Nowadays, Whitstable has its own
inshore lifeboat based at the harbour. However, in days gone by, a
likely source of rescue came from the local fishing fleet. Although
fishermen didn't want or expect reimbursement, the Royal National
Lifeboat Institution recognised such acts and provided a small reward on
somewhat bizarre terms.
Back in 1938, Tom Harman (John's
father) received the following "recognition" document to mark his
role in rescuing a man whose dinghy had capsized off Whitstable.....
As you can see, Tom was awarded the princely sum of £1
for the rescue...... and two shillings for the petrol! John's recollection of the incident is given below....
| "As I recall, Dad was returning from drudging
(dredging) on the Kentish Flats when, in the distance, he saw
a sailing dinghy capsize.
It took a while for him to get there but not before time.
In those days, boats did not have the mandatory buoyancy tanks
of modern times. Nor were there lightweight life jackets for
sailing!.... Just heavy kapok filled life preservers."
John Harman
|
Our thanks to John and his family for allowing us publish
this lovely piece of local history.
|
