MANY letters containing tributes to the work of the life-boat crews are received at the headquarters and bran- ches of the Institution. They are, in fact, too numerous to be quoted regularly, but four letters of very different types received recently give some indication of the feelings of people living in this country towards the men who man the Institution's life-boats.

On the 26th October, 1961, three life-boats, those at Cromer, Sheringham and Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, all took part in a long search for an aircraft of the United States Air Force.

The search was unsuccessful and the service is briefly referred to on page 215.

Commenting on the efforts of the crews of the three life-boats, the Commander of the U.S. 47th Bombardment Wing (Tactical) wrote to the coxswains concerned: "On behalf of the families of the lost airmen, and the 47th Bombardment Wing, I would like to express sincere appreciation for the assistance rendered by the personnel of the Royal National Life-boat Institution in the air/sea operations carried out during the recent accident involving a B-66 aircraft from this station. In particular, you, as Coxswain, and all the men under your direction, are to be commended for the long hours you devoted, doubtless at personal risk, to this rescue operation.

Prompt Response "The prompt response by the Royal National Life-boat Institution to par- ticipate in the search reflects the true spirit of co-operation that exists between the British populace and the American community.

"Your desire to assist and your un- tiring efforts are indeed heartwarming, and an assurance that you stand ready to help at any time you may be called upon. Once again, we thank you for your most valued efforts".

A friend of Mrs. Ford, the honorary secretary of the Margate ladies' life- boat guild sent her a donation and wrote: "It is with very great pleasure I enclose herewith my cheque for three guineas, being a small token of my appreciation of the courage and bravery displayed by the crews of the life-boats.

"I was staying at Westgate with a friend during the recent gales and, although I have seen pictures and tele- vision extracts of the raging seas, I never before realised, until I actually experienced this spectacle, the pluck required to face such perils to save the lives of others. It is for this reason that I send this little gift which I hope will provide some small comfort for these courageous men".

Letter from an Eight-year-old At the headquarters of the Institution the following letter was received from Windsor: "I am Richard, 8 years old. I dug a hole in my sand-pit, and made a collec- tion for the brave life-boat men. I have much pleasure in enclosing 5d., (five pence) that I collected.

Good luck to you all.

Yours sincerely, RICHARD SHEPHERD.

Stamps enclosed".

More moving perhaps than any of these letters was one received as this number of the Life-boat was about to go to press. It was addressed to the honor- ary secretary of the Selsey station branch by Mrs. Thomas Hutchins of Solihull, who wrote: "Last year my husband, myself and our two boys spent a very happy holiday at Selsey. My youngest son Paul aged 8 years was very taken by the life-boat and its history along with the brave men who sail in her.

He was fortunate to see two launch- ings and returns.

"He died tragically just before Christmas, but had saved quite a lot over the years for a small boy. He always gave from his own pocket money for his favourite good causes, so we decided to divide the money up between them all and I feel sure he would like the life-boat crew of Selsey to be remembered. I am enclosing a P.O. for £2 for them in his name, hoping that it will help in some small way".

Mrs. Hutchins has since expressed her intention of making an annual donation on the anniversary of Paul's birthday..