshire. At 4.33 on the DURING January life-boats were afternoon of the 7th January, 1963, the launched on service 30 times but Superintendent of Trinity House at rescued no lives. Great Yarmouth informed the coxswain superintendent that the master of the FIREMEN TAKEN TO BELGIAN Dowsing lightvessel had been injured TRAWLER and needed medical help. The life-boat Selsey, Sussex. At 8.20 on the morn- City of Bradford III was launched at ing of 4th January, 1963, the coastguard five o'clock with a doctor on board in a informed the honorary secretary that a strong easterly breeze and a very rough trawler, later identified as the Belgian sea. It was one hour after high water. trawler Don Bosco, had her engine room The life-boat reached the lightvessel at on fire, and had asked for the help of the 8.30 and the doctor went aboard her. life-boat and of fire-fighting equipment. After being given first aid the injured The life-boat Canadian Pacific was man was transferred to the life-boat, launched at 8.47 on an ebbing tide. There which then made for Grimsby, where was a light westerly breeze with a slight she landed him at 12.45. The life-boat sea. The weather was fine. The life-boat, then returned to her station, arriving at with portable fire-fighting equipment 2.30. The master sent a letter of appre- and firemen from Selsey on board, made ciation to the coxswain and made a for the casualty, which was alongside donation to the funds of the Institution. the Owers lightvessel. Shortly after launching, the Chichester fire brigade GRACE DARLING LIFE-BOAT TAKES arrived at Selsey with foam and breath- FOOD TO LIGHTHOUSE ing apparatus. A helicopter from North Sunderland, Northumberland. Tangmere, which had rescued three of At 1.50 on the afternoon of the 9th the trawler's crew from a raft, was January, 1963, the local representative asked to transport this equipment and of Trinity House asked if the life-boat three more firemen to the life-boat. would take supplies to the Longstone The life-boat came up with the Don lighthouse because the weather had been Bosco at 9.50 and was advised that the too bad for the Trinity House boat to remaining two members of the crew put off. The relief was long overdue and were on board the lightvessel. The traw- the keepers had been living on corned ler had dense smoke coming from her beef and biscuits for some days. At with flames licking the wheelhouse, but 2.20 the life-boat Grace Darling was although it was realized there was no launched. There was a moderate east- one on board the firemen on board the north-east wind and a moderate sea, and life-boat tried to extinguish the fire. the tide was flooding. The life-boat put This task was taken over by one of the provisions on the lighthouse and then Admiralty fire-fighting tugs which arri- returned to her station, arriving at 3.30. ved on the scene, and when the fire was extinguished the vessel was taken in tow FISHING COBLE TOWED TO HARBOUR by one of the tugs to Southampton. Sunderland, Co. Durham. At 5.22 on The two survivors on board the Owers the afternoon of the 12th January, 1963, lightvessel were transferred to the life- the coastguard informed the honorary boat and taken to Selsey, where they secretary that the s.s. Effra had report- were handed over to the care of the local ed that she had the local fishing coble representative of the Shipwrecked Fish- Mardi Gras with a crew of three in tow ermen and Mariners' Royal Benevolent four miles south-east of Sunderland Society. The life-boat then returned to north pier. She asked if the life-boat her station, arriving at 12.40. would take over the tow. At 5.55 the 464 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 life-boat Edward and Isabella Irwin was station at 7.35, and the ten pilots were launched in a light easterly breeze, a taken to the homes of the life-boat crew. moderate sea and an ebbing tide. She DOCTOR PUT ON BOARD TANKER found the Effra, which had a fouled pro- IN SNOWSTORM peller, three miles south-east of Roker Humber, Yorkshire. At five o'clock on pier. She took her in tow to Sunderland, the morning of the 16th January, 1963, arriving at 7.35. the coastguard informed the coxswain TUG TAKEN IN TOW TO HARBOUR superintendent that there was a sick man Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. on board a tanker two miles south of the At 2.24 on the morning of the 12th Spurn Point coastguard look-out. There January, 1963, the coastguard informed was a strong south-easterly breeze and the honorary secretary that red flares a very rough sea. It was an hour and a had been seen about six miles east of half after low water. The life-boat City Berwick, and at 2.50 the life-boat of Bradford III was launched at 6.5 with William and Mary Durham was a doctor on board. She made for the launched. There was a light north- position of the tanker in a severe snow easterly breeze and a moderate sea, and storm. When the life-boat reached her, it was high water. The life-boat made a the tanker North King discharged oil to search in snow showers and found the calm the sea, and with great difficulty local tug T.I.D. 66, with a crew of four, the doctor boarded the tanker. After he had broken down three miles to the east- had examined the sick man, the doctor ward. She had left Berwick the afternoon and his patient were taken on board the before, but her engines had failed off life-boat, which then returned to her St. Abbs Head and she had drifted station, arriving at 8.10. The sick man southwards. She was at anchor. The was landed and taken to hospital. anchor was weighed by hand-winch, SEVERAL COBLES ESCORTED IN and the life-boat towed the tug to ROUGH SEA Berwick harbour, reaching her station at Scarborough, Yorkshire. During the 5.50. early morning of the 16th January, 1963, PILOT VESSEL AND TANKER IN the easterly wind increased to gale force COLLISION and anxiety was felt for the safety of six Humber, Yorkshire. At 5.50 on the local fishing boats which were still at morning of the 12th January, 1963, the sea. At 5.55 the life-boat /. G. Graves coastguard informed the coxswain super- of Sheffield was, launched in a very rough intendent that the pilot vessel /. H. sea, snow showers and a flooding tide Fisher and the tanker Esso Glasgow had just as two of the cobles entered the been in collision. Later a message was harbour. She made a search and found received from the Humber Conservancy the coble Rosemary two miles north- Board that the pilot vessel was sinking. north-east of Scarborough castle. She The life-boat City of Bradford III was escorted her in and then met the Premier launched at 6.20 in a light north-westerly five miles to the north-east-by-north. breeze and a slight sea. It was an hour She escorted her to harbour too and before high water. The life-boat made then found the Betty three miles for the position, which was a mile and a north-east of the castle. The life-boat half south-west of Chequer float, and accompanied the Betty to Scarborough, came up with the Esso Glasgow. The but by this time conditions had become coxswain was told that the pilot vessel so bad at the harbour entrance that the was making for the beach. The life-boat life-boat had to spray oil on the sea to went inshore and found two ship's make it smoother. The sea was too boats with eleven survivors on board rough for the sixth coble, the Rachel, to from the /. H. Fisher and three empty enter, and the life-boat escorted her to life-rafts. The pilots would not leave Whitby before returning to Scar- the boats and the life-boat escorted borough. She escorted four more fishing them to Spurn Point. On the way a pilot boats into Scarborough harbour and was put aboard a Russian vessel by the finally reached her station at 4.25 in the life-boat. The life-boat reached her afternoon. JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 465 FISHING BOAT ESCORTED OVER BAR under control and the additional pump Wbitby, Yorkshire. At 9.10 on the was not required. The life-boat reached morning of the 16th January, 1963, the her station at nine o'clock. A tug had coastguard informed the honorary sec- been summoned meanwhile. At 9.25 two retary that the weather was likely to of the crew of the Caister life-boat were become worse, and that an easterly gale put aboard the Maria W. and the life- was forecast as imminent. Eight fishing boat then took ashore the Dutch vessel's boats were still at sea, and at 10.10 the mate and engineer and the six firemen. life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was The life-boat returned to the Maria W. launched. There was a strong breeze with her mate at 12.15 and, when she blowing from east-by-north, the sea had been taken in tow by the tug, was rough, and the tide was ebbing. escorted her into harbour, arriving at The Scarborough life-boat was at sea four o'clock. The Caister life-boat escorting fishing boats, and about noon reached her station at five o'clock. she reached Whitby with one of these boats, the Rachel. The Whitby life-boat COBLES ESCORTED AS GALE SPRINGS escorted them over the harbour bar and UP then put to sea to warn five local fishing Scarborough, Yorkshire. On the 18th boats of the conditions on the bar. The January, 1963, the weather deteriorated life-boat lay off the bar for over an hour rapidly, and as several local fishing while the tide made and then returned to boats were at sea the honorary secretary her station, arriving at 4.12. gave permission for the life-boat to be launched. The life-boat J. G. Graves of TWO LIFE-BOATS OUT TO DUTCH Sheffield put out at noon in an easterly VESSEL ON FIRE gale and a rough sea. It was two hours Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, and after high water. The life-boat found Caister, Norfolk. At 4.36 on the morning the fishing boat Rosemary three miles of the 17th January, 1963, the coast- north-east-by-north of the castle and guard informed the honorary secretary escorted her safely into harbour. The at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston that fishing boats Hilda //and Betty Sheader a ship was on fire in Yarmouth roads, were then met off the castle and they and a similar message was passed to the too were escorted in. The life-boat made coxswain of the Caister life-boat. The for a position five miles north-north- life-boat Elizabeth Elson, on temporary east of the castle and there met the duty at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, fishing coble Premier. This boat was was launched at 5.16, and at 5.50 the also escorted into harbour, and by then Caister life-boat Jose Neville put out conditions had become much worse and with a fire pump and six firemen on the life-boat had to spread oil on the board. There was a strong easterly sea. The life-boat finally reached her breeze and a rough sea. The tide was station at four o'clock. ebbing. The Great Yarmouth and Gorleston life-boat reached the position COXSWAIN'S COBLE ESCORTED of the ship first. She was the motor vessel INTO HARBOUR Maria W. of Rotterdam and her engine Runswick, Yorkshire. At 11.49 on the room was on fire. Six men from the morning of the 18th January, 1963, three Trinity House vessel Mermaid were fishing cobles were at sea in deteriorat- helping the Dutch vessel's crew of five ing weather and some concern was felt to fight the fire, using an auxiliary pump for their safety when they would enter from the Mermaid. The Caister life- harbour. At 12.5 the life-boat The boat reached the Maria W. at 6.30, and Elliott Gill was launched with the bow- the pump and the six firemen she was man in command, as the coxswain and carrying were put aboard. The Great the second coxswain were at sea in one Yarmouth and Gorleston life-boat then of the fishing cobles, Bread Winner. left to return to harbour for another There was a strong easterly breeze and a pump, but before she reached the har- rough sea. It was two hours before low bour a message was passed to her cox- water. The life-boat found the Bread swain at eight o'clock that the fire was Winner off Staithes, and when the 466 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 coxswain had been transferred to the rough sea. It was one hour after low life-boat to take over command, this water and the weather was extremely fishing coble and a second coble, cold. The life-boat provisioned three Coronation Queen, were escorted safely vessels and landed twenty-one men and into harbour. As the third coble had a woman from twenty-one vessels. already reached harbour, the life-boat Because of the severe weather conditions returned to her station, arriving at 2.25. she then made for Brightlingsea, which she reached at 11.10, and she returned ESCORT FOR HOLED DUTCH MOTOR VESSEL to her station the next morning. Holyhead, Anglesey. At 10.27 on the ESCORT AFTER CARGO VESSEL IS morning of the 20th January, 1963, the REFLOATED coastguard informed the assistant hono- Lowestoft, Suffolk. At 1.8 early on rary secretary that a Dutch motor vessel the morning of the 22nd January, 1963, was making water rapidly and needed the coastguard informed the honorary help immediately. Her position was secretary that a cargo vessel had gone between the North and South Stacks, aground on Newcombe sands. The west of Holyhead. The life-boat St. Cybi coastguard made signals to her by morse (Civil Service No. 9) was launched at lamp to ask if she needed help, but no 10.37 in a moderate to fresh breeze and reply was received, and at 2.28 the life- a moderate sea. The tide was half ebb. boat Cunard, on temporary duty at the The life-boat reached the motor vessel station, put out in an east-south- Aldebaran of Groningen at eleven easterly breeze and a moderate sea. It o'clock. The vessel had developed a list was one hour after low water. The life- and the life-boat escorted her into the boat made for the position given, and inner harbour at Holyhead. The life- found the motor vessel Hoocreek of boat then stood by while the Anglesey London. She had just refloated and her fire service put pumps on board the skipper asked the life-boat to escort her motor vessel and pumped out the water. into deeper water. This was done, and The life-boat returned to her station at the life-boat returned to her station, 11.40. Later, when the motor vessel arriving at 3.52. It was learnt later that was in dry dock at Holyhead, it was the coaster had struck a sandbank learnt that she had struck a rock and because the South Holm buoy had that this had caused the leak. apparently broken adrift. WATCHMEN TAKEN OFF SHIPS WHEN TOW FOR FISHING BOAT WITH HARBOUR IS FROZEN ENGINE TROUBLE Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. At 9.50 on the Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. At 5.17 on morning of the 21st January, 1963, the the afternoon of the 23rd January, 1963, honorary secretary received a telephone the coastguard informed the honorary call from the agent of a number of secretary that red flares had been seen shipping companies, several of whose from the Peterhead look-out two and a vessels were laid up off West Mersea, half miles east-by-north from Peterhead. asking for the help of the life-boat to The life-boat Julia Park Barry of take out provisions. The watchmen on Glasgow made for the position at 5.36 in board the vessels had been due for a gentle westerly breeze and a slight sea. relief the day before, but the agent's It was low water. The life-boat found motor launch was frozen up in West that the fishing boat Carnation of Peter- Mersea, and it was feared that the head had engine trouble and was drift- watchmen's provisions might be running ing towards Peterhead. The fishing boat short. As Brightlingsea harbour was with three men on board was taken in frozen and there was no other boat tow to Peterhead by the life-boat, which available, it was arranged for the life- reached her station at 7.19. boat Sir Godfrey Baring to launch at 3.10 with provisions and two men on LINE FIRED TO MOTOR VESSEL board who knew the vessels' positions. AGROUND The life-boat put out in an east-north- Caister, Norfolk. At eight o'clock on easterly wind of near gale force and a the morning of the 25th January, 1963, JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 467 the coastguard informed the honorary lightvessel had reported seeing the cabin secretary that a vessel was ashore at cruiser drifting in a westerly direction, Winterton but did not require any help. and at 8.10 the life-boat found the Dee Two hours later the superintendent of Dee with no one on board. The life-boat the company to whom the vessel towed the cabin cruiser to Little- belonged telephoned the coxswain and hampton, returning to her station at asked if the life-boat would launch to noon. lay out an anchor. The coxswain con- sulted the honorary secretary, and at The following life-boats went out on 11.45 the life-boat Jose Neville was service but could find no ships in dis- launched in a light west-north-westerly tress, were not needed, or could do breeze and a slight sea. The tide was nothing. half ebb. The life-boat found the motor vessel Crescence of Rochester ashore on St. Mary's, Scilly Islands.—January the beach, and an anchor was laid. The 4th. life-boat then returned to her station, St. Mary's, Scilly Islands.—January arriving at 8.10. The vessel was still 5th. ashore on the 27th January, and the Llandudno, Caernarvonshire.— Jan- superintendent again telephoned the uary 7th. coxswain to say that the tug Foreman of Hartlepool, Co. Durham.—January Hull was unable to close the Crescence 15th. enough to connect a tow line. He asked Kirkcudbright.—January 16th. if the life-boat could help. She was Padstow, Cornwall.—January 17th launched at two o'clock in the afternoon Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor- and on reaching the position took a folk.—January 17th. 300-fathom rope from the tug to the Walmer, Kent.—January 18th. Crescence, which was passed aboard by Walton and Frinton, Essex.—January means of the line-throwing gun. The 26th. life-boat stood off to await the flood tide Tenby, Pembrokeshire.—January28th. and the return of the tug, which was then Mumbles, Glamorganshire.—January some distance away. At six o'clock the 31st. tow rope was put aboard the tug, but during this operation the tug steamed FEBRUARY over the life-boat's anchor and the tow rope had to be cut. The life-boat could DURING February life-boats were do nothing further, and she returned to launched on service 29 times and rescued her station, arriving at seven o'clock. 11 lives.

NIGHT SEARCH FOR DRIFTING THREE LIFE-BOATS OUT TO DUTCH CABIN CRUISER VESSEL Selsey, Sussex. At 7.55 on the evening Port Erin, Port St. Mary, and Douglas, of the 26th January, 1963, the coast- Isle of Man. At 4.15 on the morning of guard informed the honorary secretary the 5th February, 1963, the coastguard that a message had been received from informed the honorary secretary of the the Owers lightvessel that a cabin Port St. Mary life-boat station that a cruiser was drifting north of the light- vessel was ashore on the south coast of vessel and had not replied to signals. At the Isle of Man. The coxswain of the 8.10 the rife-boat Canadian Pacific was Port Erin life-boat was also told, and the launched. There was a light north- life-boats R. A. Colby Cubbin No. 2 and north-east breeze and a smooth sea, and Matthew Simpson put out at 4.40 and the tide was half flood. With the help of five o'clock respectively. There was a her searchlight and parachute flares the south-easterly gale and a very rough sea. life-boat searched widely, but she found It was two hours after high water. At nothing and returned to her station at 5.15 the coastguard reported that the 1.10 early on the 27th. It was decided to motor vessel Grietje of Groningen with resume the search at daybreak, and at a crew of eight had been found three 6.30 the life-boat put to sea again. The miles south of Douglas. When the 468 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 Douglas life-boat White Star, on tem- lighthouse. At 1.25 the life-boat Doug/ax porary duty at the station, was launched Hyde left her moorings in a strong at 5.50 the other two life-boats were south-south-easterly gale and a rough recalled, Port Erin reaching her station sea. The tide was half flood. After a very at 6.8, and Port St. Mary at 6.35. The rough passage the life-boat reached the Douglas life-boat reached the position of trawler Achroite of Mull at 2.45 and the motor vessel in a blinding snow- found her making little headway because storm but was unable to close her of lack of steam. The trawler asked to be because of the rocks, and she therefore escorted to Rosslare Harbour for stood off. The life-saving apparatus shelter. This was done and the trawler team had also arrived at the position and the life-boat reached Rosslare and a line was secured to the vessel, but Harbour at four o'clock, when the her crew did not wish to be brought trawler was moored alongside the quay. ashore by breeches buoy, preferring to The life-boat reached her moorings at remain on board for the time being. At 4.45. 7.40 a rubber life-raft was floated ashore An hour later the life-boat crew had from the Grietje with six of her crew in just secured the boarding boat when it, and they climbed the cliffs, using rope they noticed that the trawler had broken ladders which had been placed in her mooring cables in the gale and was position by the life-saving apparatus drifting towards the mail steamer team. Later the captain and chief mate St. David and Rosslare Bay. The crew of also went ashore in the life-raft. The the trawler were on board, and it was life-boat, which had been standing by known that there was no steam power. all this time, then returned to her station, The life-boat crew put out in the board- arriving at 8.55. ing boat, but before they reached the life-boat the trawler fouled the stern LAUNCH IN WORST BLIZZARD IN haul-off wire of the mail steamer and LIVING MEMORY was held. The life-boat crew did not Portpatrick, Wigtownshire. On the board the life-boat but made for the 5th February, 1963, the worst blizzard pier, where they helped to pull the in living memory occurred and all road trawler free from the steamer and back and air transport came to a halt. By the to the quay wall. This operation lasted 8th there was an acute shortage of food, nearly three hours in the storm condi- and as there was no prospect of the road tions. The boarding boat was finally being opened for several days the life- secured at 8.30. Later the trawler again boat The Jeannie was launched with the broke free, this time with no crew on second coxswain in command at 6.30 in board, and went aground in Rosslare the morning to go to Stranraer for Bay. supplies. She took with her two local officials who had been marooned at THIRD GOLD MEDAL AWARDED Portpatrick and landed them at Stran- SINCE END OF WAR raer. The life-boat returned with six ON the 5th/6th February, 1963, the passengers for Portpatrick and food, St. Peter Port life-boat rescued nine medical supplies and mail, and then people from the Norwegian motor vessel took supplies to Killantingan light- JoJwn Collett. For this service, a full house. She finally reached her station at account of which appears on page 450, 3.45. among other awards made was that of the gold medal to Coxswain Hubert TRAWLER BREAKS FROM MOORINGS Petit. IN STRONG GALE Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford. At COASTER AGROUND NEAR HARBOUR 1.5 on the afternoon of the 5th February, ENTRANCE 1963, Ilfracombe radio station informed Amble, Northumberland. At nine the honorary secretary that the principal o'clock on the morning of the 6th keeper of the Tuskar Rock lighthouse February, 1963, the coxswain told the had seen a trawler fire a flare or a rocket honorary secretary that a coaster had two and a half miles south-east of the run aground at the harbour entrance. JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 469 The life-boat City of Bradford II, on headaches. The life-boat William Gam- temporary duty at the station, left her mon—Manchester and District XXX, moorings at 9.15 in a rough sea. There was launched at 4.57 in a strong south- was a strong south-easterly breeze easterly breeze and a rough sea. The blowing, and it was one hour after low tide was flooding. The doctor was put water. The life-boat reached the coaster aboard the lightvessel and found the Northgate and helped to take ropes from seaman in a poor condition. The seaman the ship to the quayside. She reached was brought ashore, and the life-boat her moorings at 11.30. The master of the reached her station at 7.20. Northgate made a gift to the life-boat crew. ESCORT FOR GERMAN COASTER IN TOW LIFE-BOAT BRINGS EXPECTANT Arklow, Co. Wicklow. At 5.50 on the MOTHER TO HOSPITAL morning of the 14th February, 1963, the Campbeltown, Argyllshire. At 11.30 naval base at Haulbowline informed the on the morning of the 8th February, honorary secretary that the steering gear 1963, the coastguard informed the of the coaster Milos of Bremen had honorary secretary that as a result of an broken down off Mizzen Head and that exceptional blizzard in Kintyre every the vessel needed help. At 7.14 the life- road was completely blocked, telephones boat Inbhear Mor was launched in a were out of order, and Southend was south-easterly gale and a very rough sea. without electricity. It was learnt that the It was two hours before high water. The local doctor had been cut off by the life-boat found the Milos in tow of the snow and that there were two expectant tanker Irish Holly five miles north-east mothers in need of immediate attention. of Arklow harbour and escorted the two The doctor asked if one of the women vessels. At 9.30 off Mizzen Head the could be conveyed in the life-boat to tow rope parted and the life-boat helped Campbeltown maternity hospital. The to reconnect the two vessels. When the honorary medical adviser volunteered Milos and Irish Holly had reached to go with the life-boat City of Glasgow calmer water and the wind had modera- II, which put out at 12.25 in a light east- ted the life-boat returned to her station, south-easterly breeze and a slight sea. It which she reached at 5.45. was high water. The life-boat made for Southend, where she was met by a local ESCORT FOR FIVE COBLES boat, which took the doctor ashore. The Filey, Yorkshire. At 10.45 on the woman was transferred to the life-boat morning of the 14th February, 1963, the which at 4.48 reached Campbeltown, coastguard informed the honorary sec- where an ambulance took the woman to retary that five fishing cobles were at sea hospital. Two electricians and a post in deteriorating weather. The life-boat office engineer, who went to restore the The Isa & Penryn Milsted was launched electricity supply and repair a fault in at 11.25 in a strong south-by-easterly the local telephone exchange, also took wind and a moderate sea. It was two passage in the life-boat. A message was hours before low water. The five cobles later sent from the Southend community were well dispersed north-east of Filey to the honorary secretary expressing Brig, but all were escorted safely ashore. appreciation of the services rendered. The life-boat then returned to her sta- tion, arriving at 2.25. SICK MAN FROM LIGHTVESSEL BROUGHT ASHORE CREW RESCUED FROM FISHING BOAT The Mumbles, Glamorganshire. At AGROUND 4.30 on the afternoon of the 10th Stromness, Orkneys. At 5.20 on the February, 1963, the honorary secretary afternoon of the 16th February, 1963, received a telephone message from the the ex-coxswain, after returning from Superintendent of Trinity House, Swan- lobster fishing, telephoned the present sea, asking for a life-boat to take a coxswain to report that the local fishing doctor to the Scarweather lightvessel, boat Desire, with two men on board, was where a man was suffering from severe aground on Clett Skerry off Graemsay. 470 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 The coxswain informed the honorary Formby coastguard reported that the secretary, and at 5.35 the life-boat fishing boat Signora of Peel had burnt Archibald and Alexander M. Paterson flares twelve miles north-west-by-west was launched in a light south-easterly of Haverigg Point. The life-boat Herbert breeze and a smooth sea. The tide was Leigh was launched at 11.5 in a strong ebbing. The coxswain took a flat- south-south-east breeze, a rough sea and bottomed boat with him. The life-boat a flooding tide. At 11.30 a Shackleton reached the fishing boat at 5.50 and after aircraft of the R.A.F. reported that the rescuing the crew of two of the Desire Signora was twenty miles north-west of returned to her station at 6.30. The Walney lighthouse. The aircraft guided Desire was refloated at high water with the life-boat to the position, where the the help of a local fishing boat. life-boat found that the Signora's crew of two had been taken off by the motor INJURED WOMAN TAKEN TO vessel Lairdsbank. The motor vessel had MAINLAND also taken the Signora in tow, but the Galway Bay, Co. Galway. At ten tow parted. The life-boat then towed the o'clock on the morning of the 18th fishing boat to Workington and returned February, 1963, the local nurse asked to Barrow at fifteen minutes after mid- the honorary secretary if the life-boat would take a seriously injured elderly night. woman to Rossaveel on the mainland, SECOND SERVICE TO NORWEGIAN where an ambulance was waiting to MOTOR VESSEL convey her to hospital. No other suitable Penlee, Cornwall. At 8.15 on the boat was available, and at 11.30 the morning of the 27th February, 1963, the life-boat Mabel Marion Thompson put port medical officer telephoned to say out with the patient and the nurse on that the motor vessel Livanita of board. There was an east-south-easterly Grimstad, which had a sick man on gale and a choppy sea. The tide was board, was approaching Mount's Bay. flooding. The two women were landed He asked if the life-boat would put off to at Rossaveel, and the life-boat returned her with a doctor on board, and at to her station, arriving at 3.30. eleven o'clock the life-boat Solomon MAN FROM NORWEGIAN VESSEL Browne was launched. There was a OVERBOARD strong south-easterly wind and a rough Barry Dock, Glamorganshire. At 4.40 sea, and the tide was ebbing. The life- on the afternoon of the 18th February, boat embarked a doctor at Newlyn, and 1963, the coastguard informed the put him aboard the Livanita six miles honorary secretary that a man was south of Penzance. The patient, a reported overboard from the Norwegian Spaniard suffering from internal bleed- motor vessel Livanita of Grimstad two ing, was then transferred to the life- miles west of Breaksea lightvessel. There boat, which returned to Newlyn, where was a moderate south-easterly breeze an ambulance was waiting, at 1.20. The with a corresponding sea and snow Barry Dock life-boat had been launched showers. The life-boat Rachel and Mary to the same Norwegian motor vessel Evans was launched at 4.55 on an ebbing nine days earlier. tide and made for the position given. When she came up with the Livanita it The following life-boats went out on was learnt that the man had been service but could find no ships in picked up. A helicopter then placed a distress, were not needed, or could do doctor on board, but the man was found nothing: to be dead. The life-boat landed the Fishguard, Pembrokeshire.—February body at Barry and then returned to her 4th. station, arriving at seven o'clock. Port St. Mary, Isle of Man.—Feb- ruary 5th. AIRCRAFT AND LIFE-BOAT SEARCH Port Erin, Isle of Man.—February FOR FISHING BOAT 5th. Barrow, Lancashire. At 10.45 on the Courtmacsherry Harbour, Co. Cork.— morning of the 26th February, 1963, the February 10th. JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 471

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By courtesy of] [Isle of Man Examiner LAUNCH OF THE DOUGLAS LIFE-BOAT

By courtesy of] \Llandudno Photo Agency LLANDUDNO LIFE-BOAT IS LAUNCHED 472 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963

By courtesy of] [Daily Herald THE NEW PROTOTYPE 48-FOOT 6-INCH LIFE-BOAT [See page 452]

By courtesy of] [Daily Telegraph THE LIFE-BOAT IS CAPSIZED JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 473

By counesy of] [Daily Express BETWEEN CAPSIZING AND RIGHTING

By courtesy of] [Sport and General Press Agency THE LIFE-BOAT RIGHTS HERSELF 474 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963

By courtesy of] [Sunbeam Photos Ltd. ICE FORMATIONS AROUND MARGATE SLIPWAY IN JANUARY

WINTER CONDITIONS AT WALTON AND FRINTON JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 475

•

By courtesy of] [Daily Telegraph NEW INSHORE RESCUE BOAT APPROACHES SHORE [See page 449]

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By courtesy of] [Daily Herald NEW INSHORE RESCUE BOAT OFF LITTLEHAMPTON 476 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963

By courtesy of] [Northumberland Gazelle AMBLE LIFE-BOAT ALONGSIDE COASTER [See page 468

By courtesy of] [David E. Suldiffe HOLYHEAD LIFE-BOAT ALONGSIDE COASTER [See page 466] JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 477

By courtesy of] [Fox Photos EARL MOUNTBATTEN OF BURMA ABOARD SHOREHAM LIFE-BOAT The life-boat was exhibited at the International Boat Show in London

THE R.N.L.I.'s NEW MOBILE DISPLAY UNIT 478 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963

RIGGING LOFT AT R.N.L.I. DEPOT

By courtesy of] [Manx Press Pictures SIR WILLIAM HILLARY'S TOMB IN DOUGLAS [See page 487] JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 479 Dover, Kent.—February llth. distress, and though the position of the Stronsay, Orkneys.—February llth. vessel was not known some red rockets The Lizard-Cadgwith, Cornwall.— had been seen in St. Bride's Bay. The February 12th. life-boat Swn-y-Mor (Civil Service No. Campbeltown, Argyllshire.—February 6) was launched at 5.15 in a fresh south- 14th. easterly breeze and a moderate sea. It Howth, Co. Cork.—February 14th. was one hour before low water. On Portrush, Co. Antrim.—Februaryl4th. reaching Wooltack Point the life-boat Wells, Norfolk.—February 16th. sighted the Dutch vessel Finlandia, of Stornoway, Outer Hebrides.—Feb- Zwolle, on rocks in Musselwick Bay, but ruary 17th. conditions prevented her from ap- Filey, Yorkshire.—February 19th. proaching within fifty yards of the Angle, Pembrokeshire. — February vessel. The tug Dalegarth had also 25th. reached the position, and a line was Stornoway, Outer Hebrides.—Feb- fired from her but it missed its target. ruary 26th. The life-boat crew eventually succeeded in getting a hawser aboard the Fin- landia, and the life-boat towed her MARCH clear of the rocks. The Finlandia had DURING March life-boats were launched been badly holed, and had a severe list on service 34 times and rescued 4 lives. to starboard. The tug Angle Gate, which had arrived with pumping gear, TOW FOR FISHING VESSEL AGROUND pumped water from the Finlandia, and Lerwick, Shetlands. At 11.45 on the when this had been done the two tugs, night of the 3rd March, 1963, the coast- accompanied by the life-boat, towed guard informed the assistant honorary the vessel to Broadhaven beach, where secretary that the motor fishing vessel necessary repairs could be carried out. Bountiful was ashore on the east side of The life-boat then returned to her sta- Shetland Isle. Shortly afterwards a tion, arriving at 4.30 in the afternoon. further message was received from the coastguard that the vessel was ashore at DANISH VESSEL ESCORTED INTO the north end of Bressay outside the HARBOUR harbour. The life-boat Claude Cecil Fowey, Cornwall. At 5.30 on the after- Staniforth put out at 11.54 in a gentle noon of the 7th March, 1963, Lloyd's southerly breeze and a moderate sea. agent at Fowey informed the honorary It was low water. Four fishing vessels secretary that a vessel had gone ashore also left harbour to help, and it was north-east of Par harbour while attempt- learnt from two of the skippers of the ing to enter and that she would now try fishing vessels speaking on the radio- to get off on the morning tide. As a telephone that the Bountiful was on the southerly gale was imminent, the life- Bass of Beosetter. On reaching the posi- boat Deneys Reitz put out at one o'clock tion the life-boat put a tow line aboard early on the morning of the 8th March the vessel and towed her into deeper to stand by. There was a strong breeze water. The Bountiful had not been blowing from the south-west with a damaged, and she made for the fishing very rough sea. The tide was flooding. grounds at Baltasound. The life-boat The life-boat found the Danish motor returned to her station, arriving at vessel Idalith of /Eroskobing, which re- 1.26. A monetary gift was received by floated under her own power at 4.5. the coxswain and crew from the vessel's The life-boat escorted her into Fowey insurers. harbour and then returned to her station, arriving at 5.30. LIFE-BOAT AND TUGS TO HELP OF DUTCH VESSEL NURSE TAKEN TO MAINLAND IN St. David's, Pembrokeshire. At 4.45 GALE on the morning of the 4th March, 1963, Islay, Inner Hebrides. At 4.45 on the the coastguard informed the honorary morning of the 8th March, 1963, the secretary that a Dutch vessel was in local doctor told the honorary secretary 480 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 that a patient of his needed an opera- strong southerly gale with a correspond- tion urgently. The doctor had asked for ing rough sea, and the weather was an air ambulance but had been told that stormy. Because of the weather con- because of the bad weather none was ditions no other suitable boat was available for service, and because of the available. The life-boat Mabel Marion uncertain weather forecast it was not Thompson put out at noon on a flood possible to say when one would be able tide with the doctor and the child on to take the patient to the mainland. The board. They were both landed at life-boat Francis W. Wotherspoon of Rossaveel. The return journey of the Paisley put out at 5.30 in a strong life-boat took almost two hours against south-easterly gale and a rough sea. It the southerly gale, and she arrived back was one hour before low water. The at her station at 4.15. life-boat went to the Portaskaig pier and waited until an ambulance arrived BODY FOUND AFTER SEARCH WITH with the patient, who was a nurse. After HELICOPTER she had been put aboard, the life-boat Weymouth, Dorset. At 12.55 on the made for Oban with another nurse on afternoon of the 10th March, 1963, the board accompanying the patient. Both coastguard informed the honorary sec- nurses were landed, and the life-boat retary that a man and a girl were returned to her station, arriving at 6.55. stranded on some rocks below the cliffs at Lulworth Cove. The life-boat Frank DOCTOR TAKEN TO GERMAN MOTOR Spiller Locke put out at 1.5 in a strong VESSEL west-south-westerly breeze and a rough St. Peter Port, Guernsey. At 6.11 on sea. The tide was ebbing. A helicopter the morning of the 8th March, 1963, the also took off. The police reported later St. Peter Port signal station informed that the two people were in the water the honorary secretary that the German and a search was carried out, in the motor vessel Nova of Stade, which was course of which the helicopter sighted a seven miles south of St. Martin's point, body floating in the sea. This was had a sick man on board who needed a recovered by the life-boat, which was doctor. The St. John Ambulance Bri- in radio contact with the helicopter. gade were asked to find a doctor, and The life-boat then returned to her at 6.35 the life-boat Lloyd's, on tempor- station, arriving at 4.55. ary duty at the station, put out with the doctor and ambulance men on board. YACHT TOWED TO HARBOUR There was a strong south-westerly Ramsgate, Kent. At 7.40 on the morn- breeze with a rough sea. The tide was ing of the 13th March, 1963, the cox- ebbing. The Nova had made good pro- swain informed the honorary secretary gress with a following wind and tide that a yacht was aground on the harbour and was met about a mile south of the bar and in need of help. The weather pierheads. The doctor, the ambulance was fine with light airs and a smooth men and a member of the crew, who is sea. It was low water. The life-boat a pilot, were put on board. The pilot Michael and Lily Davis put out at brought the vessel into port, where the 7.50 and came up with the yacht sick man received further medical Doric II. She stood by until the yacht treatment, before the vessel continued refloated at 9.3 and then took her in on her way. The life-boat reached her tow to Ramsgate harbour. The life-boat station at 7.30. reached her station at 1.30.

SICK CHILD TAKEN FROM ISLAND CREW MEMBER INJURED ON BOARD IN GALE YACHT Gahvay Bay. At eleven o'clock on the Plymouth, Devon. At 9.27 on the morning of the 8th March, 1963, the evening of the 13th March, 1963, the local doctor asked the honorary secre- honorary secretary was informed that tary if the life-boat could take a child a small white yacht with two men on suffering from appendicitis to Rossaveel board was on the breakwater 200 to for hospital treatment. There was a 300 yards east of the fort. The life-boat JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 481 Thomas Forehead and Mary Rowse put perforation requiring immediate hos- out at 9.41 in a south-south-westerly pital treatment. The doctor had been in wind of near gale force and a heavy touch with the R.A.F. station at swell. It was two hours after high water. Leuchars to ask for a helicopter, but On reaching the position the life-boat because of adverse weather conditions found that the yacht had been washed the helicopter could not operate. At over the breakwater into the Sound. 12.14 the life-boat Francis W. Wother- The Queen's Harbour Master's launch spoon of Paisley, put out in a north- picked up one man who was clinging to westerly gale and a choppy sea. It was the yacht's rudder while the life-boat an hour and a half before low water. picked up a lifebuoy about a hundred The life-boat went to the Isle of Colon- yards away. Two of the life-boat's crew say and embarked the sick man. He was then boarded the yacht, a converted conveyed to Port Askaig, where an ship's boat named Luisa, to see if any- ambulance was waiting to take him to one could be found. While on board Islay airport, and thence by aircraft to a one of the crew cut his hand severely, Glasgow hospital. The life-boat reached and the life-boat took him ashore im- her station at 3.45. mediately, where an ambulance was waiting. He was taken to hospital, where MAN TAKEN ON BOARD AND five stitches were inserted in his hand. DINGHY TOWED IN The life-boat had meanwhile put out Hastings, Sussex. At 3.58 on the again to search for the missing man. afternoon of the 22nd March, 1963, Two of the crew were landed on the the coastguard informed the motor breakwater to search the extreme end mechanic, in the absence of the honor- but no one was found. During the ser- ary secretary, that the Bexhill police had vice searchlights from H.M.S. Tartar at reported a dinghy apparently in distress Breakwater Fort helped, with the life- half a mile off East Parade, Bexhill. boat's own searchlight, to light up the There was a near gale from the north- area. Eventually the search was aban- north-east with a choppy sea. The tide doned, and the life-boat towed the was flooding. The life-boat M.T.C. was Luisa into Millbay Docks, where she launched at 4.11 and made for the posi- was berthed. The life-boat finally tion given. She came up with the dinghy reached her station at 3.5. Jenny at 4.55 and found another dinghy, which had gone to the Jenny's help, SICK MAN FROM LIGHTVESSEL alongside her. The one man in the Jenny LANDED was taken on board the life-boat. The Kilmore, Co. Wexford. At 7.50 on the life-boat escorted the second dinghy morning of the 15th March, 1963, the safely ashore, and then returned to her local agent for the Irish Lights office in- station, with the survivor on board and formed the honorary secretary that one his dinghy in tow, arriving at 6.10. of the crew of the Barrels lightvessel was suffering from a heart complaint. YACHT TOWED IN WITH GALE There was a gentle south-westerly IMMINENT breeze with a heavy swell. The life- Exmouth, Devon. At 11.30 on the boat Ann Isabella Pyemont was launched night of the 25th March, 1963, the at 8.20 on a flooding tide. She reached coastguard informed the honorary sec- the lightvessel at 9.33, and the sick retary that he had an auxiliary yacht man was taken on board. The life-boat under observation whose engine had returned to her station at 11.20, and the broken down off Sidmouth beach. The patient was landed. owner intended sailing westwards along the coast. At 1.45 in the morning the SICK MAN TAKEN FROM ISLAND district officer of H.M. Coastguard Islay, Inner Hebrides. At 11.50 on the asked for the life-boat to be launched morning of the 18th March, 1963, the to this boat as a south-west gale was medical officer for the Isle of Colonsay forecast for the area. The fife-boat informed the honorary secretary that Cecil and Lilian Philpott, on temporary he had a patient suffering from a gastric duty at the station, put out at 2.25 in a 482 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 fresh southerly breeze with a rough sea. found the Karen with her engine broken It was low water. Soon after leaving down and the two young men on board. harbour the coxswain was informed The boat was taken in tow to Brixham that a strong gale was imminent. The harbour, where the mother of the two life-boat came up with the yacht men was waiting with a car to take Sgumain at 3.30 and informed the them home to Kingswear. The life-boat owner about the gale warning. The reached her station at 1.55. The mother owner agreed that the life-boat should sent a letter of appreciation and a dona- tow the yacht to Exmouth, where she tion to the Institution's funds. arrived at 6.15. U.S. AND SPANISH VESSELS IN HIRED BOAT FOUND IN TIDE RACE COLLISION Port Erin, Isle of Man. At 4.20 on Hastings, Sussex. At 8.30 on the theafternoonofthe26thMarch, 1963, the evening of the 27th March, 1963, a local honorary secretary was informed by the resident informed the honorary secre- coxswain that a boat had been hired out tary that he had seen a red flare south- to two students on condition that they east of Hastings. The life-boat M.T.C. stayed inside the breakwater. After a was launched at 8.45 in a gentle south- time the boat owner, finding they were westerly breeze and a slight sea. It was not in the bay, had gone to look for one hour after low water. Soon after the them. He went to the adjoining head- life-boat was launched information was land, but could not see them. When the received from the coastguard that the boat became overdue it was decided to s.s. Mormaclake of New York and launch the life-boat, and at 4.29 the another vessel had been in collision nine life-boat Matthew Simpson put out in a and a half miles south-east-by-east of light south-south-westerly breeze and a Hastings. At 9.27 the coastguard re- slight sea. It was two hours before low ported that the American vessel did not water. The missing dinghy was found require any help but that the other under sail on the north side of the Calf vessel, the motor vessel Conquistador, of of Man and taken in tow by the life- Seville, needed a tug. The life-boat boat. The life-boat was finally rehoused reached the position at 10.20 and stood at 5.40. When the dinghy was exam- by. The bow of the Conquistador was ined it was found to have a broken almost severed. The coxswain was rudder pintle, and it would have been unable to get the Spanish crew to under- impossible for the students to return to stand his messages. When the French Port Erin without help as they were in tug Hardi arrived eleven Spaniards who a tide race. had boarded the Mormaclake earlier were transferred by the life-boat to the MOTHER REPORTS SONS MISSING tug, which then took the Conquistador in IN BOAT tow with sixteen men still on board. No Torbay, Devon. At 11.50 on the night further help was needed and the life- of the 26th March, 1963, the coastguard boat returned to her station, arriving informed the honorary secretary that at 2.15. the mother of two young men had reported that they had not returned COBLE TAKEN IN TOW TO HARBOUR home after leaving Brixham at six Filey, Yorkshire. At nine o'clock on o'clock for Dartmouth in the motor the morning of the 29th March, 1963, launch Karen. At 12.25 the life-boat the coastguard informed the honorary Princess Alexandra of Kent left her secretary that ten local fishing cobles moorings in a light south-west-by- were at sea in deteriorating weather. westerly breeze and a choppy sea. It Only four regular life-boat crew mem- was an hour and a half before low water. bers were ashore, but a full crew were The life-boat carried out a search along soon assembled, and at 9.20 the life- the coast towards Dartmouth, and off boat The Isa & Penryn Milsted was Scabbacombe beach a flashing light was launched with the bowman in command. seen close inshore near the rocks. The There was a moderate to fresh south- life-boat approached the position and easterly breeze and a rough sea. The JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 483 tide was half ebb. Seven cobles were in a light south-westerly breeze and a found and escorted safely into harbour. calm sea. It was almost low water. The The eighth had broken down and had sick man was embarked together with the to be taken in tow. While this was being doctor and taken to the mainland, but done a message was received that because it was low water he could not another coble had made for Scar- be landed at Rossaveel and was taken borough and that the tenth was being to Galway. The life-boat then returned escorted by the Scarborough life-boat. to her station, arriving at 8.30. The Filey life-boat reached her station at 2.45. The following life-boats went out on service, but could find no ships in TOW TAKEN OVER FROM COBLE distress, were not needed, or could do Scarborough, Yorkshire. At 9.35 on nothing: the morning of the 29th March, 1963, the coxswain received a message from the Llandudno, Caernarvonshire.—March Filey fishermen that the Scarborough 2nd. keelboat Hyperion had reported by Swanage, Dorset.—March 3rd. radio-telephone that the fishing coble Droughty Ferry, Angus.—March 5th. Hilda II of Scarborough was firing St. Helier, Jersey.—March 8th. flares two miles east-by-north of Scar- Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.—March borough. The life-boat /. G. Graves of 9th. Sheffield was launched at 9.40 in a Dungeness, Kent.—March 13th. strong south-easterly breeze and a Dover, Kent.—March 13th. rough sea. The tide was half ebb. The Stronsay, Orkneys.—March 14th. life-boat found the Hilda //in tow of the Weymouth, Dorset.—March 16th. coble Premier. The Hilda II had a Falmouth, Cornwall.—March 16th. broken shaft. The Premier's engine was Courtmacsherry Harbour, Co. Cork. also faulty, so the life-boat took over —March 17th. the tow to the harbour. The life-boat Portrush, Co. Antrim.—March 20th. then returned to escort the Premier and Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—March 22nd. three more cobles into harbour and Rhyl, Flintshire.—March 24th. reached her station at 2.20. Senncn Cove, Cornwall.—March 31st. SICK MAN BROUGHT TO MAINLAND *Mallaig, Inverness-shire.—November Galway Bay. At 11.45 on the night of 28th. the 31st March, 1963, a report was *Mallaig, Inverness-shire.—December received from the local doctor that a 21st. man was gravely ill and should be taken immediately to hospital. As no * The accounts of these services were local boats were available, the life-boat received too late for inclusion in the Mabel Marion Thompson put out at 12.40 March 1963 number of the Life-Boat.

Life-boat

The sea runs high, and surging foam Of rubber boots is heard to thunder Is spent against the rocky shore, On the pier, and oilskin coats The moon sails on amidst the clouds Are wrapped about, as stinging rain That surge across the angry sky; Begins to fall; but soon aboard No voice is heard, until one word The winch is loosed, as life-boat slips Is called by lone maroon. 'Distress'. Once more to sea - to save. The lights so newly sprung in windows Wink reply, and soon the welcome sound DEREK H. HILLESLEY. 484 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 Obituary Coxswain W. Watts Williams Ramsey Sound and the islands. One of Coxswain William Watts Williams, of our fondest memories will be that St. David's, who died on the 7th Jan- evening last September when, with uary, 1963, had served as coxswain of Richie and Mr. Cox, we joined him, the St. David's life-boat for 19^ years. casting off from St. Justinian down the During this period the St. David's life- Sound across a calm Porthlysgi, still boat was launched on service 60 times sun-drenched, but with a slight northerly and rescued 85 lives. He was awarded that beckoned summer's end, making, the silver medal for gallantry for the as we now know, his last ever mooring service to the tanker World Concord on in the same Forth Clais from which, as the 27th November, 1954, in which the a lad, he had first sailed on life's chosen St. David's life-boat rescued 35 lives, journey. and was awarded the bronze medal for a wartime service on the 25th-26th Talk with the Queen April, 1943, when the life-boat rescued The tang of the sea was about him, a man from a tank landing craft. all he loved and did. His face and form Mr. T. Mervyn Jones, chairman of was clean, clear, fresh. He looked good the Wales Gas Board writes: - how right the Institution was in 'You never enjoy the world aright, 'til featuring as a Welsh coxswain his pic- the sea itself floweth in your veins, 'til ture, the fine Joseph Conrad imperial you are clothed with the heavens and beard had appeared, 'snapped' in the crowned with the stars'. How fitting stern of his boat as he crossed the these words of Traherne to describe the Ramsey Sound. He had a natural dignity life, as the belief, of Captain Watts- that was near regal. Her Majesty, Williams of St. David's, whose passing outside the Cathedral in August 1955 we now mourn. stayed talking to Skipper long beyond He first went to sea in a small coaster the programme time, and was heard to from his home port - the tiny, lovely comment how much he had reminded harbour of Forth Clais. He sailed the her of her grandfather King George V. Seven Seas in craft of all kinds. A proud A man above all others to be with in 'Cape Homer' for he had been round a storm - on or off the sea. He would under sail, 'Skipper' - as all St. David's take command, no effort, no dispute. residents and visitors of the last 30 His was the discipline of the dedicated. years will remember him - retired home For the sea he had all the true sailor's only to become the most notable cox- respect; whatever the urgings of visitors, swain of the so notable St. David's or his own need, he would never leave life-boat. He was coxswain for the epic St. Justinian unless the portents of the rescue in the appalling gale of Novem- Ynyscantwr were right. Like all the ber 1954 of the 35 seamen from the truly brave, he had a reverent respect severed stern of the tanker World for life, and no less a deep, if hidden, Concord, a rescue that called for 36 runs tenderness, that won the abiding con- of his life-boat under the still thrashing fidence of little children. In the host of propellers of the tanker. It earned for friends and admirers - what a varied him the silver medal of the Royal mixture they were - could be found National Life-boat Institution, and a many 'sweethearts' who so rightly and distinction of which he was no less perfectly properly loved this so good- proud, the immediate signal from looking sailor. nearby H.M.S. Illustrious: 'Congratu- No less was he the ideal companion lations on your superb seamanship'. in the joyous frivolities of life. He was a When age compelled his retirement as zestful, boyish Puck to the end of his coxswain in the summer, with added days. 'Skip' was the first to be invited zeal he kept his boat at St. Justinian to any party at, or from, the hospitable and the trips to, from and around 'Farmers'. He enjoyed his life and Ramsey. For some of us he will forever wished all around him to do so to. He be a part of the exhilarating vista of made no claim to be free of faults. He JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 485 was so singularly free of the greatest of St. David's pictures for his so proper all - to be conscious of none. The pom- father's delight and pride in the painter. pous, the bogus, the real fool, he just We mourn with them, for we are but passed by in disdain. The genuine, human. But no less may they, comforted however, fallen or foolish, found in by knowing all they were and meant to him a sterling friend. him, join us all in thanks for a life His home was his joy and pride. The bravely, joyfully lived. gracious, gentle lady, the chosen com- 'Glad did I live and gladly die ... panion of his days, was called, and always revered, as 'Mother'. His daugh- 'Here he lies where he longs to be, ters and their families grew up as part Home is the sailor, home from the of his. We prize yet more contemporary sea'.

Awards to Honorary Workers Honorary Life-Governor Gold Badge Mrs. W. D. Gale has been appointed an The gold badge has been awarded to: honorary life-governor of the Institution in MRS. A. EDDY, Member, Central London recognition of the valuable help she has given Women's Committee. to the life-boat service as honorary secretary of MR. J. M. F. GROAT, President, Longhope the West Cowes ladies' life-boat guild since life-boat station. 1935, and previously as a member of the guild MR. J. C. HILTON, Honorary Secretary, from 1915. She has been presented with a copy Clovelly life-boat station. of the vote inscribed on vellum and signed by MRS. E. P. LE MASURIER, Chairman, Jersey H.R.H. Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, as Guild. President of the Institution. MRS. R. MATHERS, President, Dundee Guild MR. W. MILLS, Honorary Secretary, Forest Row Branch. Thanks of the Institution on Vellum MR. G. T. PAINE, M.B.E., Chairman, South- The thanks of the Institution inscribed on end-on-Sea life-boat station. vellum have been accorded to the following MRS. C. C. SAYLE, President, Rhyl Guild. honorary secretaries of life-boat stations on their retirement: MR. H. CARTMAN, Fleetwood. Silver Badge THE VERY REV. FATHER E. LAMBE, P.P., The silver badge has been awarded to: Baltimore. MR. L. W. APLIN, Exeter. LlEUT.-COLONEL J. W. H. BENSON, M.C., I.A.(Rtd-), Kilkenny. Barometer MR. H. BIGGS, Broadstairs. The barometer with an inscription has been MRS. H. BOYD-ROCHFORT, Mullingar. awarded to the following honorary secretary; MRS. R. BREAKELL, Royton. MR. P. G. GARON, Southend-on-Sea life-boat MRS. J. N. BROWN, Portadown. station. MR. H. BUCKLEY, Oldham. MRS. J. C. BURGESS, Brierfield. MRS. R. A. CAVE-ROGERS, Llandudno. Binoculars MRS. M. CAVELL, Deal and Walmer. The binocular glass with an inscription has MR. D. CHALMERS, Stronsay. been awarded to the following honorary MRS. M. CHENEY, Chilterns. secretaries of life-boat stations: MRS. CHTLVERS, Ringwood. CAPTAIN G. AYRE, New Brighton and Wal- MRS. B. CLARKE, Ripley. lasey. MR. N. CLARKE, Southampton. MR. J. CAMERON, Cromarty. Miss F. M. COLEMAN, Shipston-on-Stour. CAPTAIN E. H. CLEMENTS, Stronsay. MRS. COLPOYS, Pyrford and West Byfleet. MR. B. GALLAGHER, Arranmore. MRS. E. L. COPPACK, Connahs' Quay and MR. K. F. SPEAKMAN, Ramsgate. Shotton. Miss A. F. COSSEY, Menai Bridge. MRS. V. DAVIS, Bognor Regis. Bar to the gold badge MRS. R. DEANE, West Cowes. The bar to the gold badge has been awarded Miss S. DICKIE, Dundee. to: MRS. DUESBURY, Poole. MRS. C. LEYLAND, O.B.E., Chairman of the MR. F. J. M. GARNER, Stratford-on-Ayon. Appeals Committee, Southend-on-Sea life- MR. N. E. GIBBONS, Eltham and District. boat station. MRS. J. S. GORDON, Withnell. Miss M. TART, Life-boat helper, Dungeness MRS. F. GORRIDGE, Southend-on-Sea. life-boat station. Miss A. S. HAM, Oxford. 486 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 MRS. K. HATTON, Lytham-St. Anne's. COMMANDER T. C. SPURWAY, R.N., Dawlish. Miss D. P. HEALEY, Garstang. MRS. L. P. STEVENS, Jersey. MRS. E. HEYWOOD, Middleton. Miss G. E. THOMPSON, Bradford. MRS. A. A. HILTON, Lytham-St. Anne's. MRS. N. THUELL, Deal and Walmer. Miss V. HOOPER, Barmouth. MRS. E. H. UPTON, Chichester and District. MRS. HOTHAM, West Cowes. MR. L. WARMSLEY, Upminster. Miss O. HUGHES-ROBERTS, South Caernar- MR. G. G. WARREN, St. Ives. vonshire. MRS. J. C. WARRY, Southend-on-Sea. MRS. JEBB, Kirkcudbright. Miss M. WATKINSON, Heywood. MR. E. C. JONES, Walton-on-Naze. MRS. T. WHITTLE, Lymm and District. MRS. P. KERSHAW, Lytham-St. Anne's. MR. D. C. LYALL, Gourdon. MR. H. MALLALIEU, Failsworth. Statuette MRS. J. MARSH, Widnes. The statuette of a life-boatman has been MR. S. H. MATTOCK, Tenbury Wells. awarded to: Miss O. McGEE, Greystones. MR. R. COSSONS, Ipswich. THE MADAME MC&LLYCUDDY, South Kerry. MRS. A. M. CUNNINGHAM, Dundee. Miss M. MCILROY, Belfast. MRS. G. J. HACKLAND, Newhaven, Edin- MR. J. G. S. McLEES, B. L., Motherwell. burgh. MR. W. MITCHELL, Motherwell. MR. AND MRS. R. HILL, Donegal. Miss M. P. MONTGOMERY, Kirkcudbright. MRS. CHESTER HILLMAN, Eastbourne. MRS. A. G. MORRELL, Ongar. MR. J. JONES, Holyhead. Miss T. MOTT, Ely and District. MRS. P. JONES, Larbert. MRS. J. H. MUSKER, Lymm and District. MRS. S LEVER, Lytham-St. Anne's. Miss M. G. NEWMAN, Chipperfield. MRS. I. W. LISTON, Newhaven, Edinburgh. Miss D. NORTH, Kirkby Lonsdale. MRS. SAUNDERSON, Belfast. MRS. J. PATON, New Brighton and Wallasey. MR. E. WITKOWSKI, Spilsby. COUNCILLOR MRS. E. C. POTTER, Deal and MR. S. SHECKMAN, Orpington. Walmer. MRS. M. PRTTCHARD, South Caernarvonshire. MRS. A. E. RATCLIFFE, Rochester. Record of Thanks MRS. A. REEVE, Brighouse. A record of thanks has been awarded to: MR. J. F. ROBERTSON, Dublin. BRANCH COMMITTEE, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Miss M. RUNCIMAN, North Sunderland. EDGBASTON ROUND TABLE, Birmingham. MRS. H. W. RUSSELL, Holywell and Mostyn. WOMEN'S INSTITUTE, Bromsgrove. MRS. A. J. SCHERMULY, Deal and Walmer. MR. W. Fox, Coventry. Mr. E. SCORGIE, Dumfries. ROUND TABLE, Loughborough. MRS. E. SCORGIE, Dumfries. MR. AND MRS. HAVELOCK AND FAMILY, MR. H. P. SHARP, Chislehurst. Maidenhead and District. MRS. H. R. H. SHARPE, Bray. MRS. M. JOHNSTON, Maiden and Coombe. MR. R. SMITH, Johnstone. BRANCH COMMITTEE, Mansfield. MRS. A. SOUTHWORTH, Withnell. TOWNSWOMEN'S GUILD, Melrose

Bravest Act of Life-saving THK Maud Smith award for the number of the Life-boat on page bravest act of life-saving by a member 402. of a life-boat crew in 1962 has been The award, which is an annual one won by Bowman John Kerr, of Blyth, made, according to the terms of a will, for his part in the rescue of the crew of by the Committee of Management of two of the motor vessel Paullgate on the the Institution, was won the year before 18th November. A full account of the by Coxswain John Stonehouse, of service appeared in the March 1963 Teesmouth.

Consulting Naval Architect MR. H. A. Lyndsay, B.Sc., M.R.I.N.A., member of the Institute of Marine En- has been appointed consulting naval gineers. architect to the Institution. Mr. Lyndsay, He has designed a great variety of who has been principal officer of Sir vessels, including merchant ships, dred- J. H. Biles and Company, naval archi- gers, and numerous small craft now in tects and engineers, for over thirty years, service in eastern waters. He was the is a graduate of Glasgow University. In designer of the recently completed addition to his membership of the Royal R.M.S. Victoria, which was built for Institute of Naval Architects he is a service on Lake Victoria. JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 487 Sir William Hillary's Tomb

A SERVICE of commemoration and re- Ronald Garvey, and Air Chief Marshal dedication to mark the restoration of the Sir Arthur Murray Longmore, who tomb of the founder of the life-boat represented the Committee of Manage- Institution, Sir William Hillary, was ment, laid wreaths on Hillary's tomb. held at St. George's Parish Church in That the work of restoration was Douglas, Isle of Man, on 17th March. carried out was in very great measure The preacher was the Lord Bishop of due to the efforts of the President of the Sodor and Man, the Rt. Rev. Benjamin Douglas branch, the First Deemster Pollard. The Lieutenant-Governor, Sir S. J. Kneale.

New Year Honours

AMONG those associated with the life- of the Port of Liverpool and District boat service on whom honours were branch; bestowed in the New Year's Honours Commander of the British Empire: His List were: Honour the First Deemster S. J. Kneale, Knight Bachelor: Mr. M. Arnet O.B.E., President of the Douglas branch; Robinson, a member of the Committee Mr. W. D. Opher, President of the of Management and Deputy Chairman Barrow branch.

Portrait on the Cover

THE portrait on the cover is of for which he won his medal appears on Coxswain Hubert Petit, of St. Peter page 450. Hubert Petit was appointed coxswain Port, Guernsey, who is only the third of the St. Peter Port life-boat in 1948. man to win the Institution's highest Since then the life-boat has been award for gallantry, its gold medal, launched on service 117 times and has since the war. An account of the service rescued 110 lives.

THE LIFE-BOAT FLEET 150 Life-boats LIVES RESCUED from the foundation of the Life-boat Service in 1824 to 31st March, 1963 - 84,033 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

PAYMENTS. LIFE-BOATS:— New life-boats for the following stations: On account— Aith, Appledore, Boulmer, Howth, Longhope, Lowestoft, Salcombe, Sheringham, Shoreham, St. David's, Sunderland, Weston-super-Mare, Yarmouth (I. of W.), materials for future building and improve- ments and alterations to existing fleet 240,845 Upkeep of Cowes office and store 816 Upkeep of and repairs to life-boats 52,523 Rentals and maintenance of radio equipment and loud hailers and radio licences 18,193 Salaries of superintendent engineer, sur- veyor of life-boats, inspectors of machin- ery, assistant surveyors of life-boats and machinery, draughtsmen and clerical staff 55,523 Travelling expenses 16,779 Pensions under the pension scheme 4,086 Contribution to 1938 pension scheme 3,806 80,194 Less estimated amount chargeable to life- boat carriages and tractors 3,192 77,002 389,379

LIFE-BOAT CARRIAGES AND TRACTORS:— New carriages 30,388 Repairs to carriages 625 Repairs to tractors 773 Estimated proportion of life-boats' expenses as above 3,192 34,978

LIFE-BOAT HOUSES AND SLIPWAYS:— New construction and adaptation 27,871 Repairs and maintenance 27,233 55, KM

LIFE-BOAT STORES 65,320

LIFE-BOAT DEPOT:— New construction ...... 156 Rates, insurance, equipment and repairs ...... 13,073 Salaries of superintendent of depot, assistant and clerical staff and wages of manual workers ...... 56,761 Pensions and gratuities under the pension schemes .. 2,981 Contribution to 1938 pension scheme ...... 1,309 Provision for additional liability, 1909 pension scheme .. 896 75,176 LIFE-BOAT STATIONS:— Conveyance of fife-boats, carriages, tractors and stores; work to moorings; telephones, postages, etc. .. .. 39,419 Insurance under national insurance acts and against claims at common law ...... 7,486 Salaries of assistant secretaries, etc., of stations .. .. 410 47,315 Carried forward 667,272 IE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 489

I THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1962

1961 RECEIPTS. £ SUBSCRIPTIONS, DONATIONS, ETC:— £ 11,597 General subscriptions to headquarters ...... 10,280 8,857 „ „ through station branches .. 8,607 37,172 „ „ through financial branches .. 27,247 36,378 „ donations to headquarters ...... 25,146 94,495 „ „ through station branches .. .. 93,711 256,689 „ „ through financial branches .. .. 288,717 Contributions from harbour authorities towards upkeep 1,800 of life-boat stations 1,800 246 Contribution boxes to headquarters ...... 304 19,277 „ „ through station branches .. .. 18,868 9,388 „ „ throughfinancia lbranche s .. .. 10,221 475,899 484,901

475,899 Carried forward 484,901 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 19<

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOU>

PAYMENTS. £ £ Brought forward 667,272 COXSWAINS, MOTOR MECHANICS AND CREWS:— Cost of wreck services, including allowances to life-boat crews and others, special allowances and recognitions, medals and vellums 19,368 Grants to men injured in the life-boat service .. .. 1,095 Fees of coxswains, bowmen and signalmen, wages of motor mechanics, etc...... 145,457 Life-boat crews and launchers for exercises .. .. 12,633 Annuities and gratuities under the regulations to coxswains, bowmen, signalmen, part-time and assistant motor mechanics 4,872 Pensions and grants to relatives of deceased life-boatmen and others 15,207 Pensions and gratuities under the pension scheme to ex-permanent crews of life-boats ...... 5,952 204,584 LIFE-BOAT INSPECTORS:— Salaries of chief inspector, deputy chief inspector, inspectors and clerical staff 22,397 Travelling expenses ...... 7,287 Pensions under the pension scheme ...... 2,320 Contribution to 1938 pension scheme 1,795 Provision for additional liability, 1909 pension scheme .. 860 34,659 RATES AND REPAIRS OF MECHANICS' COTTAGES, ETC 6,158

ADMINISTRATION :— Salaries of secretary, assistant secretary, accountant, internal auditor, and clerical staff 47,954 Rent, depreciation, rates, lighting, heating, insurance, etc., of the Institution's head- quarters 3,881 Insurance under national insurance acts and against claims at common law, etc. .. 8,551 Telephone operator, commissionaires and nightwatchman ...... 3,229 Telephones, postages and parcels .. .. 3,864 Travelling expenses of committee of management 687 Pensions under the pension scheme .. 1,819 Contribution to 1938 pension scheme .. 2,917 Provision for additional b'ability, 1909 pension scheme ...... 1,729 74,631 Less estimated amount chargeable to raising of funds and publicity ...... 37,315 37,316 Stationery, office expenses, printing and books 9,757 Auditors' fee 630 Legal and professional expenses 3,530 Repairs and improvements to Institution's headquarters 2,030 53,263 GRANTS IN CONNEXION WITH CERTAIN LEGACIES 510 CONFERENCE OF LIFE-BOAT SOCIETIES 205 Carried forward 966,651 E, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 491

I THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1962—continued

RECEIPTS. £ Brought forward 484,901 INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS Dividends and interest on investments 91,865 Less:— Interest on certain trust funds transferred to Special Purposes Fund 2,121 Interest on certain endowment funds transferred: (a) to general subscriptions, etc. 492 (b) to General Endowment Fund 1,695 4,308 87,557 SUNDRY RECEIPTS:— Sale of old stores 6,879 Rentals of freehold and leasehold premises 1,456 Underwriting commission 756 9,091

Total ordinary receipts 581,549

Carried forward 581,549 492 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 19

RECEIPTS AND PAYMEiNTS ACCOUNT

1961 PAYMENTS. £ £ 848,589 Brought forward 966,651 RAISING OF FUNDS AND PUBLICITY:— Salaries of publicity secretary, assistant and clerical staff 10,280 and wages of manual workers 10,729 Salaries of district organizing secretaries and clerical 33,442 staff 37,961 6,697 Travelling expenses 7,226 510 Annual general meeting 363 15,455 Advertising and appeals 20,432 Stationery, printing, books, films, badges, collecting boxes, 42,554 district offices expenses, postages 54,306 5,768 Printing and binding the year book and life-boat journal 7,311 Salaries and commissions of assistant secretaries, etc., of 9,543 branches 8,986 2,865 Pensions under the pension scheme 2,118 3,411 Contribution to 1938 pension scheme 3,739 2,523 Provision for additional liability, 1909 pension scheme . . 2,007 Estimated proportion of administration expenses as 36,610 above 37,315 169,658 192,493 1,018,247 Total payments 1,159,144

Transfer to General Endowment Fund being the amount 165 of the year's receipts of gifts for endowment purposes 206

Transfer to Special Purposes and Maintenance Fund being the excess of the year's receipts for special purposes over payments in the year met from special gifts, etc. .. 53,799 arrived at as follows: Receipts in year of gifts and legacies for special purposes 218,875 Less payments in year met from gifts and legacies for special purposes (of which £108,159 relates to new life-boats and £56,917 to other items) 165,076 Transfer to Special Purposes, etc., Fund (1961 Cr. see contra.) £53,799

Transfer to Reserve for Replacement of Life-boats 65,918 (see contra.)

154,777 Transfer to General Purposes Fund 175,329

£1,239,107 £1,388,47? , 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 493

THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1962—continued

961 RECEIPTS. £ £ 66,296 Brought forward 581,549

87,599 LEGACIES FOR GENERAL PURPOSES 555,162 53,895 Total receipts for general purposes 1,136,711

GIFTS AND LEGACIES FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES (The capital to be applied in accordance with the direc- tions of the respective donors.) 23,805 Civil Service Life-boat Fund 22,599 52,047 Special gifts 108,507 04,997 Legacies 87,769 218,875 .80,849 GIFTS AND LEGACIES FOR ENDOWMENT PURPOSES (The income therefrom to be applied in accordance with the directions of the respective donors.) 165 Gifts Legacies 206 165 206 234,909 Total receipts .. 1,355,792

Transfer from Special Purposes and Maintenance Fund 4,198 (see contra.)

Transfer from Reserve for Replacement of Life-boats being the excess of payments on account of new life- boats in the year not met from special gifts, etc., over the estimated average annual cost falling to be met from general purposes receipts 32,686 arrived at as follows: 165,777 Payments on account of new life-boats in the year .. 240,845 Less amount met from gifts and legacies for special 131,695 purposes 108,159 34,082 132,686 Deduct estimated average annual cost of replacements 100,000 falling to be met from general purposes receipts 100,000 .(65,918) Transfer from Reserve (1961 Dr. see contra.) £32,686

NOTE:—This account includes the receipts and payments of the headquarters of the Institu- tion for the year to 31st December, 1962, and of the branches for the year to 30th September, 1962.

239,107 £1,388,478 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963

Dr.

GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND, The income to be applied for the purposes of the Institution

Lass on change of investments ...... —

Transfer to Life-boatmen's Benevolent Fund Endowment Fund Account .. — BALANCE AT 31sx DECEMBER, 1962 237,622 £237,622

SPECIAL PURPOSES AND MAINTENANCE FUND, The capital to be applied for the purposes of the Institution

Transfer to Receipts and Payments Account (see contra.) ...... —

BALANCE AT 31sT DECEMBER, 1962 353,768

£353,768

RESERVE FOR REPLACEMENT OF LIFE-BOATS,

TRANSFER TO RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT ...... 32,686

BALANCE AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1962 1,108,108

£1,140,794

GENERAL PURPOSES FUND,

Loss on change of investments ...... —

Transfer to Life-boatmen's Benevolent Fund Revenue Account .... —

BALANCE AT 31si DECEMBER, 1962 887,942

£887,942 JUNE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT

Cr.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1962 1961 in accordance with the directions of the respective donors. £ 261,304 BALANCE AT 31sx DECEMBER, 1961 11,649 Appreciation on valuation of investments at 31s/ December, 1961 165 TRANSFER FROM RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT 2,485 UNEXPENDED INTEREST ON CERTAIN FUNDS

£275,603

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1962 in accordance with the directions of the respective donors. 300,454 BALANCE AT SlST DECEMBER, 1961 1,592 INTEREST ON UNEXPENDED BALANCES OF CERTAIN FUNDS TRANSFER FROM RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

£302,046

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1962 1,074,876 BALANCE AT 31ST DECEMBER, 1961 65,918 Transfer from Receipts and Payments Account (see contra.) ..

£1,140,794

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1962 535,748 BALANCE AT SlST DECEMBER, 1961 PROFIT ON SALE OF INVESTMENTS 52 Profit on sale of property 55,226 Appreciation on valuation of investments at 31st December, 1961 154,777 TRANSFER FROM RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT ..

£745,803 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963

STATEMENT OF FUNDS AND RELATIVE ASSETS

1961 £ £ GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND (Income available in accordance with the 235,721 directions of the respective donors) 237,622

SPECIAL PURPOSES AND MAINTENANCE FUND (Capital to be applied in 297,848 accordance with the directions of the respective donors) 353,768

140,794 RESERVE FOR REPLACEMENT OF LIFE-BOATS 1,108,108 The estimated cost of replacing the entire fleet exceeds £6,000,000 and the estimated liability for replacements at present contemplated exceeds £1,300,000, part of which will be met by special gifts and legacies.

709,710 GENERAL PURPOSES FUND 887,942 Of this fund £150,887 relates to freehold and leasehold properties necessary to the Institution's work. The balance of £737,055 is available for the general purposes of the Institution and is intended to cover ordinary liabilities as they arise, including certain pensions, insurance risks in respect of the life-boat fleet and crews not other- wise covered, and replacements other than life-boats. Replacements at present contemplated include new construction and adaptation of life-boat houses £235,000 and provision of new carriages and tractors £100,000.

384,073 £2,587,440

(Signed) HOWE, Chairman (Signed) S. M. WHORLOW, Secretary. We have examined the above statement, also the Receipts and Payments Account and correct and in accordance therewith. We have also verified the investments 3 Frederick's Place, Old Jewry, London, E.C.2. 18th February, 1963 E, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 497

DECEMBER, 1962

INVESTMENTS at quinquennial valuation on 31st December, 1961, or cost if acquired since:—

Representing GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND Income only available:— British government securities 237,622 (Market value at 31st December, 1962, £262,600)

Representing other funds:— Quoted— British government securities 821,747 British corporation stocks .. 147,016 Debenture stocks 65,362 Ordinary stocks and shares 894,822

(Market value at 31st December, 1962, £1,982,413) 1,928,947 Total quoted investments (Market value £2,245,013) 2,166,569 Unquoted— Short term loan to local authorities 100,000 Mortgages, debentures and other securities 45,219 145,219 TOTAL INVESTMENTS 2,311,788

FREEHOLD PREMISES (At cost):— Including life-boat depot at Boreham Wood 105,333 LEASEHOLD PREMISES—(At cost less amounts written off):— Including 42/44 Grosvenor Gardens 45,554 BRANCH ACCOUNTS:— Balances in hands of branches, 30th September, 1962 .. 161,961 Less balance of remittances between headquarters and branches, October to December, 1962 109,399 52,562 BANK BALANCES 72,203 £2,587,440

accounts of the funds with the books and vouchers and find the same to be inspected the deeds of the properties belonging to the Institution.

(Signed) PRICE WATERHOUSE & CO., Auditors. THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963 LIFE-BOATMEN'S

ENDOWMENT FUND 1961 £ £ 295 Loss on change of investments 2,589 Balance carried forward at 31st December, 1962. represented by £3,444 Conversion 5J% Stock 1974 3,225 (Market value at 31st December, 1962, £3,478.)

£2,884 £3,225

REVENUE ACCOUNT 116 Grants to beneficiaries 189

121 Balance carried forward at 31st December, 1962 93 £237 £282

(Signed) HOWE, Chairman.

(Signed) S. M. WHORLOW, Secretary,

We have examined the above statement with the books and vouchers of the Life-boat We have also

18th February, '963. UKE, 1963] THE LIFE-BOAT 499

ENEVOLENT FUND

OR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1962 1961 £ £ 2,229 Balance brought forward at 1st January, 1962 2,589 580 Subscriptions and Donations received and invested 636 75 Appreciation on valuation of investments at 31st December, 1961

£2,884 £3,225

•OR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER, 1962

47 Balance brought forward at 1st January, 1962 121 190 Investment income 161

£237 £282

men's Benevolent Fund and find the same to be correct and in accordance therewith verified the investment.

(Signed) PRICE WATERHOUSE & CO., Auditors. 500 THE LIFE-BOAT [JUNE, 1963

Notice All contributions for the Institution should be sent either to the honorary secretary of the local branch or guild, or to Stirling Whorlow Esq., the Secretary, Royal National Life-boat Institution, 42 Grosvenor Gardens, London, S.W.I. AH enquiries about the work of the Institution or about this journal should be addressed to the Secretary. The next number of THE LIFE-BOAT will be published in September, 1963.