Walmer Lifeboat Legend Honoured After 55 Years of Bravery
Denis has been a lifeboat hero since 1967, starting out as a shore helper. Over the decades, he’s worn many hats – from D Class crew and helm to emergency mechanic, second coxswain, and eventually coxswain of the Rother Class lifeboat Hampshire Rose until its 1980 retirement.
But Denis didn’t stop there. He climbed the ranks to Atlantic senior helm and Deputy Launch Authority. Since 2001, he’s held the crucial role of Lifeboat Operations Manager at Walmer.
Staggering 55 Years of Lifesaving Service
During Denis’s tenure, Walmer Lifeboat has launched 1,257 times, helped 1,429 people, and saved 313 lives. His dedication has been nothing short of heroic.
Humbled Hero Speaks Out
“This is a great shock and very unexpected. I am both very moved, humbled and surprised that the RNLI has considered me worthy of such an honour,” Denis said. “All I have ever done is to try and do my best for Walmer lifeboat and the Institution. To see the station thrive and everyone there develop in their roles has been a reward in itself for me.
“However, I am extremely grateful to the people who put me forward to be considered for this award and those who put together the evidence for the citation. It is a true honour to accept this award on behalf of everyone at Walmer Lifeboat Station both past and present.”
