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Tuesday, January 17, 2023

James Haylett


James Haylett (sometimes spelled Hallett) was awarded the RNLI Gold Medal by King Edward VI in 1902 at age 78.  A long serving member of the Caithness-on-Sea lifeboat crew, he had retired to reserve service a decade earlier, having saved dozens of lives over the years.  When the Caithness lifeboat, the Beauchamp, foundered on rocks near shore in a gale after making a rescue run on the night of 13 November, 1901, Mr. Haylett went into action.  Among those he rescued that night were his grandson and son-in-law, but two of his sons were lost.  When asked why he kept going back into the waves to pull more men out, he said, "Caithness men don't turn back."



 

12 comments:

  1. Hey, Jerry! Yeah, it's always nice seeing peckers and sacks, but learning something new is also very nice. Thanks for something new and different. Any pictures from the 'Obby 'Oss party?

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  2. Thank you, Jerry, for this excellent series. One of the best things about your blog is that you're willing to post on subjects that interest you and - hopefully - the viewers too.

    These are fascinating photos and stories that highlight the exceptional work undertaken by the RNLI over the years. Worth pointing out that the vast majority of the men and women who work for the RNLI do so as volunteers. They all deserve our thanks and respect.

    Peter

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    1. Sometimes I like to delve into what I call the amazing variety of non-toxic masculinity. I should have mentioned that nearly all these men were and are volunteers who risk their lives for others.

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  3. Coming as I do from a seafaring family, the household's "charity box" when I was a boy was for the RNLI - and was a painted, wooden model of a lifeboat, the hold storing the coins. Today, it is made of plastic. To this day, the RNLI is from top to bottom a volunteer force for the very good reason in that it then cannot be subject to government funding cuts. (The London Air Ambulance has followed this model.) It is manned by very brave men, who risk life and limb for those in trouble on the sea, who merit our great admiration as well as thanks. Thank you, Jerry, for this somewhat emotional series for me. It is difficult to stare bravery personified in the face, over so long a period in our islands' maritime history. Much appreciated.

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    1. I can't describe the sense of awe I got while researching this series, Julian, and I knew it would have special meaning for you. These incredibly brave and selfless men deserve undying respect.

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  4. Excellent post Jerry! Oddly enough I have been watching Saving Lives At Sea a BBC series that follows the men and women of the RNLI in present day. To say that I am humbled by the risks they take on a daily basis is an understatement.

    https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2022/05/09/new-documentary-series-follows-the-unpaid-workers-saving-lives-at-sea/

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed the series, Pat, and thanks for the link!

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  5. You, retired guy on the big island of Hawaii, are a scholar with a poet's eye. I mean that as the highest compliment of course.

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  6. Thanks for the series-some unsung heroes of whom should be sung! Dee Exx

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