Frank Smith, coxswain/ mechanic of Salcombe lifeboat since 1988. He first joined the crew in 1970 and was emergency mechanic from 1973 to 1981 when he was appointed mechanic.

From 1984 to 1988 he served as second coxswain / m e - chanic.

In 1992 Frank was awarded a Bronze medal in recognition of his courage, seamanship, leadership and determination when the lifeboat Baltic Exchange II took the 1,200 ton coaster Janet C in tow and held her off the rocks at Start Point for three hours until the arrival of a tug in the early hours of 8 January. The coaster had suffered total power failure in gale force south westerly winds and heavy seas.

The incident was captured by the camera, as Frank and his crew were being filmed at the time pfor the Central TV fly-on-the-wall documentary series 'Lifeboat'.