Lifeboats

The lifeboat station was established on October 31st 1804, £500 being raised by subscription. The original lifeboat was clinker built, with 12 oars, an airtight deck, and a low cork belt. Boat two was built in 1857, it made six launches but was not favoured by the fishermen who used it.

In 1868 a new boat and house was presented by Mr Benjamin Bond Cabbell. In 16 years the boat made 9 launches and the crew saved 31 lives. The next boat which was named after Mr Bond Cabbell was bought in 1884, it made 12 launches, saving 26 lives.

The most popular boat was the Louisa Heartwell. Named after it's benefactor from London, she was Stationed at Cromer from 1902. Her Coxswain until the end of the boats life was Henry Blogg. 26th July 1923 saw the launch of the first motor lifeboat - the H. F. Bailey. A new boat house placed at the end of the pier was built where it was in active service until 1997. A brand new boathouse is today being built to be able to house better facilities for the crew and a bigger boat.

Past members of the lifeboat service:

• John James Davies - Coxswain until 1902
• Henry Blogg - stepson of J.J. Davies, Coxswain from 1902 -1947. He received the gold medal three times, the silver medal four times the George Cross, and the British Empire Medal. He died in 1954 but his name is known throughout the world.
• Frank Davies - 1932
• Jimmy Davies - 1932
• George Stimpson - 1932
• Bob Davies - 1932
• Bob Blogg - 1932
• William Davies (Pimpo) killed in bombing raid July 1942 - 1932
• Walter Allen (Primo) died of exposure after being washed overboard during rescue of 44 men from the "English Trader" - 1932
• Gilbert Mayes - 1932
• Jack Davies Jnr - 1932
• George Cox - 1932
• Arthur Balls (Cutler) - 1932
• George Balls (Buckram) - 1932
• Charlie Cox - 1932

A bronze bust, erected to the memory of Coxswain Henry Blogg, looks out over East Beach from the upper promenande.

THE RNLI HENRY BLOGG MUSEUM

The Gangway. Special display on life of Coxsn Henry Blogg, winner of 3 RNLI Gold Medals for bravery. Photo history of station from 1804-1967; murals on walls depicting rescues. The lifeboat H.F. Bailey restored and on view in museum.She served on station 1935-46 saving over 800 lives.Video showing lifeboat films.

Open:  May-Sept, on request during winter. Contact: Frank H Muirhead, 43 Howards Hill west, Cromer, NR27 9Bh. tel 01263 513018
email:rfmuirhead@csma-netlink.co.uk .

Information for 2001

Lifeboat day and service August 5th Sunday,
Lifeboats launch at 11.00hrs, weather permitting, boathouse open afterwards to about 13.00, 15.00 the crew will hold their "Songs of Praise" to which the public are invited to sing with them.

(Practice launches every fortnight)

Please feel free to make a donation to the RNLI at their Web Site

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This information was compiled by Penny Ling
Any comments, suggestions or family to add email cromer@postmaster.co.uk
Nov 2000.