Launches 111. Lives Rescued 124.

Services to vessels in distress through enemy action are marked • •• Other services arising out of the zcor are marked •.

November Meeting.

Walton and Frinton, Essex.—At about 4 P.M. on the 3rd October, 1939, the coastguard reported that a motor yacht, lying about two miles S.W. by S.

of Walton Pier, was flying distress signals. A moderate easterly gale was blowing, and the sea was very rough.

The motor life-boat E.M.E.D. was launched at 4.25 P.M. and found the motor yacht Herga, of Guernsey, in difficulties with her engine. At the request of her crew the life-boat started to escort her to Harwich, but very soon had to take her in tow. After berthing the yacht at Parkeston Quay the lifeboat returned to Walton at 9.40 P.M.— Property Salvage Case.

Boulmer, Northumberland.—On the 4th October, 1939, at 9.45 A.M. the Craster coastguard reported that the motor fishing coble Onward was disabled a mile off the harbour. A strong E.S.E. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea.

At 9.57 A.M. the motor life-boat Clarissa Langdon was launched. The life-boat came in towards the Cullernose Watch Station, -which semaphored to her that the coble had reached harbour. On her way back the life-boat fell in with three fishing cobles of Amble, and as the weather was very bad off Boulmer Steel she escorted them to Amble. She returned to her station at 1.5 P.M.— Rewards, £9 10s.

Walmer Kent.—At 4.20 P.M. on the * 4th October, 1939, the Deal coastguard reported that the s.s. Noordam, of Rotterdam, lying off Deal, had signalled for a boat to take a man ashore for an immediate operation. A strong E. by S. wind was blowing with a rough sea and squalls of rain. No other suitable boat being available the motor life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2) was launched at 4.45 P.M., after a second urgent signal had been made. The patient was brought ashore, accompanied by two members of the ship's crew, and sent to hospital. The life-boat reaching her station again at 5.45 P.M. The owners, The Holland- America line made a donation of £25 in gratitude for this service.—Rewards, £21 18s. 9d.

Fraserburgh, Aberdeensbire. — Early on the morning of the 5th October, 1939, the assistant harbour master saw distress signals coming from the bay. A strong E.S.E. wind was blowing with a choppy sea. The motor life-boat John and Charles Kennedy was launched at 6.40 A.M., and found the small fishing boat Pioneer, of Peterhead, dragging her anchor. Fishing gear had fouled her propeller and she was in danger of being driven ashore. The life-boat towed her into the harbour, and returned to her station at 7.25 A.M.— Rewards, £7 6s. 6d.

Fraserburgh, Aberdeensbire. — Later on the same day, 5th October, 1939, information was received that the small fishing boats of Fraserburgh, Violet, Promote II, Boy George, Union, and Victory, had put out at 2.30 P.M. but had not returned by 6.40 P.M., and the coastguard at Kinnaird reported that they were making their way eastwards towards Fraserburgh Harbour. A very strong S.E. wind was blowing, with a rough sea which made the harbour entrance dangerous. At 6.55 P.M. the motor life-boat John and Charles Kennedy was launched. She met the boats, warned them of the state of the harbour entrance, and escorted them in. She returned to her station at 9 P.M.— Rewards, £14 9*. 6d.

Campbeltown, Argyllshire.—At 2.10 P.M. on the 5th October, 1939, the Southend coastguard reported that a vessel had stranded on the Skerryvore Reef, Machrihanish. It was thought that the services of a tug might be needed, and the tug Englishman was warned. A moderate E. gale, veering to S.S.E., was blowing, with a rough sea. At 3.40 P.M. the motor life-boat City of Glasgow was launched. The tug also went out. The vessel in distress was the Sonja, of Helsingborg. The tug could not get near her, and the lifeboat passed ropes between the two.

The tug then made several attempts to tow the Sonja off, but without success.

Life-boat and tug stood by the Sonja until early morning. The tug then succeeded in towing her off, and she was able to go on her way. The lifeboat returned to her station at 10.30 A.M. the following morning.—Property Salvage Case.

10,000 TON STEAMER SUNK.

Mumbles, Glamorganshire.—At 6 P.M. on the 6th October, 1939, the coastguard informed the life-boat station that the motor vessel Lochgoil, of London, had been sunk by enemy action five miles S. by W. of the Scarweather Lightship. She was a steamer of 10,000 tons with sixty-four crew and passengers on board, and was bound from Newport, Monmouthshire, to Vancouver.

A slight breeze was blowing, with a moderate sea. At 6.10 P.M. the reserve motor life-boat J. B. Proudfoot, on temporary duty at the station, was launched, and found that the crew of the Lochgoil had already been taken off by the s.s. Philip M. The life-boat stood by this steamer and piloted her to Mumbles Roads, where she landed forty-five of the rescued people, of whom twenty were injured. The Shipwrecked Mariners' Society, the Red Cross and the St. John Ambulance Brigade had already been informed and when the survivors were landed they at once received medical attention and accommodation was found for them.

The life-boat returned to her station at 11.5 P.M.—Rewards, £14 17s. The Royal Mail Line, owners of the Lochgoil, gave £25 to the Mumbles, branch.

Ramsgate, Kent.—On the 7th October, 1939, two vessels were seen to be ashore on Goodwin Sands. One of them was the Admiralty trawler Cape Barracouta. A light E.N.E. wind was blowing, with a moderate sea. At 11.45 A.M. the motor life-boat Prudential was launched. As it was difficult for tugs to approach the Cape Barracouta owing to the shallow water, the life-boat carried hawsers and lines to her and enabled her to refloat without damage.

The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 8.24 P.M.—Rewards, £23 5s. 6d.

Helvick Head, Co. Waterford. — On the 9th October, 1939, a W. by S. wind was blowing, with a heavy sea. At 2 P.M. the motor life-boat Elsie was launched to the help of the motor vessel West Coaster, of. London, which was in distress in the bay. She found that the vessel's engine had broken down and that her anchors were not holding.

The life-boat attempted to take the West Coaster in tow, but in the heavy sea the ropes broke and the life-boat's stern bollard was damaged. She then went to Dungarvan where she got a local steamer to bring the West Coaster into harbour. She returned to her station at 7 P.M.—Property Salvage Case.

Weymouth, Dorset.—At 11.15 P.M.

* * on the 7th October, 1939, the coastguard informed the life-boat station that signals of distress had been seen near Grove Point. A message was received a few minutes later that a ship was in distress, through enemy action, near the Shambles Light-vessel. A light E.

wind was blowing with a smooth sea.

The motor life-boat William and Clara Ryland was launched at 11.52 P.M.

She reached the vessel at 12.30 A.M., and found her to be the s.s. Binnendijk, of Rotterdam, of 6,873 tons bound, laden from New York to Rotterdam.

Her crew of forty-one had already bei n taken off by an Admiralty examination steamer, but the life-boat stood by until the steamer sank, and then returned to her station at 3.15 A.M. A little while before the life-boat's return the coastguard reported that a very heavy explosion had occurred near the Shambles Light-vessel at 3 A.M. They thought that another vessel was in difficulties. At 3.50 A.M. the life-boat was again launched, on instructions from the senior naval officer at Portland.

She searched the position given, found only wreckage, and returned at 8.15 A.M.—Rewards: first launch, £13 25. 6d.; second launch, £16 9s.

Cromer, Norfolk.—On the 9th October, 1939, the No. 1 motor life-boat H. F. Bailey rescued the crew of twentynine of the Greek steamer Mount Ida, of Piraeus, which had grounded on the Ower Bank. The No. 2 motor life-boat Harriot Dixon was also launched.— Rewards: silver and bronze medals, vellums, and £110 6s. 6d.

(A full account was published in the issue of The Life-boat for December, 1939.) Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.

—At 6.46 A.M. on the llth October, 1939, the Gorleston coastguard reported a message received from Yarmouth that a vessel had apparently grounded on the Scroby Sands. A light S.W. wind was blowing, with a smooth sea. At 7.10 A.M. the motor life-boat Louise Stephens was launched.

She found the s.s. Commar, of Panama, on the sands, about a mile from the St. Nicholas Light-vessel. Help was declined by the pilot of the steamer, but the life-boat stood by until high water. The Commar refloated and went on her way, and the life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 11 A.M.—Rewards, £8 4*. 6d.

Holy Island, Northumberland. — At 5.33 A.M. on the 12th October, 1939, the coastguard reported a ship ashore on the Goswick Sands. The weather was wet and cold, with a moderate easterly breeze and a heavy swell. At 5.57 A.M. the motor life-boat Milburn was launched. She found the Norwegian steamer Royal, of Arendal, ashore on Sand Ridge. The Royal was a ship of 1,000 tons, bound in ballast from Langesund to the Tyne, with a crew of fifteen. Her crew declined to leave her and the captain asked the coxswain to wait for the next tide.

The life-boat returned to her station at 8.45 A.M. and put out again at 1 P.M.

to stand by the Royal until high water. As the Royal did not get off the captain signalled the life-boat to leave and she reached her station again at 4.15 P.M. At low tide the steamer was high and dry on the sands.—Rewards, £11 13s.

Cromer, Norfolk.—At about 11.10 P.M. on the 12th October, 1939, the coastguard reported that a vessel was believed to be in distress a mile S.E.

of the station. The report was confirmed, and the No. 2 motor life-boat, Harriot Dixon, was launched by tractor at midnight. Rain was falling heavily, and a moderate N.W. wind was blowing, with a moderate sea. The life-boat found the s.s. Linwood, of Middlesborough, of 500 tons. She was bound from Ipswich to Hartlepool, in ballast, with a crew of twelve. She had been in collision and had been beached to prevent her sinking. The life-boat took off her crew and arrived back at her station at 1 A.M.—Rewards, £29 12s.

Walton and Frinton, Essex.—On the 14th October, 1939, the motor life-boat E.M.E.D. rescued three lives from the barge Esterel, of London.—Rewards: silver and bronze medals, vellums, and £37 16s.

(A full account was published in the issue of The Life-boat for December, 1939.) TWO FINE SERVICES BY MARGATE.

Margate, Kent.—On the morning of the 14th October, 1939, a sailing barge was seen dragging her anchor off Margate Jetty. A northerly gale was blowing, with a very rough sea, and it was decided to send out the motor lifeboat Lord Southborough (Civil Service No. 1). She was launched at 11.25 A.M. Mr. P. E. W. Gellatey, the honorary secretary of the station, went with her. She reached the barge five minutes later. The barge was the Celtic, of London, with a crew of two, bound, laden, from London to Newport, Isle of Wight. She was dragging into a very perilous position, and her master asked for help. With great difficulty four life-boatmen boarded the Celtic, got a tow rope aboard, and hove up the anchor. The life-boat then took the barge in tow to Ramsgate. Off Broadstairs the tow rope parted. Another rope was made fast. As the two boats were nearing Ramsgate this also parted.

Yet another rope was put aboard the barge; and the life-boat got her into Ramsgate Harbour without further mishap, arriving at about 4.30 P.M.

As the weather and tide would make it impossible to house the life-boat at Margate it was decided to leave her moored in Ramsgate Harbour. The crew returned to Margate by road.— Property Salvage Case.

Margate, Kent.—At 2.15 A.M. on the 15th October, 1939, the coastguard telephoned the coxswain that he believed a vessel was burning flares. The coxswain went to the coastguard lookout and was satisfied that they were distress signals. An answering rocket was fired by the coastguard, and the crew went by car to Ramsgate, where they had left the life-boat the night before after the service to the Celtic.

At 3.20 A.M. they set out. A N.E. breeze was blowing, with a moderately rough sea. It was not until daylight that the life-boat found the sailing barge Yarana, of London, with two men on board. They had not been able to make more signals as they had burnt everything on board that would burn. The barge was rolling very heavily, and the men, who expected the mast and sprit to go overboard at any moment, were about to abandon her. Four life-boatmen were put aboard the barge and the life-boat towed her to Whitstable, arriving at 11.0 A.M.

She then returned to her station at two in the afternoon.

The Institution sent a letter to the branch expressing appreciation of the way in which the life-boat saved the Celtic, and the promptitude with which she got away to the help of the Yarana from Ramsgate Harbour.—Property Salvage Case.

Bridlington, Yorkshire.—On the 14th October, 1939, the coastguard reported that a steam trawler was ashore on the Smithic Sands. A fresh N.E. wind was blowing, with a heavy sea. At 2.15 P.M. the motor life-boat Stanhope Smart was launched and found the trawler Erillus, of Grimsby, labouring in the heavy seas which were breaking over her stern. Her rudder and propeller were damaged. The life-boat took her in tow, with the help of a motor fishing vessel. The water in the trawler's cabin was two feet deep and all available pumps had to be kept working. The life-boat towed her to Bridlington and returned to her station at 5.30 P.M.— Property Salvage Case.

RESCUE BY A LIGHTSHIP'S BOAT.

Weymouth, Dorset.—At 9.20 P.M.

* on the 14th October, 1939, the coastguard reported that the Shambles Lightship had fired guns and rockets.

A strong E. wind was blowing, with a moderate sea and rain. At 10 P.M. the motor life-boat William and Clara Ryland was launched, and learnt from the lightship that an aeroplane had come down two miles to the north-east.

The lightship's boat had already put off to the rescue, manned by four men.

The life-boat found this boat two miles away. She had already succeeded in rescuing the crew of four of the aeroplane —a very fine piece of work in the darkness and rain with a strong wind blowing—and was putting them aboard a destroyer. She was herself waterlogged, so the life-boat took on board the four men and brought them back to the lightship, returning to her station at 2.15 A.M.—Rewards, £13 2*. Qd.

The Humber, Yorkshire.—At about 1 A.M. on the 17th October, 1939, the life-boat watchman reported that a vessel was standing into danger near the Middle Binks. A light, variable wind was blowing. The sea was smooth.

At 1.15 A.M. the motor life-boat City of Bradford II was launched, and found the steam trawler Dane, of Hull, aground. She laid out an anchor and with the help of it the trawler refloated later and went on her way to Hull.

The life-boat returned to her station at 6.30 A.M.—Property Salvage Case.

DOCTOR'S FOUR JOURNEYS IN A GALE.

Walmer, Kent.—At 6.30 P.M. on the 18th October, 1939, a message was received from a doctor that he had been requested by the senior naval officer at Ramsgate to go to the Dutch steamer Mirza. A gale was blowing, with a very rough sea. As no motor boat would take the doctor, the motor lifeboat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2) was launched at 6.55 P.M. She got from the guard-ship the position of the Mirza, but in the very heavy rain she was unable to find the steamer, although she searched for over four hours. She returned at midnight and waited for daylight. At 8.30 the following morning she put out again; found the steamer; put the doctor on board; stood by, and brought him ashore again, at 10 A.M. She had been out altogether for nearly seven hours. A donation of £45 was received in appreciation of this service.—Rewards: first launch, £29 Os. 6d.; second launch, £14 12*. 6d.

Walmer, Ken*.—At 5.50 P.M. on the * 19th October, 1939, eight hours after the life-boat had brought back the doctor from the Dutch steamer Mirza, a message was received from the doctor that the senior naval officer, Ramsgate, wished him to go out to the Greek steamer Panachrandos. A strong N.N.E.

wind was blowing, with a heavy sea.

The weather was still too rough for ordinary boats, and the motor life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2) was again launched. She left at 6.15 P.M.

Although the position of the steamer had been given as a mile from the Goodwin Fork Buoy, the life-boat could not find her. She cruised among neighbouring vessels, and spoke the guardship, but without result. She abandoned the search and returned to her station at 9 P.M. At 8.10 A.M. the following morning the doctor said that he must make another attempt, and as the weather was still rough, the lifeboat was again launched at 8.45 A.M.

This time she found the steamer. The sick man had acute appendicitis, and the doctor said that he must be taken at once to hospital. He was put on board the life-boat and signals were made to the guardship to arrange for an ambulance to be ready on shore to receive him. He was landed; operated on; and his life saved by a margin of a few hours. The life-boat returned to her station at 10.40 A.M.

She had been out for nearly five hours.

A donation of £45 was received in appreciation of this service.—Rewards: first launch, £29 Os. 6d.; second launch, £14 12s. 6d.

Newbiggin, Northumberland,—On the morning of the 19th October, 1939, the second coxswain reported that six fishing cobles had not returned from the night fishing. A gentle N.E. breeze was blowing. The sea was moderate, but was growing stronger. At 11.55 A.M. the motor life-boat Augustus and Laura was launched, found the cobles, escorted them into harbour, and returned to her station at 1.10 P.M.— Rewards, £12 7s.

LIFEBOAT'S SERVICE TO LIFEBOAT.

- Selsey, and Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—At 1.13 A.M. on the 20th October, 1939, a message was received from the coastguard, that the Bognor police had reported a naval aeroplane down in the sea off Bognor. A northerly breeze was blowing. The sea was smooth. The motor life-boat Canadian Pacific was launched at 1.55 A.M. and found the aeroplane close to the beach off Felpham. Owing to a failure in her engine the life-boat was unable to reverse. She could not reach the aeroplane and went aground herself on a sandy bottom. The crew of four men on the aeroplane swam ashore.

The Selsey honorary secretary asked for the help of the Shoreham Harbour motor life-boat, the Rosa Woodd and Phyllis Lunn. She was launched at 4.25 A.M.; reached the Selsey life-boat at 7.30 A.M.; found her high and dry; and stood by until high water. She then passed a warp to her and towed her off. The Selsey life-boat arrived back at her station at 6 P.M., and the Shoreham Harbour life-boat at 8.5 P.M.

—Rewards: Selsey, £27 18s. 3d.; Shoreham Harbour, £35 3s.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Nor- * folk.—At 2.40 A.M. on the 20th October, 1939, the Gorleston coastguard reported that a vessel north of the St.

Nicholas Light-vessel had fired distress signals. The light-vessel also fired signals.

A strong N.N.W. breeze was blowing, with a rough sea. At 2.54 A.M. the motor life-boat Louise Stephens was launched. She spoke the lightvessel was told that the vessel was to the S.E.; and found her to be the Admiralty trawler Kirkella, disabled near the Scroby Sands. Her anchor and propeller were fouled. Her master asked the life-boat to stand by, which she did. By 6.30 A.M. the trawler had cleared her propeller and the life-boat escorted her towards the St. Nicholas Light-vessel, to a safer position. The life-boat returned to her station at 8.30 A.M.—Rewards, £24 6s.

Lerwick, Shetlands.—At 2.10 P.M.

** on the 20th October, 1939, a message was received from the senior naval officer that the s.s. Sea Venture had been sunk by enemy action fifteen to twenty miles east of Flugga, and that the crew were in the ship's boat. A light S.W. wind was blowing. The sea was smooth. The motor life-boat Lady Jane and Martha Ryland was launched at 2.35 P.M. and went to the position given. She flashed her signal lamp and an answering red flare was seen, but no further signal. The life-boat continued to search until midnight. She then went into Balta Sound. At daybreak she searched to the north and east of Flugga and when fifteen miles from the lighthouse received a message that the crew of the steamer had landed on the beach at the Island of Skaw. The lifeboat went there, took them on board, and landed them at Lerwick. She found that the men had made no further signals, as they had thought that the life-boat, whose engines they heard, was a submarine. The life-boat returned to her station at 5.35 A.M. the next morning. She had been away for twenty-seven hours.—Rewards, £30 13*.

SWANAGE ON SERVICE 74 HOURS.

Swanage, Dorset.—At 8.18 A.M. Oil the 20th October, 1939, the Swanage coastguard reported that the Greek steamer s.s. Turkia had grounded one mile and a half N.W. by W. of St. Albans Head, but was not flying distress signals. About 9.25 A.M. a tug was sent from Portland, and a trawler also went out to stand by. The naval authorities had given orders to the tug to take off the crew, but they refused to leave. A moderate breeze was blowing with a heavy swell. At 7.11 P.M. the motor life-boat Thomas Markby was launched, permission having been obtained from the naval authorities. It had been the intention of the coxswain to return when help reached the steamer, but the Naval Salvage Officer asked him to,remain during the salvage operations.

On reaching the TurJcia the life-boat found her bumping heavily, and stood by until 4 P.M. the following day when she returned to refuel and enable her crew to get food. At 6 P.M. she put out again and stood by until 11 A.M.

on the morning of the 22nd, when a tug arrived from Portland with a working party. As the tug -was unable to get alongside, the lifeboat put the party on board. A signal was then made for the life-boat to pick up Lloyd's agent at Kimmeridge and take him to the steamer. This was done, and later the life-boat put the working party back on the tug. She again returned to her station between 6 and 7 P.M., and put back to the steamer at 11 P.M. On the 23rd October the tug arrived at 9.30 A.M., and the life-boat again put the working party on board the steamer, and comtinued to stand by. At 6 P.M. she took the working party back to the tug and then went alongside the steamer and took oft her crew of twenty-six with their personal belongings. She finally returned to her station at 8.30 P.M., after being on service seventy-four hours, a fine example of the determination of the crew.—Rewards, £87 6s.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, Norfolk.—Just after four in the afternoon of 21st October, 1939, a police inspector and ambulance men arrived at the life-boat station, and shortly afterwards a message was received from the coastguard that the s.s. Gwynwood had entered the roadstead and was flying signals for a doctor and two stretchers to be taken out. A moderate N.W. breeze was blowing.

The sea was smooth. The motor lifeboat Louise Stephens was launched at 4.20 P.M. taking with her a doctor, ambulance men and stretchers. Three injured men, two of them on stretchers, and nine other men, all survivors of the Norwegian steamer s.s. Deodata, 'which had been sunk by enemy action at 7.45 in the morning, were taken into the lifeboat and brought ashore. The injured men were sent to hospital and the others to the sailors' home. The life-boat was ready for service again at 6.20 P.M.— Rewards, £14 8s.

Ramsgate, Kent.—At 2.35 A.M. on the 22nd October, 1939, the Deal coastguard reported by telephone that the Dutch steamer s.s. Alphald, of Rotterdam, was aground near the N.W.

Goodwins Buoy, close to the wrecked s.s. Mahratta. A moderate N.E. breeze was blowing. The sea was smooth.

After consultation with the senior naval officer at Ramsgate the motor life-boat Prudential was launched at 3.33 A.M. She found that the steamer had refloated with the rising tide, but was in need of a pilot. The life-boat arranged this with the pilot cutter, and then returned to her station at 8.15 A.M.—Rewards, £19 7s. 3d.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex.—-At 1.45 P.M. on the 23rd October, 1939, the signal station reported that a vessel was ashore on the Shoebury Sands.

The weather was calm, and the sea smooth. At 2 P.M. the motor life-boat Greater London (Civil Service No. 3) was launched, and found the s.s. Copeland, of Glasgow, a vessel of 1,500 tons, aground. The life-boat stood by until she refloated and then returned to her station at 9.30 P.M.—Rewards, £28.

Clovelly, Devonshire.—On the 24th October, 1939, at 3.45 A.M. a message was received from the Croyde Coastguard station that a vessel was in distress fifteen miles S.W. of Lundy Island.

A strong W.N.W. wind was blowing, with a moderate sea. At 4 A.M. the motor life-boat City of Nottingham was launched and found the s.s. Argos Hill, bound for Swansea, with her engine broken down. The life-boat stood by at the master's request until a tug arrived and took the steamer in tow for Swansea. The life-boat returned to her station at 12.15 P.M.—Rewards, £34 13s. 6d.

GREEK STEAMER SUNK BY ENEMY ACTION.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, ** Norfolk.—At 12.28 P.M. on the 24th October, 1939, a message was received from the senior naval officer through the Gorleston coastguard that H.M.S.

Wanderer expected to arrive in Yarmouth Roads at 1.30 P.M. and that a doctor and stretchers might be needed.

A moderate W.N.W. wind was blowing.

The sea was smooth. At 1.30 P.M. the motor life-boat Louise Stephens was launched, met H.M.S. Wanderer abreast the Britannia Pier, and took off sixteen survivors of the Greek steamer s.s.

Konstantinos Hadjipateras, of Chios, which had been sunk by enemy action.

The life-boat landed the men, who were uninjured, and returned to her station at 3.38 P.M. The captain of H.M.S.

Wanderer told the life-boat coxswain that other survivors were on the s.s.

Crossbill, which would arrive in the roadstead at about 6 P.M. The lifeboat remained afloat and at 6.50 P.M.

went out to s.s. Crossbill. She brought ashore seven men from her and returned to her station at 8.15 P.M.—Rewards, £28 11s. 6d.

Clacton-on-Sea, Essex.—On the 25th October, 1939, at 2.45 P.M. the coastguard reported having received a message from a resident of Holland-on- Sea, that a small rowing boat with three men on board appeared to be in difficulties about two miles out. A moderate breeze was blowing and the sea was smooth. At 3.20 P.M. the motor lifeboat Edward Z. Dresden was launched and found the rowing boat Mon Ami.

The three men on board were fishing.

They had not noticed that a strong offshore wind was carrying them out to sea. The life-boat towed the boat to Clacton and returned to her station at 5.15 P.M. A letter of thanks was received from the rescued men.—Rewards, £13 4s. 9d.

Dover, Kent.—On the 25th October, 1939, the motor life-boat Sir William Hillary was launched at 4.50 P.M. at the request of the chief of staff of H.M.

Naval Base at Dover. A strong E.N.E.

wind was blowing, with a moderate sea.

As the service was of a secret nature, no information was given by the naval authorities. The life-boat returned to her station at 9.15 P.M.—Expenses met by naval authorities.

Redcar, and Tees mouth, Yorkshire.— At 6.32 P.M. on the 25th October, 1939, a message was received from the Saltburn coastguard, that a resident at Skinningrove had seen three red flares showing well out to sea. A strong, W.N.W. wind was blowing, with a heavy sea. The report was confirmed, and the motor life-boat Louisa Polden was launched at 7.55 P.M. She went six miles off the coast and then turned southward. At about 9.30 P.M. her engines broke down. She hoisted sail and continued the search, but found nothing. At 10 P.M. she anchored. As there seemed no prospect of repairing the engine, she burnt red flares. These were seen at Teesmouth and at 10.25 P.M. the motor life-boat J. C. Archer was launched. When she arrived, however, the Redcar boat had got her engines working again. As a precaution, Teesmouth escorted her to Redcar which was reached at 11.30 P.M. The Teesmouth life-boat returned to her own station at 12.30 A.M.— Rewards, £19 Ss. 6d.; Teesmouth, £19 9s. 6d.

Wick, Caithness-shire.—Shortly before 9 A.M. on the 25th October, 1939, the coastguard reported that the trawler Star of Victory, of Aberdeen, was ashore off Keiss in Sinclair Bay.

A light N.N.E. wind was blowing. The sea was smooth. The motor life-boat City of Edinburgh was launched at 9.7 A.M. and found the trawler hard aground, but in no immediate danger. She had a crew of ten. At the skipper's request the life-boat put out a kedge anchor for her forward. This dragged home.

Another anchor was put out, this time aft, and the trawler waited for the next high tide to refloat herself. The lifeboat returned to Wick Harbour at 2 P.M.

At 10.30 A.M. on the morning of the 26th October, the coastguard reported that the Star of Victory needed immediate help. Five minutes later the life-boat put off again and found that the crew wished to be taken off. A fresh E.N.E. gale was blowing, with squalls, the sea was rough and conditions were getting worse. The lifeboat rescued the crew of ten and returned to her station at 1 P.M.—Rewards: first service, £6 13s.; second service, £6 13s.

Filey, Yorkshire. — On the early morning of the 26th October, 1939, the fishing fleet put to sea. By 8.10 A.M.

several of the boats had returned. A fresh to strong breeze was blowing, With a rough sea, and some of the boats had had to leave their lines. The weather was getting worse, and at 8.30 A.M. the pulling arid sailing life-boat Thomas Masterman Hardy was launched and stood by the other boats as they came in. She returned to her station at 11.25 A.M.—Rewards, £17 7s.

Eyemouth, Berwickshire.—On the 26th October, 1939, a whole N.E. by N.

gale was blowing, with a very rough sea in Eyemouth Bay. Four local fishing boats were waiting to enter the port.

The motor life-boat Frank and William Oates was launched at 11 A.M. and stood by at the harbour entrance until they had got in safely. She returned to her station at 1 P.M.—Rewards, £10 17*.

Newbiggin, Northumberland. — At 10.45 A.M. on the 26th October, 1939, the coastguard informed the life-boat station that the fishing coble Humility, of Newbiggin, was out. A strong northerly breeze was blowing, with a moderately rough sea, and the weather was getting worse. The motor life-boat Augustus and Laura was launched at 11.5 A.M. and found the coble two miles to the E.S.E. She had left three of her lines and was running for shelter. The life-boat escorted her to the beach and returned to her station at 11.50 A.M.— Rewards, £8 6s. 6d.

Blackpool, Lancashire.—At 1.30 P.M.

on the 26th October, 1939, the coxswain telephoned that he had had a fishing boat under observation since noon.

She was trying to beat up from about three miles south of the Central Pier, and seemed to be in difficulties. A moderate northerly gale was blowing, with a rough sea. At 2.15 P.M. the motor life-boat Sarah Ann Austin was launched, and found the motor boat Albion, of Fleetwood, with a crew of three on board, unable to beat up against the wind. The life-boat towed her to Lune Deeps, and returned to her station at 7.30 P.M. The owner sent a letter of thanks.—Rewards, £16 Is. 6d.

Torbay, Devonshire.—On the 27th October, 1939, it was reported to the senior naval officer, Weymouth, by an observer on a R.A.F. aeroplane, engaged on reconnaisance over West Bay, that a motor boat was drifting about ten miles north-east of Berry Head.

The information was passed to the lifeboat station by the coastguard. A strong north wind was blowing, with a moderate sea. At 9 A.M. the motor life-boat George Shee was launched and found the motor boat Olive, but she had no one on board. The life-boat returned to her station at 1 P.M., bringing the boat with her.—Rewards, £7 6s. 6d.

Walmer, Kent.—At 7.55 P.M. on the 28th October, 1939, the Deal coastguard reported that two steamers had been in collision near the Fork Buoy. A strong squally N.N.E. wind was blowing, with a rough sea. The motor life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2) was launched at 8.15 P.M. She found that the Italian steamer Manzoni had been run into by the American steamer Cranford. The_ Manzoni had been damaged on the starboard side, and her boats had been smashed. The lifeboat put one man on board her and stood by until 7.45 A.M., when the captain said that he did not need her help any longer. The Cranford had already gone on her way. Returning to her station, the life-boat spoke the schooner Katie, which was riding heavily and dragging her anchors, but she needed no help. She reached her station at 8.30 A.M. The owners of the Manzoni gave £20 to the life-boat crew.—Rewards, £36 6s. 9d.

Wick, Caithness-shire.—The Aberdeen trawler Star of Victory had stranded near Keiss on the 25th October, 1939, and, as already described, the Wick life-boat City of Edinburgh helped her on that day and rescued her crew of ten on the following day. At 11.55 A.M. on the 29th October, a boatman at Keiss telephoned that owing to a shift of wind and a rising sea he was unable to get alongside the Star of Victory, and that a salvage crew of seven were marooned on board. A fresh E.S.E. breeze was blowing, with a choppy sea. The life-boat went to the wreck, rescued the seven men and returned to Wick at 2.] 5 P.M.—Rewards, £6 13s.

SUNK IN TWENTY MINUTES.

_ _ Peterhead, and Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire.

—At 11.15 P.M. on the 30th October, 1939, a message was received at Peterhead from the coastguard that a vessel was sinking three miles east of Rattray Head, and that two vessels were standing by. A light easterly breeze was blowing, but there was a heavy ground swell. At 11.30 P.M. the motor life-boat Julia Park Barry, of Glasgow, was launched. She found the s.s. Cairnmona, of Newcastle, bound from Montreal to Leith. The steamer had been sunk by enemy action and had gone down in less than twenty minutes. Three of her crew had been killed and the remainder, forty-two in number, had taken to the boats, and had been picked up by the trawler Strathlossie. They were transferred to the life-boat and landed at Peterhead.

The life-boat returned to her station at 1.15 A.M.

The Aberdeen station had also been informed. As it knew that Peterhead had launched, its crew stood by. At 1.30 next morning the No. 1 motor lifeboat Emma Constance was launched.

She searched but found nothing, and putting into Peterhead learnt there that the forty-one survivors had been landed.

She returned to her station at 10.42 A.M.—Rewards: Peterhead, £12 19s.; Aberdeen, £23 5s. Qd.

Scarborough, Yorkshire. — On the 31st October, 1939, a strong easterly wind was blowing, with a rough sea.

Two local fishing boats Premier and Pride were out, and anxiety was felt for their safety. The life-boat crew and helpers assembled at 10.30 A.M.

Later the coastguard reported that the Premier was coming in from the eastward, and at 3.45 P.M. the motor lifeboat Herbert Joy II was launched.

She met the Premier at 4 P.M., passed life-belts to her crew, and escorted her to harbour. Putting out again, and going in a S.E. direction, she picked up the Pride and escorted her to safety.

She returned to her station at 5 P.M.— Rewards, £19 9s.

Dover, Kent.—On the 1st November, 1939, at the request of the chief of staff, Naval Base, the motor life-boat Sir William Hillary was launched at 1.50 P.M., but the services rendered have not been reported. The life-boat returned to her station at 7 P.M.— Expenses met by naval authorities.

Filey, Yorkshire.—On the morning of the 3rd November, 1939, four motor fishing cobles were at sea. The weather was bad. Watch was kept, and at 11.40 A.M., as the conditions were then dangerous for the returning boats, the pulling and sailing life-boat Thomas Masterman Hardy was launched. High seas broke over her and soaked the crew, but she escorted the cobles into safety and returned to her station at 1.45 P.M.—Rewards, £16 2*.

Scarborough, Yorkshire.—On the 3rd November, 1939, three local fishing cobles were at sea. The wind was light from the S.E., but the sea was very rough. At 12.20 P.M. the motor life-boat Herbert Joy II was launched and found the coble Evelyn and Margaret a mile to the east. She passed life-belts to her crew, and escorted her through heavy seas into harbour. She then put out again, picked up the second coble Hilda two miles to the E.N.E., took on board a boy, passed life-belts to the crew of two, and escorted the coble into harbour.

She then put out a third time, passed life-belts to the Premier, and escorted her in. She returned to her station at 4.50 P.M.—Rewards, £19 Us. 6d.

SEARCH FOR SHIP'S BOATS.

Walmer, and Ramsgate, Kent.—At * 8.7 P.M. on the 4th November, 1939, a message was received at Walmer from the Deal coastguard that distress signals had been seen about two miles east of their station. A S.W. wind was blowing, with squalls. There was a moderate sea. At 8.25 P.M. the motor life-boat Charles Dibdin (Civil Service No. 2) was launched. The life-boat went to the West Goodwin Buoy and from there to the Brake Light-vessel.

There she was given the position of the signals as E.S.E. four miles outside the sands. Dead low water made it impossible to cross the sands, but the lifeboat continued her search to the North Goodwin Buoy and then back to the Brake Light-vessel. There she was told that fourteen survivors of the Greek steamer s.s. Nicolaos M. Embiricos, which had been sunk by enemy action, were on board the North Goodwin Light-vessel, and that another of the steamer's boats with twelve men aboard, was missing. The life-boat searched for the second boat, and then went to the North Goodwin Lightvessel where she was told that the missing men had been picked up by a Dutch steamer.

Meanwhile, at 8.21 P.M., the Ramsgate station had received a message from the Ramsgate coastguard that the North Goodwin Light-vessel had reported a ship's boat with men on board drifting northward, and at 9.24 P.M. the motor life-boat Prudential was launched. On reaching the light-vessel she found alongside a boat with fourteen members of the crew of the steamer.

She then searched for the other ship's boat which was adrift, and near the Elbow Buoy was hailed by the Dutch steamer. The Ramsgate life-boat then took off the twelve men from the Dutch steamer, and the Walmer life-boat took off the fourteen men who had got to the North Goodwin Light-vessel. The Walmer life-boat returned to her station at two next morning, and the Ramsgate life-boat at 2.27. The owners of the steamer made a gift to the Ramsgate life-boat crew. — Rewards: Walmer, £29 Os. 6d.; Ramsgate £15 9s.

The following life-boats were launched, but no services were rendered for the reasons given: Helvick Head (Dungarvan Bay), Co.

Waterford. — 4th September, 1939.

What looked like a burning aeroplane was reported to have been seen to drop into the sea but nothing was found.— No rewards; launch treated as exercise.

Blyth, Northumberland.—4th October, 1939. A motor fishing boat had shown distress signals, but was towed in by a tug.—Rewards, £6 7s. 6d.

Fleetwood, and Lytham-St. Annes, Lancashire.—4th October, 1939. A motor fishing boat, with two on board, was long overdue. A strong wind was blowing, and the sea was rough. Both life-boats searched all night, but found nothing, and it was learned later that the boat got in unaided, although her engine had broken down and her sails had been blown away.—Rewards, Fleetwood, £12 16*.; Lytham, £14 Is. Qd.

Portrush, Co. Antrim.—4th October, 1939. Distress signals had been reported but nothing could be found.

The life-boat was out for fifteen hours.

—Rewards, £21 165.

Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire.—4th October, 1939. In the evening the Bridge of Don coastguard reported that the steam trawler Stromness, of Aberdeen, had stranded on the beach, abreast of Broad Hill. The pulling surf lifeboat Robert and Ellen Robson was taken by tractor to the scene and launched at 9.45 P.M. A S.E. gale was blowing, with a heavy surf. The Board of Trade life-saving rocket apparatus had also arrived and a line was fired across the trawler. The life-boat almost reached the trawler when she grounded on a sandbank, and a sea swept her past. Two oars were broken and the rocket line fouled the crew and oars.

After getting clear, the crew tried to pull back to the trawler, but without success, and ran the life-boat on the beach. The coastguard then fired another line across the trawler and landed her crew by breeches buoy. Meanwhile, the life-boat had been replaced on her carriage, stood by until the rescue had been completed, and then returned to her station, arriving at 3 A.M.—Rewards, £32 7s.

LERWICK'S 27 HOURS' SEARCH.

Lerwick, and Aith, Shetlands.—4th October, 1939. In the morning a Royal Air Force aeroplane came down on the sea about twenty-five miles N.E.

of the N.E. corner of Unst Island, and a pinnace went out to her help. On the following day at 5.10 P.M. the Air Wing- Commander asked through the Senior Naval Officer that the life-boat should search for the pinnace which had not returned. A whole S.E. gale was blowing, with a very heavy sea. The night was cold and very dark. The Aith motor life-boat was asked to keep a wireless watch and the Lerwick motor life-boat, Lady Jane and Martha Ryland was launched at 5.50 P.M. The weather was too bad for aeroplanes to take part in the search. The life-boat searched all the night, without finding the pinnace and was recalled by wireless from Aith at 8.20 A.M. the following morning, 6th October. She arrived back at 2.50 P.M. on that day. She had been out for twenty-one hours.

Meanwhile, at 11.45 A.M. on the same day, 6th October, the coastguard had reported to the Aith life-boat station that the pinnace had been seen several miles off Flugga. The North Unst Lighthouse undertook to act as shore radio station, and as efforts to get into touch with the Lerwick boat failed, the Aith motor life-boat The Rankin was launched at 12.5 P.M. After a sixty miles run she began her search, but without result. By arrangement the life-boat was recalled at 8 A.M. on the morning of the 7th October, as Admiralty craft and the Royal Air Force had started an extensive search. The lifeboat reached her station at 3.30 P.M.

She had been out for over twenty-seven hours. The aeroplane which was the cause of the launches was found and towed to safety, and the pinnace eventually arrived at Lerwick on the 8th October, after having been seen by an aeroplane ninety miles off the land.— Rewards: Lerwick, £20 14*.; Aith, £26 ISs.

Cromer, Norfolk.—5th October, 1939.

An aeroplane was reported to have sent out a distress signal, but nothing could be found.—Rewards, £26 2*.

Cromer, Norfolk.—9th October, 1939.

After rescuing the crew of twenty-nine of the Greek steamer Mount Ida, the No. 1 motor life-boat H. F. Bailey went to the help of a Lowestoft drifter, but found that her crew had been rescued from the shore.—Rewards, £23 2*.

Stromness, Orkneys.—7th October, 1939. Distress signals had been reported, and the life-boat was out for nine hours in a strong gale, with a rough sea, but found nothing.—Rewards, £18 6*. 6d.

Ramsgate, Kent. — 8th October, 1939. A Belgian steamer lying in the Downs was flying a signal for immediate medical aid, and the lifeboat went out with two doctors.

Before she arrived the steamer had gone on her way and it was found that she had been flying the medical help signal by mistake.-—Rewards, £11 14*. Qd.

AITH'S 26 HOURS' SEARCH.

Aith, Shetlands. — 9th October, 1939. Information was received through the coastguard at 1.45 P.M.

that the s.s. Vistula, of Gothenburg, Sweden, had been sunk by enemy action on the previous day twenty-five miles off Unst, that nine of her crew had been landed near Flugga Lighthouse from a boat, but that the captain and the seven remaining members of her crew were missing in another boat.

A whole S.E. gale was blowing, with an extremely heavy sea and rain squalls.

The motor life-boat was launched at 2.25 P.M. and went to the position given, seventy miles away. There she searched over a wide area, but without success. In the end she was recalled by wireless from North Unst Lighthouse which acted as shore radio station for the life-boat during this service. The life-boat returned to her station at 4.30 P.M. on the following day, having been out for over twentysix hours.—Rewards, £26 13s.

Aldeburgh, Suffolk.—10th October, 1939. A steamer had gone ashore, but refloated without help.—Rewards, £65 17*.

Broughty Ferry, Angus, and Aberdeen.

—10th October, 1939. The Swedish vessel Solstad, of Karlstad, had been reported in distress with her steering gear disabled, about fifteen miles S.E.

of Montrose, and the Montrose motor life-boat was unable to launch owing to low water. A south-easterly gale was blowing. The Broughty Ferry motor life-boat searched but found nothing and was recalled when a message was received that the steamer no longer wanted help. The life-boat was out for over seven hours. Meanwhile, the Aberdeen life-boat crew stood by for four hours. Later a message was received that the Swedish steamer was making for Aberdeen and the Aberdeen No. 1 life-boat was launched, as the pilot cutter could not cross the heavy breaking sea on the bar. The life-boat searched in all directions for several hours but found nothing and later it was learned that the steamer was being towed to Leith.—Rewards: Broughty Ferry, £7 11s.; Aberdeen, £16 11s. 6d.

Lowestoft, Suffolk.—12th October, 1939. Two longshore boats had been seen flying distress signals, but one was taken in tow by a herring drifter and the other, which was at anchor with her engine broken down, refused help as her skipper expected to be able to repair the engine. •— Rewards, £20 18s. 6d.

St. Marys, Scilly Isles.—13th Octo- * ber, 1939. The coastguard had reported a message from the R.A.F. that a flying boat had come down approximately fifty miles to the west of Scilly Isles, but shortly after the life-boat was launched she was recalled as the flying boat's crew had been rescued by a Dutch steamer.—Rewards, £15 7s. 6d.

Walton and Frinton, Essex.—14th October, 1939. After rescuing three lives from the barge Esterel, of London, the life-boat went out to the barge Vampa, of London, but her crew were drowned.—Rewards, £10 16s.

A m b l e , Northumberland. — 15th October, 1939. A barrage balloon was reported to have fallen into the sea, but the life-boat could find no trace of it.—Rewards, £11 8s.

Amble, and Boulmer, Northumberland.

—17th October, 1939. A steamer had been reported in distress. Her position was given as nine miles S.E. of Coquet Island, and the Amble motor life-boat was launched. A warning of an air-raid had been given shortly before. The life-boat found the s.s.

Asse, of Denmark. Her engine had broken down, but the engineers hoped to repair it. The life-boat returned to her station. While at sea she saw gun fire from a destroyer. At Boulmer explosions had been seen at sea and gun fire heard. Aeroplanes had also been heard but not seen. Then a message was received that an aeroplane was in distress thirty-eight miles E. J S. from Coquet Island. Only three hours of daylight remained. The chance of finding the aeroplane was remote. The life-boat, which had Mr.

William S. Stanton, the honorary secretary, on board, decided to make for the vessel to which the Amble lifeboat had gone in case there had been a serious casualty. In view of the firing at sea the life-boat flew the Institution's house flag. Half of an hour after putting out the life-boat saw what appeared to be shells bursting, but went on her way. She searched but could find neither the Amble life-boat nor the Danish vessel and returned to her station four hours after putting out.— Rewards: Amble, £11 8s.; Boulmer, £23 6s.

Whitby No 1, and Runswick, Yorkshire.

—18th October, 1939. The coastguard reported a vessel firing signals six miles north of Whitby. A moderate N.E. wind was blowing with a choppy sea. At 7.45 P.M. the motor life-boat was launched. The night was very dark, and there was danger from floating mines. The life-boat searched without result, and returned to her station at 9.30 P.M. News of the signals had also been received at Runswick, and at 8.10 P.M. the motor life-boat was launched. She also failed to find any vessel in need of help, and returned to her station at 11 P.M.

Later it was learned that the signals had been made by the crew of a German bombing aeroplane. She had been shot down two days before, and two of her crew of four had been killed. The other two, one severely injured in the leg, had taken to their rubber collapsible boat on the evening of 17th October. They came ashore at Whitby on the morning of the 19th, having been afloat for thirty-six hours. They believed themselves to be in the Fiiih of Forth.— Rewards: Whitby, £14 2s.; Runswick, £30 16s.

Exmouth, and Torbay, Devonshire.— * 18th October, 1939. A message was received, at 7.25 in the evening from the R.A.F. that two of their speedboats had broken down twelve miles S.W. of Beer Head and the motor lifeboat was launched with the help of soldiers. News was also received at the Torbay station, through the coastguard, and the Torbay life-boat was also launched. When the Exmouth life-boat reached Beer she was recalled, as the two boats had reached Lyme Regis safely, and she arrived back at her station at 1.15 next morning. At midnight the Torbay life-boat was recalled by wireless and reached her station at 2.30 next morning. The R.A.F. sent its thanks.—Rewards: Exmouth, £26 15s.; Torbay, £14 9s. 6d.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—18th October, 1939. An aeroplane was reported to have fallen into the sea in flames, but nothing could be found.— Rewards, £15 7*. 6d.

St. Mary's, Scilly Isles.—19th October, 1939. A message was received that a British steamer, s.s. Halizones, had been sunk by enemy action forty miles S.W. of the Bishop Lighthouse, but ten minutes after the life-boat was launched, news came that the Dutch steamer Colytto had gone to her help and the life-boat was recalled.—Rewards, £15 7s. 6d.

Clovelly, Devonshire, and Padstow * No. 1, Cornwall.—19th October, 1939. A message was received that a R.A.F. aeroplane had come down in the sea and the Clovelly life-boat was launched at 10.20 P.M. to search between Hartland Point and Bideford.

A N.E. wind was blowing. The sea was moderate to rough. On reaching Hartland Point the lifeboat was signalled to go to Bude Bay and there she received a further message through the coastguard that the aeroplane had been washed ashore but the pilot was missing.

She searched as far as Widemouth Bay, but without result. A recall rocket was then seen off Bude, and the lifeboat returned to her station arriving at six next morning. Meanwhile, the Padstow No. 1 station heard from the coastguard at 10 P.M. that the aeroplane was in Bude Bay, and the motor life-boat was launched. Soon afterwards the Padstow station was able to get into communication with Clovelly and the life-boat was recalled.—Rewards: Clovelly, £24 16s. 6d.; Padstow, £8 Is. Qd.

_ Skegness, Lincolnshire.—21st October, 1939. A message had been received that twenty-six seamen from a French ship which had been sunk by enemy action were on board the Inner Dowsing Lightship. The life-boat was.

launched to bring them ashore but on reaching the lightship she found that they had been taken on board a minesweeper and landed at Grimsby.— Rewards, £17 14s. 6d.

Cromer, Norfolk.—21st October, 1939.

An explosion had been heard and a white light seen three miles away and later another explosion was heard and a red light seen, but nothing could be found.—Rewards, £27 4s. 6d.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex.—21st October, 1939. Rockets had been reported south of Brighton but nothing could be found.—Rewards, £15 7s. 6d.

Redcar, Yorskhire.—22nd October, 1939. Information had been received through the coastguard from the senior naval officer at Newcastle that there had been a collision off Maske, one of the vessels being H.M.

Destroyer Javelin. The life-boat, with Captain E. Combes, the honorary superintendent on board, searched for three hours, could find no vessel in need of help, and it was reported later that the destroyer had reached Hartlepool.— Rewards, £9 17s.

The Humber, Yorkshire. — 23rd October, 1939. A message had been received that a vessel had been torpedoed, and the explosion had been heard, but nothing could be found and it was assumed that the wrecked vessel's crew had been rescued by another vessel. — Rewards, 4s. 6d.

Permanent paid crew.

Wick, Caithness-shire.—23rd October, 1939. The life-boat station was informed that a R.A.F. aeroplane had failed to report and has last been seen thirty miles east of Wick. The motor life-boat was launched at 3.20 P.M.

Two hours later she was recalled as aircraft had searched without finding anything. The life-boat reached her station again at 8 P.M.—Rewards, £18 16s.

Margate, Kent.—24th October, 1939.

An aeroplane had been reported to have come down in the sea, but it was reported later that it was a false alarm.

—Rewards, £18 12s.

Ramsgate, Kent.—26th October, 1939.

A vessel had been reported as showing blue flares, but nothing was found.— Rewards, £11 14s. 9d.

Ramsey, Isle of Man.—26th October, 1939. A drifter had been reported as flying distress signals, but she got into the shelter of Douglas Bay unaided.

The life-boat was out for nearly five hours in a gale with a heavy sea.— Rewards, £31 5s. 6d.

Walmer, Kent.—26th October, 1939.

A motor boat had broken down, and another boat had gone to her help. As neither had returned the motor life-boat was launched, but shortly afterwards it was learned that both boats had reached Ramsgate.—Rewards, • £29 Os. 6d.

Baltimore, Co. Cork.—27th October, 1939. A trawler was reported to be sounding her siren as if in distress, but two trawlers which the life-boat found were neither of them in need of help.—Rewards, £12 15s.

The Humber, Yorkshire. — 2 7 t h October, 1939. An aeroplane was reported to have come down in the sea but the life-boat found nothing.— Permanent paid crew: Rewards, 9s.

Walton and Frinton, Essex. — 28th October, 1939. The Dutch motor vessel Pegasus was reported to be sinking in a gale with a heavy sea, but later it was learned that her crew had been taken off by a steamer.—Rewards, £12 4s.

Wick, Caithness-shire.—28th October, 1939. An aeroplane had come down in the sea, but the crew of two had been picked up by a trawler.—• Rewards, £9 19s. 6d.

Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.—28th October, 1939. Flashes had been seen, but the life-boat found nothing.— Rewards, £14 18s. 6d.

Shoreham Harbour, Sussex. — 28th October, 1939. A small boat with two men on board was in distress off Brighton, but later the Brighton police reported that the boat and men had been washed ashore. — Rewards, £15 7s. Qd.

The Humber, Yorkshire. — 3 0 th * October, 1939. A ship had been reported on fire, but a later message stated that the survivors of a Danish vessel, believed to have been sunk by enemy action, had been picked up by a Finnish vessel.—Permanent paid crew: Rewards, 9s.

Holy Island, Northumberland.—31st October, 1939. An observation balloon was seen floating in the sea, but it was picked up by a fishing coble.—Rewards, £7 15s. 6d.

Arklow, Co. Wicklow.—31st October, 1939. It had been reported that a raft with men on board could be seen off Wicklow Head. A strong gale was blowing, with a very rough sea. A rowing skiff put out from Wicklow as well as the motor life-boat from Arklow.

The "raft" was found to be fisherman's buoys with an upright pole to which a hurricane lantern was attached.

The life-boat towed the skiff and buoys into Arklow.—Rewards, £7 8s.

_ Barry Dock, Glamorganshire.—3rd November, 1939. It had been reported that what looked like an aeroplane on fire had fallen into the sea.

A few seconds later a parachute landed in the same position. It was found later that the aeroplane was practising; the life-boat was recalled.—Rewards, £3 11s.

Dover, Kent.—4th November, 1939.

A Greek steamer was reported to be in distress through enemy action and the life-boat put out with a naval officer on board. She was recalled, however, when she had entered the danger area.

She had seen nothing of the steamer— Partly permanent paid crew: Rewards, £9 8s..