Aldeburgh, Suffolk.—While bound for Newcastle the oil tanker Magdapur, of Liverpool, a vessel of 8,640 tons, carrying a crew of eighty, was sunk by enemy action off Aldeburgh on 10thSeptember, 1939. Information reached the life-boat station at 3.20 P.M. from the coastguard, and seventeen minutes later the motor life-boat was on her way. The sea was smooth,with a light S.W. wind. The life-boat found three steamers standing by the Magdapur, which was sinking, with her back broken. The water round her was covered with black oil. Some twelve survivors, most of them injured, were first rescued from the sea with the help of the ship's boat. The remainder were then taken on board the life-boat from the steamers. The injured were treated, and artificial respiration given by two of the life-boatmen.

The honorary secretary, Mr.

Walter Riggs, watched the rescue from the shore and when he saw the life-boat returning with a large number on board, he at once arranged for first-aid help. Dr. Robin Acheson, honorary surgeon to the branch, took charge when the boat reached the shore, and with the able and willing help of the St. John Ambulance, the Shipwrecked Mariners' Society and local first-aid organizations, gave help to all who needed it. Nine had to be brought ashore on stretchers. The others, though much exhausted, were able to walk.

The rescued were 18 white men and 56 lascars. All were smothered from head to foot in black oil. The second officer was brought ashore dead. Five other members of the crew were missing.

The service was carried out in fair weather, but it was marked by the prompt launching of the life-boat and the efficient co-operation of all who could in any way help.

The life-boat returned to her station at 5.30 P.M., two hours after putting out. She was covered with oil and blood, but she was cleaned, refuelled, and ready for service by 8 P.M.

A letter of thanks was sent to Dr.

Robin Acheson, and in view of the fact that the life-boat crew's clothes were badly damaged by oil, an increase in the usual money award on the standard scale was granted to each member of the crew. Standard rewards to the crew, £16 3*.; additional rewards to crew, £5; total rewards, £21 3s..