Marking RNLI Stories of Courage this Remembrance Day

The RNLI played a 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.

In 2024, 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.

One of those stories is from Annette, a volunteer from Ramsgate RNLI station, who has shared a story from her own family history.

Annette says: ‘My grandfather was Jack Edward Reeve, born in Suffolk on 20 November 1900. He joined the Royal Navy, with Chatham being his home port. During World War 2, he was serving on board HMS Mastiff, a Dog Class Trawler, when on 20 November 1939 (yes, his 39th birthday), they were engaged in the recovery of a mine which had broken loose after being laid by German boats two nights earlier.  

‘As the mine was being lifted on board, it detonated, destroying the trawler.’ 

A newspaper reported: ‘The noise of the explosion was heard from the shore. An aeroplane, a lifeboat and a motor speed-boat took part in the rescue effort’.

The lifeboat that came to the scene was Margate’s Lord Southborough. The newspaper reports that one sailor sadly died, five were missing and four were injured – including Jack Reeve.  

Newspaper coverage also recorded Jack's account of the disaster: ‘It was my birthday yesterday. It was also the birthday of a Grimsby man who was on board. We were going to celebrate when the rum ration came round, but I finished up here, and I think my pal went down. I was standing over the engine room when the first explosion occurred. I think it must have struck under me.

‘There was another explosion caused by the boilers, and it was all over in about three minutes. Although I think I must have been in the water about an hour I cannot remember any more until I woke up in hospital. How I kept afloat I do not know.’ 

Annette says: ‘At the time, he had three daughters: Ivy, Dorothy, and my mum, Violet, who was 9 years old. Unfortunately, I never knew my grandad, as he passed away before I was born.  

‘Needless to say, we learnt from both our grandmother and our mum to respect the sea and support the RNLI.’ 

As well as marking Stories of Courage, the RNLI is also excited to announce a brand-new online exhibition about its Second World War story, which was created following the success of an exhibition hosted in Poole.

The new online exhibition covers the RNLI’s wartime story and features case studies, wartime rescues, and some of our rarely viewed heritage collection items. It provides an exciting opportunity to connect with this period of the RNLI’s history. Visit the online exhibition here

Hayley Whiting, RNLI Heritage Archive and Research Manager, says: ‘As we mark Remembrance Day, it’s an important moment to reflect on the extraordinary RNLI stories from the Second World War, such as the story that Annette has shared with us and remember the bravery of our crew and those who lost their lives.

‘We’re also really pleased to announce that our brand-new online exhibition about the RNLI’s Second World War history is now live. It features incredible Stories of Courage including case studies, wartime rescues and some of our heritage collection.’