RAF SAR 202 Sqn Info request- Royal Humane Society.

[ralphmalph]

I’m trying to track down a testimonial in velum from the Royal Human Society for my father:

Flt Sgt Nigel Richards BEM 202 Sqn

The incident occurred based from RAF Boulmer in the early 1980’s. The citation I believe read “attempted to save the life of a man already drowned”

The RHS have replied that they have no records, but need the details of the rescue....can anyone from the RAF SAR Force help?

Thank you, Tony Richards

[Tankertrashnav]

Don't know whats happened to the RHS - they used to be excellent at providing records. I have had several RHS bronze medals pass through my hands over the years and they were always very good at coming up with the citations - they only needed the recipient's name. As I recall their fees for this service were also quite modest

Worth another try?

[Icare9]

Do you already have this?
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/48837/page/22/data.pdf
Supplement to the London Gazette 31st December 1981 p22
THE QUEEN has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the British Empire Medal (Military Division) to the undermentioned: (long list from previous page.....)
T1961743 Flight Sergeant Nigel RICHARDS, Royal Air Force

(presumably much too soon (19th December) for it to be in reference to the Penlee lifeboat disaster?)

[Paul49 at Stonehouse]

Tony,
You could try contacting the 202 squadron Association; they may have access to Bulmer's scrap book for the period. Also try contacting the local newspaper.
P.S. I very much enjoyed working with Nigel in the mid 1980s..

[Archimedes]

There was an incident in Feb 1981 where a fishing boat capsized/sank and the inshore rescue craft overturned in high winds. A Sea King recovered two men, a third swam to the shore, but a fourth was trapped in one of the boats (I think the fishing boat) and drowned. There is a photograph somewhere with a caption...

Edit - here's one: https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-sea-rescue-off-cullercoats-harbour-in-winds-of-up-to-force-7-the-double-84190886.html (not the one I was thinking of - that has someone being hurriedly removed from the helicopter while it's on the beach, and can be found at the foot of the above linked page)