Lifejackets Collection

Sponsored Float, Lostwithiel, Cornwall. June 1991

Nautragio of a large German sailing ship, crewmen climbing trees in tragic... (colour litho)
2815621 Nautragio of a large German sailing ship, crewmen climbing trees in tragic... (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info)

A dramatic rescue on the Norwegian Bear Island (colour litho)
2778108 A dramatic rescue on the Norwegian Bear Island (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: A dramatic rescue on the Norwegian Bear Island)

RAF Hurricane fighter pilots, some of the Few who fought in the Battle of Britain, World War II, 1940 (b / w photo)
6015301 RAF Hurricane fighter pilots, some of the Few who fought in the Battle of Britain, World War II, 1940 (b/w photo) by English Photographer

British troops crossing the English Channel to travel to France (colour litho)
2783946 British troops crossing the English Channel to travel to France (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info)

W. A. A. Fs leaving England for the Middle East. Fourth Officer Taylor inspects
W.A.A.Fs leaving England for the Middle East. Fourth Officer Taylor inspects the life jackets. 19th April 1944

Crowded decks following a drill on board a British troopship carrying soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force in Norway, April 1940

Right - WW2 Fighter Air Ace Brendon E. Finucane, Known A?
Right - WW2 Fighter Air Ace Brendon E. Finucane, Known As Paddy with Other Pilot of 65 Squadron Date: 1940s

Lifeboat Coxswain with cork lifebelt from magic lantern slide circa 1900. Hand-coloured portrait of National Lifeboat Institution boat and coxswain

Sailors hauling a boat onto the deck of a ship, WW1
Sailors hauling a boat onto the deck of a ship, directed by an officer, probably as part of a lifeboat drill, May 1915. Date: 1915

Army personnel on board ship, WW1
Army personnel on board a ship, with lifeboats and lifejackets. Date: 1917

London England Royal National Lifeboat Institutions Gallantry Awards to presented by HRH The Duchess of Kent Right to left Coxswain Mark Bates; Kilmore Country Wexford

Turkey, rafters on rapids of Coruh River

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"Lifejackets: A Lifeline in Times of Peril" In the early 20th century, as passenger liners like the ill-fated SS Titanic sailed across vast oceans, a crucial lesson was learned. The print of a lifeboat drill on the Titanic in 1912 serves as a reminder that preparedness can make all the difference between life and death. Fast forward to June 1991, where a sponsored float in Lostwithiel, Cornwall emphasized the importance of lifejackets. This event aimed to raise awareness about water safety and ensure that every individual had access to this essential piece of equipment. During World War I, sailors hauling boats onto ship decks showcased another facet of lifejacket significance. These brave men understood that their survival depended on being equipped with these buoyant devices amidst perilous waters. The sinking of the Titanic left an indelible mark on history. A timeline chronicling events and articles related to this tragedy further highlights how vital it is for individuals to wear lifejackets when venturing into treacherous waters. A poignant lithograph depicting crewmen climbing trees after a large German sailing ship's naufragio (shipwreck) reinforces the notion that even experienced seafarers must rely on such safety gear during unforeseen calamities. From tragic incidents at sea to dramatic rescues, color lithographs capture moments where lives were saved by wearing lifejackets. Whether it be during an intense rescue mission on Norwegian Bear Island or amid turbulent waters in the Channel, these images remind us why we should never underestimate their value. World War II brought its own set of challenges; RAF Hurricane fighter pilots bravely fought in aerial battles during the Battle of Britain. In black and white photographs from this era, one can spot these heroes donning not just helmets but also life-saving jackets – acknowledging that protection extends beyond combat zones. As British troops crossed over from England to France via ships, color lithographs showcased their preparedness with lifejackets.