The year was notable for the help which the life-boat service, while following its single aim of saving life, was able to give to the fighting services at Dunkirk and in the waters round our coasts.

Nineteen life-boats took part in the Dunkirk evacuation and brought off thousands of men. All the life-boats were damaged. One of them was lost. Two of the Institution's coxswains, at Margate and Ramsgate, won the Distinguished Service Medal for their gallantry. The Institution's share in this exploit cost it £8,000..