Newbiggin, Northumberland.—On the 19th of February, 1951, several local fishing cobles were at sea in bad weather.

By 1.30 in the afternoon the weather had got worse. Three cobles were still out and it was thought advisable for the life-boat to launch. At 1.45, then, the life-boat Richard Ashley was launched on service for the first time, with the second coxswain in command.

A full west-south-westerly gale was blowing and there was a heavy sea; but the life-boat escorted the cobles to safety and returned to her station, arriving at four o'clock.—Rewards, £13 4*..