THE HISTORY OF THE FOLKESTONE LIFEBOATS
THE RESCUE OF THE CREW OF THE GOOD INTENT: 5th October 1904

THE RESCUE OF THE CREW OF THE GOOD INTENT

Folkestone Herald October 8th 1904

STORM & DISASTER

The storm of Wednesday night wrought havoc at Folkestone. Two fishing smacks were completely wrecked. The crew of an Eastbourne boat all perished, but the crew of the “Good Intent”, a Folkestone craft which also foundered were rescued by our gallant lifeboat crew.

Nautical men had given warning early on Wednesday morning that a gale might be expected. The sunshine of the early morning died away, and before noon the sky had become overcast. Towards evening the breeze freshened considerably and rain fell at intervals. At nine o′clock the Folkestone fishing fleet, which was accompanied by some Rye, Shoreham and Newhaven craft, had not returned to port, and the velocity of the wind had so increased that almost a gale was raging. Fishermen′s wives and children flocked to the Stade and peered eagerly into the black night in the hope of catching a glimpse of the returning fleet. It was not long before a dozen lights were perceived by vigilant eyes. One moment on the crest of immense waves, and the next hidden from view in a valley of seas, the little vessels were to be seen running before the strong south–westerly winds, their gallant crews of three or four men bracing every nerve for the terrible ordeal which would face them as they turned the pier head. It was a quarter to ten when the first boat weathered the pier head, and on a full tide sailed into Folkestone Harbour. But what was that which had caused the masthead light in one of the vessels to disappear from view? Could a sailing smack have foundered? Quickly the Folkestone boats and those of other towns were counted, with the result that the “Good Intent” of Folkestone, a Newhaven vessel, and others from Rye and Brighton were found to be missing from the Harbour. Outside could be seen three crafts and it was known that neither of these was the one whose lights have been missed.

Simultaneously a pang shot through the breast of all ashore. From out of the darkness two red flares were seen burning, and they clearly showed that they were being burned by a vessel that was being DRIVEN ON TO THE ROCKS at the foot of Copt Point. Another moment and two more red lights were distinguished. This was sufficient for the fisherfolk ashore. They knew too well that out amongst those angry waves some of their brethren were battling for their lives. A sudden rush was being made for the lifeboat house, when an explosion was heard and a moment later the reflection from a red rocket informed everyone that the crew of the lifeboat were being summoned. It was not long before the “Leslie” was withdrawn from her shelter and run down within a few feet of the water′s edge. The crew hastily clambered aboard in their cork life–belts and oilers and coxswain COOK at the helm encouraged his crew in making preparations for the launch. But what was the cause of all the hesitation and delay? Why was it that the boat was not pushed into the water? “We want the haul rope.” roared Coxswain COOK and instantly numbers of fishermen and boys swarmed to the Victoria Pier, and there hurriedly prepared to make tight a rope which had been connected with the bows of the lifeboat. “Are you all ready?” came a stentorian voice from the Pier, and as speedily there answered a voice in the affirmative.

“Let her go!” shouted Coxswain COOK, and the boat was pushed and pulled into the water. But the launch was unsuccessful. The terrific waves forced the bows of the gallant little craft round, and there it lay with the haul rope on, with its broadside meeting the full fury of the raging seas. A cry for more assistance rang out from the Victoria Pier. Away hurried many willing helpers to the Pier, and by the aid of the electric lights which were turned on they worked with might and main to pull the lifeboat′s bow seaward.

Meanwhile those people who were standing on the Lees and other prominent positions could see that another vessel was in danger. While one was burning a red flare, another seemed to have set fire to something oily, with a view to impressing upon their would–be rescuers how imminent was their peril. Two red rockets discharged from the lifeboat house assured the sailors that assistance was forthcoming, and as no more distress signals were shown, it seemed that the crews fully understood by those answering rockets that all that was possible was being done. But the suspense was terrible. Out came the long pole and an effort was made to push the bow of the lifeboat into the water. The effect of the extra assistance on the ropes soon became manifest. “She moves! She′s off!” were the next cries to be heard, and then, amid the excited cheering of the onlookers and the firing of a green rocket, as a reassuring signal to those in distress, that the boat was launched, the bows forged out to sea. The rope was discharged from the lifeboat, and, under sail and oars it sped away from the sight of those on the beach. Women were amongst those who had assisted the lifeboat to float, and none the less energetic of these helpers were the wives and mothers of those who formed the crew of the lifeboat.

At that moment there was a rush for the harbour and every point of vantage on the jetties, and the space round the little lighthouse, was packed with people. About 200 yards eastward of the pier one vessel had brought up, while another was a similar distance behind it riding at anchor. The lifeboat could be seen as it approached these, and after a slight stay passed by. They did not need assistance. A mere handful of men – all local fishermen – had, during the launching operation, taken a ferry boat, and in it had pulled out to the nearest two vessels, taking with them long thick ropes. With these they made the smacks fast to the jetties, and gradually they were BROUGHT INTO PORT.

But the excitement grew greater after midnight. Up to that time the lights of two vessels had been seen off Copt Point but now one of them had disappeared. At half–past one the little lifeboat was seen making for the mouth of the harbour. It was a moment that will long be remembered by all who lined the jetties as they peered into the stern of the boat and asked themselves “Have they got the crews” but not a soul ventured to remark upon the result of the lifeboat′s expedition. Two minutes later and an excited fisherman shouted “Have you got ‘em ‘Cookie’?” Back came the reply from the coxswain. “We have got Jack SAUNDERS.” Another query. “And his crew?” roared out of the darkness, and as readily came the answer “Yes!” This was the signal for a tremendous cheer from the crowd. But no sooner had it died away than the coxswain of the lifeboat was asked, “What about the other boat?” In a mournful tone COOK replied “She′s gone down.” And when as though in fear a fisherman asked, “Have you got her crew?” the large crowds which had been listening to the conversation were awe–stricken by the reply “No, they have gone down too.” The rescued crew explained that their boat had been broken up on the Mole rocks, a quarter of an hour after they had been taken off, but they had not seen another vessel anywhere near them, until a protruding mast passed by the bow of their own boat. They knew that a boat had been sunk and was being driven along by the swell. An informal muster of the ships was called, and it was found that N.N.21 an Eastbourne fishing smack was missing.

After about five minutes the lifeboat put out again to the one smack which remained at anchor, but returned to port shortly afterwards only to be recalled to sea at the cry of “Her cable’s parted.” It was not long before every effort was made to bring this boat into harbour, this being successfully accomplished just before two o′clock. Nothing more could be done that night, and the crowds dispersed. But not so the fisherfolk. They waited until the hour of day–break revealed to them the “Good Intent F.E.21.” lying smashed to pieces at the foot of Copt Point, and a protruding mast telling that another fishing smack (N.N.21) lay at the bottom of the sea within a very short distance of low water mark.

CAPTAIN SAUNDERS TELLS HIS TALE

About an hour before the lifeboat came to us we saw the mast of a boat drifting towards us. The ground swell was knocking her along. A heavy sea knocked her just inside of us, and although we tried to avoid her, she struck us, and passed by. This was the first that we knew of a boat going down.”

The “Good Intent” was insured in the Folkestone Fisherboat Association for a small sum but that will hardly be equivalent to the bill paid for repairs to the boat some eighteen months ago.

At the age of 15 years Jack SAUNDERS, as he is popularly known, took to the sea. He sailed for six years with his father, and then went as master of a boat, which position he has filled ever since. The “Good Intent” was HIS OWN PROPERTY and it had been in his possession for about 15 years. She was a seaworthy boat although not so large as some of the craft in the harbour. Two years ago the same Captain and crew were returning from whiting fishing when they shipped a heavy sea, which knocked her after part clean under the water, washing lines and all the fish overboard. That was a very narrow escape.

Twelve months before that the “Good Intent” shipped two seas just inside the Varne lightship. One side of the bulwarks was laid flat on the edge of the sea, but happily the craft righted itself. Since that the owner has been put to considerable expense by repairs, new gear, lines, trawls, etc., and now, after two very bad seasons, as he himself has said “his all is gone.”

Mr John SAUNDERS SENR. is 53 years of age. He lives at No. 67, Dover Street and has to support a wife and four children.

Mr John SAUNDERS JUNR. has sailed under his father since he took to the sea. He is 32 years of age and has a wife and three children

Mr Edward SAUNDERS, of 16, North Street, has also sailed with his father since he took to the sea. He is 26 years of age, and is married, but has no family.

All three shared equally in the “takes” of the fishing, which, during last season, and so far this season have been anything but lucrative. Up to the time of going to sea on Wednesday morning, they had only earned 10s from the proceeds of the fish sales, this representing a half week′s profit.

Some years ago a boat belonging to Mr J SAUNDERS′ father, now a veteran “salt” was sunk when coming round the Pier in a gale, but without loss of life.

THE COXSWAIN′S COMMENT.

LIFEBOATMAN′S STORY

While we were turning round to regain the smack we saw what looked like a mast go by. Mr COOK thought it was a buoy, but when we got up to it we could see that it was a main mast of A SUNKEN SMACK and we could hear the sail flapping on the top of the water. There was nobody on it, and we could not hear any cries for help. Then we brought them back to harbour, and had just landed them when the people on shore shouted to us to go out again. Our inspector, Capt. FOOTE, R.N. who had come down for the practice launch that morning stood in the harbour when we came in. We went out in response to this second call and spoke a Shoreham smack that was lying off there. We asked if they wanted us, and they said ‘No.’ We returned to the harbour again, and while the coxswain was up the steps talking to Capt. FOOTE there was another shout that we were wanted, and the coxswain jumping into the boat, said ‘Let her go again, boys.’ This time we went straight to the same boat and asked if she was all right, or if he wanted us and she replied that she did not, she was all right. When we returned Capt. FOOTE said ‘you had all better go home and get a shift.’ We went home, but NONE OF US TO BED. We shifted, and came out again. I had only put the boat away that day at half past five, after launching it for the practice in the morning”

“What do I think of the Leslie? Well she is the best boat I have ever been in. She′s better than the McConnel Hussey. As quick as the water came in on one side on the other she was empty again and not only that, she doesn′t draw so much water by 8 or 10 feet, and that makes the greatest difference in getting off.”

All the crew are unanimous in the opinion that although the present lifeboat launching station is the best obtainable on the beach, some place should be built on the lee side of the South–eastern Railway Company′s Pier, where the boat could be lowered, either by davits or by means of a slide, into the water.
This would obviate any delay in launching.

The lifeboat crew were S. COOK (cox), E. MAJOR (2nd cox), D. PHILPOTT, G. PHILPOTT, F. FEATHERBY, L. SAUNDERS, J. SPEARPOINT, R. BAKER, W BAKER, J. HALL, F. HALL, C. TAYLOR, AND A BRIGHTON FISHERMAN WHOSE NAME IS UNKNOWN.

In his report to the Lifeboat Institution the coxswain says that the maroon was fired at 10.25 p.m. and the lifeboat was afloat 25 minute later. They finally returned to harbour at half–past two. The boat pulled well against the wind and it behaved splendidly throughout. It had an anchor lost, an oar broken and a launching–pole lost before returning to the shore.

L SAUNDERS and J. SPEARPOINT who were washed out of the boat have been recommended for double pay by the Local Committee of the Lifeboat Institution.

EASTBOURNE CREW

A PATHETIC INCIDENT

THE INQUEST INTO THE LOSS OF THE CREW OF THE PRIDE AND ENVY OF EASTBOURNE

A BODY RECOVERED
INQUEST YESTERDAY
THE CAUSE OF THE DISASTER

Mr. T. W. PRESCOTT, of Dover, represented the owner of the vessel (Capt. HYDE of Eastbourne)

Lucas HYDE, of Warrior Square, Eastbourne, son of the owner of the boat identified the body as that of Jesse GOLDSMITH one of the crew of the “Pride and Envy”, a lugger of Eastbourne which was registered at Newhaven her number being “21”.

There was three in the crew. The master was Charles BROWN, the second hand was Jesse GOLDSMITH and the third hand was Samuel BARNARD, all of Eastbourne. The vessel had been fishing in this vicinity for four weeks, making Folkestone Harbour its headquarters. Deceased was about 60 years of age.

William ROLFE, of 4, Sussex Road Brighton deposed that he was the master of the “Star of Hope” a fishing smack registered as No 429 Shoreham. He and his crew had been fishing off Folkestone for a month. Between one and two o′clock on Wednesday afternoon he took his boat out of Folkestone Harbour and headed west ward. The “Pride and Envy” went out about twenty minutes previously and the crew of that craft shot their nets to the west of witness′s boat. Towards evening the wind began to blow very hard and both boats started away from Hythe for home at 25 minutes to nine. The nets had been pulled up on account of the weather. The two boats were about 150 yards apart, and were making for port with their jib and mizzen sails, each boat carrying a light. Arriving off Folkestone, they had to cut the pier very closely on account of the wind and sea. When opposite the horn of the pier a steamboat tacked out, with the result that the smacks had to port their helms, and run away to the eastward instead of rounding the pier. There was no light on the pier to warn them that a steam boat was coming out of the harbour. He paid no attention to anything other than his own boat when he ran to sea so did not hear the whistle blow.

NOTE

The body of Charles Brown was found on Monday 24.10.1904 West of the Warren Wall and the inquest reported in the paper on 29.10.1904

NEWS COMMENT

THE FOLKESTONE HERALD OCTOBER 8TH 1904

WELL DONE LIFEBOATMEN!

When, in dark nights of winter, fierce storms of wind and rain
Howl round the cosy homestead, and lash the window pane;
When over hill and tree–top we hear the tempests roar,
And hurricanes go sweeping on from valley to the shore;

Think of our sea–girt island! A harbour where alone
No Englishman to save a life has failed to risk his own!
Then, when the storm howls loudest, pray, of your charity,
That God will bless the Lifeboat, and the Warriors of the Sea!

GOOD INTENT DISASTER

In a letter on another page COUNCILLOR PENDEN makes a strong appeal, and we trust that the response will be adequate to the occasion. It is no ordinary case. CAPTAIN SAUNDERS is a man whom to know is to esteem – a steady, sturdy, hard–working fisherman. MR G. COOPER (of the fishermen′s Bethel), speaks of him and his family in terms of the highest praise. A more deserving case has never been made the subject of a public appeal, and it should give those who have the wherewithal to contribute to the fund real pleasure to help CAPT. SAUNDERS and his crew in the calamity which has so swiftly befallen them.

NOTE

SILVER MEDAL AWARDED

The Folkestone Herald 19th November 1904

Mr Stephen Cook, coxswain of the Folkestone lifeboat has been awarded by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution a silver medal and a copy of the vote inscribed on vellum and framed in recognition of the gallant rescue of the lifeboatmen of the men of the fishing lugger “Good Intent”.

THE RNLI SILVER MEDAL PRESENTATION

FOLKESTONE HERALD DECEMBER 10TH 1904

COXSWAIN COOK RECEIVES A MEDAL

PRESENTATIONS TO THE CREW

Prior to the opening of the business at the monthly meeting of the Folkestone Corporation, held at the Masonic Hall on Wednesday morning, a very interesting ceremony took place. This was the presentation by the Mayor (ALDERMAN J. BANKS, J.P.), on behalf of the Royal National lifeboat institution, of a silver medal and framed certificate to MR STEPHEN COOK (coxswain of the Folkestone lifeboat), and extra monetary rewards to the crew, in recognition of their bravery in rescuing the lives of MR J. SAUNDERS and his two sons, on the 5th October, when their lugger, “The Good Intent,” was dashed to pieces in a gale, on the Mole rocks.

The crew were seated facing the members of the Council, and the Coxswain was asked to stand by the side of the Mayor.

ALDERMAN S. PENFOLD then asked the Mayor, on behalf of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, to present to COXSWAIN COOK a silver medal, and to the crew some money, on account of their splendid services on the night of the 5th October. The particulars were as follows. At 10.45p.m. on the night in question, the signal was fired by the Coastguard on duty that the services of the lifeboat were required, and at 10.50p.m. the boat was launched. Exactly an hour later the lifeboat had reached the lugger. Three men were taken off the ship, and the lifeboat arrived at the South Eastern Pier at 2.30a.m. Two of the crew JAMES SPEARPOINT and LEONARD SAUNDERS, were WASHED OUT OF THE BOAT into the sea, but the next wave, fortunately, knocked the craft alongside of the men, and they were hauled aboard by their companions. Statements were made that the lifeboat was not launched so soon as it might have been, but INSPECTOR FOOTE, who represented the Institution, was present at the time, and he was of the opinion that the boat was launched in very good time indeed. The Institution desired that his Worship should present each man with 7s 6d., in addition to his usual pay.

The MAYOR, addressing the crew, said that he had known MR COOK for many years, and he could say that if there was one man who had turned out a credit to the fishermen of Folkestone, it was STEPHEN COOK. (Applause). To the speaker′s knowledge, the coxswain had been a most careful, hardworking, and industrious man, and the records of his gallantry, and that of his crew would be handed down with the history of this town. He was well aware what risks the crew ran, and that whenever they had to do their duty they were prepared so to do. Whether it was for a ship belonging to the town of Folkestone or whether it was a French boat which happened to be shipwrecked off Folkestone, STEPHEN COOK and his men were ready to go always. (Applause). The town of Folkestone must be proud of men like them. (Applause) He knew more about the coxswain than any other man in Folkestone did, and he could say from knowledge that he had set an example to his brother fishermen, which some of them, he regretted, had not followed. The speaker sincerely hoped that after what he had said they would make up their minds to follow STEPHEN COOK in his good work and gallantry, and to uphold the traditions of Folkestone with that honesty and straightforwardness which he had developed. He (the Mayor) would now hand the certificate to MR COOK for his services, together with a silver medal. They were all aware that the Lifeboat Institution had been established 200 years, that it had done a great amount of work, and received large sums of money from the public of this country. MR COOK was the representative of that Society in Folkestone, and his crew were his assistants. “I sincerely hope,” added the Mayor, “that the medal which hangs now from your breast, may hang there for many years, to show what you have done for the town of Folkestone. (Applause). COOK, I present you with that medal, and may it be handed down with the history of the brave boatmen belonging to the Lifeboat Institution of this town.” (Applause)

In turn the crew came up for their awards, and as each one was handed an envelope containing the money, he was congratulated by the Mayor.

THE RECIPIENTS WERE:

MESSRS. EDWARD MAJOR, DAVID PHILPOTT, GEORGE PHILPOTT, LEONARD SAUNDERS, CHARLES TAYLOR, FREDK FEATHERBY, JAMES SPEARPOINT, WILLIAM BAKER, JOHN HALL, JAMES HALL, JOHN PUNNETT and STEPHEN COOK. As MR MOCKERIDGE was not present, the coxswain received it on his behalf.

ALDERMAN PENFOLD observed that it was no common thing on the part of the Institution to grant that medal for bravery, and that was only the third that had been presented this year.

MR STEPHEN COOK briefly thanked the Mayor, on behalf of himself and crew, and also expressed his indebtedness to the members of the Corporation for attending at the ceremony.

The crew then retired

The medal which COXSWAIN COOK will be seen wearing in the photograph, is of solid silver, and hangs on a green ribbon. MR COOK′S name is inscribed on the edge of it. On one side is an engraving of the King′s head and the Lifeboats Society′s title, and on the other is represented a lifeboatman having a similar medal pinned on his breast. The certificate referred to by the Mayor, is a framed copy of the resolution of the Institution deciding to give the medal to MR COOK.