herakles
15-02-2008, 03:30
The death is announced today of David Stogdon, a man who devoted his life to saving people at sea.
He designed and created the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that is in use around the world today.
In 1984 he attended the launch, by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, of the first of these craft, which was named Koningin Beatrix. They were fast and highly manoeuvrable boats, able to survive in the worst sea conditions, including heavy breaking seas over offshore sandbanks. They could safely come alongside vulnerable craft, such as yachts, and were easily launched and recovered.
As a young boy, he rowed his small rowing boat from Frinton-on-Sea out into the North Sea. Later, as a 12 year old, he sailed his 12ft dingy from Fowey to Falmouth.
In 1940 he was navigating control officer on the Brazen when it was destroyed by enemy planes. Despite having a broken back, he manned a 2 pounder gun and was able to shoot down three of the Stukas.
He later served as gunnery officer on the Tynedale and was partly responsible for the destruction of U593.
He was MID twice.
He designed and created the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that is in use around the world today.
In 1984 he attended the launch, by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, of the first of these craft, which was named Koningin Beatrix. They were fast and highly manoeuvrable boats, able to survive in the worst sea conditions, including heavy breaking seas over offshore sandbanks. They could safely come alongside vulnerable craft, such as yachts, and were easily launched and recovered.
As a young boy, he rowed his small rowing boat from Frinton-on-Sea out into the North Sea. Later, as a 12 year old, he sailed his 12ft dingy from Fowey to Falmouth.
In 1940 he was navigating control officer on the Brazen when it was destroyed by enemy planes. Despite having a broken back, he manned a 2 pounder gun and was able to shoot down three of the Stukas.
He later served as gunnery officer on the Tynedale and was partly responsible for the destruction of U593.
He was MID twice.