The Barlick War Memorial Group

[Thomo]

This is the Lifeboat "William Riley". When HMHS Rohilla Struck rocks off Whitby in October 1914 with 15 Barlickers on board, this lifeboat was in the harbour, and due the the state of the sea could not get out of the harbour entrance. The boat was lifted over the sea wall and hand hauled over the cliffs to be launched from a beach close to the wreck. Many years later this boat was found in a garden, and then fully restored, last year it took part in the Diamond Jubilee River pageant on the Thames. This year if all goes well, it could be in Barlicks Town Square for a couple of days, along with other memorabilia from the Rohilla event. This is now under consideration following many mails and phone calls today between here, David and Whitby. This I believe, warrants maximum support!

[PanBiker]

Excellent news Peter, it will be very poignant and fitting if the boat can visit Barlick.

[Thomo]

A bit more info about the William Riley. She was built in 1909 at the Thames Iron Works at Blackwall on the Thames, she is a 34' long oar powered self righting boat and was originally based at Upgang before being transferred to Whitby after WW1. The fact that she was built at Blackwall touches on the knowledge that I have of two other vessels built there: HMS Warrior, one of the first iron Warships was built there and is now on display at Portsmouth Hard, she was the first Iron Ship to built at Blackwall. My Fathers ship in WW1, HMS Thunderer was the last to be built at Blackwall. If this visit comes off it could well be the first visit of a lifeboat to the town, and if we can get a military presence for the re-dedication, that will be the first since the end of WW1, other than the defence force during WW2. The boats offical name is: "William Riley of Leamington and Birmingham".

[Thomo]

I have the feeling that this topic has become a little stale, so this afternoon I am going to try to revive it under a new heading. Also we have a new and considerably important member, details of this will be in the new topic. Over and Out!