SECOND Coxswain Charles I. Crockford, of the Tenby life-boat, has been awarded a framed letters of thanks, signed by the Chairman of the Institution.

Admiral Sir Wilfrid Woods, G.B.E., K.C.B., D.S.O., for taking the life-boat out on service when he was convalescing after a period in hospital. His doctor wrote that 'this action must have taken immense courage and a complete disregard for considerable pain and personal discomfort'.

The service was to the coaster Mania on 14th November after she had requested assistance as her steering gear had broken down. First intimation that she was in trouble was received by the honorary secretary, Mr. G. Reason- Jones, at 2101 hrs. At 2106 hrs. the maroons were fired followed ten minutes later by further maroons as some of the crew did not hear the first firing due to the strength and direction of the wind.

As the coxswain had previously intimated that he must resign because of ill health, Second Coxswain Crockford immediately volunteered and assumed command. The full-time mechanic had recently retired and Second Coxswain Crockford had to rely on Assistant Mechanic Raymond Thomas and Emergency Mechanic Brian Bolton.

ASSISTANT MECHANIC COMMENDED The Henry Comber Brown, which is a 46-foot 9-inch Watson life-boat, launched at 2126 hrs. She met up with the casualty offMilford Haven and stood by while a tug took her in tow. At the request of the master of the Manta the life-boat escorted the tow into Milford Haven which was reached at 0745 hrs.

on 15th November.

As the life-boat was unable to be rehoused at Tenby because of the weather conditions she was secured to a buoy off Pembroke Dock at 0951 hrs. The lifeboat was eventually rehoused at 1335 hrs. on 16th November.

Assistant Mechanic Thomas received a letter from the Secretary, Mr. Stirling Whorlow, O.B.E., commending him on the efficient manner in which he handled the life-boat's engines on this occasion..