History of lifeboat page 2

The following is taken from a document compiled by Angus Oag Press officer for the Thurso lifeboat.

THURSO LIFEBOAT STATION

1906

New lifeboat house and slipway constructed just outside Scrabster Harbour at a cost of £2,278-0-0. The old boathouse which was situated as you come into Scrabster ( the first building with it cable end facing the road nearly opposite the slip) was bought by Woods & Forrests for the sum of £40.

This lifeboat house was destroyed by fire in 1956 (see below)

1909

The Sarah Austin (Watson) ON585 delivered for service, a legacy of Miss Austin of London

The Sarah Austin was launched 22 times saved 63 lives and cost £1622

1910

Provision and fixing of the new winch £124-0-0.

1921

Owing to the distance (2 1/2 miles) from Thurso to Scrabster where the boat is stationed, the crew were allowed 1 d travelling money on each occasion of service and exercise.

1929

The H.C.J (Watson Motor) ON 708 was delivered. A amalgamation of legacies from H.T. Richardson of Pwllheli, Mrs Susannah Stephens of  Reading and a gift from JA Fielden of Todmorden

The HCJ served from 1929-1956 was launched 102 times, saved 138 lives and cost £8390

1931

A Bronze Medal was awarded to Coxswain Angus McPhail in recognition of his courageous conduct, promptitude and skilful seamanship in the rescue of the crew of four of the Schooner "Pet" of Chester, which was wrecked on Brims Ness on 18th March.

1944

A Bronze medal was awarded to Mr John Mcleod (byename COUG) for a service to two rafts from the Norwegian Steamer "Freidberg" whose cargo of grain had shifted off Cape Wrath and which had foundered. The service was carried out at great risk in a high and dangerous sea and the coxswain handled the lifeboat with splendid seamanship, daring and resource. Coxswain McLeod was also awarded the B.E.M.

1955

The Thurso Ladies Guild and the Lifeboat crew organised a Gala Week which raised over £ 1,000 for the service. At that time the population of Thurso was approx 3,343.

1956

The Dunnet Head (Civil service No31) Watson Motor ON920 was delivered gift from the Civil Service Lifeboat Fund

The Dunnet Head was launched once and saved 4 lives, costing £35000 (see below)

1956

With the introduction of a car hire service, for the crew for services and exercises at a cost of 10/- the travelling money to the crew ceased.

1956

On the morning of 10th December the lifeboat Dunnet Head and the lifeboat house were totally destroyed by fire. The destruction was so complete that no evidence was available to show the cause of the outbreak. The lifeboat was the first of the 47foot class and had been named by R.M Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
 

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