Military MAYDAY

Our patch is an area where there is plenty of military activity.

To the North is Poole harbour home to 1 Assault Group Royal Marines and 148 (Meiktila) Forward Observation Battery Royal Artillery, these two essentially fulfill the 'Per Mare' part of the Royal Marine's motto.

To the East is the Solent, home to Marchwood Sea Mounting Centre, the only military port in the UK. A bit further East is Portsmouth, spiritual home to the Royal Navy.

To the West are the MOD Lulworth ranges both on land and sea where live firing exercises are conducted throughout the year.

And yet despite this activity we seldom have much to do with these fine people. By their very nature they are self-sufficient and able to deal with emergencies in their own way using their own resources. Sometimes they have been know to assist us in searches and other rescue situations.

So it was a pleasure yesterday to be able to assist a landing craft from Marchwood in difficulties off St Alban's Head. During the middle of the afternoon the bow ramp on the Landing Craft began to leave. This grew worse to the point where the crew sent out a MAYDAY asking for immediate assistance. First on the scene was Rescue 106 which airlifted 2 of the crew to hospital to be checked over.

By the time that the Swanage lifeboat had arrived the range safety boat from the Lulworth range had taken the stricken vessel in tow stern first to try to step the ingress of water.

Once on scene the Swanage lifeboat passed across the salvage pump and began to deal with the water as best as possible. In due course engineers from HM Warship Sutherland that was also in the area made temporary repairs to the bow ramp. Once this was done the landing craft's Coxswain was happy to head to Poole under his own power. The lifeboat escorted them down the Swash Channel where Poole lifeboat took over the escort duties. The lifeboats were then released to return to station.

The MCA's news report is here

We made the news

Read it here

More on this tomorrow.

I need a hero...

No sooner had I finished writing about Chad this morning than I discovered that he has also featured in today's Daily Echo. Turns out...he's a flippin' hero!

Well done lad.

Where have all good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where’s the street-wise Hercules
To fight the rising odds?

Isn’t there a white knight upon a fiery steed?
Late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need

I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night
He’s gotta be strong
And he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero

(Thanks to Bonnie Tyler for the lyrics)

By the way, Chad is the cheeky looking one stood right behind the General.

Lovely Mathew

It was mechanics work night down at the boathouse last night so I popped down to have a chat. I bumped into Matt and couldn't help but get the impression that he is slightly hurt by my regular digs at him. So I'm taking this opportunity to publicly apologise...sorry mate!

I had been planning to do a post about Matt and his cousin Chad in any case. Sadly Chad is having to take a step back from the crew due to his girlfriend being pregnant and wanting to move back to Poole to be closer to her family. Chad's not so much leaving the crew as taking a career break. We all hope that he will be back full-time in the near future but in the meantime, you (and of course Jane) take our very best wishes with you.

The reason I wanted to write a post about Matt and Chad was because I found this gem in the Lifeboat Journal archive:

Triple CHRISTENING, Swanage. Three grandsons of Victor Marsh, coxswain/mechanic of Swanage 37ft 6in Rother lifeboat J. Reginald CORAH were christened on board the lifeboat on Sunday August 28, 1983. The babies were Gary Marsh, whose three-year-old brother Alan was also christened on board the lifeboat and whose father is a member of Swanage crew; Matthew STEEDEN, whose father is another member of the crew; and James Chadwick, whose parents were home on two weeks holiday from Germany. Belinda, James's mother, was no doubt remembering her wedding in October 1980 when the lifeboat was called out twice, once during the ceremony and again during the reception.

A great story.

Of course I'd love to be able to say that I will never again take a dig at Matt. However...

Wednesday morning at five o'clock as the day begins
Silently closing her bedroom door
Leaving the note that she hoped would say more
She goes downstairs to the kitchen clutching her hankerchief
Quietly turning the backdoor key
Stepping outside she is free

She (We gave her most of our lives)
Is leaving (Sacraficed most of our lives)
Home (We gave her everything money could buy)
She's leaving home after living alone
For so many years (Bye bye)

(With thanks to Lennon and Mcartney)

Deja vu (that's French for 'already seen' Matt)

Remember the Ice Prince last year? Well, almost a year to the day since that happened another 1,500 Tonnes of timber has been lost this time from a Russian ship at about 8am this morning in heavy seas in the English Channel. According to Coastguards it is expected to wash ashore near Brighton later today.

The vessel has a pretty serious 10 degree list to one side but I understand that it is in a relatively stable position to the south of the Isle of Wight. Lets hope that the 25 poor souls onboard are safe and well and remain so.

(Thanks to the Graudian online for the photo)

Blue Monday

The news today tells me that it is 'Blue Monday'. Apparently this is the one day each year when people are at their lowest ebb according to Dr Cliff Arnall, a psychologist with a taste for self-publicity. His formula, taking in six factors - weather, debt, time since Christmas, time until pay day, low motivation and failure to keep new year resolutions - has been wheeled out for the past few years to calculate the most depressing day of the year.

Well, if this sounds like you, we at Swanage Lifeboat have the answer to your problems:

1. Learn to appreciate bad weather (and buy a raincoat).
2. Neither a lender or a borrower be.
3. Think of something to look forward to this year.
4. Tighten your belt.
5. Get a job you love.
6. Make easily achievable New Year resolutions.

Of course, the real solution is even easier. Stop dwelling on you own problems and get out there and volunteer. Do something positive to help others out and you'll find your own problems will just evaporate.

VOLUNTEER...you heard it here first!

(If you find that my advice is too flippant or that it in any way seems to trivialise your anxieties perhaps you may care to look here)

Gratuitous post of new toy

Sorry for this non-lifeboat post. It's not as if I haven't got plenty to talk about lifeboats...in fact I have a backlog of posts. However, here's my new toy!

Anyone want to buy a 33 year old series 3 land rover? Can't remember how many careful owners it's had but it's a beauty!

Chesley B Sullenberger III

might look like my Grandfather but he sure can handle a bird...he's my new hero!

A mixture of his training, quick thinking, skill and calm determination yesterday averted a significant catastrophe in New York city. I know that this story is all over the web but I just wanted to add my voice to those that are heaping praise on this brave fellow. Backed up by a quick witted and brave team onboard the aircraft and rapid reactions from the various water taxis and other boats, all the passengers were removed from the stricken aircraft in a pretty short time scale. 'Sully' (as Chesley B Sullenberger III is apparently known) then calmly walked the interior length of the plane twice to double check that all were off before making his exit...wing right.

Dude!

Details

These details about the establishment if the Swanage Lifeboat Station are taken from an article in the Lifeboat Journal written on the occasion of the lifeboat's centenary in 1975:

In the disaster which precipitated the setting up of the Swanage station, Peveril Point and Poole lifeboat had both played a part, the one in the wreck, the other in the rescue. On January 23, 1875, the brigantine Wild Wave of Exeter was wrecked on Peveril Ledge in a southerly gale. At 0500 when rockets were fired she was on her beam ends. After tremendous efforts, made in the dark hours before a winter dawn, four men and a boy were rescued by Coastguards in four-oared open boats.

Chief Officer John Lose was awarded the RNLI silver medal for gallantry for this rescue.

A telegram had been sent to Poole, whose lifeboat Daylight was towed round by the tug steamer Royal Albert, but they had seven miles to struggle through the gale and when they arrived the survivors had just been taken off.

J. C. Robinson, of Newton Manor, was on the shore, and he was a man of action. That same day he wrote a letter to The Times; it was published on January 26th. This letter he preserved with other papers in a scrapbook now housed at the Library in Dorchester. 'Swanage has hitherto had no lifeboat,' he wrote, 'but after this morning's work we shall supply that want.' Mr Robinson describes how Coastguards took out two boats and used rocket-firing apparatus, but how the boats could not get near enough; how a telegram was sent to Poole; how, at daylight. . . '. . . five dark sodden bundles, rather than living creatures were seen, all clustered together, clinging to a mass of tangled rigging, at the highest part of the ship's hull.' Coastguard boats were manned again, and nine men went out with Chief Officer Lose. The wind moderated and shifted a point or two. 'Soon we see a coil of rope thrown from the largest boat and caught by one of the living "bundles" on the ship's hull, and in a few minutes (thanks be to Heaven!) all five—one a very small one, a poor little benumbed lad of 10 or 11 (who had been washed off once and caught again by the 'scruff' of the neck like a drowning dog) were safely stowed in the boat.' Soon after 0700 the Poole boat arrived; before 1000 Wild Wave was a thing of the past. 'Now, Sir, I have written this account less to record the excellent discipline, efficiency, and gallantry of the Swanage Coastguard, than to call attention to the urgent needs of the district and the adjacent coast. It will scarcely be believed that along all the line of the coast of Dorset and Hants, from Portland to Hurst Castle, there is not a single lighthouse nor a single harbour of refuge!' Mr Robinson was prepared to take direct action himself. Both he and G. Burt, of Purbeck House, at the scene of the wreck proposed to present £20 each towards a lifeboat.

But on the same day that Mr Robinson's letter appeared in The Times, Richard Lewis, RNLI secretary, wrote to him: 'With reference to your letter in The Times of today, describing the wreck of the brigantine Wild Wave off Swanage on Saturday Morning last, and speaking of the formation of a Lifeboat Establishment at that place, I beg to say that I have no doubt the National Lifeboat Institution will be quite prepared to organize a Lifeboat Station at Swanage should it be found desirable and practicable to carry out your suggestion.' It was found desirable and practicable, and the lifeboat Charlotte Mary was on station at Swanage the following September. Moreover, Trinity House erected a lighthouse on Anvil Point in 1881.

(Taken from the complete historical archive of the Lifeboat Journal Volume 44, Issue 453 - 1975)

Top Secret

Last night was exercise night. Both boats were at sea and busy. Unusually the ALB had a full complement of experienced hands and so rather that being a 'learning' exercise it was more of a 'doing' exercise. This of course is very beneficial as it forces us to rely on each other and ultimately gives us all confidence in our joint ability. Amidst various technical problems with electronic kit we conducted a 'blind-pilotage' exercise through the East-Looe and Swash channel approaches to Poole harbour and acquitted ourselves very well.

On completion it was back to the boathouse for a wash down and tidy up. I spent a moment looking through our archive of old photos and papers to try and find more information about old lifeboats. Tucked into a file I found this gem. Apparently this came form the estate of Bobby Brown and details what the crew of the lifeboat were to do in the event of a German invasion during the war! It is headed Secret but I hope it is now OK to talk about this and that the danger has passed?

It says:

In the event of invasion Life boats will be ordered to be immobilised by the Naval Officer-in-Charge Poole. The following procedure will be carried out in Poole and Swanage respectively. The Naval Officer-in-Charge or other responsible Officer, will personally order the Life Boat to be immobilised by visiting the Life Boat House in conjunction with his duties (paragraph 5(c) Action and immobilisation, Poole). The Lifeboat's crew will immobilise the craft by removing vital parts of the engines and concealing or destroying the masts and sails. The crew will retire to a safe place.

How exciting! I wonder what the crew then might have considered to be a safe place to retire too?

Origins

There has not always been a lifeboat in Swanage. Until 1875 it was the responsibility of the local Coastguard to rescue the crew of any vessel in peril in the vicinity of Swanage. Typically this would be done once the vessel had gone ashore using the ‘rocket apparatus’, a rocket powered breeches buoy. Alternatively they might alert a nearby lifeboat, the nearest at the time being in Poole, and request that they assist. Often this might prove impossible or take too long in the circumstances. Commonly, local men, manning their own shore boats, would launch to assist. In doing so they not only imperiled their own lives but also put their own livelihood at risk. It was common at the time for the RNLI to recognize these selfless acts of bravery with their thanks, with medals and with cash rewards.

On the 23rd of January 1875 there was a serious gale and a heavy sea running down-channel. The Brigantine, ‘Wild Wave’ of Exeter, was heading for Poole harbour but loosing its struggle to round Peveril Point. Gradually it became apparent that she was not going to make it and that the 6 men onboard were going to need rescuing in some way. It was only “with difficulty, and by incurring much risk”, that the Chief Officer of H.M. Coastguard, John Lose and 12 of his men put to sea in their boats and saved all 6 of the crew from the Brig. For this act of bravery Mr Lose was awarded the Silver Medal of the Institution and his men were rewarded.

As a direct result of this rescue the local residents of the town decided to petition the Lifeboat Institution and request that a lifeboat station be created in the town. Consequently the region’s Lifeboat Inspector was sent to visit the town to assess the need. On Thursday 4th March 1875 at a committee meeting of the Insitution, the Duke of Northumberland, Chairman of the Lifeboat Institution at the time, approved the request of local Swanage residents and the recommendation of the Lifeboat Inspector that a lifeboat be stationed at Swanage. Provided, that is, that the local residents “extend their co-operation to the undertaking”. This was of course agreed to and in a very short space of time a boathouse was built (at a cost of £350 on land provided by the Earl of Eldon), a slipway constructed (Cost £175) and a boat, the ‘Charlotte Mary’ provided from a bequest of Miss Margaret Ryder Wilde in memory of her two sisters Charlotte and Mary.

On the 16th September Miss Wilde’s nephew and his wife came to Swanage along with various dignitaries, officials of the Institution, local people and nearby lifeboat crews. The first President of the Swanage branch of the Lifeboat Institution, George Burt esq, attended the naming and launch saying, “that he felt sure that the crew would fully perform their duty with the lifeboat at all times”. Miss Wilde’s niece then named the boat before it launched in style (the Coastguard and Artillery Volunteer Corps fired a volley each) for its maiden exercise with the Poole and Kimmeridge lifeboats in the bay. This included being intentionally capsized by a crane to prove its self-righting ability.

I would like to think that in the ensuing 133 years the crew of the Swanage lifeboat have lived up to the expectations of George Burt and been a credit to the memory of Miss Margaret Wide and her two sisters…

(Quoted material is Copyright to the RNLI and taken from the Complete Historical Archive of the Lifeboat Journal)

Good neighbours

Our neighbours, the Coastguard, will shortly be moving from their current building (which is minute and woefully inadequate) to a new purpose built facility in another part of town. It will obviously be a huge improvement for them to have a building which is warm, dry and has the space to train, maintain and recover from shouts. It will also probably be good for us. At present, whenever we have a shout, we drive out to Peveril point. Part of the journey is along a single track road. Almost by definition, there will be at least one vehicle struggling to drive against the flow of lifeboat traffic...the Coastguard rescue truck! So there is every likely hood that our response times and the Coastguard response times will improve marginally. All we need now is for Southern Electric to connect the power!

Well hung...

Dave informs me that the three portraits have now been hung in the boathouse. I think they look pretty fine. I'm sure you'll agree?

Jim Hardy

Although I never knew Jim Hardy, this 1969 painting shows that he certainly had the face of a lifeboatman. Born in 1907 he had the reputation of having been a true local character. He became involved with the lifeboat in the early 1930's and enjoyed a long association with the boat and it's crew. Although he was not eligible for war service, he left Swanage during the war years and moved to London where he built lifeboats for Merchant ships in a boatyard on the Thames. In 1947 he returned to Swanage and continued his work with the Lifeboat.

His commitment to the town extended to being a local Councillor and he sat on the old Swanage Urban District Council. It is clear from what little I know of Jim that he valued the concept of service before self (a concept which I tend to think is undervalued today), we could learn much from him I'm sure.

Sadly details of Jim's service are in short supply, but I did find this interesting snippet in the 'Complete Historical Archive of the Lifeboat Journal'. It is probably a service which Jim took part in:

At 11.25 in the morning of the 4th of November, 1951, the Niton Radio Station reported a wireless message from a steamer that a schooner was in distress sixteen and a half miles south-south-east of Durlston Head, and at 11.40 the SWANAGE life-boat R.L.P. was launched. A southerly gale was blowing, with a heavy sea. At 2.45 in the afternoon the life-boat found H.M.S. Redpole towing the schooner Lamorna, of Southampton. The schooner had a crew of fourteen, and was bound for the South China Sea to search for Captain Kidd's treasure. The warship asked the life-boat to stand by,' which she did, but at 4.20 the Redpole said the life-boat was no longer needed and she made for Poole, as in that weather she could not have been put into her house at SWANAGE. When she was about half a mile east of Poole harbour she received a wireless request from the Redpole, now four and a half miles south of the Needles, asking her to return and stand by again, but she replied that the Yarmouth life-boat could reach the position more quickly.

Accordingly at 6.10 a message was sent to the Yarmouth life-boat station through the Niton Radio Station and the Ventnor coastguard, and at 6.24 the life-boat S.G.E. left her moorings, with the second coxswain in command. She found that the Lamorna had broken away from the Redpole, had lost her masts and had damaged her rudder. The life-boat spread oil on the water to help calm the heavy, breaking seas, and with great difficulty, owing to floating spars and ropes went alongside. She was slightly damaged, but she rescued the fourteen men and returned to her station, arriving at 8.50. The SWANAGE life-boat meanwhile had reached Poole at seven o'clock. The Lamorna eventually drifted ashore five miles east of Bournemouth. The owners and captain of the Lamorna gave 75 guineas to the Institution and 25 guineas to the Yarmouth crew in gratitude for the rescue. — Rewards, SWANAGE, £83 3s. 6d.; Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, £9 3s. 6d.

Curiously the Swanage crew were rewarded with £83 3s. and 6d. while the Yarmouth crew (who actually effected the rescue) only received £9 3s. and 6d. Perhaps this was due to their additional reward from the owners of 25 guineas? I'd certainly be intrigued to know how this system of rewards worked and when it was phazed out...

(Quoted material is Copyright to the RNLI and taken from the Complete Historical Archive of the Lifeboat Journal)

'If there be one...

subject that might be expected to command the attention of a maritime country, it surely must be the safety and welfare of those “whose business is in the great waters” and yet how imperfectly informed, how supinely indifferent, is the great bulk of our population as to the causes, the prevention or the mitigation of the horrors of shipwreck!’

So started the first issue of the Lifeboat Journal in 1852. Today the arrival of each Journal is eagerly awaited by enthusiasts and supporters up and down the country. The latest issue has just arrived and was particularly exciting because it contained several mentions of us here in Swanage. It was also interesting because it contained a mini review of the new complete historical archive of the Lifeboat Journal which has been produced by the RNLI Heritage Trust. This is available to buy on CD-Rom and DVD from the RNLI (Cost - a whopping £100 but believe me it's worth it).

The RNLI has recently completed this epic project. In total an amazing 582 issues of The journals were scanned and cross referenced to provide a complete account of 156 years of saving lives at sea. You may have noticed that I've been dipping into this recently (Tamsin Thomas arranged on-line access for me in return for a review on here) and very exciting it is too. Hidden in amongst the minute detail of past times in the Institution are some incredible hidden gems. Over the next few weeks I'll try to bring you a few more of these. Here's one for starters:

Major Peter de la Billiere M.C., 22 Special Air Service Regiment, wrote to the honorary secretary of the Tenby life-boat station after the service in March, recorded in the June 1965 issue of THE LIFE-BOAT,

Dear Mr. Reason-Jones,

I am writing to thank you on behalf of all my men and in particular those who were involved in the recent canoe incident off St. Govans. We are all very much aware that it is thanks to the prompt and efficient action of your crew that we owe the safety of the four survivors of the two canoes which you rescued.

Your service is famous throughout the world and nothing I can say can enhance your unbeatable reputation. However, I hope you will accept this plaque as a small token of our esteem and appreciation of your work and in gratefulness to you for your efforts on our behalf on the night of 18/19 March. We would also be grateful if you would put the enclosed cheque towards the funds for your invaluable work.

Yours sincerely,

PETER DE LA BILLIERE.

Being a keen kayaker and military historian this was of particular interest to me. Not surprisingly, then Major, now General Sir Peter De La Billiere has remained a keen supporter of the RNLI ever since. Some of you might have heard of him?

(Quoted material is Copyright to the RNLI and taken from the Complete archive of the Lifeboat Journal)

Robert Charles Brown BEM

Robert Charles Brown was born in 1901 and was known as Bob or Bobby. He began his long and distinguished career in the RNLI in 1917 at the age of 16. Whilst continuing his work as a local fisherman he became highly respected as a skilled boatman. On the 25th March 1934 he was appointed Second Coxswain of the lifeboat and his service record of this time states that he could, 'navigate East of the station to Newhaven and West to Fowey'. It added that he could read a chart.

During 1934 he received the Institutions Bronze medal in recognition of his part in the rescue of the yacht Hally Lise. On this rescue Bobby spotted an unconscious man in the water. Without hesitation, and still wearing his oilskins, lifebelt and seaboots, he jumped overboard and swam to the drowning man. He then supported them both until the lifeboat was able to turn and pick them out of the water.

In 1941, during the second world war, Robert Charles Brown was appointed Coxswain of the Swanage Lifeboat and served as such for 25 years before retiring in 1966 (having had his service extended beyond retirement age). He was later awarded the British Empire Medal for service to the RNLI. During his service he recieved various other awards too. Notably this one:

On the 31st, December, 1943, the Swanage life-boat rescued three lives from the French naval launch "Chasseur 5", which had capsized in a heavy sea when escorting a submarine. The men were clinging to her keel. On July I7th at Swanage an officer of the French Navy presented medals awarded by the French Government to COXSWAIN R. C. BROWN and each of the five members of his crew, the silver-gilt medal of the French Life-boat Society to COXSWAIN BROWN, and the Society s bronze medals to the bowman and motor mechanic. He also presented to Sir Godfrey Baring, Bt., chairman of the Institution, the cross of commander of the French Merite Maritime, and a plaque from the French Life-boat Society.

(Taken from the Lifeboat Journal Archive: War Years War Bulletin 25 - 1946)

A further interesting service resulted in the 'Thanks fo the Institution on Vellum':

At 1.55 on the afternoon of the 12th of December, 1955, the Swanage coastguard told the honorary secretary of the Swanage life-boat station, Mr. W. Powell, that the tug Flying Kestrel had passed a distress message to Niton Radio Station. The Flying Kestrel had had a barge in tow, but this had broken adrift off Poole Bar buoy and was driving ashore. There was one man on board the barge.

The Swanage life-boat R.L.P. was launched at 2.14. The sea was very rough, a gale was blowing from the east-south-east, and it was one hour before low water.

Breaking Sea Astern: COXSWAIN Robert BROWN made for the position, setting a course which would keep the life-boat well clear of Standfast Point at the southern end of Studland Bay. As he neared the buoy he saw the barge aground on Milkmaid Shoal, and once more altered course. This brought the wind and the breaking sea astern, and the drogue was streamed until the life-boat approached the barge. By then the time was 2.40.

The barge was aground on the seaward edge of the shoal, about half a mile from the shore, and was in six feet of water. Her head was to the north-north-east. COXSWAIN BROWN decided to approach the barge on the weather side because of the lack of water to leeward. He made one trial run, in which he passed close to the starboard side of the barge, but the lifeboat hit the bottom a number of times and was swept by the breaking sea.

Veered Down on Barge: After this trial run COXSWAIN BROWN decided that he must anchor and veer down on the barge. Using both engines he was able to manoeuvre the stern of the life-boat so that the survivor was able to jump aboard without injury. The man was rescued at 3.5.

The life-boat returned to Poole, where the survivor was landed at four o'clock.

As the weather would not allow her to be re-housed at Swanage she remained at Poole until the 15th of December, when she returned to her station.

For the good seamanship, sound judgment and initiative which he showed in handling the life-boat in difficult and dangerous circumstances, COXSWAIN Robert BROWN has been accorded the thanks of the Institution inscribed on vellum.

Rewards to the crew, £12 10
Travelling expenses, £2 2s

(Taken from the Lifeboat Journal: Volume 34, Issue 375 1956)

In due course he returned to service after a fashion when our current Mersey class lifeboat was named after him by his son Robert James Brown, the British actor famed for playing the part of 'M' in the Bond films between 1983 and 1989.

I wonder if in years to come we will be putting to sea in a lifeboat name the 'Martin Steeden', or the 'Christopher Haw'?

Fred Crutchfield

In the 60's and 70's Eric Lydon, the licensee of the 'Old Ship Hotel', and a very gifted artist, painted several paintings of crewmembers of the Swanage Lifeboat. In time these paintings were re-hung in the bar at the Mowlem, owned by Hall and Woodhouse. Sadly this bar is no longer being run by Hall and Woodhouse and so the pictures have been passed to us for safe-keeping by the families of the three men depicted.

Fred shown here led an interesting and slightly unusual life. Born in 1908 he trained and began his working life as a solicitor in London. At the outbreak of the second war he joined the Navy and went to sea on Minesweepers off the East coast of England. The war would seem to have unsettled Fred's life somewhat as when hostilities ceased he resumed work as a lawyer but in Swanage rather than London. Working for a local solicitor Fred lodged initially with Ron Hardy who became Coxswain of the lifeboat on Bobby Brown's retirement.

Obviously this proximity to the sea and lifeboatmen re-kindled his interest in the sea and so Fred joined the crew (I haven't been able to find out exactly when). In due course he became reserve Mechanic on 6th May 1957 and served as such until 14th September 1963 when he was appointed Station Mechanic. He retired on 12th April 1970. During his time on the lifeboat crew Fred not only served onboard the Swanage lifeboat but was also spent time delivering other stations lifeboats around the coast for repair and refit.

Thanks to our Chairman Robin for his research. If anyone has any further details to add to this potted history of Fred please let me have them as I'd like to add to this.

A day of three parts

Yesterday both boats exercised at 9.30. Being the first exercise of the New Year this was very much a dusting off of the cobwebs and a chance to get back into the groove ready for another year in the life of Swanage Lifeboat. Little did we know that the year was about to kick off with a bang. Just as the ALB was being backed onto the slipway and the first lines re-attached the call came for the boat to head out to sea to assist a charter fishing boat with a sick passenger. It turned out that the bat in question was our very own Tom Greasty's boat San Gina.



Not surprisingly he dealt with the situation in a very cool, calm and professional fashion.



Two crew members (Gav and Matt) were put on board the vessel with a first aid kit and oxygen and Tom headed back into the pier to meet the ambulance. In pretty short order the job was done and the lifeboat returned to station to re-house.

And then later in the day, just as most of us were tucking into our Sunday roasts our pagers went off again. This time it was to search for a woman who had been seen entering the sea near ocean Bay but had not been seen coming out again (it was dark by this time). Naturally, because of the cold and darkness, Portland called out all assets; both lifeboats, Rescue 106, CG shore based teams, the police and the police helicopter. Luckily (and I say luckily because if the woman had been still in the water she would have been lucky to survive even the length of time it took us to get out there and search) the police found the lady at home fit and well.

I wonder if this is an indication of what the new year will bring?

(Photos from the boat camera - photographer not known)

Coming up...

Read Becky's recent press release and you will see that we have been lent some rather fine oil paintings of past crewmembers. I intend to spend time over the next week filling in some of the details about these predecessors of ours. In the mean time, have a read of the press release here.

North by North-West

Never wishing to be far from the sea, my family and I have spent our holiday time this Christmas travelling to various aquatically far-flung corners of the country.

Last week it was Whitby (whilst there I purchased a copy of the new book about the Whitby Lifeboats which is excellent and an inspiration).

This week we are spending with another third of the family in Glasgow. We landed this morning in Prestwick having flown from Bournemouth and were collect by my sister-in-law who lives in Troon with her family. Not more than hour later we were ambling by the harbour side and gawping at the Troon Trent class lifeboat the Jim Moffat. Theirs is a very different type of station to ours being located net to the entrance to the rather busy local fishing harbour. Troon is also a pretty busy harbour for pleasure craft as well as a significant ferry port for Ireland. I guess they must have a fair amount of trade?

And so. Please don't expect too much in he way of interesting news over the next few days as I shall mainly be doing the Christmas thing: Panto, Ice-Skating, eating, drinking etc.

The final third of the family live in Northern Spain so we shall not be visiting them this time around though our thoughts are with them.

When I'm working yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you
And when the money comes in for the work I'll do
I'll pass almost every penny on to you

When I come home yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you
And if I grow old well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you

But I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
Just to be the man who walked 1000 miles
To fall down at your door
(The Proclaimers - I'm gonna be (500 miles))

Spare a thought

Merry Christmas everyone. I'd write more but I'm in Yorkshire and up to my elbows stuffing the Turkey. So, I hope you are all having a fabulous time and enjoying your family and gifts.

As you sit to eat, spare a thought for any crews out at sea (and there will be some).

Don't forget the 'T' in Christmas.....

Take me to your leader

I couldn't resist another photo of Martin today. It's not often that he provides me with so many superb photo opportunities but yesterday's exercise was one of them. Thanks mate!

P.S. Next time you get in the ILB; zip up your lifejacket and put a helmet on!

Man overboard

This mornings exercise went well. Both the ILB and ALB exercised together in Durlston bay and practised some casualty handling. We even managed to persuade Martin to be on of our casualties. He even put a drysuit on (I think that this is the first time I have ever seen him in a drysuit). I don't think we'll bother again though...it took a good hour for him to stop moaning about the temperature of the water! Oh well, they do say you feel the cold more as you get older.

Long distance rescue

The Vendee Globe is a French organised single-handed, non-stop, round the world yacht race. It's run every 4 years and is seen by most as the pinnacle of yacht racing...the ultimate test of man and machine. This year's version of the race had by far the largest list of competitors which I can remember and has so far been filled with excitement. Earlier this week one of the British entrants, the hugely experienced Mike Golding, had to retire from the race (which he was at the time in the lead of) due to his mast coming down. Over the last few days an even more serious incident has occurred. Deep in the Southern Indian Ocean, more than 800 miles from the southern coast of Australia, round the world yachtsman, Yann Elies, has been rescued from his yacht by the crew of the Australian Frigate HMAS Arunta.

Two days ago he suffered a broken thigh bone after a fall on the foredeck of his boat. If you, like me, have been following this story, you will understand my relief that he has now been taken safely onboard the Australian Naval vessel. It is hard to imagine a less accessible place in which to need rescuing than on your own on a sailing vessel (which by the way was still sailing during the rescue) and so far from land.

Two fellow competitors, Britishwoman Samantha Davies and Frenchman Marc Guillemot both diverted to stand by the stricken competitor. Marc got there first and has spent much of the last 2 days stood by his countryman doing what he can to assist.

So well done to the Australian Navy and Sam and Marc thanks for giving thier time and energy to this tricky rescue. Job well done.

Party time

So the Christmas party was last night. I must say, this do seems to grow every year and last night was no exception. There were over a hundred people there, in effect, everyone who has helped us in any way over the last year had an invite and many of them showed up. Thanks for coming. As ever, the Ship did us proud and looked after us well with a superb buffet.



Sam was behind the bar (along with various ex-pupils of mine which made me think of this newspaper report yesterday in the Times) and at his cheery best.



The girls had all met up at Becky's place before hand to 'glamourize' themselves. It seemed to have worked too!



Everyone looked as if they were having a tremendous time.



Looking through the year book of photos that Becky had arranged it became evident that we are pretty good at parties!



John Deas ran the raffle and was his usual outgoing self.



Martin gave a speech (all the usual jokes about standing up were wheeled out)



This fantastic array of sea food was on offer and tasted as good as it looked.



And thankfully there was no need to hold back as there was plenty of food to go round.



A great night had by all to round off a superb and sociable year. Well done everyone!

On the wall

Finally we have managed to sort out a space to put up the fine model of the previous Swanage Lifeboat the 'J.Reginald Corah'. It now has pride of place on the boathouse wall and even has lights in the display case. I would heartily recommend anyone with an interest in Lifeboats to come an see it...truly awesome!



My youngest, Charlotte, loves all things Lifeboat and happily sits with our Mechanic Dave chewing the fat and discussing the finer points of how to save people. yesterday she wanted to know how we save people underwater. Dave tried to patiently explain that in actual fact we don't tend to do this!



Remember, tonight is the Christmas party. I will try and remember to Twitter. Otherwise, photos in the morning!

Not to be left out

Our new Chairman has obviously been reading the blog and this morning decided not to be left out of the race to deliver Christmas cheer:

Dear All

Since becoming your Chairman last month, all that I have seen and heard has reinforced my belief, developed over the years I have been associated with the Institution, in the great commitment and drive of our volunteers and staff. As we reach the end of another very successful year, I would like to thank you, on behalf of the Trustees, for everything you have done to help our charity save lives at sea over the past 12 months.

Whatever your role, your efforts are sincerely appreciated, especially when set against the background of the economic crisis. No one can safely predict the length and breadth of this downturn, or how it will impact charitable giving. But one thing is certain: we have a challenging 2009 ahead and we will have to be both flexible and resilient.

As we enjoy the imminent Christmas celebrations, pause for a moment to reflect on our lifeboat crew members and station personnel. Not only will they be on call during Christmas week, but we can expect them to launch around 100 times in that time. Furthermore, the statistics suggest that while most of us are warm and comfortable on Christmas Day, at least five crews will be called away from their families to launch to someone's rescue. In that respect Christmas Day is just like any other day of the year and I am heartened that their commitment is matched by having the best preparation possible, thanks to all our supporters, fundraisers, volunteers and staff.

I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.



Admiral the Lord Boyce
RNLI Chairman

I see he remains without a first name, never-the-less, we are delighted that he has sent his best wishes and from us here in Swanage; Merry Christmas to you too Baron Boyce.

Merry Christmas

Well, I'm busy with my Christmas as usual at this time of year. Not wishing to forget anyone, here's one for all of you out there! Merry Christmas, thanks for all of your comments and visits over the last 12 months...hope you have a safe and happy Festive time and a jolly happy New Year too.

Our Christmas party is this Friday in the Ship so watch this space for the usual photos. I am duty crew once more so it will be water fuelled debauchery for me. Oh happy times!

(Thanks to Giles for the image)

Fathom this...

A fathom used to be the most common measurement of depth at sea (it has now been largely superseded by the meter). It could also be used to measure distance although this was less common.

I am fascinated by the history or Etymology of words. I understand that the word Fathom is derived from the old English word Faedm meaning to embrace, this in turn was derived from the Danish word Favn which literally means to have ones arms outstretched. The Swedes have a similar word Famm which also means to embrace.

The natural (and quickest) way for a sailor manning the lead on a sailing ship to measure the depth was for him to measure it in armspans as he pulled it in. Thus the Danish word favn passed into common usage and came to mean the distance between the tips of the middle fingers when a man's arms are outstretched sideways to their fullest extent. Fortunately this distance is roughly 6 feet so this has become accepted as the true distance of a Fathom. In a rare moment of poetic beauty an early act of parliament defined it thus: "the length of a man's arms around the object of his affections."

Of course in an age of echo-sounders and GPS plotters it is no longer acceptable to use a hug as a unit of measurement and so the Fathom has become almost obsolete. Most charts are now metric and give depths in metres. However, we still occasionally use Fathoms on-board the lifeboat. Why? I'm not sure really as it does cause a certain amount of confusion. As an example, our echo-sounder will give a reading in metres, feet or fathoms. We generally use metres or feet as we understand them. However, our anchor cable is marked in Fathoms (every 15 Fathoms in fact). And so to decide how much anchor cable to let out you must measure the depth in feet and then as a rough rule of thumb multiply this by 3 to give the required length of cable for normal conditions. You then need to divide this by 6 to give the number of fathoms required! So, with a depth of 30ft, multiply by 3 gives 90ft of cable needed, divide by 6 equals 15 fathoms. Luckily in this case our cable is marked every 15 fathoms.

To add slightly to the confusion we take a fathom to equal 2 metres whereas it is actually only 1.83 meters. Where the Fathom is used to measure distance it is multiplied by 100 to give a cable. A cable is often taken to be 200 meters whereas it is actually only 183 metres. A cable is also normally accepted as being one tenth of a nautical mile, again, this is not actually the case and 10 cables are less than one nautical mile. Confused yet?

But, if you think about it, why worry too much. These measurements were used in a time when there was no accurate way to measure anything on a sailing ship. If you can't measure accurately there is no point getting too stressed about what units you are using!

(thanks to: 'the Oxford companion to Ships and the Sea', Lena (mother-in-law) and Lisa (Danish mate))

Daddy?

Made me smile! (Thanks Charlie...)

Festive exercise

Last nights exercise was a pretty cold affair. Nevertheless a large number of crew turned out and the time was spent well in both the ILB and the ALB.



Dave has been re-organising the deck-lockers where we stow all of the various ropes and lines on the boat. He briefed the crew on the new stowages and the reasoning behind each move.



The ILB went off an did it's own stuff for the most part. This included us putting 'Dead Fred' out to sea for them to find him. This they did easily and quickly.



We even had our own Christmas decorations on deck.



Down in the wheelhouse Gav, Tom and Steve spent time creating routes and setting up search patterns.



Meanwhile I was up on the USP with Oli doing some boat handling and driving. Very good he was too.

Apologies to Steve for the photos...

Then afterwards we had a crew-meeting. Nothing exciting to report except that the crew took the decision to buy a Nintendo Wii (whatever one of those is) for the crewroom. I've no idea why a chap would require anything other than a back copy of the 'Lifeboat Enthusiasts' newsletter or 'Land Rover Owners' magazine in order to while away the time. There you go, perhaps I'm getting old.

Grappling

is our chosen method of freeing vessels from entanglement in ropes and nets.


Weirdly we did none of this for the first few years that I was on the crew. However, as the years pass it seems to become more and more common. Is there more fishing gear out there? Is it less clearly marked? Are the tides stronger than they used to be? Do yacht skippers keep a poorer lookout than they used to? Who can say...all I know is that we seem to do more of this each year.


This was one very well equipped and competently crewed vessel which we helped out last year in the height of summer.

27

122 years ago in the North of the Irish sea, 3 lifeboat crews went to the rescue of the 12 crew of a foundering German Barque, the 'Mexico'. The Southport lifeboat the Eliza Fernley launched first but capsized and 14 of her 16 crew drowned. Next the St Annes lifeboat the Laura Janet also capsized amidst mountainous seas and all 13 of her crew drowned. Finally a third lifeboat from Lytham got to the Mexico and in a long operation saved all of her crew and returned them safely to shore. In total 44 lifeboatmen went to sea that night. Only 17 returned.

The Times carries the full story this morning. I couldn't read it without feeling awestruck by the matter of fact way in which these men surrendered their own lives for those of others. You might also like to look here and here to read further.

A public fund for relief of the sixteen widows and fifty orphans was opened.
The RNLI contributed £2,000, the queen and the emperor of Germany also contributed. A further result of the tragedy was that the world's first ever charity street collection was held to raise funds for the bereaved families. Though the first, this collection lay the foundations for the RNLI lifeboat days which are now held regularly around the country.

(Thanks to the BBC for the Photo)

Monday morning 10am

Each Monday morning at 10am Dave sends out a 'housekeeping' pager message and a pager test. Because it is always precisely on time we know if there is a problem with our pagers. The following is this weeks' message:

ILB helm is Kev. DLA is Russ. Next exercise is Weds 10th Dec at 1900 followed by a crew meeting ALL to attend please.

Sometimes there is also extra information, today Dave added: This week is Russ's last ever week as DLA as he retires next week. Thanks Russ from all of us.

Ditto from me Russ.

Dry white

I'm not usually one to hog the limelight, but this video of our recent rescue of the RIB 'Dry white' on the Official RNLI YouTube channel has just been brought to my attention. The footage was sent to us by on of the passengers on the vessel and was edited by our mechanic Dave. I think it's pretty self evident what is going on. The film was taken with a small fixed video camera on the rib. Thanks guys for the footage!

Numbers

I'm in danger here of stepping into deep water and trying to explain a subject of which I have a very scanty understanding. Peter asked what the numbers on a lifeboats hull mean? Well, they are the operational number for the lifeboat and are the lifeboats true identity. However, each lifeboat can also be referred to in at least 3 other ways:

For example, our ALB is number 12-23. The 12 denotes that it is a Mersey class, and the 23 is it's sequential build number. Hence 12-23 is the 23rd Mersey class lifeboat. This number is used when we are on passage and talking to the Coastguard, as in 'Portland Coastguard, this is Lifeboat 12-23'.

While on service it is referred to as 'Swanage Lifeboat'. Any lifeboat that we are operating on service from Swanage is known as Swanage lifeboat. So if we have a relief lifeboat it temporarily becomes Swanage Lifeboat.

Each boat has a further number, it's 'ON' number. Ours is ON-1182. This is the number that the boat is assigned in build before it has been allocated to a station or given a class number. In a sense this is the true 'legal' identity of the boat and is how it is referred to by the engineers and mechanics.

Of course it then has a name, RNLB Robert Charles Brown. To be honest, it is seldom if ever referred to using this name.

And where do you find these names and numbers? 12-23 is painted on each bow. Swanage Lifeboat is painted on the transom. Robert Charles Brown is painted on each side of the wheelhouse. ON1182 is cast on a metal plaque contained in the wheelhouse.

And other lifeboats?

Well, the Arun class were numbered 52, most then had a 2 digit number following this as in 52-02, though some had a 3 digit number such as RNLB Snolda which was 52-030. This extra digit denoted that her hull was made of steel rather than wood or GRP. Tynes were numbered 47 followed by a 3 digit number also denoting a steel hull. Trents are numbered 14, Tamars 16, Seven class lifeboats numbers all begin with 17. There is then the odd other anomaly such as 12-001 which is a relief Mersey and has an extra digit due to being made of metal rather than GRP.

ILBs have a slightly simpler system in a sense. All 'D' class boats have a 3 digit number preceded by a D. Ours is D-613. They also have a name, again ours is the 'Jack Cleare'. It is referred to on the radio while on service as 'Swanage ILB'. When off service they are referred to by their numbers so our boat becomes 'Lifeboat Delta Six One Three'. Incidentally numbers above 600 are all of the IB1 type.

Atlantic class lifeboats have 3 digit number preceded by the letter B. Atlantic 21s started with numbers from 001 I believe. When the Atlantic 75 was introduced they were numbered sequentially from 700 and the 85s are numbered from 800 onwards.

The Tiger class lifeboats on the Thames have 3 digit numbers preceded by an E and hovercraft have a 3 digit number preceded by an H. That's right, they have a 3 digit number because the initial zero denotes a metal, in both cases aluminium, hull (thanks anon).

Daughter boats carried on ALBs are known as 'X' and 'Y' boats. We have an X boat...I can't remember it's number! 'X' boats with engines are known as 'XP' boats. On service our 'X' boat is referred to as 'Lifeboat X-ray'.

Phew!! Please let me know of any inaccuracies or anything which requires further explanation.

Ah well, I knew I wouldn't get it all perfectly right. A few more details for you (thanks Steve): The Numbers of each class refers to the length of the class. Merseys are 12m long, Tamars are 16m, Severns 17m and Tynes were 47ft. This also clears up something else which had confused me. I did say Arun class lifeboats were numbered 52 followed by numbers. The nagging doubt was that I was sure that Humber's old Arun, the 'City of Bradford IV', was numbered 54-03. And now I know why, 4 Aruns were built in GRP at 54ft rather than 52ft...how about that for a spotters detail!

Whilst on the subject of numbers it is worth noting that the RNLI has a typical seafarers attitude towards superstitions. Thus we have crew numbers but don't have a number 13. Anon has commented that there is no D-666, is there a 13th boat in each class? I wonder.

Thanks for all the comments, keep them coming please, I'm enjoying this!

Christmas shopping

Peter asked the following question:

Hi John,

Do you shop local for you’re day to day consumables for example smaller items like first aid kit refills mechanic Dave’s nuts and bolts or has the RNLI a central stores you can draw from?
If you source locally do Lifeboat stations have a station fund to cover this cost?

Peter

And the answer is yes, the RNLI does indeed have a central stores, indeed, it is a vast 'state of the art' logistics depot with a lot (someone please tell me exactly how many) of different items in it. So, when we need specific parts for our lifeboats (for example an ILB VHF aerial) or items which all stations use (such as RNLI flags) we order them from stores. However, many other items are bought locally. So, for example, the car wash which we use to clean the boats with after each launch is locally bought, as is the polish which Dave uses to keep the ALB looking sparkly. These are payed for out of central funds but bought locally. And then there are the items which we use but which aren't essential to lifesaving, such as tea and coffee for the boathouse, which are bought and payed for locally (normally out of the 'Crew-Fund').



So, if we need anything, Dave is the first port of call, he has a reputation for being pretty tight with things (perhaps a result of being a Yorkshireman - and a good thing for sure). If he agrees that the item needs ordering he will decide where it is to come from and either buy it or put in the order.

Weathering the Storm

Along with the rest of the world the RNLI is caught up in the Global economic crisis. I, along with others in the Institution have just received a message from our Chief Executive, Andrew Freemantle. In his words,

It is too soon to say what the exact effect will be on the Institution, but despite this year's excellent fundraising results and our plans to build on this success, we are expecting a downturn in legacy income in 2009. At the same time, our reserves are lower, reflecting a sharp fall in our investments in common with other charities. In the short term, maintaining the 6-18 month range for free reserves set by our Trustees is going to be a challenge.

It is clear from his message that there is not going to be any 'knee-jerk' reaction, however, it is equally apparent that there are some tough decisions to come. With this in mind the RNLI management has come up with the following message:

STORM

Support us – Through good times and bad times, thanks to our supporter’s donations the RNLI has been saving lives for 184 years. But, the economy is currently in recession, many of our supporters face difficult times and next year our legacy income is expected to drop significantly. Your support is needed more than ever – together we can weather to storm!

Trust – The RNLI is an independent charity funded through voluntary donations and not by the Government – your vital gift will always be used to best possible effect. Trust our Lifeboat crews and Lifeguards and trust us to use your money prudently.

Our crews – We are determined to continue to do our very best to equip and train our Lifeboat crews and Lifeguards and our absolute priority is to ensure that our volunteers and staff remain properly prepared to save lives at sea now and in the future.

Reserves – Like all other Charities, the RNLI’s investments have been effected by the downturn in the investment market. However, through careful investment over the years and to meet situations such as this, we have built up reserves for the long-term management of essential capital projects. At sea we have to take risks, but on land we aim to minimise them through a defensive investment strategy.

Means – We cannot live beyond our means so we will adjust our budget and business plans where necessary, safeguarding our core plans; but some projects may have to be delayed. We are redoubling our efforts to make every penny count.

We look forwards to your continued support for the vital work we do...thanks.