Latest press release in from Dover lifeboat...
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Report and pictures by Martin Collins
The Bronze medal and vellums awarded to former Coxswain John 'Johnny' Walker have been presented to the station by his son.
Johnny Walker, following in his father's footsteps, served as Coxswain at Dover between 1947 when the station was reopened following the war and 1960. This followed his war time service in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve where he rose to the rank of Captain.
During this time two lifeboats were stationed at Dover. First The "J B Proudfoot" (1947-49) and then the "Southern Africa". Both boats were housed in the 'Submarine Pens' in the eastern docks and it was whilst in command of "Southern Africa" that he was awarded a bronze medal for gallantry and then a bar to the medal for a second service.
The first bronze medal was awarded in 1951 by the RNLI to Coxswain Walker for the rescue of a Dutch yacht and her crew during a night time service in a violent storm.
His second award which led to the presentation of a second service bar to the original bronze medal was for the rescue of ten people from three yachts. These rescues took place inside the harbour when the area was suddenly hit by a fierce summer storm in July 1956.
Later in 1956 the Dover lifeboat made television history. Under the command of Mr Walker the lifeboat was at sea with a BBC film crew and presenter Raymond Baxter. In a dramatic turn television viewers had their normal programming interrupted and were able to see live pictures as the lifeboat went to the rescue of a fishing boat with a fouled propeller perilously close to the cliffs at South Foreland.
His son, John, who grew up in the town now lives in Nottinghamshire and recently returned to Dover to present the medal and accompanying vellum citations to Dover Operations Manager Roy Couzens.
Mr Walker said: "It was quite emotional both coming back to Dover and parting with my father's awards but I know they belong in Dover and will be well looked after at the lifeboat station. "
Lifeboat Operations Manager Roy Couzens said: "I'm thrilled not only to be able to see the medal and vellums but to think we will be able to display them in the station where they will serve not only to honour the memory of a fine Coxswain but also be an inspiration to today's crew members when they are faced with difficult conditions."
email: dover7@msn.com
