AUGUST 8TH. - BEMBRIDGE, ISLE OF WIGHT. At about 5.15 P.M. an aeroplane was reported by the coastguard down in the sea ten miles S.S.W. from Bembridge Point.

A strong south-westerly wind was blowing, with a very rough sea. The motor life-boat Jesse Lumb was launched at 5.45 P.M. and went to the position given. Here an aeroplane circled over the life-boat, went off, returned and repeated the operation to show the life-boat the direction she should take.

There was no sign of any aeroplane, but she found the R.A.F. No. 116 motor boat, disabled and flying a distress signal. She had gone out to stand by while an air battle was going on and had been machine-gunned.

One of the nine men aboard had been killed and another severely wounded. A rope had fouled her propeller. The life-boat took her in tow and brought her to Haslar Hospital, sending a wireless message while on her way for an ambulance to be ready. The life-boat returned to her station next morning, arriving at 7.15 A.M. - Rewards, £8 8s. 9d..