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teenage girls? Such questions can be asked, but probably not answered.

There is still a Penlee lifeboat today, although the old lifeboat station is no longer used, being instead preserved as a memorial to the Solomon Browne and its crew. In 1983, an Arun class lifeboat, the Mabel Alice, came into service, based at Newlyn. In 2003, a Severn class boat, the Ivan Ellen, came into service. Both boats have made many lifesaving rescues in recent years, including some that have earned awards for courage and outstanding service.

The full list of the lost crew of the Solomon Browne, all of whom received posthumous awards, is as follows:

William Trevelyan Richards (age 56) (Coxswain)

James Madron (35) (2nd Coxswain)

Nigel Brockman (43)

John Blewett (43)

Kevin Smith (23)

Barrie Torrie (33)

Charles Greenhaugh (46)

Gary Wallis (23)

Since 1992, the Coxswain of the Penlee lifeboat has been Neil Brockman, who at 17 was refused a place aboard the Solomon Browne on the night that his father lost his life.

I grew up in Poole, which is where the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has its headquarters. I have known many men and women who have gained their living or recreation from the sea, and some who have been members of lifeboat crews. I am delighted to have this opportunity to pay my own tribute to the selfless dedication of these volunteers who put their lives at risk to help save others.

Learn more about this author, John Welford.
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