Cromer's famous son Henry Blogg is the most decorated RNLI crew member of all time. What kind of man was this lifeboating legend, and what did he do to earn such accolades? Henry Blogg's time as a crew member and coxswain was an important chapter in the history of both Cramer in Norfolk and the RNLI. Bloggjoined the lifeboat crew in 1894, a century after Cromer's first lifeboat was established. His peaceful manner reflected a humble background: he was born in a small cottage near Cromer's pier in 1876 and, in many ways, was a typical Norfolk fisherman.

In 1909, though, he was made lifeboat Coxswain and was to go on to save 873 lives.

Blogg received his first major award in 1917 when he led a lifeboat crew to the rescue of the steamship Fernebo, saving 11 lives. In recognition he received the RNLI's Cold Medal for Gallantry. Ten years later he received the equivalent of a second Gold Medal (a clasp to add to his first - and a very rare occurrence), this time for his part in a rescue that saved 15 people from the Gothenburg steamship Georgia.

Perhaps the award that summed up Blogg's gallantry most of all, though, was his third Gold Medal award in 1941 - not only because it made him the most decorated lifeboatman ever, but also because it recognised bravery and dedication of the highest order in the midst of World War II.

In the early hours of 6 August 1941, six steamers, sailing down the east coast as part of a convoy, fell foul of the notorious Haisborough Sands. With gale force winds, rough seas and squalls, the merchant vessels were driven onto the sands and smashed by the waves. News of the disaster reached Blogg and his crew at Sam. They launched the motor lifeboat HF Bailey and made first for the Oxshott. Although the sea was breaking over the lifeboat, Blogg managed to repeatedly steer onto the stricken Oxshott and all 16 surviving crew were hauled aboard.

Blogg then took the HF Bailey to the Callois, this time rescuing 31 men, before transferring the 47 survivors to an accompanying destroyer. The Coxswain had not finished for the day, though. He returnedto the sands, powering over the submerged deck of a third steamer, the Deerwood, allowing 19 men to jump aboard. By this time, other lifeboats were in action on the sands, coming to the aid of some of the remaining crews, but HF Bailey was required yet again: the steamer Paddy Hendly was stranded and badly damaged. Blogg manoeuvred alongside and 22 men leapt aboard. The lifeboat again made for a destroyer and transferred the rescued souls.

When HF Bailey finally reached harbour that day, it was 5pm. During their day's work, Blogg and his crew had rescued 88 men. In recognition Blogg was awarded a second clasp to his Gold Medal and received the British Empire Medal.

By the time he retired, at the age of 71, Henry Blogg's clutch of awards included three RNLI Cold Medal Awards for Gallantry, four Silver Medals, the George Cross and the British Empire Medal. In 1953, he received the Coronation Medal. When he died the following year, Cramer mourned the loss of a true hero: brave, modest and selfless.

A lasting tribute The story of Henry Blogg and Cramer's lifeboat crews is now vividly told though a new museum dedicated to them. The RNLI Henry Blogg museum is purpose built near Cramer's pier.

Comedian Ronnie Corbett officially opened the museum in April 2006 (see page 39). The centrepiece of the attraction is the lifeboat HF Bailey. She had been on display in the century-old boathouse next door but this was needed operationally once again so the opportunity was taken to conserve her while another home was under construction.

The new building is the result of a collaboration with North Norfolk District Council's seafront regeneration scheme and was funded by a mix of RNLI and EU money, individual gifts and a legacy. Responsibility for running this and the RNLI's other museums is that of a subsidiary charity to the RNLI - the RNLI Heritage Trust. Set up with the aim of conserving and displaying the Institution's heritage, it is able to bid for specialised grant funding and so ensure RNLI funds are kept for saving lives at sea.

The emotional return Among the VIP guests at the museum opening were brother and sister Ramon and Maria Begone Arguelles. In 1938, at the ages of five and seven respectively, they had been caught up in the Spanish Civil War as it spilled into the North Sea - and Henry Blogg had come to their aid.

Their father, Manuel, was captain of the cargo ship Cantabria, which came under attack from a gunboat and began to sink. The gunboat attempted to take the Cantabria's occupants prisoner but Manuel and his wife, Trinidad, refused to leave and huddled together with their children to await their fate.

News of the stricken vessel had by now reached shore and the HF Bailey launched with Blogg and his crew onboard - once again they made a successful rescue. After a short stay in the UK, the Arguelles migrated to Mexico but decades later Ramon and Maria made the return transatlantic journey to see the new museum. 'It is a happy moment,' said Ramon as he met Blogg's lifeboating relations at the ceremony.

Cramer's close-knit community means that the crew history is largely a family history too: see the accompanying photographs. The last surviving member of Blogg's crew, Lewis Tuner' then Tuna' Harrison had been invited too but sadly died before the big day.

Why not visit the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum for yourself? It is free and is open Tuesday-Saturday, February-November, but times vary so phone 01263 511294 first if you are making a special journey. For more information on the RNLI Heritage Trust or to make a donation, contact RNLI Headquarters, email [email protected] or see rnli.org.uk/heritage..