Thomas Cocking (Snr), full-time coxswain of St Ives lifeboat between 1976 and 1989. Thomas joined the crew in 1952, and was appointed bowman in 1955, second coxswain in 1965 and retained coxswain in 1967.

Thomas was also a crew member of the station's inshore lifeboat between 1964 and 1978. Thomas was awarded the Chairman's letter in 1972, Vellums in 1975 and 1977, Silver medal in 1997, long service badge in 1982 and a Silver second service clasp in 1984..