The RNLI launches new Stories of Courage podcast

• Listen to the new podcast here: 200 voices stories of courage: Listen to the RNLI’s one-off wartime podcast

• Imagery can be found here, including images of Dan Jones narrating the podcast: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/C566A560-C15E-4DB7-BCD4EB6F587ECF46/

• If you have a story connected to the RNLI from the Second World War, please share it here: RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45

• The podcast was created thanks to a grant awarded to the RNLI from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories from the Second World War

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has launched a brand-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. It's available on all major podcast platforms and online here.

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, historian, journalist and television presenter 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’s 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’re 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 didn’t 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 says: ‘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 podcast was created thanks to a support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories from the Second World War. The grant was made possible by the National Lottery players.

Stuart McLeod, Director of London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re proud to support the RNLI in uncovering and sharing these extraordinary stories of courage from the Second World War. It is a powerful tribute to everyone who risked their lives to save others. It not only honours their legacy but ensures these important stories are available for generations to come."

The Stories of Courage podcast is available on all major podcast platforms and online here. The podcast was produced by the RNLI in partnership with Adventurous Audio and follows the success of the RNLI's 200 Voices podcast, released as part of the charity's 200th anniversary celebrations in 2024.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

· Please contact us if you are interested in setting up an interview with the spokespeople quoted in this release 

· Visits can be arranged to the RNLI archive in Poole where various war time memorabilia can be seen and photographed which include: 

o A signal lamp from a Dunkirk ship with a bullet hole 

o A Brodie helmet  

o War time era kit 

o War time service records 

RNLI 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 is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.