Margate, Kent.—At 12.30 P.M. on the 5th December, 1937, information was received that a barge flying a distress signal had been seen by the coastguard about three miles east of Reculvers.

The motor life-boat Lord Southborough (Civil Service No. 1) was launched at 12.45 P.M. A strong N.N.W. breeze was blowing and the sea was rough.

It was found that the vessel was the sailing barge Lord Churchill, of Faversham, carrying a crew of two and bound from London to Dover laden with wheat. Her crew needed help, as she was drifting and shipping water, and several life-boatmen went aboard. The life-boat reported by wireless at 2.30 P.M. that she was taking the barge in tow, and made for Ramsgate harbour.Ramsgate was reached about 4 P.M., and the life-boat remained there until next morning, as it was too rough to rehouse her at Margate.—Property Salvage Case..