MAY 25TH. - RAMSGATE. KENT. At 6.34 P.M. a message was received from the Ramsgate coastguard that the R.A.F. command at Manston had reported an aeroplane down in the sea approximately five miles from Dunkirk, and that the naval authorities had asked that the life-boat should be sent, as no other suitable boat was available. A light E.N.E. breeze was blowing with cloud and mist, and the sea was smooth. At 6.55 P.M. the motor life-boat Prudential waslaunched and reached the position given, about thirty-five miles from Ramsgate, at 9.40 P.M. The sea was covered with oil and wreckage. Aeroplanes were fighting overhead.

Many explosions were heard very near to the life-boat, and one enemy aeroplane swooped and circled round the life-boat.

She could find no trace of the aeroplane which had been reported in the sea, and after taking on board a 14-feet ship’s dinghy, which was unnamed, she returned to Ramsgate.

The enemy aeroplane which had circled round the life-boat was seen to be joined by others, and they then made for the English coast. The life-boat returned to her station at 12.30 A.M. of the 26th. While she was being refuelled an air-raid warning was sounded. She was finally re-moored and ready for service by 1.5 A.M. - Rewards, £11 8s..