In Cromer recently I visited the
RNLI Henry Blogg Museum. Well worth a visit. A tribute to the RNLI and the people who make it all happen, in particular one Henry Blogg. A bust of him, outside the North Lodge council offices in Cromer, records:-
Henry Blogg G.C. B.E.M. Coxswain of Cromer Life-Boats 1909-1947
Winner of the R.N.L.I. Gold Medal for conspicuous gallantry 3 times
of its Silver Medal 4 times
With the help of his gallant crew rescued 873 lives during 53 years of service-
“One of the bravest men who ever lived”
I found I was having to swallow more than usual and my eyes were prickling as I went round the exhibits. It wasn’t so much from the enormity of the courage the crew showed but the quiet determination to do what was necessary and then get on with life. It can’t have been easy for many of them, in the coastal town over the years.
One tribute indicates the recognition that, but for Messers Blogg and crew, a whole family could have been wiped out or worse.
On the 2 November 1938 Lifeboat The HF Bailey was launced to go to the aid of the SS Cantabria of Santander, Spain. The vessel, an unarmed merchant ship in the ownership of the Republican Spanish government, had been shelled by the Nadir, a Falangist warship. The Cantabria was adrift and listing about 9 miles NE of Cromer Lighthouse. Most of the crew had been recovered from boats by the Nadir but the captain, his wife, two children and a crew member had preferred to take their chances with the sinking Cantabria rather than the bunch of fascists who were standing off. Up pops Henry Blogg and his crew and before you can say hasta luego the remaining souls were rescued from the bad guys or a watery grave. The welcome in port was warm and although, I have no evidence to hand, I suspect many main braces were spliced or whatever. Shelling an unarmed merchant vessel probably didn’t go down too well in the fishing port of Cromer, unlike the Cantabria.
Captain Manuel Argüelles and wife Trinidad Chertudi made a new life for themselves in Mexico.
When the Henry Blogg Museum was opened in April 2006 Ramon Begone Argüelles, the son of Captain Manuel Argüelles, returned to Cromer from Mexico with his sister to pay tribute.
So! Here’s another modest proposal Mr Broon -
The lifeboat persons and service should be funded directly and adequately from taxation. Compensatory savings to fund this can be derived from the Trident 'Defense' System which will, henceforth, be subject to funding by voluntary collections.
Should there be a bob or two left over then I’m sure we can fund a few other things.
