One of the finest services in the neighbourhood of Gorleston in exceptionally severe weather was performed by the steam Life-boat James Stevens No. 3 on the night of 15th-16th January, 1905. A strong S.E. wind had been blowing for days, and that night had increased to a furious gale, the sea was terrific with the bar at its very worst, and the temperature was below freezing, in fact the Coxswain stated that in all his many years of experience he had never seen such a sea. Shortly after 6 P.M. a report was received that a vessel was in distress four miles away to the south.

Undaunted by the state of the weather the Coxswain and chief engineer called their men together and started to the rescue. On reaching the vessel—the brig Celerity of Lowestoft—she was found to be dragging her anchors, and her imperilled crew, six in number, were successfully rescued. As it was impossible for the Life-boat to return over the bar at low tide she anchored outside, her crew exposed to the biting cold and fury of the storm until after 2 A.M., when she made the harbour in safety and landed the rescued men.

The behaviour of the steam Life-boat in such exceptionally severe circumstances is spoken of in the highest terms, and her excellent sea-going qualities are now fully established amongst the local Life-boatmen.

The Committee of Management, as a special mark of their appreciation of the gallantry displayed by all on this occasion, awarded the Silver Medal of the Institution to Mr. SIDNEY HABBIS, Coxswain superintendent and to Mr.

JAMES SCLANDEBS, chief engineer, together with an additional pecuniary grant to them and to each of the crew and engine-room staff..