DOCTOR J. LEIPER, of Aberdeen, has been awarded a special certificate on vellum for the part he played when he was transferred at great risk from the Aberdeen life-boat to a German trawler to treat an injured man.

At 5 p.m. on I2th December, 1966, the honorary secretary was told that an injured man on board the German trawler Heikendorf of Kiel required medical attention. The harbour was closed due to the strong easterly wind raising a breaking sea on the bar. It was 2j hours before low water.

The life-boat Ramsay-Dyce, with Doctor J. Leiper, honorary medical adviser to the branch, on board, proceeded at 5.45 and at 6.30 came up with the Heiken- dorf at anchor in Aberdeen bay.

Difficulty was experienced in transferring the doctor to the trawler due to the gale force winds and very rough sea. After the life-boat had tried steaming slowly head to sea and then lying stopped, the transfer was eventually accomp- lished by running down wind.

WAS INJURED Doctor Leiper, aged 62 years, was assisted across by the life-boat crew and hauled aboard the trawler by the German mate.

Because of the severe weather and sea conditions prevailing Doctor Leiper spent the night on board the trawler and returned ashore when the trawler came into Aberdeen on the following day. The life-boat returned to her station, arriving at 8.55 p.m.

It was later learned that Doctor Leiper injured his ribs during the transfer.

He was admitted to hospital for treatment..