What is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution?

The National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck was founded in 1824 by Sir William Hillary and with the King as its patron, became the Royal National Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck. By 1850, it was almost in a state of financial failure but the new Secretary, Richard Lewis, had big plans which included a journal called The Life-boat, and a publicity drive. On 5 October 1854, it changed its name to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and since the charity launched its first lifeboat in 1824, the RNLI has saved more than 146,000 lives at sea.   

The RNLI aims to reach any casualty up to 80km from its stations, and within 2 hours in good weather.

History of Appledore Lifeboat Station

“Appledore lifeboats have never lacked gallant volunteer crews – or the backing of public interest. Few lifeboat stations can boast such a long and splendid history. It is a stirring story, a rich tapestry of undaunted service no matter what the hazards are."

A lifeboat service started in February 1825 and the boat kept in the King’s Watch House at Appledore. The “Volunteer” was number 1 of the 12 lifeboats ordered by the Institution and arrived in Appledore on 28 February 1825. She was pulled by four oars and fitted with air cases for added buoyancy and was on station for 31 years during which time she saved 89 lives. A new boat house was built at Watertown, which was nearer to the sea and large enough for 2 boats. A third station was built at Northam Burrows in 1851 and expanded in 1856. The boat house at Northam Burrows was replaced by that built at Badstep in 1889.

The North Devon Journal and General Advertiser – September 17, 1829

‘…the gale still raging with unabated fury, a vessel was seen amongst the breakers at the back of the Burrows in great distress; she was watched with intense anxiety by several persons from the hill, who observed a boat from Clovelly making towards her, but which, from the violence of the breakers, was utterly incapable of reaching her; at this moment, the Rev E Corbishley, reminded them that they had a lifeboat which might render the sufferers assistance; but a difficulty arose which was thought to be insurmountable, how she should be got to the beach; the urgency of the case stimulated exertion and encouraged by the lively feelings of humanity which animated the breasts of several present, the boat was removed by manual exertion from the cellar where it had remained useless from the time it was first granted to the port; at this juncture of time William Tardrew, Esq. of Annery, rode up and applauding the plan of employing the lifeboat by his presence and influence soon increased the number of hands, who persevered in dragging her two-thirds of the way across the Burrows, when the further assistance of horses was obtained, but unfortunately she was not furnished with lashings, oars, nor any necessary accoutrements; notwithstanding this, such was the intrepidity and dexterity of the sailors she was presently alongside the vessel, and soon returned with six of the sufferers, and returned with four others; the third trip she brought the captain on shore. We think it is a debit of justice to record the names of the brave men; Captain Philip Guy, Owen Smith, William Brinsmead, Fairfax Fishwick, and James Harvey; William Harry, Isaac Matthews, William Johns, Samuel Blackmore and Thomas Chadwick.’

The “Volunteer” service to the “Daniel” 1829 - Mark Richard Myers

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette – May 21 1831

Exeter Flying Post – March 20 1834

‘The Mayor of Bideford, Thomas Burnard, Esq., has received a Silver Medal from the Humane Society, as a reward for his intrepid and humane conduct in being the first to get into the lifeboat at Appledore and encouraging sailors to join him, through a tremendous sea, to the Elizabeth, lately wrecked on the back of Northam Burrows, and bringing all the hands away (fourteen in number) and safely landing them at Appledore.’

It was reported in 1849 that ‘no less than 100 persons had been rescued from 10 vessels and there was only one vessel connected with the locality, the John and Mary, of Appledore, in which two lives were saved.’ This showed that ‘although the expense of the station was met chiefly by the locality, the benefits were almost exclusively confined to the shipping of distant ports.’

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette – October 21 1843

Woolmer’s Exeter and Plymouth Gazette – June 6 1857

‘The Royal National Life Boat Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwrecks has recently stationed two new life-boats at Appledore and Braunton, in lieu of the two boats that were previously there, which were 30 years old. These life-boats which are on the design of James Peake, Esq.,

Royal Cornwall Gazette, September 19, 1862

‘A large and fine new lifeboat, mounted on her transporting carriage, has just been forwarded by the National Lifeboat Institution to Appledore, a dangerous point on the Devonshire coast. The boat is 34ft long, 7ft wide, and rows 6 oars single-banked, or 12 oars double-banked. Her self-righting qualities were fully and satisfactory tested a few days ago in the Regent’s Canal Dock, Limehouse. The boat was built by the Messrs Forrest, of Limehouse. The transporting carriage of the boat was built by Mr J Robinson, of Kentish Town, London. The cost of the lifeboat and carriage was presented to the Institution by Mrs Ellen Hope, as executrix of her late husband, the Rev F W Hope.'

In 1865 in the Bury Times, a story about Mr Joseph Cox, aged 63, who is still hale and hearty and narrates his hairbreadth escapes as coxswain of the Appledore lifeboat.

North Devon Journal, March 1, 1866

‘The Ixda, a Portuguese brig, 150 tons register, Alevo master, from London to Cardiff, drove ashore on Bideford Bar during a north-west gale on Friday night, and has become a total wreck. Her crew, ten in number, were gallantly rescued by the Hope, Appledore lifeboat. There was a London pilot on board, who mistook the Bar for the Nash lights. The crew of the lifeboat behaved nobly, being several times beaten back by the heavy surf before they could reach the distressed ship.’

In 1869 ‘Honest Joe Cox’ receives an honour from the Elder Brethren of Trinity House, and medals and rewards were presented to the crews of the Appledore Lifeboat for their recent services in saving the shipwrecked mariners on Northam Burrows.’ Also reported – the widow of David Johns, who lost his life whilst on gallant lifeboat service, was presented with £500, raised by public subscription.  

October 16, 1869 (Royal Cornwall Gazette)

‘At the last meeting of this Institution it was reported that altogether the Institution’s boats saved ninety-four lives and five vessels during the storms of the past month. Various rewards were likewise voted to the crews of different shoreboats for saving life from wrecks on our coasts. Payments, amounting to nearly £3,000, were ordered to be made on various lifeboat establishments…..’

The North Devon Journal, August 5, 1875

‘A new lifeboat for Appledore – The necessity of a second lifeboat being placed at this station having been made manifest by the turning over and disabling of the Hope, on her second trip to the barque Pace, on the memorable 28th of December, 1868, and the late Mr W Yeo, of Richmond House, having made an offer to the parent society of the sum of £100 towards maintaining a new boat; the Society, early in 1869, sent the Mary Ann, a six oared boat, the gift of the late Mrs M A Walkers; but the boat, after sundry trials, having been found by the coxswain and crew unsuitable for the place, in consequence of her long fore gripe rendering her difficult and dangerous to wind in a weaway, and this having been represented by the local committee to the parent society, they at once resolved on sending a suitable boat to take her place. This boat arrived at Bideford railway station on Tuesday last, and was on Monday,….

Here the procession was met by Capt J Williams, the oldest member of the local committee, who, although now in his 87th year, still continues to take a warm interest in all matters relating to the lifeboat. At this point, a very interesting scene took place, for the crowds assembled, male and female, on being appealed to by a member of the committee to lend a hand, at once laid hold of the hauling line, and speedily had the boat up in the street; nor were they satisfied with having taken her thus far, but asked permission to haul her through the streets to the Western Hill. This being granted, they, amidst the deafening cheers of the assembled multitude, soon had her at the place above-named. This was a simple but hearty demonstration of the interest taken in the lifeboat work by the inhabitants of this place."

The Bideford Weekly Gazette, February 1, 1887

"We are glad to hear that the new lifeboat "Jane Hannah MacDonald," recently sent to the Appledore Station by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, is to be tested as to her self-righting properties at Appledore on Thursday, the 3rd of February next, at 12 o'clock noon, under the inspection of Captain LaPrimandaye, RN. Increased subscriptions in aid of this noble Institution are earnestly solicited."

The Bideford Weekly Gazette, February 19, 1889 – Resignation of members of the local committee

'The Local Committee of the National Lifeboat Institution are unanimously opposed to the removal of the lifeboat from Northam Burrows to West Appledore, a change which the Parent Society has resolved upon effecting in response to a petition recently prepared and sent to them by Mr J Field...'

The Bideford Weekly Gazette, March 12, 1889

“The annual meeting of the local branch of the Royal Lifeboat Institution was held in the Town Hall, Bideford. A B Wren, Esq, was voted to the chair and there were present Rev R Granville, Capt Chichester, A L Christie, Esq, Rev R W S Vidal, Admiral Thrupp, Surgeon Major fuller, Messrs Field, Tedrake, Capt Palmer and Mr R Molesworth. The Chairman, having explained that the object of the meeting was the election of a Committee for the ensuing year. Mr Tedrake at once arose and proposed that instead of a formal re-election of the old members, a practically fresh committee should be elected. 

The Bideford Weekly Gazette, July 2, 1889

A new lifeboat house for Appledore

 

The Bideford Weekly Gazette, December 21, 1889

"Appledore New Life-Boat House – On Thursday morning last the lifeboat Jane Hannah MacDonald stationed at the back of the Burrows was taken out, examined by the Life-boat’s Institution Inspector, tried on the bar, and finally pulled into Appledore to her new house that has lately been erected, at a cost of nearly £800 chiefly through the instrumentality of Mr Field. On arriving at the new slip she was placed on the carriage and a team of horse, men, and boys hauled her up to her new locality amid cheers for the life-boat, the Institution and the local Committee. Seeing Mr Charles Chapple, the donor of the freehold upon which the new life-boat house is built, coming along the beach the men ran to him, shouldered him, and, with rounds of cheers, carried him to the boat. Mr Chapple said he sincerely hoped that the placing of the life-boat on the old spot would be the means of saving many lives. He is always ready to assist the sailors and the institution.”

The Bideford Weekly Gazette, January 28, 1890

"The crews of the two lifeboats Jane Hannah MacDonald and Robert and Catherine, which recently rendered such splendid service at the rescue of the crew of the Penthesilea, were entertained at tea by Captain and Mrs Blakeney, at the Sailors's Rest, Appledore, on Thursday, the men's wives being also invited. After the tea an interesting meeting was held, Captain Blakeney presiding.. 

The Bideford Weekly Gazette, June 10, 1890

"The Appledore lifeboat crew on Wednesday brought the condemned Hope to Bideford railway station, to be sent to London for complete overhauling. They took back the new boat and placed iton the Northam Burrows station until the return of the Hope. The Hope, drawn by ten horses, arrived at Bideford at noon, and the return journey to Appledore was commenced at four o'clock. The lifeboat crew, dressed in full costume, were in the boat, and they cheered as they passed through Bideford streets."

Joe Cox, Richard Bowden, John Williams, William Jenkins, Nathaniel Cox, James Braund, Jonathan Taylor, Duncan Cole, James Screech, Philip Lamey, Joe Lawton

The Bideford Weekly Gazette, October 20, 1891 – Joseph Cox retiring

 

The Bideford Weekly Gazette, December 21, 1891 reported that a new lifeboat, Bessie Pearce, has been sent to Appledore, the cost of which has been defrayed from a legacy bequeathed to the Institution by the late Mr Alexander Love, of Dublin.

The Bideford Weekly Gazette, 25 January 1898 - a rescue

The Bideford Weekly Gazette, May 14 1907

"The Appledore lifeboat, Jane Hannah Macdonald, which has been stationed at Badstep for over 20 years, was taken to Fremington by water, and thence sent away by rail, as she is to be replaced on the Appledore Station by a motor lifeboat, which is expected to be ready before next winter. The Jane Hannah Macdonald was a splendid sea boat, but was always considered by the crew to be a heavy boat at the oars. But they, nevertheless, had every confidence in her. Before she was sent away one of the lifeboats was sent up from Clovelly to do duty until the new boat arrives."

North Devon Gazette, April 30 1907

"The funeral took place in St Mary’s Churchyard, Appledore, on Wednesday afternoon, of Joseph Cox, the late coxswain of the Appledore lifeboats “Hope” and “Bessie Pearce”, whose death took place on Monday. Deceased held a good record for lifeboat work, having been partly instrumental in saving upwards of 100 lives. There was a large attendance at the funeral, amongst those present being Dr W A Valentine, Mr J N Tupline, Mr J Harvey (Sailors’ Rest), Mr A Goodwin, Capt B Jewell. The coffin was borne by the following lifeboatmen, in blue jerseys, and wearing their cork jackets: Messrs R Batten (coxswain), H Blackmore, Dummett, Boatfield, T Harris, T Taylor, Bignell, Berry, Ford, Cole, Bates and Moyse. The service at the graveyard was conducted by the Rev R F Trevaldwyn. A splendid wreath of arum lilies and lilies of the valley, sent by Admiral Sir Wm Dowell, G.C.B., bore a card with the inscription “From Admiral Sir Wm Dowell, with deep respect for the memory of Joseph Cox, late coxswain of the Appledore lifeboat, who, by his skill and courage, was the means of saving a large number of lives.” A wreath was also sent by deceased’s son, Mr John Cox, and another by his little grandchildren. The coffin was of polished pitch-pine, and was supplied by Mr P K Harris."

A report on the life-boat service in 1908 states “Although the storms and gales of the year 1908 provided plenty of work for the Life-Boats of the Royal National Life-Boat Institution and their gallant crews, the year as a whole, was not a remarkably boisterous one. The heaviest gales of the year occurred on the 6^th-8^th March and the 31^st August-1^st September. On the first occasion 62 lives were saved and 5 vessels, and 13 other persons were landed., 19 life-boats being launched; whilst during the other gale mentioned, 28 Life-Boats were launched, resulting in the saving of 7 lives and one vessel, 59 persons in imminent danger being also landed. Between the 1^st of January and 31^st December, the Institution’s Life-Boats were launched on service 407 times, in addition to which crews assembled in readiness of service on 55 occasions, when their help was not ultimately required. The total number of lives saved in 1908 by the Life-Boats was 393, and by the shore-boats and other means, for which the Institution granted rewards, 152, making the grand total for the year 545 lives saved. As many as 39 vessels and boats were also saved from total or partial loss. The number of lives for which the Life-Boat Institution has granted rewards since it was established on the 4^th of March, 1824 – some 84 years ago – has now reached 47,800. The cost of maintaining the Institution’s large fleet of 280 Life-Boats in thorough efficiency is very great, and increased; but the financial support received from the public in annual subscriptions and donations is quite inadequate for the purpose. Further help is therefore much needed. Annual Subscriptions and Donations will be thankfully received and acknowledged by the Secretary, Charles Dibdin, Esq, 22 Charing Cross Road, London, WC, by any of the Branch Honorary Secretaries, and by all the Bankers in the United Kingdom.

North Devon Gazette, 9 February 1909

"Duties of the Lifeboat Service"

In May 1910, the ceremonial launch of the new lifeboat, Jane Hannah Macdonald III, was postponed owing to the death of King Edward. It took place in August 1910 and was reported on 6 September.

“Bideford annual regatta, was more than usually attractive, was the official launch of the new Appledore No. 1 lifeboat, a ceremony which had been postponed in consequence of the death of King Edward…The Jane Hannah MacDonald is regarded by the Appledore lfieboatmen as a great improvement upon the boat she replaces, being larger and more suitable in every way for the work likely to be required of her on the North Devon Coast. The new boat is of the self-righting type, and is 35ft long, with 8ft, 6in. beam, and she weighs 3 tons 19cwt. 2qrs. Her rig is described at no. 1, modified. She pulls 10 oars. The boat was endowed by Mrs Macdonald.”

In May 1910, R Dymond & Sons is advertisng a 'Lifeboat Day' for 8d.

 

North Devon Gazette, May 28, 1912

North Devon Gazette, October 1, 1912

"We regret to announce that about 7am on Wednesday morning last, the death occurred at his residence, 30 Market Street, Appledore, of Mr Robert Batten, the well-known and highly respected ex-Coxswain of the Appledore No. 1 Lifeboat. For some time past Mr Batten had been in ill health, but up to the last few months he was able to be out about and during the summer he would sit on the Quay when it was fine. For a large number of years this lifeboat hero had command of the "Jane Hannah Macdonald," in which he saw many adventurous trips in the service of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and was instrumental in saving many lives. He had been more or less acquainted with lifeboat work all his life, and succeeded Mr J Berry, of Appledore, as Coxswain. Being a river and bar pilot he was well acquainted with the various channels for navigation, and this ably fitted him for his onerous post. When dressed in his 'soutwester' and cork jacket ready for an emergency he was a typical lifeboatman, and his genial and happy disposition made him very popular."

The North Devon Journal, February 18, 1915

"The lifeboat was called out on Saturday morning to the assistance of the ketch Sultan of Braunton. On entering the harbour the ketch grounded on Airy Point, but with assistance of the lifeboat crew, it was got off. Flares were burnt, and Capt Hocking, of the Merion Lass, blew a powerful whistle when sailing past the lifeboat station." 

The North Devon Journal, February 17 1916

"As the ketch St Austell belonging to Capt S Guard, of Irsha Street, Appledore, was coming over the bar on Thursday night in a heavy gale she struck just inside the Bar and signals were sent up for assistance. The lifeboat Robert and Catherine was at once launched and took off the crew, the captain being one of the owner’s sons. The vessel was bound to Barnstaple with a cargo of coal and it is feared she will be badly strained, as she is lying in the full force of the tides. An effort to get her off was made on Monday."

Western Morning News, February 21, 1919

Mr Plummer presides...

In May 1925, the death of and funeral of the late Mr John Carter took place. "The deceased had for over forty years acted as signalman and winchman of the lifeboat, assisting Captain Stephen Hare in earlier days, the members of the committee and the lifeboat crew attended, the latter under Coxswain George Craner and Vice-Coxswain Stephen Bignell acting as bearers. Miss Beatrice Hooper presided at the organ, and the following hymns were sung: “Peace, Perfect Peace,” “Rock of Ages” and “Eternal Father, strong to save,” the latter being most impressive, as there were many seafaring men present. Mr John Harvey read the Lesson, whilst the Vicar referred to Mr Carter’s efficient discharge of his duty in quickly assembling the crew to rescue the perishing."

1925 Appledore Lifeboat Centenary - reported 25 August 1925

 

"In addition to the Lifeboat Flag Day at Appledore, a centenary celebration concert was given in the Gaiety Cinema, which was crowded, the popular prices making admission within reach of all. The arrangements were in the hands of Councillor Alfred Green and a committee of Messrs J H and Alex Green, W L Beara, A Bellew and A Reed. The nautical programme provided was full of the spirit of the sea, bright and breezy; at times reflecting the rollicking humour of Jack Tar, yet rising to the sublime as the celebration tableau reached its climax…The celebration proper took the form of a musical scena and tableau, “The Warriors of the Sea,” arranged and presented by Mr Alfred Green, who acted as narrator during the item. In a few introductory remarks he reminded his audience that history could produce no finer, braver men than some of the storm warriors around our coasts; those who time after time went “over the top” into the midst of the tempest, facing death to succour and to save. And he was proud to know that the records showed that down through the century, the men of the Appledore Station had always stood in the front line of lifeboat service…The narrator proceeded to give a brief history of the Appledore Station, from the placing of the ‘Volunteer’ in 1825 to the present day…At this point Chief Officer Hannam, of HM Customs, sand with telling effect “Asleep in the Deep,” the audience being held spellbound. The narrator then introduced six little girls, who on behalf of all assembled, would place wreaths of laurel upon the Cenotaph in honour of the brave coxswains and crews during the hundred years…The six little girls were Doris Harbourd, Rosila Harris, Esther Reed, Dolly Grey, Margory Grey and Florence Lamey."

 The Bideford Weekly Gazette, April 16, 1929

"On Tuesday afternoon members of the Appledore life-boat crew and fishermen carried the late Pilot Richard Bowden to his last resting place, his funeral taking place at St Mary’s Churchyard, Appledore, the Vicar officiating. Pilot Bowden reached the age of 78. He was probably the last of those gallant seamen who held office in the life-boat “Hope” whose two famous coxswains, Nathaniel and Joseph Cox, steered them to many a rescue. Mr Bowden was associated with the notable rescue of the crew of the large sailing ship Penslia and also the famous work done at the double wreck of the Pace and Leopard. Pilot Bowden was a fine type of sailor, knew no fear, and loved his boat the Little Wonder, in which he used to board the ships and catch fish. He was the son of the late Mr John Bowden and was the last of twenty one children. He served under Capt Milton in the famous tea clipper Titannia. His wife’s name was Miss Emma Staddon and they were married 54 years.”

North Devon Journal, January 17, 1935

"Appledore lifeboat was called to the assistance of the Ilfracombe motor fishing craft, Lee Bay, which was seen to be in difficulties off Baggy Point, effecting a gallant rescue. The lifeboat eventually reached Ilfracombe with the three Ilfracombe fisherman who formed the crew of the Lee Bay on board. The lifeboat was at sea for some hours and for a considerable time anxiety was felt at both Ilfracombe and along the coast. The first intimation that the men had been saved came from Clovelly, where, with a clear view across the bay, the signal from the lifeboat that the men had been reached was recognised. Later there was a message that the lifeboat was proceeding to Ilfracombe with the rescued men."

1938

‘Violet Armstrong’ is named and dedicated, a new £8,000 lifeboat for Appledore, donated by Mr Gordon Armstrong, of Beverley, Yorks, in memory of his wife, a daughter of the late Mr J Widgery, of South Molton.

Reported in late 1942 “At the annual meeting of the Appledore Branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, it was reported by the president (Capt. the Hon D Scott) that during the past year the lifeboat had been out on service three times. On two occasions search was made for reported aircraft crashes, but, happily, the planes were subsequently accounted for and the lifeboat recalled to base. On one of these calls the lifeboat was out for twenty-four hours.”

In late 1944, Coxswain Sidney Cann was awarded the Royal National Life-Boat Institution’s bronze medal; J Hooper, the Appledore motor mechanic and wireless operator, and Coxswain George Lamey of Clovelly, received its thanks on vellum; and £95 to the crews and launchers of the two stations for rescuing fifteen lives from two phoenixes, the caissons used for building the breakwater of the Normandy invasion port.

The Exter and Plymouth Gazette dated 16 March 1945 reports “The Royal National Life-Boat Institution has made rewards of £26 to its crew at Appledore, for going to the help of a stranded American steamer, and for rescuing an airman from his rubber dinghy.”

Reported on 16 June 1950

"On both Sunday and Monday Appledore lifeboat was called to the rescue of people drifting out to sea on rafts from Westward Ho! beach, having been blown out by the brisk off-shore wind. On Sunday afternoon two Barnstaple men were rescued from their drifting Commando-type raft. When the lifeboat crew, under Coxswain Sidney Cann, took the men off, the raft was nearly two miles off Westward Ho! beach. The occupants had no paddle. The men were landed at Appledore none the worse for their experience."

The Western Morning News, October 24, 1950

“The Vicar of Appledore, Rev H C A S Muller, asked the congregation at St Mary’s Church, on Sunday evening to join in the National Anthem to mark Princess Anne’s christening and the 145^th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Mr Muller reminded his listeners, drawn largely from seafaring families, that Lord Nelson’ coxswain was an Appledore man named Cox, two of whose descendants had been coxswain of the Appledore lifeboat. One of Nelson’s signallers, Daniel Jenkins, was also an Appledore man, and it was probably that he helped to hoist the famous signal.”

17 November 1950

"There was an echo of the gallant part played a year ago by the Appledore lifeboat, with Clovelly and Ilfracombe lifeboats, when the Spanish steamer Monte Gurugu sank in the Bristol Channel, at the annual meeting of the Appledore branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, at Bideford Town Hall. Presentation of the vellum of the RNLI to Coxswain S Cann, of the Appledore Lifeboat, recording the award to him of the Institution's bronze second service clasp for services on this occasion, was made by the President (Capt. the Hon D Scott) and high tribute accorded to Coxswain and crew. It was reported that the Spanish Lifesaving Society had also made awards in recognition of this service."

Also reported at the same meeting, "At the commencement of the meeting, the President referred to the loss sustained by the branch in the death during the past year of Miss K Lloyd, Mrs T R Sandford and Mrs Moberly, and the meeting stood in silent tribute. Mrs Bulkeley spoke a special appreciation of Miss Lloyd's work for the lifeboat cause over thirty years."

It was reported in March 1956 - "Wednesday was a proud day for ten-year-old Bobby Cann, of 20 Irsha Street, Appledore. At the annual meeting of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution at the Central Hall, Westminster, H.R.H the Duchess of Kent presented him with the R.N.L.I thanks on vellum and Bobby..."

In August 1957 the Violet Armstrong, Appledore's lifeboat, is damaged...

Reported 22 June, 1962 - Northam Urban Council is dismayed that the Louisa Anne Hawker won't be christened at Appledore ...

"Several hundred people shared in the naming and dedication ceremony for Appledore's new £40,000 lifeboat, the 'Louisa Anne Hawker' which was held on Bideford's river bank in the brillian sunshine. A stand had been specially erected there and Royal National Lifeboat Institution flags and emblems decorated the scene, with the new lifeboat, gaily beflagged, standing off-shore. Lady Roborough, wife of the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, who performed the naming ceremony, said: "May God bless her and all who will sail in her," as she pressed a button which, from the stand, released the traditional bottle of champagne on to the bows of the lifeboat. The lifeboat is the gift of Dr G P D Hawker, of Exeter."

Read about Appledore's lifeboat contribution to the rescue of the seamen onboard RFA Green Ranger in November 1962 - HERE 

On 7 December 1962, the following article appeared..

18 September 1964

'No help needed' was the message received from a five-ton yacht which went aground on a sandbank at the mouth of the Taw-Torridge estuary, but the local lifeboat secretary, Capt P Brennan, ordered the Appledore lifeboat to stand by the yacht as a precaution. Some hours later the lifeboat took aboard two men and two women from the yacht, which had become holed. With the help of a rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor a line was secured to the yacht and it was towed, sinking, back to Skern Bank at Appledore, where she was beached. At high tide she was submerged. The yacht, named Volunteer, got into difficulties when the anchor chain parted.

19 February 1965

"Mr H E (Bosun) Carter, of 1 Pitt Avenue, Appledore, has been appointed acting coxswain of the Appledore lifeboat to work alongside Coxswain Sidney Cann until March 19^th when Mr Cann retires. The question of a permanent appointment will follow at a later date. Mr Carter, who is 39 and a son of the late Capt Leonard Carter, first went to sea as a youngster with his father and on leaving school joined the Merchant Navy in which he served during the war. Then he joined the Royal Navy in which he served until 1956 rising to the rank of Petty Officer Sailmaker. Subsequently he served some years as master of a tanker, and a few years ago returned to Appledore where he carries on his trade as a sailmaker. He is married and has three children at school. In recent months he renewed association with the lifeboat in which as a young man he occasionally went out when there was a vacancy. Two other members of the lifeboat crew are retiring: Second Coxswain Jack Bowden and Coxswain Cann’s nephew, Mr William Cann, the bowman."

 

In the newspaper on 19 March 1965, Coxswain Cann puts to sea for the last time

Reported 26 March 1965

"On the eve of his retirement (his 65^th birthday) and in appreciation of his services to the training of pilots from RAF Chivenor in sea survival, Coxswain Sidney Cann, of the Appledore lifeboat, was presented with a radio set bought with contributions made by several fighters squadrons now stationed in various parts of the world and from staff at the local RAF station. Helicopter crews from RAF Chivenor also presented him with a picture of the Appledore lifeboat and Hunter and Lightning pilots gave him a cheque of £10. The gathering was at the Beaver Inn, Appledore, and among the good wishes were those from Ilfracombe maritime radio station – timed to the minute! Coxswain Cann served in the Appledore lifeboat crew for 50 years."

May 8, 1970

"The picture of a lifeboatman and the RNLI flag, against a background of sea, is a collage made up of 17 different kings of English postage stamps, and is the work of Capt Colin Lowry, of Buckleigh, Westward Ho! It took Capt Lowry, a former secretary and now chairman of the Appledore branch of the RNLI, 80 hours to complete. Now he is putting it to work on behalf of lifeboat funds by means of a competition to estimate how many stamps were used. Capt Lowry collects stamps on behalf of lifeboat funds and it was seeing them in a colourful heap that suggested to him the idea of making a picture out of damaged ones. He was helped in designing the picture by Mr James Paterson, of Bideford."

Reported in October 1973

"Appledore lifeboat service has had its busiest year since it was established in 1825. To date there have been 26 service calls in which 23 lives have been saved. The big lifeboat has been called on seven services with five lives saved and the inshore boat 19 times with 18 lives saved. “This year’s figure has been phenomenal compared with other years” Appledore lifeboat secretary Ivor Wickersham told the Gazette. What prompts men to leave their families and the warmth and security of their homes, sometimes on bitter winter nights, to risk their lives to save those of others? Humanity, certainly, and probably tradition. Financial reward certainly not. The fee for turning out is £1.25. When the maroons go off, signalling that someone is in ‘peril on the sea’ there is a concerted rush to the lifeboat house – and nearly always someone is disappointed. Priority is given to the four retained members of the service. The crew is made up by the next three to arrive unless a later arrival is considered outstanding by comparison. In the old days it was not unknown for men to fight for a place in the boat. The families of Cann, Cox and Bowden can claim generations of service. The accompanying picture of crew and helpers is the first to have been taken for years."

Left to right are: R Cann, P Ford, M Bowden, J Wills, R Fisher, B Williams, Eric Wartnaby, J Heard, J Pavitt, E Evans, D Cox, M Lee, S Dymond, I Wickersham, and kneeling, J Harris

Bideford and North Devon Weekly Gazette, 3 January 1975

"Money raised by RAF Wildenrath in Germany will be presented to Mr John Oliver, joint secretary of Appledore branch of the RNLI, and crew member Mr Clifford Edwards, to cover the cost of an inshore rescue boat for Appledore. The sum involved is £5,000."

Ivor Wickersham - Lifeboat Hon. Sec

An article in the Bideford and North Devon Weekly Gazette dated 17 January 1975 commemorates one hundred and fifty years service by Appledore RNLI. “The first Appledore lifeboat, named the Volunteer, cost £90 to build; the cost of a modern lifeboat now runs well into six figures. The Volunteer served sturdily for over 30 years and was first housed in a barn and then in the nearby King’s Watch House. Her first rescue service was to the sloop Daniel and on this occasion one of the three silver medals awarded went to Owen Nile Riordean Smith, an ancestor of Sir William Reardon Smith, shipping line of Cardiff, and well known in the Appledore district. Some 23 RNLI silver medals and three bronze medals have been awarded to Appledore lifeboatmen. Typical of the families who for generations have been associated with the lifeboat service at Appledore are the Canns and Bowdens."

4 November, 1977

Reported 10 March, 1978

"The babies of two members of the Appledore lifeboat crew were baptised on board the boat in a double ceremony alongside Appledore Quay. A ship's bell was specially borrowed for the occasion, which was the first double of its kind at Appledore. Baptised were Faye, the daughter of Mr Clifford Edwards and his wife Angela, of Appledore, and Matthew Roy, son of Mr Roy Harkness and his wife Elizabeth, who also live at Appledore. The ceremony was conducted by the Vicar of Appledore, the Rev Donald Peyton Jones."

Herald Express, Monday, May 3, 1993

“Seven schoolchildren from London were rescued after their adventure centre boat started filling with water in the Torridge estuary at Appledore, North Devon. The youngsters, aged 13 and 14, were unhurt after the incident. They spent more than 15 minutes in the water before being picked up by the Appledore lifeboat.”

Evening Herald, December 6, 1994

"A Liberian registered freighter has docked in Minehead after its crew was forced to cut anchor when the vessel was blown towards the North Devon coast in force seven winds. The Appledore lifeboat, a helicopter from RAF Chivenor and Swansea coastguards were all on standby to come to the aid of the 14,000 tonne Ocean Pilgrim which was on its way from Greenock to Falmouth, but the vessel was cut free by crew just before midnight. The ship spent the night sheltering at Lundy Island and has now reached Minehead."

On Sunday 11 July 1999, at Appledore Lifeboat Station, a service of thanksgiving was held to commemorate the 175^th anniversary of The Royal National Life-Boat Institution.

A list of boats at Appledore and Watertown Stations (not exhaustive)

1825-1858 – Volunteer

1831-1848 – Assistance

1847-1852 – Petrel 1

Appledore (Braunton Burrows)

1848-1857 – Assistance

1857-1866 – Dolphin

1866-1881 – George and Catherine

1881-1902 – Robert and Catherine I (the gift of Miss Leicester of Bayswater)

1902-1912 – Robert and Catherine II

1912-1918 – Robert and Catherine III

Appledore (Northam Burrows)

1851-1852 – Petrel

1856-1862 – Mermaid

1862-1890 – Hope

1870-1875 – Mary Ann I

1875-1885 – Mary Ann II

1885-1889 – Jane Hannah MacDonald

1889-1891 – No. 8 Reserve LB

1891-1897 – Bessie Pearce

Appledore Lifeboat Station (Badstep)

1889-1907 – Jane Hannah MacDonald I

1907-1910 – Jane Hannah MacDonald II

1910-1922 – Jane Hannah MacDonald III

1922-1938 – V.C.S (the first motorised lifeboat named after the sponsors)

1938-1962 – Violet Armstrong

1962-1986 – Louisa Anne Hawker (a gift from Dr G P D Hawker)

1986-1987 – Laura Moncur

1987-1988 – Kathleen Mary

1988-2010 – George Gibson

2010 - Mollie Hunt

Inshore Lifeboats

1972-1973 – unnamed reserve boats

1974-1986 – Wildenrath Whizzer

1986-1997 – Manchester and District XXXII

1997 – Vera Skilton

1997-2012 – Douglas Paley

2012 - Glanely

Station honours (not exhaustive)

The following are awards made at Appledore.

RNLI Silver Medal

Owen Nile Riordon Smith, Master Mariner - 1829

William Brinksmead, Master Mariner - 1829

Philip Guy, Master Mariner - 1829

Captain William Chappell, Master Mariner - 1833

Thomas Tuckfield - 1834

Thomas Chappell - 1834

Henry Popham - 1834

Thomas Burnard, Hon.Secretary, North Devon Humane Society - 1834

Thomas Day, Coxswain (Bideford) - 1836

Thomas Burnard, Hon.Secretary, North Devon Humane Society - 1840 (Second-Service Clasp)

Captain Joshua Williams, Coxswain (Bideford) - 1846

Captain John Marshall - 1850

Captain Joshua Williams - 1850 (Second-Service Clasp)

Joseph Cox (Snr), Coxswain (Appledore) - 1861

Captain Thomas Jones of the Steam Tug 'Ely' - 1866

Joseph Cox Snr, Coxswain (Second-Service Clasp) - 1869

Joseph Cox Snr, Coxswain (Third-Service Clasp) - 1869

Joseph Cox Jnr , Second Coxswain - 1869

John Moulton Kelly, crew member - 1869

James Harvey Smallridge, Coxswain (Braunton) - 1872

James Harvey Smallridge, Coxswain (Braunton) - 1891 (Second-Service Clasp)

Joseph Cox Jnr, Coxswain (Appledore) - 1891 (Second-Service Clasp)

Sidney Cann, Coxswain – 1963

Silver Cross of Merit awarded by The Emperor of Austria

Joseph Cox Snr, Coxswain (Second, Third Clasp) - 1869

Joseph Cox Jnr, Second Coxswain - 1869

John Moulton Kelly, crew member – 1869

Spanish Silver Medal

Sydney Cox - 1950

Silver Medal awarded by The Spanish Society for Saving the Shipwrecked

Coxswain – 1949

RNLI Bronze Medal

George Henry Eastman Pow, Second Coxswain - 1935

Sidney Cann, Coxswain - 1944

Sidney Cann, Coxswain - 1950 (Second-Service Clasp)

John Richard Bowden, Second Coxswain - 1964

John William Pavitt, Helmsman - 1986

Michael Bowden, Coxswain - 1995

Gary Stanbury, Helmsman - 2005

The Walter and Elizabeth Groombridge Award 2005 (for the outstanding inshore lifeboat rescue of the year)

Gary Stanbury, Helmsman - 2005

The Thanks of the Institution inscribed on Vellum

Sidney Cann, Coxswain - 1959

Dr D F Valentine - 1971

John William Pavitt, crew member - 1971

Diplomas awarded by The Spanish Society for Saving the Shipwrecked

Each of the crew - 1949

Wrist Watch

Robert Cann, aged 10 – 1956 

Names added to the Book of Valour of the British Medical Association

Dr Brook - 1966

Dr Ruddock – 1966