The Editor, the Life-boat.

Dear Sir, On reading the March issue of the Journal of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution I was perfectly thrilled with your article on the fiftieth anniversary in the history of mechanisation.

I happen to be one of the crew of that flotilla which left the London docks for Orkney on the 15th April, 1909. I am a Stronsay fisherman, now retired here, and was appointed to the Stromness boat along with Commander Rowley, also Mr. Small, who was the motor expert. As a young lad this was my first time away from home, and although it is fifty years ago I can remember every episode of the journey and how good and kind Mr. Rowley was.

He had a Thermos flask aboard and often shared his drop of tea with me.

I may add this was the first Thermos I had seen and thought it so wonderful to get a hot drink out at sea.

Our boat, the John A. Hay, was of the self-righting type and fitted with a Tylor engine, which was very satisfactory.

My father was coxswain of the John Ryburn (Watson type) fitted with a Blake engine.

We went single line ahead, both motor boats towing the Thurso sailing boat to her station at Scrabster.

Finally I just wish to say that I have been very interested in life-boats all my life and proud to feel that I tried to do my bit in rescue work, and may God bless and further the noble deeds of our Institution.

Yours sincerely, JOHN EUNSON 10th April, 1959.

Rhuarden, Kingussie, Inverness-shire..