Coxswain Joseph Mercer of Walmer died on the 5th of January, 1961, at the age of 80. He was coxswain from 1935 to 1945, having previously served for eight years as second coxswain. He was award- ed the bronze medal for gallantry for the rescue of thirteen men from H.M. anti- submarine boat No. 35 in January 1944..