MARCH 13TH. - BLACKPOOL, LANCASHIRE.

At 10.24 A.M. an R.A.F. twin - engine fighter monoplane landed on the sands about 250 yards west of Bispham Slade, and was unable to take off again. At 11.40 A.M. a message was received from the commanding officer asking for the help of the life-boat and life-boat tractor. The tide had risen and the aeroplane, although remaining afloat, was now nearly submerged. A light S.E. breeze was blowing and the sea was smooth. At11.55 A.M. the motor life-boat Sarah Ann Austin was launched, and found that a rope had been put aboard, and was being held by a number of R.A.F. men. The life-boat coxswain made the rope fast for towing, and the life-boat then towed the aeroplane round some piles into a bay opposite the foot of the promenade hulking, near where the Slade comes down to the shore. The life-boat’s tractor was now hooked on to the towing rope and pulled the aeroplane right up to the face of the hulking. The lifeboat and tractor then returned to their station, arriving at 2 P.M. The rudder of the lifeboat was slightly damaged. - Rewards, £8 13s.