Henry Thomas Davies - Coxswain

Coxswain

In 1947 Henry Davies took over as coxswain of the Cromer life-boat from his uncle, Henry Blogg. Shrimp’s first significant mission as coxswain took place in July 1947. The Cromer life-boat Henry Blogg, so named after Shrimp’s uncle, was launched into storm to help a leaking French collier Francois Tixier off Sheringham. The lifeboatmen hauled a dozen crewmen to safety with a breeches buoy. Another four were pulled from the water when the collier capsized. For this Henry was awarded the Maritime Medal, France's highest award for lifesaving at sea. In 1970 Henry Davies was awarded the British Empire Medal for "maintaining the highest traditions of the lifeboat service".