Richard Dimbleby who died on the 22nd December, 1965 at the age of 52 was an active supporter and friend of the life-boat service. To a man, such as he was, of great personal courage and deep sincerity and with a passionate interest in people the lifeboat service made a particular appeal. Among a number of life-boat stations at which he was personally known were Southend-on-Sea, where he was dragged through the water by breeches buoy, and Walmer, from where the life-boat took him out over the Goodwin Sands in thoroughly disagreeable conditions. Shortly after his visit to Walmer he was invited to make an appeal on behalf of the life-boat service. He readily agreed and in characteristic fashion he took the greatest care in the preparation of the appeal. The appeal was broadcast by the B.B.C. in the Home Service on 2ist February, 1954. Among those who responded were a bedridden invalid in her 94th year, two elderly African missionaries, an infant school in Scotland, and children in Worcestershire in a class whose average age was seven.

Television is such an intimate medium that millions of people felt the loss of Richard Dimbleby as a personal affliction. To those who had the privilege of knowing him the loss is one which can never be made good..