Party invite for ex RAF personnel who worked at the Marine Craft Unit on Monmouth Beach

LIFEBOAT volunteers in Lyme Regis are stepping up their search for former RAF personnel who operated rescue launches in the town .

They want to trace ex servicemen and women who worked at the Marine Craft Unit, on Monmouth Beach, which opened in 1937 and remained for 27 year.

With its high speed rescue launches, the base was set up for military purposes but was always prepared to help civilians in distress.

Now, Lyme Regis RNLI are hoping to trace former RAF crew to invite them to join celebrations of the 150th anniversary of a lifeboat service in the town, during Lifeboat Week, starting on July 23.

During the Second World War the RAF unit saved 65 people, including three German airmen.

The unit closed in 1964 and the RNLI station was re-opened three years later.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Grahame Forshaw said: ”We would be delighted if we could trace any of the former RAF crew based in Lyme Regis. They would be very welcome to join us at our 150th celebrations on July 28th.”

Any former RAF personnel involved with the rescue service in Lyme Regis should ring 07974 268504 for further details.

In the meantime ex-Lyme Regis RNLI crew have been responding to the appeal for them to join the celebrations and any who would like to attend should also ring for details.

All weather lifeboats from RNLI stations at Weymouth and Exmouth will be visiting Lyme Regis during Lifeboat Week on July 23 and 28 respectively.