The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day as it remembers its heroic crew and the part they played in the Second World War. The RNLI played vital role in the war effort, with lifeboats launching 3,760 times, coming to the aid of those in need from ships and aeroplanes, saving a total of 6,376 lives.
RNLI lifeboat crews not only went to the aid of ships that had been wrecked, but also to towed vessels loaded with explosives and top secret information. They navigated minefields, rescued downed aircrew, ferried food to remote villages, brought doctors to the injured and took priests to the dying.
The last lifeboat launch of the war happened one minute before the Second World War ended, with Salcombe lifeboat launching to a Norwegian minesweeper which had encountered an explosion off the coast of Devon. Torbay and Salcombe lifeboats conducted a search of the area but, sadly, only two cushions were found.
Tragically, during the war, many lifeboat crew lost their lives during rescue efforts. In all, 12 lifeboat crew lost their lives trying to save others and a total of seven lifeboats were lost in various ways – from air-raids on lifeboat stations, to being captured.
Many crew were recognised for their bravery and a total of 204 RNLI gallantry medals were awarded to lifeboat crew for their wartime efforts.
The RNLI was recently awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories of courage from the Second World War. The project, called RNLI 1939-45: Stories of Courage explores and commemorates the charity’s Second World War story. The RNLI is looking for more stories of courage like the one from John May, 66, from Fraserburgh.
John grew up idolising his grandfather, John Downie May, born in 1902. He remembers looking at his medals and testimonials and the family feeling of pride that he was awarded for his extreme bravery and courage whilst on crew in the RNLI. John Downie May initially wanted to enlist in the Royal Navy, but unfortunately, he didn’t pass his medical examination to qualify and so he remained at home during the Second World War. John joined the RNLI in 1939, taking on the role of Coxswain soon after in 1940. John Downie May helped with countless life-saving missions during his time at Fraserburgh Lifeboat Station, including the rescue of Danish motor vessel, Baradrangar, and the trawler, Northward with a crew of 10 in 1940.
John Downie May’s grandson, John May has also enjoyed a life revolving around the sea in the coastal town he was born, following in his father’s footsteps as a fisherman and, inspired by his grandfather, joining the RNLI in Fraserburgh himself.
John May said: ‘I was in awe of my Grandfather when I was little, I remember looking at his medals and how proud the family was of his bravery whilst on crew for the RNLI in the Second World War. It’s important to remember the stories and bravery of people like my Grandfather and the lives he helped to save on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. I made my career as a fisherman and then joined the RNLI. After three sessions out on the lifeboat, I fell in love with it and I am still volunteering with the RNLI today as a Launch Authority.’
Hayley Whiting, RNLI Heritage Archive and Research Manager, says: ‘As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, it’s an important time to reflect on the valiant work of our volunteer crews during the Second World War and the courage and determination they used to save lives at sea. The RNLI has a rich history and has been saving lives at sea for over 200 years, it played a vital role in the Second World War and saved a total of 6,376 lives. We know there are more stories from the Second World War connected to the RNLI that are yet to be discovered, we want to find them now before it’s too late.’
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re proud to be supporting this important RNLI project to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, thanks to National Lottery players. Collecting these stories of courage and heroism will not only mean that they are safeguarded for the future but that they can be heard for generations to come.”
The RNLI was awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories of courage from the Second World War. The project, called RNLI 1939-45: Stories of Courage explores, commemorates the charity’s Second World War story. Please email heritage@rnli.org.uk if you have a story you would like to share.
