Coxswain/Mechanic Richard Hawkins of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston first joined Dover lifeboat crew in 1959, becoming second assistant mechanic from 1974 to 1976 when he was appointed coxswain at Great Yarmouth and Gorleston. He was awarded a long service badge in 1984 and a bronze medal in 1980 in recognition of his courage and seamanship when the lifeboat under his command rescued the crew of two of the fishing boat St Margarite which had stranded on Scroby Sands in a strong north easterly wind and a short steep sea.

Richard is married with three children and is a part-time driving instructor. His twin brother, Tony, is Coxswain/Assistant Mechanic of Dover lifeboat..