31 January 1851
Yesterday, at the fortnightly meeting of the Committee of the Royal National 
Institution for the Preservation of Life from Shipwreck, after awarding various
Sums to boats' crews for rescuing lives from shipwreck, it was agreed that
The gold medallion of the Institution should be presented to Captain George
Davies, Inspecting Commander of the Penzance Coast Guard Station, as a
Mark of their appreciation of his gallant and humane exertions in proceeding
With his boat's crew (consisting of four coast guard boatmen, who are 
respectively to receive the silver medal of the institution for so nobly
seconding the efforts of their brave commander) under his direction to the
Brisson rocks in a tremendous sea, and at the imminent peril of his life
Firing a rocket apparatus from the boat, and thereby being the happy
Instrument, under Divine Providence, of rescuing from their perilous 
Situation the master and his wife (who was his constant companion during
The terrible night on the solitary rocks, but who unfortunately died soon
After she was brought ashore) of the ill-fated brig New Commercial, 
Wrecked at that place on the 11th inst.
The committee also agreed that the gold medallion should be presented
To Mr.T.R.Forward, commander of the revenue-cutter, Sylvia, in
Acknowlegdement of the intrepidity and self-devotion displayed by him
On that distressing occasion; and his brave crew of five men are each to 
Be presented with a silver medal; and the 10 fishermen and the miner, in
Consideration of their daring and valuable service in rescuing the 
Mulatto from a floating piece of the wreck, are awarded £11 to be divided 
among them. 
We may observe that Captain Davies has, on three different former 
occasions, been presented with the silver medal of this old and valuable
institution, which never selected more meritorious acts of gallantry for
the distribution of its honorary and pecuniary rewards than those just
recorded.

6 February 1851
Appointments
Master William H. Williams (a) (1843), to the Coast Guard

13 February 1851
Appointments
Lieutenant William S. Geary (1846) to the Coast Guard, dated the 10th inst.

7 March 1851
Appointments
Commanders - Henry C. Hawkins (1842) and George Kenyon (1843) to the
Coast Guard
Lieutenant - James B. Kinsman (1846) to the Coast Guard

30 April 1851
Appointments
Commander - Charles J. Austen (1848) to the Coast Guard

12 May 1851
Appointments
Commander Horatio Blair (1841) to the Coast Guard

4 June 1851
Appointments
Philip Somerville, a commander of 1848, to be Inspecting Commander
in the Coast Guard

 16 August 1851
Appointments
Master William Byford (1848) to the Coast Guard

3 September 1851
Appointments
Master - Benjamin Simpson (1846) to be a chief officer in the Coast Guard

25 October 1851
Horrible Murder - Peterhead, Oct. 20 -
Yesterday we were thrown into a state of great excitement by a report that
A dreadful murder had been perpetrated at Cruden, about seven miles from
This place. On inquiry we found it to be unfortunately true. The following
Particulars we have been able to glean - The person who has thus come to
his untimely end was Mr. Matthew Flame, formerly a chief boatman in the 
Coast-guard at this place, but who had retired on a pension about 12 months
Ago, and at Midsummer went to reside at Cruden, in a lone house on the 
Roadside, to which is attached some land and the post-office, and which is
The last stage for changing the horses of the mail coach which runs from
Aberdeen. 
(there is a detailed explanation of the crime, but basically, after Mr. Flame
had retired to bed, whilst his wife prepared for the next day, there was a
violent knocking at the door, which she would not open because of the
lateness of the hour. The noise caused Mr.Flame to get up and go out by the
back door, where he was struck by a stick and killed by the intruder. The
latter did not realise he had killed him and waited around for him to get up,
by which time neighbours had arrived and they caught the man and handed
him over to the law. He was from the Highlands and was working in the area
in the herring fishery. He was drunk when he committed the murder.

28 October 1851
Listed amongst those who purchased a foreign firearm from the Great Exhibition 
at Hyde Park -
Mr.Winthrop, Inspecting Commander of the Coast Guard at Bognor,
Bought a colt revolver.

18 December 1851
Appointments
Lieutenant - Henry R.Crofton (1842), from the Bellerophon, 78, on the
Mediterranean station, to a Coast Guard station.

5 January 1852
Appointments
Lieutenant - Richard Chambers (1847) from the Coast Guard to the Rodney, 
90, at Portsmouth
Lieutenant - Henry T.N. Chesshyre ( 1846) from the Coast Guard to the 
London, 90, at Sheerness

8 January 1852
Promotions in the Coast Guard
Commander William B.Oliver (1841), Inspecting Commander at Yarmouth, 
Isle of Wight, to the rank of Captain
Lieutenant William J. Scudamore (1812), Serving in the Coast Guard since
January 1822, and at present at the Islands of Kane station, to the rank of
commander.
Lieutenant Chestneys Simmonds (1819), serving in the Coast Guard since
December 1828, and at present at Ramsgate, to the rank of commander.
Lieutenant Thomas Brewer (1827), serving in the Stag revenue vessel, to
the rank of commander. 

8 January 1852
Died
On the 5th inst., at Osmington, near Weymouth, William Ablitt Lidderdale,
Eldest son of William Lidderdale, Esq., H.M. Coast Guard, aged 14 years.

16 January 1852
The Irish Coast Guard
The Galway Mercury of Saturday says - "We are enabled to state, upon the
best  authority, that orders have been issued to the several Coast Guard 
stations around the coast of Ireland to have all the men of that force, whose
term of service does not exceed five years , in readiness to go on board 
ships of the line on the shortest notice" 

16 January 1852
Appointments
Commander Charles Codrington Forsyth (1849), who proceeded to the Arctic 
Regions in the Prince Albert sailing vessel, in 1850, in search of Sir John
Franklin, is appointed a commander in the Coast Guard.
Lieutenant - Frederick L. Cotton (1847), at present serving in the Coast 
Guard, to command the Stag revenue vessel, vice Brewer, promoted to
Commander.

17 January 1852
The Loss of the Amazon ( a steamship wrecked in the Bay of Biscay)
Plymouth
Report refers to ".....the revenue cutter Royal Charlotte, Lieutenant Lilburn,
Which has, since the 12th inst., been cruising  at the entrance to the Channel,
In the hope of rendering assistance, by the instructions of Captain Kennedy,
Inspector of Coast Guard for this district"   

21 January 1852
A Ship on Fire


22 January 1852


2 March 1852
It is an extra-ordinary fact that the muskets and pistols supplied to that 
Valuable body of men constituting the coast guard are still fitted with 
The common flint lock. This circumstance is worthy the notice of the 
New Board of Admiralty and the Master General of Ordnance.

5 March 1852
The Tollesbury Murder
One of the witnesses in this case was
Jonathan Nicholls (who) said - I am in the Coast Guard service and reside at
Tollesbury. 

15 March 1852
Appointments
Commander John S.W. Grundy (1850) of the Coast Guard service, to the 
Ferret screw steamer, commissioned for carrying the pendant of Captain
Alexander Ellice, Comptroller of the Coast Guard.
Lieutenant Charles B.Warren (1839), to the Coast Guard service
Master John Jennings Bell (1843), of the Coast Guard service, to the Ferret.

14 April 1852
Report of an enquiry regarding a ship said to have been seen on an iceberg off 
Newfoundland in April 1851. It includes letters sent by the following:-
Commander Henry C. Hawkins, R.N., Inspecting Commander of Coast Guard,
Sunderland
Montague Pasco, Inspecting Commander, Weymouth
Commander John Jervis Palmer, Inspecting Commander, Limerick

12 May 1852
Appointments
Lieutenant William H.Hood (1846) is appointed to the Coast Guard

26 May 1852
The men belonging to the coast guard are practised every Thursday at 
Minster in the great gun and small arms' exercise, by the Inspecting
Commander Webb,  assisted by Lieutenant Baker, according to the mode
At present in use on board Her Majesty's ships and vessels of war.
(on 27 May Commander W.H. Webb pointed out that the day selected
for training was not fixed, but varied, so that smugglers did not use this
training day as an opportunity to take advantage !)

19 July 1852
Mention of Captain Stoddard of the Donaghadee Coast Guard.

20 July1852
Appointments
Lieutenant Charles A. Lodder (1846), to the Coast Guard

27 July 1852
Master George J.Gibbons (1846), at present serving in the Coast Guard, to
The Imaum,, receiving ship at Jamaica.

29 July 1852
American Firearms
Their Lordships (of the Admiralty) have also sanctioned permission being
Given for Lieutenant Patterson of the Coast Guard stationed at Cromarty to
Receive a pair of Colonel Colt's revolving pistols for his use.

9 August 1852
".....a coast guard cutter, by directions of Mr.G.A.Henry, inspecting
commander at Southend, is to protect the Renown from further depredations,
and to prevent interference with the divers and others employed in saving
the cargo and vessel."

15 September 1852
Appointments
Lieutenant - Herbert L.Griffiths (1842), from the Coast Guard, to be agent in
Charge of mails in a contract steam vessel.

11 October 1852
Promotions
Lieutenant William Eyton (1814), serving in the Coast Guard, to be 
Commander on the reserved list.

22 October 1852
Appointments
Commander John Richardson (b) (1839), to the Coast Guard

24 November 1852
Appointments
Second-Master George W.Grey (1848), to the Coast Guard

27 November 1852
Appointments
Thomas Andrews (1848), lieutenant in the Coast Guard

13 December 1852
Appointments
Hon, Augustus C.Hobart (1845), to the Coast Guard

29 December 1852
Mr.Barnes, R.N., chief officer of Coast Guard in Wembury
Mentioned.

4 February 1853
The thanks of the committee (of the Society for the Preservation of Life
From Shipwreck)  were presented to Lieutenant Kennedy, R.N., chief
Officer of Cushendeen Coast Guard station, and a reward of £3 to his
Boat's crew in consideration of their courageous and persevering
Services in rescuing the crew of the schooner Suspense, wrecked
Near the above place on the 15th ult.

5 February 1853
Appointments
Surgeon Robert Willox (1851) from the Coast Guard service, to the
Spitfire, paddle-wheel steam vessel, stationed at Malta.

17 May 1853
Deaths
On the 29th ult., at Strangford, Rebecca Elizabeth, wife of Lieutenant Keeling 
R.N., Inspecting-Officer of Coast Guard

7 June 1853
Plymouth, Saturday
The Coast Guard men, under Captain W.H.Kennedy R.N., Inspecting Commander of
this district, were inspected on Tuesday at great gun drill, on board the gunnery
ship Hotspur, by Captain Hewlett, of Her Majesty's ship Edinburgh, who highly
complimemted them on their state of efficiency.

7 June 1853
Appointments
Lieytenants - Abraham Darby (1828) and Robert O'Brien (1838), from the Coast Guard
service to be agents for the mails.

8 June 1853
Sheerness
A number of Coast Guard men, selected for service in the navy, being late men-of-war's
men who have entered the Coast Guard, and now in this district, have received orders
to hold themselves in readiness for being immediately draughted to ships in commission
anf fitting at this or any other ports. It is reported that 8,500 seame, serving at 
present in the Coast Guard in the united kingdom, are under similar orders. These alone
it is calculated, will man 10 sail of the line with first rate experienced seamen
accustomed to all naval discipline and customs.

8 June 1853
Appointments
Commanders - James A. St.Leger (1848) to the Coast Guard

11 June 1853
There is a reference to the Coast Guard exercises at Sheerness (see above), which ends
"These Coast Guard men, 30 in number, return to their respective districts in England, 
Ireland and Wales, during the week, for the purpose of instructing the whole of the
force employed in the Coast Guard service. They appear to be very orderly, and their
proficiency goes far to prove how valuable this branch of the navy may be made for the
defence of the country, afloat, or ashore, when properly instructed.

28 June 1853
Appointments
Commanders - Philip de Sausmarez (1845) and Charles F.Newland (1847) to the Coast Guard

29 June 1853
Appointments 
Master - Richard O.White (1851), from the Coast Guard to the Miranda, 14, screw steamship
of 250 horse-power at Sheerness.

29 July 1853
Appointments
Second-Master - George W.Grey (1848), from the Coast Guard service to the Impregnable, vice
V.F.Johnson

2 August 1853
Appointments
Lieutenant William G.Douglas (1846), from the Coast Guard service to the Odin, 16, paddle-
wheel steam frigate at Portsmouth.

8 September 1853
Appointments
Second-Master - William Francis Greet (1845), from the Coast Guard to be acting Master 
of the Arab, 12, sloop, at Chatham.

14 October 1853
Deaths
On Saturday, the 8th inst., suddenly at Glencuolch, N.B., the rsidence of his brother, the 
Right Hon. Edward Ellice, M.P., Captain Alexander Ellice, R.N. Controller-General of Coast Guards.

21 October 1853
Appointments
Portsmouth
Captain W.Henderson, C.B., late in command of the Blenheim, 60, screw guardship at this port, to be 
Controller-General of the Coast Guard, vice Ellice, deceased. 
Lieutenant Henry Oakeley (1843), from the Coast Guard to the Madagascar, receiving ship at Rio
Rear-Admiral Berkeley, C.B., one of the Lords of the Admiralty, will vacate his seat at that Board,
on being appointed Superintendent of the new Coast Guard volunteers, and be succeeded by Rear-Admiral
Sir James Stirling as one of the Lords of the Admiralty

22 November 1853
Sir - I beg to inform you that the accompanying card was picked up in a bottle at the Goring Coast Guard
station (two miles west of Worthing) on the 27th ult.
Your Obedient Servant
H.E.S.Winthrop
Inspecting-Commander, Coast Guard
The card read "Bognor, Nov.20
All lost ! Friends goodbye! - A.Alford, ship Dalhousie"


20 December 1853
Portsmouth
Lieutenant Horatio Nelson Atkinson (a godson of Nelson) of the Coast Guard service, is here today to try
the efficacy of projecting a common rocket from a ship to the shore within a certain distance. This is in
contradistinction to the coast mode of endeavouring to throw a rocket line over a ship in distress near
shore, for while the various points along shore are supplied with rocket stations and missiles for this
essential service, it does not appear to have been considered necesary to have such means of safety at
hand on board the ship whose crew may stand in need ofthem. Lieutenant Atkinson's idea is most simple,
and would save a large amount of dragging about materials if it should be thought capable of supplying
the needful aid in the hour of danger without neccessitating the establishment of cumbersome and expensive
gear ashore, which is likely to be found useless when suddenly required, as has been too often proved the
case. The principle of the notion of Lieutenant Atkinson is briefly this - A ship is a diminutive and
difficult object to hit at sea, even when stranded, wherea the shore is wide-spread, and could not be
missed if the range of the rocket would take it in.

29 December 1853
Appointments
Lieutenants Francis H.Shortt (1848), Hon. Augustus C.Hobart (1845), from the Coast Guard, to the Dauntless,
24, screw steam-frigate, at Portsmouth.
Lieutenant Henry C.Toby (1841), from the Coast Guard to the Cressy, 80, screw steamship at sheerness.
Lieutenant Stephen F.Douglas (1845), from the Coast Guard, to the Euryalus, 50, screw steam-frigate at
Chatham.

7 January 1854
Plymouth
Commander William H.Kennedy, who, since April 1848, has been Inspecting-Commander of the Coast Guard force
in this district, has just obtained (2nd January) promotion to the rank of Post-Captain

16 January 1854
Promotions
Lieutenants John James Kelling (1812), Robert Lee Stephens (1826), and Patrick Campbell (1835), of the
Coast Guard service. to the rank of commander, being the annual promotions in the Coast Guard.

18 January 1854
Letter signed by
Lieutenant Molesworth, R.M., Commanding the Coast GUard station at Fishersgate   


23 January 1854
Master William J.B.Hilliard (1843), formerly master of the Amphion, 34, screw steam-frigate, and at present
serving in the Coast Guard, to the James Watt

31 January 1854
Plymouth, Jan. 30
Since Saturday evening very severe gales from the north-west have been experienced in this vicinity. At half
-past 5 on Sunday morning the merchant ship Ellen Simpson, Captain Heckel, timber laden, from Moulmein, drove
from her anchorage in the Sound, and would have become a total wreck but for the timely assistance of Lieut.
Haswell, R.N., of the Turnchaple Coast Guard station, and his men; Mr.Thompson, Queen's harbour-master, 
Messrs. Hyde, Glynn, Trelwen, and Williams, pilots, and others.Mr.Thompson's yacht, the Tavy, dropped a large
anchor to windward and sent stout hawsers on board the distressed ship, by which she was hove off and secured
to the yacht. At 12 o'clock, through the application of Messrs. Luscombe, Driscole, and Co., Her Majesty's 
steam tug Confiance was sent from the dockyard, and took the Ellen Simpson back to her anchorage.

31 January 1854
Appointment
Lieutenant Augustus C.Hobart (1845), fro the Coast Guard, to the Bulldog paddlewheel steam sloop, at Portsmouth.

2 February 1854
The New Coast-guard
Captain N.L.Sheringham, the commissioner for the western district, visited Barnstaple, 
in the north of Devon, last week, and addressed the sailors of the port at custom-house. 
The gallant captain was received most enthusiastically, and his spirited observations were 
well received. He told the sailors that he had visited most of the outports, from the Isle 
of Wight to the Land's End, and he was proud to say that he had experienced the utmost 
alacrity in all classes of seamen to defend their hearths and homes, He hinted that if 
sufficient volunteers could not be procured the ballot system would be resorted to, but
he believed and trusted that this would be rendered unnecessary by a ready acquiescence 
on the part of sailors with the demands and necessities of the state.

3 February 1854
Appointments
Lieutenant Henry Crofton (1842), from the Coast Guard to the Caesar, 90, at 
Portsmouth 

9 February 1854
Appointments
Second-Master R.C.Dyer (1848), from the Coast Guard to the Impregnable flagship 
at Devonport

11 February 1854
Plymouth
The steam-troopship Magicienne, 16, Captain Fisher, sailed on Wednesday for
Queenstown, to bring seamen from the Coast Guard stations for ship fitting here.

11 February 1854
Appointments
Lieutenant James S.Davison (1842) from the Coast Guard to the Majestic.
Lieutenant Charles A.Lodder (1846) from the Coast Guard to the Majestic

13 February 1854
The Vigilant revenue cruiser arrived at Woolwich today from Sheerness, and
Took on board the whole of the men of Coast Guard from the station at Charlton,
As their services are required afloat, leaving only Mr.Harrys, the chief 
officer, to do duty at Charlton.

14 February 1854
Portsmouth, Feb 13
Rear-Admiral the Hon. M.T.F.Berkeley, C.B., M.P., third Lord of the Admiralty
accompanied by Commander Kennedy, of the Coast Guard, arrived in this dockyard
this morning on an official visit, connected chiefly with manning the ships. 
All the outpensioners of Greenwich employed in the yard were mustered before the
Admiralty Lord, who harangued them in spirited terms, and told them that he 
wanted such as were able to take duty in the Coast Guard service in the room of
the regulars, who were draughted for ship duty.......... The pensioners from the Royal 
Marine corps will also be draughted (such as are capable) for temporary Coast 
Guard service.

14 February 1854
The New Coast Guard
Lieutenant Hoblyn has visited the port of Brixham, Devonshire, within the last
few days and addressed the sailors in reference to the new Coast Guard now being
formed throughout the country. The gallant gentleman was well received by the 
seafaring men, upwards of 20 of whom volunteered to join the corps, and were at
once enrolled. Captain Sheringham has made a tour in the west, and has been very
successful at most of the ports throughout the district. 


17 February 1854
Deptford, Feb.16
The whole of the pensioners of the Woolwich, Deptford and Greenwich districts, 
not serving afloat, assembled at Deptford Dockyard this morning, and Rear-
Admiral M.T.F.Berkeley, C.B., with Captain Henderson, C.B., Controller of the
Coast Guard, Colonel Tulloch, staff officer, commanding the out-pensioners of
the London district, Major Forbes, staff officer of the pensioners of the 
Woolwich division, arrived about 10 o'clock and made a minute inspection of
the pensioners in the Deptford division, and afterwards of the Woolwich 
division. The men found unfit received a card to that effect, and were to be 
allowed to return to their work in the dockyard, or in any place where they
were employed. The men found capable of service are to hold themselves in 
readiness to serve in the room of the men of the coastguard who have been
draughted for active service at sea.

18 February 1854
Similar to above but at Chatham.

18 February 1854
Appointments
Commander William Boys (1846) from the Coast Guard to the Fisgard flagship at
Woolwich, for transport service at Deptford.

20 February 1854
Dublin, Saturday Feb.18
On Tuesday evening Her Majesty's cutter Desmond arrived at Tramore East, and
embarked a number of men of the Coast Guard from the neighbouring stations
selected for service in the Baltic fleet.

21 February 1854
Pembroke Dockyard - The Argus revenue steam vessel has been collecting the 
Quota of the Coast Guard from the district for service in the navy.

3 March 1854
Recruiting in the North of Scotland
........Captain Craigie has got a large number of coast defence volunteers, and
this will enable the Government to call up the Coast Guard service of Scotland,
which constitutes a fine body of active seamen.

21 April 1854
An order was received on Saturday morning by the Commander of the Coast Guard in
Galway, calling upon all the men under 50 years of age, to hold themselves in
readiness to join the navy at a moment's notice. A similar order has also been 
addressed to the crew of the revenue cutter Amphitrite.

24 April 1854
Appointments
Lieutenant James Hunt (1841) from the Coast Guard, to command the Pigmy paddle 
wheel steam vessel of 100 horse-power, commissioned at Portsmouth. 

29 April 1854
Folkestone, April 28
The Russian bark Kamschatka, of about 400 tons, with a crew of 15 men, from 
Cadiz for Elsinore, with a cargo of salt, has been made a prize off here by
Captain Skipwith, Inspecting-Commander of the Coast Guard at this port, and
will be brought in next tide. 

1 May 1854
Appointments
Second-Master Martin Roberts (1844), from the Coast Guard to the Volcano steam
sloop at Woolwich.

27 May 1854
Coast Guard
We are glad to learn that the Treasury entirely concur with the Board of Customs
That the men of the Coast Guard who may have temporarily joined the navy should 
Not be deprived of the advantages to which the regulations of the Coast Guard 
Service entitles them; and in pursuance of this resolution pensions have been
Granted to the widow and two children of Robert M'Guire, late boatman at Bourne
Bottom, in the port of Poole - to the former of £15 per annum, and the latter of
£2 10s each until they attain the age of 15 years, to commence on the date of 
the decease of M'Guire, who was killed by accident a few days after he had joined 
the navy. - Civil Service Gazette.

31 May 1854
The following appointments have been made:-
Master Charles Bawden (1849) from the Coast Guard to the Meander, 44, 
commissioned at Devonport

5 July 1854
Commander Massingberd is from Gosport, where he has served as Inspecting-
Commander of the Coast Guard since the 15th January 1852. He is now borne as
A supernumerary on board the Waterloo flagship, waiting a passage by the 
Hannibal, 9L

2 August 1854
The under-mentioned invalids left the Dauntless yesterday by the African steam
Vessel, under medical charge of Assistant Surgeon (acting) W.S.Roche, for 
Melville Hospital:- 
(includes)
William Edmond, Coast Guard seaman
James County, Coast Guard seaman
Thomas Adams, Coast Guard seaman

17 August 1854
Commanders Charles R.Carter (1853) and Francis J.Diggins (1853), have both been 
Appointed to the Coast Guard

18 August 1854
Master Richard W.Ward (1850) from the Coast Guard to the Cossack, 20, screw 
Steam-corvette.
Master John G.Anderson (1850) from the Coast Guard to the Harier, 8, screw
Steam sloop.
The name of the commander appointed to the Harier screw steam sloop, is 
Henry A.Storey (1846) from the Coast Guard

21 August 1854
Appointments
Master James D. Milne (1849) from the Coast Guard to the Malacca, 17, screw 
Steam sloop at Sheerness

22 August 1854
Appointments
Master George H. Loveridge (1847) from the Coast Guard to the Salamander, paddle
Wheel steam sloop at Portsmouth

30 August 1854
Appointments
Commander Thomas Cochrane (1851) from the Coast Guard to the Mariner, 12, sloop, 
At Devonport.

14 September 1854
Appointments
Commander Hebert G. Austen (1846), to the Coast Guard
Commander Charles Codrington Forsyth (1849), from the Coast Guard, to command t
The Hornet, 17, screw steam sloop, at Portsmouth, vice Commander Frederick A. 
Campbell, promoted to be Captain
Lieutenant George M. Smith (1846), from the Coast Guard to the Waterloo, 120,
Flagship, at Sheerness.

26 September 1854
Appointments
Lieutenant William L. Lambert (1842), from the Coast Guard, to command the Royal
Charlotte revenue vessel.

19 October 1854
Appointments
Master Charles C. Scott (1834 ?), to be chief officer in the Coast Guard

25 October 1854
Appointments
Commander Henry J. Wellington (1842), has been appointed to the Coast Guard

26 October 1854  
Appointments
Second Master William Johnston (1841), from the Coast Guard to the Pigmy, 
Paddle wheel steam vessel

18 December 1854
Appointments
Lieutenant James Hunt (1841), recently serving in the Coast Guard, has been 
Promoted to be commander

25 December 1854
Appointments
Master George H. Loveridge (1847), recently serving in the Salamander paddle
Wheel steam sloop to the Coast Guard

4 January 1855
Appointments
Master James F. Beckett has been appointed to the Coast Guard

10 February 1855
Appointments
Commander Alexander C. Gordon (1853), recently serving in the Majestic, 80,
screw steam-ship, at Sheerness, to the Coast Guard

12 February 1855
Appointments
Commander George H. Clarke, to the Coast Guard

1 March 1855
Deal, February 26th
The schooner Minalto, of Scilly, from Buenos Ayres for London, got on shore near 
Leaden Spout; assisted off by the coast Guard and passed through the Downs.

17 May 1855
Investigation into the loss of the John
Falmouth, May 13
Witness -
John Andrews said he was the chief boatman of the Coast Guard on the Coverack 
Station. On the night in question he was in charge of the station, the 
Lieutenant being sick. About 11,30 pm John Townsend, a boatman, reported to him
That an emigrant ship was on shore on the Manacles. He proceeded to the quay.
Afterwards went to the Three Tuns Inn at Coverack, and there found five sailors
And one passenger. Met Lieutenant Maclean just as he was entering the passage, 
And immediately after his crew, five in number, consulted what was best to be
Done, and agreed to go to Porthoustock, as it was impossible to launch a boat
At Coverack. The seamen and passenger went with them. On arriving there launched
Two large boats. Made an ineffectual attempt to reach the vessel, but were 
Obliged to put back and await daybreak. They afterwards succeeded in reaching 
the ship. One boat went round the stern to the foremast, the other boat went to
the raft. They commenced taking off the people from the foremast rigging. Some
of the sailors brought their bags into the boats with them. He told the crew
they were not come to save bags, but lives, and he would pitch overboard any 
more bags he caught. After landing one boat-load with great difficulty at Tom's
Cove, they returned, but found it difficult to get near the main-rigging, 
Because the mainyard was swinging about in its slings. Took several off at last
And among them the captain. Twice the mainyard struck the bow of the boat, and
Nearly knocked it out. When the captain got in there were passengers in the 
Maintop and rigging. No women or children were, he thinks, left. They saved them
First. Thinks there were 30 or 40 people left when the captain came into the 
Boat. Went off a third time, and took off two passengers.

Amongst other findings, which were very critical of the captain and most of the 
Crew of the John, the magistrates stated 
"That the conduct of the chief boatman of the Coast Guard and his men, and of a
fisherman named James Hill, and others associated with them, in going to and
taking the passengers and crew off the wreck, was highly commendable"

25 September 1855
Appointments
Commander W.C.Forsyth and Commander I.F.C. Mackenzie, to be Inspecting 
Commanders of the Coast Guard