Launches 124. Lives rescued 106.

April Meeting.

Blyth, and Newbiggin, Northumberland.

—On the 23rd December, 1938, the Blyth motor life-boat rescued three of the crew of the s.s. Skaru, of Sunderland.

The Newbiggin motor life-boat was also called out.—Rewards: Bronze medal, framed letters of thanks, and additional monetary awards to the Blyth crew; Blyth, £38 10s.; Newbiggin £54 8s.

(A full account of this service was given in the June issue of The Life-boat.) Rosslare Harbour, and Kilmore, Co. Wex- ford.—A message was received at Ross- lare at 4.55 P.M. on the 3rd March, 1939, that an Irish Air Force seaplane had come down in the sea off Carnsore Point.

A S.S.E. wind was blowing, with a moderately rough sea. At 5.15 P.M. the Rosslare Harbour motor life-boat K.E.C.F. was launched. She found the seaplane ashore at Ballytrent Strand, and signalled the officers on board who replied that they were no longer in danger. The life-boat returned to her station at 6.48 P.M. Meanwhile the in- formation had also reached Kilmore, and at 6 P.M. the motor life-boat Ann Isabella Pyemont put out. She damaged her rudder in launching and after calling at the Barrells Light-vessel and Tuskar without getting information, put into Rosslare. Here she learned that her services were not needed, but as her rudder was damaged she waited for the tide, and returned to her station again at 7.30 A.M. on the following morning.

On the 5th March information was received at Rosslare Harbour from the Coast Life-saving Service that the Ministry of Defence wished the life-boat to be launched to stand by while attempts were made to refloat the sea- plane. The motor life-boat K.E.C.F.

was launched at 5.15 P.M., but it was found that the surf on the beach was too heavy for anything to be done at that time. The life-boat returned to her station at 7 P.M. During the night a request was received from an officer of the Irish Air Force that the life-boat should again be launched in the morning when another attempt to re- float the machine at high water would be made. The life-boat put out again at 7.20 A.M. She stood by while the stranded seaplane was refloated at Ballytrent and then escorted her to Wexford Harbour, returning to her station at 1.30 P.M.—Rewards: Ross- lare Harbour, Permanent paid crew, 1st launch, £2 6s. 6d; 2nd launch, £2 6s. 6d; 3rd launch, £l 3s. Qd.; Kilmore, £33 3s. 9d.

Girvan, Ayrshire.-—-On the morning of 8th March, 1939, a strong W.N.W.

wind was blowing, with a rough sea, and the fresh water from the flooded river Girvan was making the harbour bar extremely dangerous. Five fishing boats from Girvan and two from Aroch, Moray Firth, were fishing on the Ballantrae Banks, and about ten in the morning the harbour-master reported that they were expected to return to Girvan. The life-boat Lily Glen— Glasgow, was launched at 10.20 and went outside the harbour. As each boat approached she escorted her in.

She returned to her station at 11.55 A.M.

—Rewards, £6 13s.

New Brighton, Cheshire.—At 11.38 A.M. on the 8th March, 1939, the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board reported that the Crosby Lightship was adrift.

A heavy W.N.W. gale was blowing, with a very rough sea and rain squalls. The No. 1 motor life-boat William and Kate Johnston left her moorings at 11.55 A.M. and reached the lightship at 1.10 P.M.

By that time she had anchored near the Formby shore. The crew of five sig- nalled for help, but it was only after several attempts that the life-boat got alongside and rescued the men. In doing so she was damaged. Alter re- porting the rescue to the Dock's Board vessel Vigilant, she landed the rescued men at New Brighton at 3 P.M. The life-boat had then to be taken off ser- vice for repairs. It was an arduous service, carried out in very rough weather, and the Institution granted an increase of £1 in the usual money award on the standard scale of 19s. to each member of the crew.—Standard rewards to crew, £5 14s.; additional rewards to crew, £8. Total rewards, £15 14s. 4dL Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire. — On the llth March, 1939, the life-boat motor mechanic saw a sailing yacht which appeared to be in difficulties about three miles S.E. of the life-boathouse.

A moderate N.N.W. gale was blowing, with a moderate sea and rain squalls.

The motor life-boat William Mac- pherson was launched at 4.45 P.M. She found the sailing yacht Minnie II, of Pwllheli, with three R.A.F. officers on board. The yacht's head sails had been carried away in a squall and she was unmanageable. The life-boat took her in tow and brought her safely into Pwllheli Harbour at 5.25 P.M. A letter of thanks and a donation were received from one of the rescued.—Rewards, £11 14s. 9d.

Douglas, Isle of Man.—During the afternoon of the 11th March, 1939, a strong N.W. gale sprang up, with a heavy sea. Anxiety was felt for the local fishing smacks Useful and Manmn, which were at sea, and the motor life- boat Manchester and Salford was launched at 4 P.M. She found the Useful at 4.30 P.M. making for harbour under her own power. From her the coxswain got the position of the Mannin, went in search, found her at 5 P.M., and towed her into Douglas, arriving at 6 P.M.—Rewards, £1113s. 3d.

Amble, Northumberland.—The motor life-boat Frederick and Emma, which was placed at Amble when that life- boat station was reopened at the be- ginning of 1939, received her first ser- vice call at 8.30 A.M. on the 15th March.

1939. She put out to the help of the fishing cobles Providence and Children's Friend, of Amble, which had been seen to be in difficulties. A moderate northerly wind was blowing, with a heavy swell. The life-boat went first to the Providence and escorted her into harbour. She then put out again to the Children's Friend, but found that the boat had been beached at Aln- mouth. The life-boat returned to her station at 10.45 A.M.—Rewards, £3.

Whitby, Yorkshire.—On the morning of the 15th March, 1939, five Whitby fishing vessels put to sea at 5 A.M. A strong N.N.E. wind was blowing, with a heavy broken sea. The sea increased and at 10 A.M. the No. 1 motor life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was launched.

She found the Venus outside the Rock Buoy and escorted her back to harbour.

Putting off again she escorted the Gallilee, Success, Pilot Me and Provider separately into harbour. The life-boat returned to her station at 2.15 P.M.— Rewards, £8 5s. 6d.

Eyemouth, Berwickshire. — On the morning of the 15th March, 1939, several fishing vessels were returning to harbour. A heavy sea was running in the bay, and the motor life-boat Frank and William Oates was launched at 9.45 A.M. in readiness to help if needed.

She stood by at the pier until the vessels had discharged their catches and left again, and returned ashore at 12.30 P.M.—Rewards, £10 16s.

Ramsgate, Kent.—At 6.12 A.M. on the 15th March, 1939, a message was received from the coastguard that two barges were in need of help to the east of the coastguard station. A moderate N.E. gale was blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life-boat Prudential was launched at 6.26 A.M., and found the barge Cabby, of Rochester, laden with portland stone and carrying a crew of two. She had lost her anchor.

The life-boat towed her into harbour.

The other barge, the Colluna, of London, was towed in by the motor boat Salvor II. The life-boat returned at 7.55 A.M.—Rewards, lls. 9d.; Property Salvage Case.

Scarborough, Yorkshire.—At 7.50 A.M. on the 17th March, 1939, the life-boat coxswain noticed that the local motor fishing boat Hyperion, which was making for harbour, did not dare attempt to get in. A strong N.E. gale was blowing, with a very rough sea.

The motor life-boat Herbert Joy II was launched at 8 A.M., reached the Hyperion about one and a half miles to the N.E. and escorted her to harbour.— Rewards, £19 5s. Qd.

Cromer, Norfolk.—A wireless message sent out by the motor vessel Fosna, of Bergen, that she wished to land a sick man at Cromer at 3 P.M., was passed to the life-boat station, through Mable- thorpe and the coastguards, at 1.55 P.M.

on the 20th March, 1939. The motor life-boat Harriot Dixon was launched at 2.55 P.M. in a smooth sea with a moderate W.N.W. wind. Commander J. M. Upton, the district inspector, Mr.

E. P. Hansell, the honorary secretary, Dr. D. Vaughan, and an ambulance man went out. The life-boat reached the Fosna at about 3.15 P.M., and found that the man was able to get aboard her without help. He was landed at 3.40 P.M., and taken to the hospital.

The owners gave a donation of £14.— Rewards, £13 17s.

North Sunderland, Northumberland.— During the morning of the 20th March, 1939, a message was received from the Seahouses coastguard that seven fishing boats of Beadnell were outside the harbour, but unable to enter owing to the very heavy swell. A westerly wind was blowing. At 10 A.M. the motor life-boat W.R.A. was launched. She stood by at the harbour entrance until five of the boats had entered and then went out and escorted in the other two boats, each in turn. The life-boat re- turned to her station at 12.15 P.M.—- Rewards, £13.

Douglas, Isle of Man.—On the after- noon of the 20th March, 1939, a whole gale sprang up from the N.W., bringing with it a heavy sea. A watch was kept for the local fishing smack Mannin, which was at sea. As nothing had been seen of her by 3 P.M., the motor life-boat Manchester and Salford was launched at 3.30 P.M. She found the Mannin six miles S.E. by S. from Douglas. As the seas were very heavy, the life-boat towed her to Douglas, arriving at 6.30 P.M.—Rewards, £11 13s. 3d.

Wick, Caithness-shire.— Shortly be- fore midday on the 20th March, 1939, the life-boat coxswain reported that several small fishing boats beating in towards the bay were in danger. The weather was squally, with hail showers, and a very strong N.W. wind was blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life-boat City of Edinburgh was launched at noon, escorted to safety two small fishing boats of Wick, and returned to her station at 2 P.M.—Rewards, £6 13s.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—At 8.34 P.M. on the 20th March, 1939, the R.N.

Shore Signal Station reported that rockets had been seen at Warden Point, coming from the Nore and Mouse Light- vessels. The sea was rough, with a strong squally W.N.W. breeze. The motor life-boat Greater London (Civil Service No. 3) was launched at 8.55 P.M., and found the barge British Oak, of Rochester, with a crew of two and laden with sand, about a mile N.E. of the Mouse Light-vessel. She was in a dangerous position with her mast broken and all gear overboard. With great difficulty the life-boat towed the barge into the fairway, and helped to get her gear aboard. She then put back to her station to report and refuel at about 5 A.M. ; returned to the British Oak, and towed her to a safe anchorage at Sheerness. As she set out for Southend again, she saw signals from Sheerness Pier and found the yacht Don Pat, of Sheerness, with two people on board, in danger of being broken up against the pier. She towed the Don Pat to safety and returned to her station at 12.10 P.M. on the 21st March.

—-Barge British Oak: Property Salvage Case. Yacht Don Pat: Rewards, £9 17s.

Holy Island, Northumberland. — At 1.10 P.M. on the 22nd March, 1939, a steamer was reported ashore on the Plough Reef, one mile east of Holy Island. The weather was fine but cold, with a W.N.W. breeze and a choppy sea. The motor life-boat Milburn was launched at 1.20 P.M., and found the s.s. Sphene, of Glasgow. She had a crew of eleven men on board and was bound for Dublin with a cargo of coal from Blyth. The steamer was leaking badly and the captain asked the cox- swain to stand by. This the life-boat did until the vessel refloated at 2.50 P.M., and the steamer managed to reach Holy Island Harbour under her own power with the life-boat escorting her. The life-boat returned at 3.50 P.M.

—Rewards, £8 14s. 6d.

142 Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. — On the morning of the 24th March, 1939, a heavy sea was rising, with a strong and increasing south-easterly wind. Two small fishing boats were out and shortly before noon it was reported that one of them was showing a distress signal.

The motor life-boat Duke of Connaught was launched at 12.5 P.M., and escorted both boats to harbour, returning to her station at 1.15 P.M.—Rewards, £6 17s. 6d.

Filey, Yorkshire.—At~7.30 A.M. on the 25th March, 1939, the life-boat coxswain reported that three fishing cobles were out north of the Brig. The weather was bad, with heavy snow and showers, and it was decided to keep a look-out. Later the weather became worse and at 8.50 A.M. the pulling and sailing life-boat Thomas Masterman Hardy was launched. A rough sea was then running, with a strong N.E. wind.

The life-boat escorted the boats to safety and returned to her station at 12.15 P.M.—Rewards, £16 25.

Anstruther, Fifeshire.—At 6.15 A.M.

on the 28th March, 1939, a message was received from the Anstruther coast- guard that there was a heavy swell at the harbour entrance and that the fishing fleet was returning. A moderate E.N.E. gale was blowing. The motor life-boat Nellie and Charlie was launched at 6.40 A.M. She stood by at the harbour mouth while two steam drifters and five motor boats entered. The life-boat then went to another boat, about a mile off shore, and escorted her in, returning to her station at 8.15 A.M.

—Rewards, £12 13s. 3d.

Holyhead, Anglesey.—At 1.22 in the morning of 9th April, 1939, the coast- guard reported that the 7,000-tons s.s.

Hilary, of Liverpool, was ashore at Carmel Head. She was homeward bound from Brazil to Liverpool with general cargo and over 300 people on board. A slight south-westerly breeze was blowing and the sea was smooth, but there was a dense fog.

The motor life-boat A.E.D. was launched at 1.45 A.M., and began her search, but the fog was so thick that the coxswain could not see a boat's length. He decided to anchor. When daylight came the life-boat continued slowly along the land and at 4.50 A.M.

found the steamer on Coal Rocks. She took oft eighty-four passengers and landed them at Holyhead at 6.45 A.M.

At 7.15 A.M. she returned and brought ashore six other passengers and a quantity of luggage, reaching Holyhead again at 10.55 A.M. The life-boat was placed at moorings at 12.40 P.M. The Hilary refloated at the next high tide and made port. One of the passengers made a donation and sent a letter of thanks—Rewards, £11 5s.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.

—At 9.35 A.M. on the 12th April, 1939, the coastguard reported that the St.

Nicholas Light-vessel was firing guns and flying signals indicating that a vessel was in distress to the E.N.E.

A light S.S.W. breeze was blowing with a swell on the sands, and the weather was foggy. The motor life-boat John and Mary Meiklam of Gladswood was launched at 9.50 A.M., and found the s.s. Zeester, of Kamlen, Holland, on the east side of Scroby Sands. She had been aground but had just refloated with the rising tide. As the Zeester was in a dangerous position the life- boat escorted her clear of the sands and as far as the Cockle Light-vessel.

She then returned to her station at 12.10 P.M.—Rewards, £7 3s.

The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given: Anstruther, Fifeshire. — 1st March, 1939. A fishing boat had caught fire, but her crew were taken aboard another fishing boat.—Rewards, £11 7s. 6d.

Walton and Frinton, Essex. — 6th March, 1939. The crew of the fishing boat Marie Suzanne, of Ostend, had abandoned their sinking vessel in a small boat, but they were picked up by the Dutch motor vessel Jutland and landed at Dover.—Rewards, £35 6s. 6d.

Lerwick, Shetland*.—6th March, 1939.

A trawler was in distress and her crew had landed on the uninhabited island of Hascosay, but they were taken off by another trawler.—Rewards, £13 6s. 6d.

Baltimore, Co. Cork. — 8th March, 1939. A trawler's engine had broken down, but she had put it right and went on her way without help.—Re- wards, £21 Is.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—10th March, 1939. A barge had sunk, but her crew had already been saved when the life- boat arrived.—Rewards, £16 19*.

Anstruther, Fifeshire.—10th March, 1939. A fishing boat had gone ashore, but she refloated unaided.—Rewards, £17 105.

Ramsey, Isle of Man.—llth March, 1939. A small rowing boat had been reported drifting out to sea, but she succeeded in reaching land without help.—Rewards, £30 16s. Qd.

Whitby, Yorkshire. — 16th March, 1939. A coble had made a signal for help, but she was taken in tow by another coble.—Rewards, £3 6s.

Courtmacsherry 'Harbour, Co. Cork.— 18th March, 1939. A motor boat had been reported in distress off the Old Head of Kinsale, but she made safety while the life-boat was searching for her.—Rewards, £13 11s. 6d.

Amble, Northumberland. — 20th March, 1939. Signals had been re- ported to the S.E. of Coquet Island, but nothing could be found.—Rewards, £15.

Whitehills, Banffshire, and Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.—20th March, 1939. A motor salmon-coble was reported over- due, but she was picked up and towed to safety by a motor boat.—Rewards: Whitehills, £9 7s. 9d; Fraserburgh, £7 6s. 6d.

Exmouth, Devon.—22nd March, 1939.

An aeroplane had come down in the sea, but her crew were saved by a small boat from the shore.—Rewards, £2615s.

(See "Shoreboat Services," Sidmouth.) The Humber, Yorkshire.—22nd March, 1939. A steamer had collided with a trawler seventeen miles N.N.E. of the Humber. She was badly damaged and began to sink, but her crew were rescued by the trawler.—Permanent paid crew: Rewards, 18s.

The Humber, Yorkshire.—26th March, 1939. Rockets had been reported seven miles N.E. of Mablethorpe on the Lincolnshire coast, but nothing could be found.—Permanent paid crew: Re- wards, 9s.

Ferryside, Carmarthenshire. — 1st April, 1939. A schooner had been reported in a dangerous position near the Pembery Sands, but no trace of any vessel in need of help could be found—Rewards, £12 10s. 6d.

Shoreham, Sussex.—2nd April, 1939.

A boat burning flares had been reported off Brighton, but nothing could be found.—Rewards, £7 15s. 6d, Salcombe, Devon.—5th April, 1939.

A small sailing boat was out in rough weather, but did not need help.— Rewards, £4 10s. 6d.

St. Helier, Jersey.—6th April, 1939.

A French military seaplane had been forced down in the sea, but she was helped by a French fishing boat.

Letters of thanks were received from the French Navy and the French Consul- General.—Rewards, £9 14s.

Ramsgate, Kent.—9th April, 1939.

A Dutch motor vessel had been re- ported near the Goodwins, but she could not be found.—Rewards, £5 8s.

Donaghadee, Co. Down.—12th April, 1939. A raft had got adrift with a boy aboard, but before help came he was drowned.—Rewards, £8 18s. 6d.

May Meeting.

Peel, Isle of Man.—At 8.55 P.M. on the 18th April, 1939, a message was received from the coastguard stating that flares had been seen four miles off Orrisdale Head. A light southerly breeze was blowing with a calm sea.

The motor life-boat Helen Sutton was launched at 9.25 P.M. and found the motor fishing boat Cicely, of Castle- town, with a crew of four. Her engine had broken down. The life-boat towed her into harbour and returned to her station at 1.15 A.M. the following morning.—-Rewards, £15 3.s_6d.

Sheringham, Norfolk.—On the morn- ing of the 22nd April, 1939, eight of the local fishing boats were at sea. A strong N.W. gale was blowing with a rough sea. The boats were running for the shore, when at 10 A.M. the motor life-boat Foresters Centenary was launched to stand by. All the boats got in unaided except the Reliance II.

She was about a mile and a half to the north. The life-boat escorted her to safety and returned to her station at 10.30 A.M.—Rewards, £17 11*.

Whitby, Yorkshire.—At 7.30 A.M. on the 22nd April, 1939, anxiety was being felt for the safety of some of the fishing cobles, as a very strong N.N.W. wind was blowing, with a rough sea. As both life-boat coxswains, and a number of the life-boat crews, were at sea fishing, an ex-coxswain volunteered to take out the life-boat manned by some of the elder fishermen. The motor life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was launched at 8 A.M. and escorted into the harbour in turn the cobles Ramlah, Royal Empire, Sarah, Guide Me and Margaret. She returned to her station at 10 A.M.—Rewards, £4 16s. 6d.

Flamborough, Yorkshire. — On the morning of the 22nd April, 1939, a heavy N.N.W. gale sprang up while the fishing fleet was at sea. Several boats landed with difficulty and it was decided to send out the motor life-boat Elizabeth and Albina Whitley. She put off in a very rough sea at 9.55 A.M. with the second coxswain in charge. The coble Britannia was found about two miles to the northward and escorted back to safety. The life-boat then went to Flamborough Head to search for the remaining cobles. They were not to be seen, so she ran round the head and found that they had arrived safely at the south landing. The life- boat returned to her station at midday.

—Rewards, £8 13s.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. — On 22nd April, 1939, the coastguard kept a yacht under observation for some hours. The sea was very heavy, a N.W. gale was blowing, and it was decided to send out help. At 2.25 P.M. the motor life- boat Edward Z. Dresden put out and found the yacht to be the Sprite, of Leigh-on-Sea, with a crew of two on board. She was near the Swin Bell Buoy and in need of help. The cox- swain decided to take her to Harwich.

While the skipper of the Sprite was making the tow-rope fast he was washed overboard by a heavy sea, but managed to catch hold of a rope and was hauled aboard again. Harwich was reached at 6.15 P.M. and the life- boat left for home two hours later. On her way home, at a signal from the coastguard, she spoke a small yacht off Walton but no help was needed, and the life-boat got back to Clacton at 10.15 P.M. The skipper of the Sprite sent a letter of thanks and a donation to the Institution.—Rewards, £15 ISs. Qd.

Bembridge, Isle of Wight..—Early in the afternoon of the 22nd April, 1939, a sailing yacht was seen making towards Whitecliffe Bay with her sails damaged.

She was kept under observation by the coastguard and life-boatmen. A strong N.W. gale was blowing, with a rough sea. At 4.48 P.M. the coastguard reported the yacht to be in distress eight miles south-west from Foreland Look-out. The motor life-boat Lang- ham was sent to her help, leaving at 5 P.M. She found the yacht Marigold, with a party of three on board, oft Dunnose Point, and took her to a safe anchorage in St. Helens Bay. The life-boat returned to her station at 8 P.M. The owner sent a letter of thanks and made a gift to the life-boat crew.—Rewards, £8.

Hoylake, Cheshire.—At 5.30 A.M. on the 22nd April, 1939, the coastguard reported that t'u s.s. Mayflower, of Liverpool, loaded with stone, on pas- sage from Penmaenmawr, North Wales, to Liverpool, had gone aground on East Hoyle Bank at 2 A.M., but that she was in no immediate danger. A moderate N.W. gale was blowing, 'vith a very rough sea. After further investigation it was decided to launch the motor life-boat Oldham, and at 11.30 A.M. she went to the Mayflower and stood by.

An attempt was made by the crew'to refloat their vessel, but it was unsuccess- ful. The life-boat returned to her station at 3.30 P.M. when the tide was ebbing, as at low tide the steamer would be high and dry.—Rewards,Port Erin, Isle of Man.—During the afternoon of the 25th April, 1989, a strong N.E. wind was blowing, with a rough sea. Three fishing boats were out and at 5 P.M. the motor life-boat Ethel Day Cardwell was launched to their help. Two of the boats managed to reach safety unaided. The third was a considerable distance out in Port Erin Bay. The life-boat escorted her into harbour, and returned to moorings at 6 P.M.—Rewards, £5 6s.

Sheringham, Norfolk.—At 8 A.M. On the 27th April, 1939, a telephone message was received from the Fishery Bailiff asking for help for a fishing boat which was at sea off Weybourne three miles away. A strong, increasing N.E.

wind was blowing, with a rough sea.

The motor life-boat Foresters Centenary was launched at 8.17 A.M., found the fishing boat Olive, of Sheringham, and escorted' her safely through the surf.

She returned to her station at 9 A.M.— Rewards, £16 6*.

Cromarty.—At 3 P.M. on the 3rd May, 1939, a message was received from the Seaforth Highlanders Depot at Fort George that the ferry boat Tim, running from Fort George to Chanory, with the depot band of twelve men on board, had broken down when half-way across and was drifting towards the Riff Sands. A S.S.W. wind was blowing, with a moderate sea. The motor life-boat James Macfee was launched at 3.10 P.M., and found the Tim three miles off her course. She was riding at anchor, but the anchor would not have held had the wind increased. The ferryman having gone ashore with one of the bandsmen in a dinghy for help, the life-boat landed the eleven remaining men at Chanory Point. She then put out again and towed the boat to anchorage, arriving back at her moorings at 6.35 P.M.— Rewards, £4 7s. 6d.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight—At 6.16 P.M. on the llth May, 1939, a message was received from the coastguard at Cliff End that a motor launch off Barton-on-Sea had broken down, and that its occupants were waving clothing to attract attention. As the sea was smooth, the weather fine, and the launch near to the shore it was decided to wait and see whether she could get in herself or whether some other boat would go to her help. At 7.3 P.M. a further message was received that the launch was still in difficulties, and the motor life-boat S.G.E. was launched at 7.12 P.M. She found the launch, with two men on board, off Becton Cliffs, towed her in, and returned to her station at 9.10 P.M.—Rewards, £7 16s.

The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given: Amble, Northumberland.—16th April, 1939. A sailing yacht had been reported in distress, but she went on her way without waiting for help.— Rewards, £5.

Thurso, Caithness-shire.—17th April, 1939. A fishing boat had not re- turned, but was found making her way home without needing help.—Rewards, £5 3*. 6d.

The Humber, Yorkshire.—20th April, 1939. An aeroplane was thought to have crashed into the sea, but it was found that she came down on land.— Permanent paid crew: Rewards, 6s.

Tynemouth, Northumberland. — 22nd April, 1939. The Cullercoats motor life-boat had capsized on exercise, but the Tynemouth life-boat was unable to find any of her crew, six of whom were lost.—Rewards, £9 3s. (A full account of this disaster was published in The Life-boat for June.) Selsey, Sussex.—On the evening of the 22nd April, 1939, the yacht Brionie ran aground two miles W.S.W.

of Selsey Bill, while on passage from Lymington to Newhaven with a crew of three. A N.W. breeze was blowing, with a moderately rough sea. The yacht's distress was reported by the coastguard and the Selsey motor life- boat Canadian Pacific was launched at 7.50 P.M. Seeing that she would have to make a long detour owing to the state of the tide, four men who had answered the maroon but were not needed in the life-boat's crew, put off in a dinghy with an outboard motor.

They made for the Brionie and when about a quarter of a mile from the wreck they picked up a dinghy with the yacht's crew on board. They towed the dinghy to the life-boat station. The life-boat reached the yacht but found no one on board and returned ashore at 10.20 P.M.—Re- wards, Life-boat £11 15*., Shoreboat £2 10*. and 3s. for fuel used.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—22nd April, 1939. A capsized yacht was found off Shoeburyness, but there was no one on board.—Rewards, £6 10s.

St. Peter Port, Guernsey. — 25th April, 1939. An aeroplane had been reported missing, but she had landed at Alderney.—Rewards, £4 13s. 6d.

Walmer, Kent. — 26th April, 1939.

Red flares had been reported, but a search revealed nothing.—Rewards, £19 7s.

Beaumaris, Anglesey. — 30th April, 1939. A trawler's engine had broken down, but another trawler took her in tow.—Rewards, £5 6s.

Portpatrick, Wigtownshire. — 30th April, 1939. A child had drifted away from Girvan on a raft, but was drowned before help could arrive.—Rewards, £4 10s. 6d.

Cloughey, Co. Down.—9th May, 1939.

The Arantzazu Mendi, a steamer of Bilbao, had stranded, but was in no immediate danger.—Rewards, £10 11s.

6d. (For another service to this steamer see pages 131 and 149.) The Humber, Yorkshire.—9th May, 1939. An aeroplane had crashed into the sea off the Lincolnshire coast, but only wreckage was found. Two shore- boats also took part in the search.

(See "Shoreboat Services," Mable- thorpe.)—Permanent paid crew: Re- wards, 6s.

June Meeting.

Whitby, Yorkshire.—On the morn- ing of 16th May, 1939, a strong N.E.

wind was blowing with a very rough sea.

About 10.15 it was learnt that two small fishing boats were returning. Then just as the motor life-boat Mary Ann Hepworth was about to put out, at 10.40 came a message from Staithes that the fishing vessel Gallilee had broken down off Skinningrove and that another fishing vessel was attempt- ing to tow her. The life-boat first escorted in the fishing cobles Royal Empire and Silver Line. She then went in search of the Gallilee and found her four miles north of Whitby. The attempt of the other vessel to tow her had failed as all her ropes had parted.

The Gallilee had then managed to get her engine started again, but the fly-wheel was loose. The life-boat escorted her into Whitby and returned to her station at 12 noon.—Rewards, £5 9s.

Hythe, Kent.—At about 8.15 P.M. on the 23rd May, 1939, the motor life-boat Viscountess Wakefield was off Beachy Head on passage from Cowes to her station after overhaul. There she saw the motor cruiser Mary, of Chichester, with her engine broken down. There were two men on board. The sea was smooth and the weather fine. The Mary was bound for the East Coast and the life-boat towed her to Folke- stone, arriving at 3.20 A.M., on the 24th May. She reached her station at 4.30 A.M.—No rewards. Crew paid for bringing boat from Cowes.

Walmer, Kent.—At 12.10 A.M. on the 26th May, 1939, a message was received from the South Goodwin Light-vessel through the Deal coastguard that a vessel was ashore on the sands to the N.E. by E. A N.N.E. breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea. The motor life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 3) was launched at 12.44 A.M.

She found the trawler Louci Gougy, of Dieppe, aground and stood by until 2.10 A.M., when the trawler refloated with the rising tide. After escorting her clear of the sands the life-boat returned to her station at 3 A.M.— Rewards, £19 7s.

Walton and Frinton, Essex.—At 5.15 A.M. on the 28th May, 1939, a message was received from Gunfleet Lighthouse through the coastguard that a vessel had gone aground on the Gunfleet Sands. A moderate N.N.W. breeze was blowing, with a slight sea. The vessel was kept under observation and at 6.25 A.M. red flares were seen. The reserve motor life-boat Mary and John Meiklam of Gladsrvood, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 6.55 A.M. She found the yacht Our Laddie, of London, with thirteen people on board, four of them women. The yacht was on a pleasure cruise from Southend-on-Sea. The life-boat took all the passengers on board, except two men who stayed with the crew. Two life-boatmen boarded the yacht and the life-boat towed her clear of the sands and anchored abreast of Walton Pier. There she landed nine of the passengers, who were exhausted. She then towed the yacht to Harwich Harbour and returned to Walton at 2.20 P.M.—Rewards, £7 11s Qd.

Lowestoft, Suffolk.—On Whit Monday, the 29th May, 1939, the life-boat coxswain was told by the coastguard at about 8 P.M. that a motor vessel was in difficulties about a mile to the S.S.E.

The weather was fine, but the sea was rather rough with a fresh N.E. wind.

The motor life-boat Agnes Cross put out at 8.10 P.M. and found the motor vessel Joy, of Lowestoft, out on a plea- sure cruise, with a crew of three and fourteen passengers. Her engines had become overheated and failed, and there was a danger of fire. She was drifting across the Newcombe Sands where the seas were rough. The life- boat took her in tow and brought her safely into harbour at about 9 P.M.— Rewards, £25 2*. 60!.

Llandudno, Caernarvonshire.—On the 1st June H.M. Submarine Thetis dived, while on trials in Liverpool Bay about fifteen miles from Llandudno, and did not come to the surface. On the following morning four survivors escaped by means of the Davis appara- tus and a request was received from the Hoylake coastguard for a doctor. The weather was fine, with a northerly wind and a moderate sea. At 1 P.M. the motor life-boat Thomas and Annie Wade Richards put out with Dr.

Maddock Jones on board. She took him to the destroyer Somali and remained alongside for some hours, returning to her station at 10.30 P.M.

Ninety-nine lives were lost in this the biggest submarine disaster of all time.—• Rewards, £24 11s. Qd.

Dover, Kent.—On the morning of the 3rd June six children belonging to the Dover garrison were cut off by the tide under Shakespeare Cliff. A moderate N.E. gale was blowing, with a rough sea. The motor boarding boat William Myatt, attached to the Dover life-boat, put out about midday with a crew of six and a dinghy in tow. Mean- while a police sergeant had been lowered down the cliffs to the children. The dinghy was sent in but the first attempt failed as there was great danger of the dinghy being smashed. The dinghy went in again, with an anchor and cables from the motor boat, and this time she was able to get near enough for the police sergeant to pass the children to her and then to board her himself.

Sergeant and children were got safely from the dinghy to the boarding boat and she brought them ashore.—Partly permanent crew: Rewards, £2 2s. Qd.

The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given: • Wicklow—13th May, 1939. A yacht had run on the rocks, but all attempts to refloat her failed.—Rewards, £5 5s. 6d.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex. — 21st May, 1939. A rocket and lights had been reported, but nothing could be found.—Rewards, £10 5s.

Dover, Kent.—23rd May, 1939. A vessel had been reported on fire, but it was found that it was only her funnels sending out dense smoke.—Partly per- manent paid crew: Rewards, £2 17s.

Hoylake, Cheshire.—27th May, 1939.

Distress signals at sea had been reported but were found to be fireworks on land.

—Rewards, £20 lls. Qd.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk.—29th May, 1939.

A yacht had gone ashore in a dangerous position but she was refloated without the life-boat's help. — Rewards, £29 15*. Qd.

Peel, Isle of Man.—29th May, 1939.

A competitor in the Manx Air Races had crashed into the sea, but he was picked up by a fishing boat.—Rewards, £7 13s.

Walton and Frinton, Essex. — 30th May, 1939. A yacht had gone ashore on the Buxey Sands, but she got off without help.—Rewards, £14 5s.

Shoreham Harbour, and Worthing, Sussex.

—On the afternoon of the 30th May, 1939, a sailing boat, with a crew of two, father and son, capsized about two miles off Goring. A moderate N.E. breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea.

At the request of the Worthing Beach Inspector a motor fishing boat put out, rescued the two men and landed them. The Shoreham motor life-boat Rosa Wood and Phyllis Lunn, had also been summoned and put out at 3.5 P.M. A speed-boat put out from Shoreham to tell her that the men had been rescued.

Another motor boat, from Ferring, had also put out with two men on board. She picked up the derelict boat and took her in tow, receiving help from the life-boat which returned to her station at 6.5 P.M.—Rewards, Life-boat, £5 2s. 6d.; Shoreboats, a Letter of Thanks and £1 5s., together with 5s. for fuel.

The Humber, Yorkshire.—31st May, 1939. A motor fishing boat of Bridling- ton had broken down, but was towed into Bridlington by a Whitby fishing boat.—Permanent paid crew: Rewards, 6s.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—1st June, 1939. A sailing boat had capsized off Worthing, but the man on board was rescued by another boat.—Rewards, £5 2s. 6d.

Tenby, Pembrokeshire. — 1st June, 1939. Two girls had been cut off by the tide at Llanelly, but they reached safety without the life-boat's help.— Rewards, £2 5s.

Selsey, Sussex.—2nd June, 1939. An aeroplane had come down in the sea, but another boat reached her first and picked up two of the crew.—Rewards, £15 13s. 6d.

Southend-on-Sea.—4th June, 1939.

A yacht was in distress off Foul- ness Island, but she was taken in tow by another vessel.—Rewards, £13 6s.

July Meeting.

Margate, Kent.—At about noon on the 10th June, 1939, a yacht was seen by a life-boatman ashore on the Margate Sands. A light S.E. breeze was blowing, the sea was smooth. The motor life-boat Lord Southborough (Civil Service No. 1) was launched at 12.20 P.M. with the honorary secretary, Mr.

P. E. W. Gellatly on board. She found the auxiliary yacht Morn, of the Royal Air Force Yacht' Club, near the North Spit Buoy, with three people on board. The life-boat towed her clear of the sands into deep water, and returned to her station at 2 P.M.— Property Salvage Case.

Fleet wood, Lancashire.—At 1.30 P.M. on the 11th June, 1939, the lighthouse- keeper reported that a small motor boat was aground on the east side of the Wyre Channel. A strong N.W. breeze was blowing with a rough sea. Two other motor boats could be seen attempt- ing to reach her, but were unable to do so. The motor life-boat Ann Letitia Russell was launched at 2.15 P.M. She found the motor boat Roma, of Fleet- wood, a converted ship's life-boat, with three people in her, wet and exhausted. She took them on board, put a life-boatman in the Roma and towed her to harbour. The life-boat returned to her station at 3.15 P.M. A letter and a donation were received in gratitude for this service.—Rewards, £5 5s. 6d.

New Brighton, Cheshire.—At 9.10 P.M.

on the 11th June, 1939, a message was received from the police that a motor boat was in difficulties off Seacombe Stage and needed immediate help. A moderate northerly breeze was blowing with a choppy sea. The No. 2 motor life-boat Edmund and Mary Robinson was launched at 9.26 P.M. and found the motor boat Sally, of Birkenhead, out fishing, with three men on board.

Her rudder and stern post had been broken; she was leaking badly; her crew were unable to cope with the flow of water. The life-boat took the men on board and towed the Sally to New Brighton, returning to her station at 10.30 P.M.—Rewards, £10 5*.

Walton and Frinton, Essex.- At 10.25 P.M., on the 14th June, 1939, a message was received from the Felixstowe eoastguard, through the Walton-on- Naze coastguard, that a vessel was in distress one mile east of the Cork Light- vessel. A S.W. gale was blowing, with a rough sea. The reserve motor life- boat John and Mary Meiklam of Gladswood, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 10.50 P.M.

She found the motor vessel Kentish Hoy, of Chatham, with a crew of three, laden with 150 tons of sugar, on passage from Great Yarmouth to Chatham.

Her engine had broken down. She was being swept by heavy seas. The life-boat waited for the seas to ease.

She then towed the Kentish Hoy to Harwich Harbour arriving at 6.30 A.M.

the next morning. The life-boat returned to her station at 9.30 A.M.— Property Salvage Case.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—At 9.39 P.M. on the 14th June, 1939, a message was received from the coastguard that the motor yacht Mayflower, of Great Yarmouth, was ashore at Jaywick. As the yacht was not then in a dangerous position the life-boat was not launched.

The following morning, at 9.36 A.M., a message was received that the Mayflower was flying a distress signal.

A moderate S.W. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life-boat Edward Z. Dresden was launched at 9.50 A.M. and found the Mayflower with a crew of two aboard. The life-boat towed the yacht to Brightlingsea, returning to her station at 3.30 P.M.— Property Salvage Case.

Cloughey, Co. Down.—On the 17th June, 1939, a salvage party, eleven in number, was rescued from the Spanish steamer Aranlzaza-Mendi which had gone ashore on the 9th May.—Rewards, silver and bronze medals and monetary awards amounting to £27 17s. 6d.

(For a full account see page 131.) Troon, Ayrshire.—At 10.50 P.M. on the 18th June, 1939, the coxswain's son saw a flare in the South Bay, between the shore and Lady Isle. A N.W.

wind was blowing, with a very rough sea. The motor life-boat Sir David Richmond of Glasgow was launched at 11.20 P.M. She found the motor pleasure boat Elim, of Troon, with six people on board, bound from Lady Isle to Troon. Her engine had broken down. The life-boat towed the Elim into Troon harbour and arrived back at her station at 12.35 A.M. the next morning.—Rewards, £6 12s.

Newhaven, Sussex.—During the morn- ing of the 18th June, 1939, four men were cut off by the tide under the Seven Sisters Cliffs, near Seaford. One of them swam to Cuckmere. There the police informed the Newhaven coast- guard who passed the news to the life- boat station. A fresh S.W. breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea. The motor life-boat Cecil and Lilian Philpott was launched at 12.13 P.M. and with a small boat in tow she went to Cuckmere Haven. The men were got into the small boat and then taken on board the life-boat, which landed them safely at Newhaven. The life-boat returned to her station at 2.15 P.M.—Rewards, £6 8s.

Cromer, Norfolk.—During the morn- ing of the 18th June, 1939, a small boat with five boys on board was seen two miles N.N.E. from the life-boat station.

A moderate S.S.W. breeze was blowing, with a choppy sea. The boat was kept under observation and at 1.25 P.M. the coastguard reported that the boys appeared to be exhausted. The No. 1 motor life-boat H. F. Bailey was launched at 1.30 P.M. She took the five boys on board and with the boat in tow arrived back at her station at 2.15 P.M. —Rewards, £8 14s.

Soulhend-on-Sea, Essex.—At about 2.35 P.M. on the 21st June, 1939, a message was received from the Shoe- buryness Garrison that a small yacht appeared to be in difficulties off Shoebury. Then a second message came that the yacht had capsized. A strong N.E. wind was blowing, with a rough sea. The reserve motor life-boat The Brothers, on temporary duty at the station, was launched at 2.55 P.M. She found the yacht to be the Redshank, of Shoeburyness. There was no sign of her crew. The life-boat righted the yacht and towed her ashore, returning to her station at 4.45 P.M. It was learnt later that the Redshank's crew of two had been picked up by a boat from Shoebury.—Rewards, £6 10s.

Montrose, Angus.—At 9.40 A.M. on the 22nd June, 1939, a strong N.E.

wind was blowing, the sea was rough and the tide ebbing. It was evident that two motor fishing boats, Rosa, and Widgeon, which were out would have great difficulty in crossing the bar and the No. 1 motor life-boat, John Russell, put out at 9.50 A.M. She escorted the two boats into harbour and returned to her station at 11 A.M.—Rewards, £4 16« 6d. • Redcar, Yorkshire.—At 10.55 P.M. on the 22nd June, 1939, a message was received from the Staithes coastguard that a three-masted vessel had fired distress rockets 3| miles to the N.N.W.

A strong N.N.E. breeze was blowing, with a heavy sea. The motor life-boat Louisa Polden was launched at 11.30 P.M. She found the vessel to be the s.s. Ernrix, of Hull, loaded with wheat, on passage from Hull to Thornaby-on- Tees. She had sprung a leak, and was sinking when the life-boat arrived and rescued her crew of ten. The life-boat returned to her station at 3 A.M. Later the tug Kings Cross attempted to tow the Ernrix in, but she sank.—Rewards, £12 19*.

Hartlepool, Co. Durham.—At 2.30 P.M. on the 25th June, 1939, a message was received from the coastguard that the motor coble Ben My Chree, with two men on board, was then two and a half miles N.E. of Heugh. With a northerly breeze blowing and a very heavy sea anxiety was felt for her safety. A pilot cutter had gone to her help, and at 3.46 P.M. the two boats were seen to be returning. As a very heavy sea was breaking at the breakwater and bar the motor life-boat Elizabeth Newton was launched at 3.50 P.M. and escorted the Ben My Chree to safety. She returned to her station at 4.30 P.M.—Rewards, £4 165. 6d.

New Quay, Cardiganshire.—At 4 P.M. on the 28th June, 1939, the crew and helpers had assembled for an exercise launch when the small sailing boat Idle Hour, of New Quay, with a crew of two, was seen drifting to the east of the harbour. A strong S.W. breeze was blowing, with a choppy sea. The pulling and sailing life-boat William Cantrell Ashley was launched at 4.15 P.M.

She took the two men on board and tried to tow the Idle Hour, but the boat was soon swamped, so she was lifted into the life-boat. The life-boat returned to her station at 5.40 P.M.— Rewards, £11 9s. 6d.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—At 7 P.M. on the 28th June, 1939 a message was received from the coastguard that a motor yacht two miles to the S.W.

was drifting, and was flying distress signals. A fresh S.W. breeze was blow- ing, with a rough sea. The motor life- boat Edward Z. Dresden was launched at 7.10 P.M. and found the yacht to be the Alanfred, of Benfleet, with four on board. She had run out of fuel and was leaking badly. The life-boat took off the four people, towed the yacht to Brightlingsea, and arrived back at her station at midnight. Gifts were sent to the Institution and to the crew in gratitude for this service.—Rewards, £11 6*.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.—At 7.20 P.M. on the 5th July, 1939, the coast- guard reported two men were in danger on a pile-driver at Milford-on-Sea. A moderate squally S.S. V. gale was blowing, with a rough breaking sea.

The motor life-boat S.G.E. was launched at 7.32 A.M. and went to the pile-driver, which was then two hundred yards from the shore. The life-boat anchored to windward, veered down and with some difficulty rescued the two men. They were given stimulants and taken to Yarmouth.—Rewards, £7 16*.

Walmer, Kent.—At 12.50 P.M. on the 6th July, 1939, a message was received from the Deal coastguard that a sailing boat with five people on board was flying an oilskin in her rigging near Deal Bank Buoy. A strong S.W. wind was blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Set-vice No. 2) was launched at 1.5 P.M.

She found the sailing boat shipping heavy water, and escorted her to Ramsgate. She returned to her station at 3.40 P.M.—Rewards, £9 Caister, Norfolk.—At 7 P.M. on the 10th July, 1939, a yacht was seen to strike the Caister Shoal, near the south end of Caister Beach, knock off, and drift ashore. A slight northerly breeze was blowing, with a heavy ground swell. The pulling and sailing life-boat Charles Burton was launched at 7.25 P.M.

She found the yacht Sarah Ann, of Maldon, shipping water, with nobody on board. Her crew of two had swum ashore. The life-boat ran out the Sarah Ann's anchor and left her in charge of the Great Yarmouth coast- guard, returning to her station at 9 P.M.—Rewards, £29 5s.

The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given: Donaghadee, Co. Down.—4th June, 1939. An aeroplane had been reported to have fallen into the sea, but later news was received that she was safe.— Rewards, £4 10s.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—6th June, 1939. Smoke which appeared to come from a burning boat had been reported but nothing could be found. The honorary secretary, Captain C. T. Keigwin, R.N.R., also put out in a speed-boat and took part in the search.

—Rewards, £5 2s. 6d.

Torbay, Devon.—12th June, 1939.

A small boat had capsized, but a motor boat rescued the crew. A donation and a letter of thanks were received in gratitude for the launching of the life-boat.—Rewards, £2 16s.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.—14th June, 1939, An aeroplane had been reported down in the sea off Barton-on-Sea, but nothing was found, nor was any aero- plane reported missing.—Rewards, £3 18s.

Margate, Kent.—17th June, 1939. A rowing boat was overdue and believed to be in difficulties, but later a report was received that the boat had been found and was safe. Mr. P. E. W. Gellatly, the honorary secretary, went out in the life-boat.—Rewards, £9 8s.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.—18th June, 1939. A motor boat had been reported, showing distress signals, but nothing was found.—Rewards, £7 16s.

Walton and Frinton, Essex.—21st June, 1939. The Kentish Knock Lightvessel had reported that a yacht had carried away her mast, but the yacht cleared herself and went on her way.—Rewards, £14 15s. 6d.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—27th June, 1939. An aeroplane had crashed into the sea, but a fishing boat rescued the pilot. The life-boat towed in the aeroplane.—Rewards, £5 2s. 6d.

(For a full account see "Shoreboat Services," Shoreham.) Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—1st July, 1939. A sailing canoe was thought to have been blown out to sea, but later it was learned that she had returned.— Rewards, £5 2s. Qd.

Margate, Kent.—1st July, 1939.

Rockets had been reported between Warden Point and the Reculvers, but nothing could be found. Mr. P. E. W. Gellatly, the honorary secretary, went out in the boat.—Rewards, £12 8s.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex.-—2nd July, 1939. A rowing boat had got into difficulties and a motor boat which went to her aid broke down, but both boats got in unaided.—Rewards, £10 10s. 6d.

Pwllheli, Caernarvonshire.—2nd Julv, 1939. The Danish schooner Sif, of Marstal, appeared to be in difficulties, but she was only waiting for a pilot.— Rewards, £5 15s. Qd.

Torbay, Devon.—3rd July, 1939. A small motor yacht had caught fire, but another yacht rescued the only person on board. A donation was received in gratitude for the launching of the life- boat.—Rewards, S.2 Ws.

Hastings, Sussex.—6th July, 1939. A boat had been reported off Bexhill, partly submerged, but she could not be found.—Rewards, £31 16s. Qd.

Penlee, Cornwall.—6th July, 1939.

Flares had been reported and the French motor ketch Ster Vras was found, but she did not need help.— Rewards, £14 15s.

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.—9th July, 1939. An aeroplane had come down in the sea off Milford-on-Sea but no trace of her could be found. She is believed to have sunk with her pilot.—Rewards, £3 18s..