09/11/2025
This Remembrance Sunday, we pause to honour all who gave their lives in service — on land, in the air, and at sea. Their courage and sacrifice secured the freedoms we hold today.
Among them were the RNLI lifeboat volunteers, who during the Second World War faced unimaginable dangers.
“Between 1939 and 1945, launching to sea took on whole new dangers, as lifeboat volunteers battled bombs and bullets as well as the conditions. RNLI crews even took part in the Dunkirk evacuation. Over the course of the Second World War, despite the added risks, lifeboat crews launched 3,760 times, saving 6,376 lives — not all of them Allied ones.”
(RNLI Stories of Courage)
Their bravery reflected the finest traditions of service — risking their lives to save others.
Today, that same spirit endures. Since 1824, RNLI volunteers have saved over 146,000 lives, continuing a legacy of selflessness and compassion that unites all who serve.
As we remember the fallen, we should also give thanks to those who still stand ready — men and women who answer the call to protect others.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them
Photo credit to Royal British Legion.
