David Cox
( Photo credit to RNLI)
Wells next the Sea RNLI posted this about David on their Facebook page:
The RNLI station flag is being flown at half-mast in mourning for the renowned Wells lifeboat coxswain, David Cox, who died on Sunday 24 April 2022. During his long and distinguished service, he received 5 awards from the RNLI for courage, determination and excellent seamanship, including a prestigious silver medal.
As a boy David would race to the beach when the launch maroons went off from the lifeboat house indicating danger at sea and help to launch the lifeboat. In 1945, at the age of 19, he volunteered as a member of the lifeboat crew, following in family tradition. In 1960 David took over as Coxswain of the lifeboat from his uncle, William Cox.
David retired from his service to the lifeboat at the age of sixty in 1986, having handed on his vast knowledge of the sea and seamanship to the volunteer crew members who had joined under him. Before he died, he recorded his memoirs, which have been a fountain of knowledge for the RNLI.
Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris Hardy, says ‘David was an inspiration as Coxswain to all lifeboatmen throughout the Institution, particularly for his courage and unwavering determination to saving lives at sea off our coastline. He actively continued that commitment throughout his retirement years and was a great ambassador for the RNLI, often recalling in great detail the difficult ‘shouts’ he had taken part in over the years, which totally captivated all those who were listening. David’s time served in Wells will never be forgotten and his longstanding contribution to the RNLI will live on in his memory - he was a legend!’
David was also the Coxswain of Lucy Lavers both times she served as relief lifeboat in Wells, and took a great interest in Rescue Wooden Boats restoration of her. He took her back in to the harbour when she returned from the 75th anniversary of Dunkirk in 2015.
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Jimmy and David Cox with Lucy Lavers. David Cox at the helm of Lucy Lavers 2015
We have many films (links below) of David telling the stories of his courageous and adventurous life, all with good humour.
Lifeboats at Wells next the Sea Part 1
Lifeboats at Wells next the Sea Part 2
Two Wells next the Sea Rescues
Wooden lifeboats and Modern Lifeboats
and some films of David with colleagues Graham Walker and Tony Jordan
