The RNLI appeals for more stories of courage from the Second World War

• If you have a story connected to the RNLI from the Second World War, please upload it here: RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45
• Second World War imagery of RNLI crew and lifeboats can be viewed here: https://source.rnli.org.uk/share/50E60536-053C-4C6C-9D516A6C22FBF835/

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is marking VE Day by reflecting on some of its incredible stories of courage from the Second World War. The RNLI played vital role in the war effort, with lifeboats launching 3,760 times, coming to the aid of those in need from ships and aeroplanes, saving a total of 6,376 lives.

Last year, the RNLI received a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories of courage. An online portal now brings together powerful accounts from people across the UK, and the RNLI is appealing for more stories to be shared.

The public are urged to upload any memories they might have of the RNLI from the Second World War, whether from their own experiences or those passed down through their families. From stories of RNLI wartime rescues to memories of seeing the lifeboat launch, no story is too small.

Frank Taylor from Cullercoats uploaded his story:

‘My father James Taylor, was coxswain of the Cullercoats Lifeboat throughout WW2 he saved over 95 lives, mainly servicemen. Some of the rescues in high seas and blinding snowstorms in mine infested waters. God bless him and the crew. Sadly no medals were issued to the station for this fine work.’

Pat Ward from Codsall shared her story:

‘When Fred Morgan was called up in World War 2, he became a rear-gunner in the Royal Navy, defending merchant ships. In the spring of 1945, the newly married Fred sailed from Greenock on Empire Kingsley. Approaching Land's End, the ship was torpedoed. The Sennen Cove lifeboat rescued 49 souls that day. In 1962 we visited Sennen Cove, where Dad chatted to a man working at the lifeboat station, who transpired to be one of his rescuers! Thank you RNLI. We wouldn't be here without you.’

Hayley Whiting, RNLI Heritage Archive and Research Manager, says: ‘As we mark VE Day, it’s an important moment to reflect on the extraordinary RNLI stories from the Second World War.

‘We know there are more stories still to be discovered and we want to find and preserve them while we can. If you have a story connected to the RNLI during the Second World War, we urge you to share it through our online portal.’

The RNLI was awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research and share stories of courage from the Second World War. If you have a story connected to the RNLI from the Second World War, please upload it here: RNLI Stories of Courage 1939-45

Notes to editors

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

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Becky Cheers [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 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.