Lifeboat Presentation – West Sussex Gazette – Thursday, 14 January 1937

IN HONOUR OF A BRAVE MAN. Major J. B. Courtauld. M.P., visited Selsey on Friday to be associated with the presentation of a Lifeboat Long-service Certificate to ex-Coxswain Barnes and a goodly company assembled in the Pavilion. Supporting Major Courtauld on the platform were Mr. E. G. Arnell, Capt. Tait (Secretary of the Lifeboat branch), Dr. Humphrys, Major Lamb, Capt. Luck, and Mr. Marks. Pictures were shown of the launching and berthing of lifeboats, and Mr. Arnell recapitulated some of the happenings to the Selsey boats since 1861, when the National Lifeboat Institution presented its first boat "The Friend." The last of the pulled - boats the Lucy Newbon, was famous for the rescue of passengers from a vessel called "The Queen." "Jane Holland" was the first motor-driven boat. After serving for nearly 20 years, Fred Barnes became coxswain in 1917, a position he held until 1936. Among notable rescues, that of the crew of the Lucy Bee" must be mentioned. It was an outstandingly daring exploit. In the teeth of a terrific gale the occupants of the ship were safely landed though the vessel itself was wrecked on the Bill. The bronze medal of the R.N.L.I. awarded Coxswain Barnes in recognition of this occasion was presented (and affixed) to him in London by the then Prince of Wales. Major CourtauId touched upon the dangers of lifeboat service and on the length of Mr. Barnes' faithful service, and presented the record of the fact, the Long-Service Certificate. Mr. Barnes was received with great enthusiasm and though obviously struggling with emotion, managed to thank all his friends and wish the present "Cox" and crew good luck. The new Cox, Leslie Pennycord, was then introduced by Mr. Arnell. Thanks to Major Courtauld were expressed by Dr Humphrys.