Rocket Apparatus Volunteer Long Service Medal GV (JOHN BIGGENDEN)
John Biggenden - Thought to be John Miller Biggenden, Lloyd's Agent from Easington who called out the Rocket Apparatus Crew in emergencies. He passed away in November 1928. (Hull Daily Mail 6.2.1930)
Awarded for twenty years full or part-time service, with members of His Majesty's Coastguard, Coastguard Rescue Service, Isle of Man Coastguard and auxiliary coastguards eligible
The Board of Trade owned the apparatus which was held at Coastguard Stations. Users could claim expenses from the board. The rocket apparatus was used to fire a line to a ship in distress. The line then used to haul over hawsers and the block to be affixed to the mast. Once fixed a breeches buoy could be used, hauled on a continuous whip line, to take off passengers and crew one by one. It was used by Coastguards but also by Volunteer Life Brigades and Life Saving Companies. The first of these founded in Tynemouth in 1864.Coastguards trained the volunteers in the use of the rocket apparatus. These Brigades became national institution until rocket apparatus made obsolete in the 1980s.
