Ben Tart of Dungeness We are sad to report the death of Ben Tart, one of the most well-known lifeboat coxswains of the East coast, who gave some 50 years service to the RNLI.

Born in Dungeness in January 1915, Ben followed the natural career direction when he left school and went fishing. At the age of 23 he joined the crew of Dungeness lifeboat, the 41ft Watson beach class lifeboat Charles Cooper Henderson.

In 1939, with England at war and wanting to do his bit, Ben volunteered for the Royal Navy, but because of the importance of his job, he was asked to continue fishing.

In 1946 Ben was appointed bowman of the lifeboat and five years later second coxswain in which capacity he served for twenty-two years -becoming Coxswain in 1965 - and following in the footsteps of Tarts before him.

During this time, Dungeness lifeboat launched 393 times and saved 152 lives.

Ben was awarded the Silver Medal of the Institution and the Maud Smith Award for the bra vest act of lifesaving in 1974 when the lifeboat went to the aid of the motor vessel, Merc Texco in hurricane force winds.

Ben retired in 1975, after 37 years dedicated sea service to the RNLI..