Learning about Jane HMIII from her sister ship, Lizzie Porter.
We learn and understand more about the history of our lifeboat, Jane Hannah Macdonald III by examining the history of other lifeboats of the same age. Some of you may remember the post about Lizzie Porter last year (Learning from Lizzie Porter – Appledore Maritime Heritage Trust); a sister ship of the Jane Hannah Macdonald, built at the same time, currently available to see in Challam Dockyard Museum. Learning about Lizzie Porter provides insights into Jane Hannah Macdonald III. Last week I visited Lindesfarne, off the East coast of Northumberland, also known as the Holy Island, to see where Lizzie Porter spent the majority of her service life and find out more about her, and those who worked with her.
Northumberland coastal hazards
Holy Island lies off the Northumberland Coastline and it only accessible when the tide uncovers the causeway. It lies close to a busy shipping route and offers as safe harbour in storms. However, it is surrounding by hidden hazards, such as sandbanks and rocks hiding just below the water. From earliest times local people came to the rescue of ships in distress. Holy Island fishermen served as pilots, guiding ships to safety through these dangers.
Lizzie Porter was stationed at Jenny Bell’s Well (The white dot on the left hand side of the picture above)from 1909 until 1925. She was launched 35 times and saved 77 lives.
History of the lifeboat houses on Holy Island
Above shows where the Lizzie Porter was housed. Today it is the only remaining lifeboat building on the Island but there used to be more. Between 1839 and 1968, five different buildings were used to house the island’s lifeboats. There were usually two boats operating at once to allow the crew to reach different parts of the coastline. This building above was built in 1884 by a man called Mr Brigham at a cost of £285. Look on the floor and you will see the outline of the Lizzie Porter, with the outlines of the benches marked to show here the crew would sit.
The launches of Lizzie and Jane HMIII: Learning from sister ships
Lizzie arrived on Holy Island in 1909. By comparison, JHM III, was launched in Appledore in 1910. Lizzie was a 10-oar self-righter. So was JHM III. The naming and first launch of the lifeboat, Lizzie Porter was an important event for the whole community. On 23rd October 1909 the choir sung some verses from Psalm 107 and the hymn ‘Eternal father, strong to save.’ After speeches, the new lifeboat was named Lizzie Porter of Halifax, whose legacy had paid for this lifeboat. In the case of JHM III, her launch was an equally significant to the local community with everyone dressed in their Sunday best, the town band playing for all their worth and then, once blessed by prayers from the vicar, she was tipped off the quay into the Torridge with a resounding tsunami to rock all the little boat which had gathered to witness the spectacle form the river.
O hear us when we cry to thee
Hymn; ‘Eternal Father, strong to save’
For those in peril on the sea
The lifeboat crew serving on Lizzie Porter
The coxswain
The coxswain was in charge of the lifeboat and the crew. He made decisions and was responsible for safety. He was supported by the assistant coxswain, who was ready to assume control if needed.
The signalman
The signalman used semaphore to communicate with the shipwrecked crew in the days before radio.
The bowman
The bowman rowed at the bow of the lifeboat and usually threw the line to the stricken vessel.
Crew members
Up to ten ordinary crew members worked together with the coxswain to carry out the rescue. They were most often local fishermen. Strong arms for rowing and helping with the sails in turbulent seas, local knowledge and experience made for good lifeboatmen.
The picture below shows some of those brave men wearing cork life jackets.
