Peter Gilson, deputy launching authority at Southend-on-Sea from 1986 until his death. He joined Southend lifeboat crew in 1947, and was bowman from 1953 to 1954 and second coxswain for one year in 1955 before being appointed coxswain in 1956until 1976. MrGilson was also the station honorary secretary from 1979 to 1986..