The death occurred in April this year of ex-Coxswain Douglas Kirkaldie who was from 1946 to 1952 in command of the Ramsgate, Kent, life-boat. He was 81. Mentioned in despatches for decoy work during the Dunkirk evacuation, Mr. Kirkaldie was one of the greatest authorities on the Goodwin Sands. In 1952 he was awarded the Institution's bronze medal for the rescue of people from the s.s. Western Farmer wrecked on the Goodwins.