The Walmer life-boat was being launched down her skids in December, 1944, when a hook slipped and she ran suddenly into a rough sea with only the motor mechanic, C. P. Cavell, on board. When he felt her afloat he came on deck to find himself alone. He started an engine at once, and taking the wheel brought the life-boat into deep water. There he started the second engine and cruised about until the men on shore signalled that they were ready for him to beach the boat. Then he ran her ashore in a gap of fifty yatds, the only place Nsrhete she could be safely beached among the coast defences. He has been awarded the thaflks on vellum*.