Amble, and Boulmer, Northumber- land.—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 aero- plane 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 life- boat 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..