The RNLI launched a new podcast, Stories of Courage, to mark Remembrance Day.
The one-off podcast is narrated by award-winning historian, journalist and television presenter, Dan Jones, and highlights some of the incredible RNLI stories of courage from the Second World War.
The podcast, which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, explores key moments in the RNLI’s remarkable history during the Second World War, including its involvement in the Dunkirk evacuation, the German occupation of the Channel Islands and what that meant for RNLI stations there, the rescue of downed pilots during the Battle of Britain and the loss of lifeboat crew members during the conflict.
One of the most notable stories is the RNLI’s involvement in operation Dynamo. The RNLI sent 19 lifeboats across to Dunkirk in 1940 to rescue stranded troops there. Two of the boats were crewed by its volunteers and 17 crewed by the Royal Navy. The RNLI crewed boats went on to save a staggering 3,400 people over the course of the evacuation. The podcast features original audio from Edward Parker who was Coxswain of Margate Station and went across to Dunkirk.
RNLI crew members and relatives of war-time crew are featured throughout the podcast and help bring some of the stories of courage to life. Featured within the podcast is Chris Sandwell, former crew member from Margate station who talks about operation Dynamo and the Battle of Britain. His grandfather, who was a crew member at Margate Station, was involved in the rescue of downed pilot, Richard Hillary, during the Battle of Britain.
Talking about the rescue on the podcast, Chris said: “My grandfather and Denis Price dressed his wounds and cared for him in the lifeboat on the way back to Margate. When they were searching for him, and they had been for nearly two hours, they were about to give up, visibility was poor, when by chance grandad spotted his parachute spread out some distance away. The lifeboat was turned about and Hillary was picked up.”
Dan Jones said: “It was a pleasure to narrate the RNLI’s Stories of Courage podcast and learn more about its incredible history. The RNLI were involved in some of the key moments of the Second World War and it is amazing to hear the different stories from crew and direct descendants from those who saved lives.”
Hayley Whiting, Heritage Archive and Research Manager at the RNLI, is also featured throughout the podcast and helps weave the various stories from the Second World War together.
Hayley said: “We are delighted to have created this Stories of Courage podcast, featuring some truly remarkable RNLI stories from the Second World War to mark Remembrance Day. When war broke out in 1939, the RNLI did not change, it carried on its mission to save lives which was often under extreme danger and this podcast pulls together a snapshot of some of those stories.
“Some of the stories featured in this podcast are from the RNLI archive and some are new, untold stories that we have gathered thanks to a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant that we were awarded last year.”
Chris Sandwell, retired crew member Margate Lifeboat Station, said: “I was absolutely delighted to be involved in the Stories of Courage podcast and talk about my family connection to the RNLI’s Second World War story.
“My grandfather, Harry Sandwell, who was on the crew at Margate Lifeboat Station, was involved in the rescue of a downed pilot during the Battle of Britian which I was able to retell for this podcast. I went on to follow my grandad and father’s footsteps and joined Margate Lifeboat Station crew myself in 1966 and volunteered for 45 years.”
The Stories of Courage podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. Listen here.
