
RNLI is awarded a grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
To bring stories of courage from the Second World War to life
The RNLI has been awarded a grant of £131,122 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories of courage from the Second World War to mark the 80th anniversary of the war ending. The project is called RNLI 1939-45: Stories of Courage and will explore, commemorate and engage a wide range of audiences with the charity's Second World War story.
The project will help the RNLI find and share stories which might otherwise be lost as we approach the 80th anniversary of the war ending in 2025. The organisation will work with crew, volunteers, supporters and partners to seek out the stories and experiences of volunteers and those rescued by the RNLI during the war.
Over the course of the two-year project, the RNLI will deliver an exciting programme of events across the UK, including an exhibition at the Lighthouse Poole which will run from January 2026 and showcase war time art and share stories of our Second World War history. The grant will also fund a dedicated Project Officer.
Hayley Whiting, Heritage Archive and Research Manager at the RNLI said: 'We’re delighted to have been awarded this grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the RNLI 1939-45: Stories of Courage project.
'This project will capture incredible rescue stories from the Second World War and information on the lives of the volunteers who carried them out. Without this grant, these stories might be lost forever so we’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity.'
Stuart McLeod, Director England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: 'We are delighted to support the RNLI in recording the heritage of the charity during the Second World War. This grant, made possible by the National Lottery players, ensures that the stories and memories of the community can be heard for generations to come.'
The RNLI already has some amazing stories from the Second World War, from lifeboats taking part in Dunkirk, to our crews rescuing downed airmen, both allies and German. Over the course of the war, and excluding those saved at Dunkirk, RNLI lifeboat crews saved 6,376 lives.
The RNLI 1939-45: Stories of Courage project will run for 24 months, from January 2025. For more information about the RNLI’s role in the Second World War, please visit this page.
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Media contacts
For further information contact Becky Cheers [email protected] or the RNLI press office on 01202 336789 / [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.