Coxswain/Mechanic Ronald Cannon of Ramsgate first joined the crew in 1964, became bowman in 1967 and coxswain/mechanic in 1976. He was awarded a long service badge in 1984 and a silver medal in 1986 in recognition of the courage and seamanship he displayed when the French fishing vessel Gloire a Marie , aground at the entrance to the River Stour two miles south west of Ramsgate, was towed into deep water with her crew of seven and led to safety in a violent north-easterly storm and very heavy seas. Ronald, of course, is employed on a full time basis as coxswain/mechanic and is married with two young sons who enjoy messing about in boats!.