This rare photograph shows a Chief Boatman in Charge in his full dress uniform, with sword. William Davie, shown in 1863, came from a whole family of coastguards. His brother served in a revenue cruiser based at Whitstable, and was also stationed at Tankerton. 'Captain ' Campbell would have worn a similar uniform.

Ballinskelligs Coastguard Station.
Co. Kerry

Tramore Coastguard Station.
Co. Waterford

Rescue Rocket

Location Unknown

Photo from the book 'Tollesbury to the year 2000'The Chief Officer is T J Batten. My great-grandfather, William McCullen is the second from the right. The photo was probably taken about 1900. The coast guard cottages are still there but are now private residences.

Alwich Rocket House

Aaron Atkins, born in 1790, was a Coastguard. His son, Aaron who was born in 1821 in Norfolk, served in the Coastguard based in Reculver according to 1851 and 1861 Censuses.
He was married to Frances from Seafield, Co.Clare.Their son, Forrest William Atkins was also a Coastguard and married Jane Simms.He was based at Kingstown, Dublin in 1890. He served at Castletown, Co.Cork from March 1907. Their son, Aaron Atkins, born in Kingstown, 1890, married Elizabeth Driscoll

Hole Haven,
Canvey Island

I now have the service record of Arthur Edward Hammond from the National Archives (Catalogue reference: ADM 188/296).

His service number was 179179 and he enlisted aged 18 in 1895 at Devonport (he was actually 19 as the recorded date of birth was out by one year). After serving in the Royal Navy for 13 years, he was transferred to the Coastguard service. His first posting was to Dingle on 28 June 1905 with the rank of boatman. He served there until 12 September 1909. He was then posted to Ventry and served there from 18 September 1909 to 2 April 1911. His next posting was to (what looks like) Upper Cove from 3 April 1911 to 31 July 1914. On 31 July 1913 he was promoted to leading boatman. After the Ireland postings, he served in Wales (twice), Gloucestershire and Clovelly, North Devon.

Some personal details: he was 5'3 1/4" tall with brown hair, brown/grey eyes, a fresh complexion and a tattoo of the word 'true' on the back of his right arm.

Five Mile Point CG Cottage