The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is marking VE Day by reflecting on some of its incredible stories of courage from 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.
Last year, the RNLI received a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories of courage. An online portal now brings together powerful accounts from people across the UK, and the RNLI is appealing for more stories to be shared.
The public are urged to upload any memories they might have of the RNLI from the Second World War, whether from their own experiences or those passed down through their families. From stories of RNLI wartime rescues to memories of seeing the lifeboat launch, no story is too small.
Frank Taylor from Cullercoats uploaded his story: ‘My father James Taylor, was coxswain of the Cullercoats Lifeboat throughout WW2 he saved over 95 lives, mainly servicemen. Some of the rescues in high seas and blinding snowstorms in mine infested waters. God bless him and the crew. Sadly no medals were issued to the station for this fine work.’
Pat Ward from Codsall shared her story: ‘When Fred Morgan was called up in World War 2, he became a rear-gunner in the Royal Navy, defending merchant ships. In the spring of 1945, the newly married Fred sailed from Greenock on Empire Kingsley. Approaching Land’s End, the ship was torpedoed. The Sennen Cove lifeboat rescued 49 souls that day. In 1962 we visited Sennen Cove, where Dad chatted to a man working at the lifeboat station, who transpired to be one of his rescuers! Thank you RNLI. We wouldn’t be here without you.’
Hayley Whiting, RNLI Heritage Archive and Research Manager, says: ‘As we mark VE Day, it’s an important moment to reflect on the extraordinary RNLI stories from the Second World War.
‘We know there are more stories still to be discovered and we want to find and preserve them while we can. If you have a story connected to the RNLI during the Second World War, we urge you to share it through our online portal.’
The RNLI was awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories of courage from the Second World War. If you have a story connected to the RNLI from the Second World War, please upload it here: RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45
