GRACE DARLING. An early Life-boat heroine.

In 1838, she and her father rescued nine people stranded on a rock, survivors from the wrecked ship For far- shire, of Dundee. They won Silver Medals.

(From the painting by Thomas Musgrove Joy) SIR WILLIAM HILLARY, Be. The founder of the Life-boat Service. Born 1771.

died 1847. Realising the need of a regular Service for the saving of life from ship- wreck round Britain's coasts, he founded, in 1824, the Royal National Life-Boat Institution. Besides establishing several life-boats on the coast, he took part personally in many rescues, helping to save 350 lives, and being awarded the Gold Medal of the Institution. In 1836 he was made a Chevalier of St. John of Jerusalem.

A FAMOUS COXSWAIN.

Coxswain Henry Blogg, G.C.. B.E.M., of Cromer.

A life-boat man for 53 years, his record is unparalleled. He won the Gold Medal three times, the Silver Medal four times, and helped to save 873 lives. (From the painting by Thomas Dugdale, R.A.) GREATHEAD'S ORIGINAL First regular life-boat stationed on our coasts. Built in 1789 by Henry Greathead, of South Shields. She had continuous service for 40 years, and took part in countless rescues, saving numerous lives.

A NINETEENTH-CENTURY PULLING LIFE-BOAT. Stationed at Padstow. This life-boat is typical of those used until about the middle of the Nine- teenth Century. Self-righting, she was propelled by oars.

(From a painting by W. L.

Wylie. R.A.) A LIFE-BOAT UNDER SAIL. A pulling and sailing life-boat (about 1850 onwards). Equipped with sails for swifter approach to wrecks; oars were used when close in. Typical of latter half of Nineteenth Century.

Many in use until recent times.

A STEAM LIFE-BOAT. The Duke of Northumberland, the first life-boat to be equipped with steam. Built in 1889, she was stationed at Harwich, New Brighton and Holyhead. Alto- gether six steam life-boats were built.

THE FIRST DECK CABIN LIFE-BOAT.

The most up-to-date type of life-boat.

Built in 1948, and stationed at St.

Hclier, Jersey. She is 46 ft. 9 in.

long, with two 40 h.p. Diesel engines (speed 8, knots), wireless, a loud- hailer and a searchlight.

AN EARLY MOTOR LIFE-BOAT. The Sir Fitz-Roy Clayton. Built 1912, by Thames Ironworks Co., she was stationed at Newhaven until 1933. A motor self- righter, 38 ft. by 9 ft. 9 In., she performed 72 service launches, and rescued 107 lives..