
MBE for Walmer RNLI volunteer with 55 years-service
Walmer RNLI’s Operations Manager Denis Brophy has been recognised in King Charles III’s first New Year Honours List with an MBE for Services to Maritime Safety.
Denis began his service, as a shore helper as they were known then, in 1967. During his time at the station he has held the roles of D Class crew and helm, emergency mechanic, second coxswain and coxswain of the Rother Class lifeboat Hampshire Rose until the boat was withdrawn from service in 1990, Atlantic senior helm, Deputy Launch Authority and now Lifeboat Operations Manager, a post he has held since 2001. During his years of service Walmer lifeboat has been involved in 1,257, aided 1,429 people and saved 313 lives.
Speaking after hearing about the award Denis said, ‘As you can image this is a great shock and very unexpected. I am both very moved, humbled and surprised that the RNLI has considered me worthy for such an honour. All I have ever done is to try and do my best for Walmer lifeboat and the Institution. To see the station thrive and everyone develop in their roles has been reward in itself for me. However, I am extremely grateful to the people who put me forward to be considered for this award and those who put together the evidence for the citation. It is a true honour to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Walmer Lifeboat Station both past and present.’
In a message to crew after the announcement he thanked everyone at Walmer in their many, varied roles, and the station donors. He stated that their work was pivotal to the success of the station and that he could not carry out his role without each and every one of them. ‘As a station we have overcome many changes and challenges together with immense professionalism, enthusiasm, determination, courage and good humour and you will never really know just how proud I am of you all. I am truly grateful to all of you.’
Notes to editors
Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.
It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Donald McLauchlan and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.
Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station
Photo 1 Walmer Lifeboat Operations Manager Denis Brophy
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Paul Dunt, RNLI Press Officer (London/East/South East) on 07785 296252, [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.