Historic Mumbles rescue features in RNLI podcast marking Remembrance Day

The podcast highlights some of the incredible RNLI stories of courage from the Second World War including that of the heroic crew of the Mumbles lifeboat Edward Prince of Wales, who saved 42 lives by launching into a storm after the Chebogue’s stern was blown away by an enemy torpedo.

In the podcast, current RNLI volunteer Adam Gilbert reads an extract from The Lifeboat magazine archive reflecting on the disaster and the courage of the crew who launched into darkness, sleet, and enormous waves.

The plunging bow and swinging anchor chains made it extremely difficult for Coxswain William Gammon to come alongside the boat to rescue the crew. In an extraordinary feat of seamanship and bravery, he drove full speed over the bar to reach the seaward side of the wreckage and then held the boat still just long enough for some crew to make the dangerous leap aboard. Coxswain Gammon repeated this manoeuvre 12 times, rescuing all 42 of the frigate’s crew.

It was a rescue which saw Coxswain William Gammon awarded the Gold Medal for Gallantry, with Second Coxswain Tom Ace and Mechanic Gilbert Davies receiving the Bronze Medal.

The podcast, which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund

and is available on all major podcast platforms and online here explores key moments in the RNLI’s remarkable history during the Second World War.

This includes 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.

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. Adam is delighted to be bringing the heroic Mumbles rescue to life. He said:

‘I was absolutely thrilled to take part in the Stories of Courage podcast. The RNLI played such a big part in saving lives at sea during the Second World War that it was very special to be part of telling one of those stories.’

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.’

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 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 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

· 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

RNLI media contacts

For further information contact Danielle Rush, Regional Communications Lead in Wales on 07786 668829 or [email protected] . Alternatively, please 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.

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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.