75 years ago From The Life-Boat of September 1919 in the somewhat flowery prose of the time the September 1919 issue of 'The Life-Boat' paid a tribute to a fictitious retiring lifeboatman under the heading 'The Old Coxswain'. Despite today's technology the sentiments behind the final paragraphs hold true to this day: Is there a more honourable position in the world's records than this of Coxswain of the Life-boat? The very pick of a picked body of men, are not such the salt of the earth? To lead men into danger has always been held in the highest honour, to lead them into the imminent deadly breach in a fortress; or, sword and pistol in hand, over the side of a boarded ship, has not the man who has done these things always held the world's greatest esteem? But to lead men into danger, not to take life but to save it, surely that is the finest and noblest of all, and is given to few to attain.

Consider a few of the qualities which a man needs in order to fill such a position. That he must have great physical courage needs no saying, but much moral courage is also required, so as to take responsibility in the most difficult and trying circumstances. He must have consummate skill; for probably there is no operation in the whole art of seamanship which calls for greater skill than is required to bring a boat alongside a wreck in a heavy breaking sea. He must be a man of infinite resource and instant decision, knowing that on the moment's choice of alternatives depends not only his own life, but that of his crew, and perhaps of those whom he has set out to save. Above all he must be a man who commands the obedience and respect of those who serve under him.

Such a character resembles that of the man to whom were given ten talents, and to such when he retires from his post may also surely be said: "Well done, thou good and faithfull servant." It also seems as though the Institution was having to work as hard then as now to educate the general public about the RNLI and its work, particularly the full meaning of the Institution's initials! The same issue recorded the following snippet: Amongst the spectators at the Thames Pageant was an old lady who, on the approach of the Lifeboats bearing flags marked R. N. L. I., showed great excitement, and, turning to her companion, said in a loud voice and with evident pride: "Look! There go the Royal Naval Light Infantry; my son was with them in the Dardenelles.".