by magoonigal » Mon Sep 03, 2012 9:01 pm
An early photograph of WINSTON CHURCHILL (Civil Service No8)
She was a 46ft 9in Watson, Cabin, Motor Lifeboat.
Built 1947 by J. S. White of Cowes with finance provided by the Civil Service Lifeboat Fund.
Official Number 853. Cost £16,535. Weight 21 Tons 4 Cwt.
Original Engines were twin 40hp Ferry VE4's which were replaced in 1966 by Twin 65hp Parsons Barracuda.
Service.
Blyth: 2nd February 1948 to the 18th September 1979. (68 Launches/39 Lives Saved)
Relief. January 1980 to November 1982. 22 Launches/6 Saved.)
Sold July 1983.
Renamed WATSON EXPLORER.
Wheelhouse added as a pleasure boat at Gallows Point Boatyard, Beaumaris (November 2011)
Paul Hood. + WSS Tyneside Branch Hon Sec.