DEAL BOATMEN & BOATS
Flint Roberts and crew with the Golden Spray
A Lugger on North Deal Beach
DEAL LUGGER ON THE BEACH
Mission to Seamens Boat at Exchange Street
South End 1970's
BRITANNIC
Rev. Stanley Treanor - George Norris - Steven Wildes
HARRY UPTON & HIS WIFE IN FARRIER STREET
LEFT: HARRY UPTON 1950's
Hey mi hearties Dont you just miss the sea beneath ya feet
Above pictures of Harry Upton, I spent most of my young days on the beach at the top of Brewer Street under the instructions of Harry, using his punts and sculler’s whenever the occasion arose, and hauling the boats up the beach on a hand winch with a handle each side. Great childhood days, and characters never again to prouse the beach of Deal
JAMES SKARDON AT 6 BREWER STREET
JOCK KENNEDY
FREDDIE UPTON: JIMMY HICKMAN: NORMAN SMITH
STORM WARRIORS
A GOOD HAUL OF SPRATS
Les Burrows and Colin top of Broad St 1970's
GEORGE (Frenchy) BAKER
FREDDIE MARCHANT
BILL ADAMS COX OF THE
NORTH DEAL LIFEBOAT
%2520Lill_edited.jpg)
DICKIE LILL
???????
BEN BAILEY
CENTRE HARRY UPTON: RIGHT SID WILLIS
FREDDIE UPTON
Skardon's World
The Tiger on the beach
RICHARD (DICK) ROBERTS
EDWARD HANGER: MASTER OF THE
EARLY MORN
FRANK PRESTON
Skardon's World
DAVE CHAMBERLAIN SKIPPER OF THE MORNING HAZE CHARTER BOAT
Launching a boat at Walmer
A Deal Galley Punt
THE FAIRWAY DAVE SKARDON SKIPPER
TAKEN FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH 1961
The Fairway Formerly the "Lady Beatie"
In 1958 my father James Skardon bought the Fairway from Ramsgate, where she had been used by the lifeboat skipper for pilot work, still named the Lady Beatie, she was purchased for £300,
A calm autumn day in September saw us bring the boat to Deal beach, where she was hove up at the top of Brewer Street on the plot next to Bob Abel's Blue Line fleet. On beaching her, we discovered that her bilges had been removed, so care was taken to haul her up onto the promenade. Several weeks later we had made new bilges and she was ready to work.
Trials down the bay trawling proved their selves well, with some good catches being taken. The old Handy Billy engine pulled a 5 fathom otter trawl effortlessly.
FAIRWAY IN COLOUR
EARLY MORN AND HER CREW
DARKY BUDDS PLOTS
IDA COMING ASHORE, Skipper George Fouey (bubbles)
GALLEY RACES DEAL KENT
SCULLER UNDER OAR
DAVE LAWRENCE SELLING HERRING on BEN BAILEY'S PLOT
BEACHING A DEAL GALLEY
GALLEY RACES DEAL KENT
Dave Chamberlain
SALE OF THE FAIRWAY 1967
ALF BETTS "ROSE & MARY"
BRITANNIC LAUNCHING OLD DEAL PIER IN VIEW
A ROUGH DAY ON THE SEAFRONT
A GOOD HAUL OF SPRATS
THE "SPRAY" OPPOSITE TIME BALL TOWER 1972
GALLEY RACES DEAL KENT
GALLEY RACES DEAL KENT
DEAL LUGGER UNDER SAIL
TIME BALL 1980's
EXCHANGE STREET AND THE SKYLARK
THE SUNBEAM
THE "SPRAY" OPPOSITE TIME BALL TOWER 1972
WHIMPY: DAVID SKARDON: ALEC MARSH
DEAL LUGGER RESCUES
The Garland. Length 33 feet. breadth 10 feet, 14 tons. Launched by the Royal Signal Tower on 10th. September 1867 by the Earl of Clanwilliam. And Built By Isaac Gammon Hayward, in Cottage Row: now Wellington Road. Originally built for Folkestone, but arrived back on Walmer beach the year after.
Awards: January 18th.1873, she was awarded £120 for services to the ship Cape of Good Hope. Also awarded to the Garland and steam tug £500 for assistance given to the ship Lady Havelock.
The Elizabeth Jane. Awards: January 1872, £120 for services to the schooner "Elliptic", which was in collision in the downs, and later taken to Ramsgate. In January 1878 she was awarded £157 for services given to the schooner "Auguste"
The Fly. Winner of the Deal Regatta in 1863 & 1868. Awards: December 7th.1870, £550 for supplying two anchors and chains, to the ship "Highland Mary". On January 26th. 1859 for services given to the barque "Prometheus" £106.10s.
England's Glory A South-end Lugger. For services rendered to the ship "Iron Crown" on 7th. February 1866,ashore on the Goodwin Sands, and aiding in saving the ship, cargo and passengers. An award of about £7000 was given, which was shared amongst around sixty-two local boatmen. In November, 1858 her crew were awarded £130 for supplying an anchor and chain to the brig "Margaret". In January 1866 for services given to the schooner "Hamburg" £106.On 28th. February 1868 for assistance given to the brig "Rhoboth" £40 was awarded. In February 1861 she was awarded £450, for supplying an anchor and chain and pulling free from the shore, the ship" Canadian" at that time laden with coffee. Again in March 1880 an award of £420 was given for clearing the barque "Meridian" from the main.
Briton's Pride. Owned by Henry Spears, Thomas Spears and William Spears, also formed part of her crew. Awards: November 1858, £92.10s. for supplying an anchor and chain to the brig "Migrator". February 9th. 1859 she was awarded £120 for services to the brig "Boxer" and the brig "Mary" which had fouled after a collision. On October 7th.1874 £250 for rendering assistance to the barque "Franconi" Picioni" . October 24th. 1859, she rescued the crew of the Norwegian barque "Iios" which had been wrecked on the Goodwin Sands.
The British Queen. For rescuing the crew of a French fishing boat, wrecked on the main at Dunkirk, the captain was awarded a silver medal. On January 11th. 1860, £165 was awarded, for supplying the Netherlands barque "Jan Hendrick" an anchor and chain.
The Lord Ragan. On December 28th. 1858, £192 was awarded for services rendered to the ship "Chrysolite" In March, 1859, £148 was awarded for supplying an anchor and chain to the ship "Trinidad". Also £23 was awarded for taking the Spanish Schooner "Firine" into Ramsgate harbour.
The Tartar. In 1859 £500 was awarded for services given to the barque "Ealing Grove" . On November 1866, she landed the crew of seventeen, from the French fishing boat "Espoir en Marie", run down off Dungeness by the brig "Neptune"
The Cruiser. An award of £45 was made on October 10th 1868, for services given to the Norwegian barque "Byfoged Christenien".
The Little Willie. On October 20th.1886 she rescued the crew of the Norwegian barque "Ilex" aground on the Goodwin Sands.
Seamen's Hope. In January 1859, she was awarded £66, for assisting the brig " J.A.Richards" On October 30th. 1869, £350 for services to a Dutch schooner. December 23rd,1874 for services to the brig "Palmen". January 1st, 1876 £205, for services to the ship "Lear"; February 1876, £700, for supplying the American ship "Kendrick Fish" with two anchors and chains.
Seamen's Glory. Awarded £94 in December 1858 for services rendered to the brig "Enterprise". In 1873, £70 for services rendered to the Dutch barque "AEolus"
The Cobden. (no records of awards found yet)
The Petrel. Found swamped off Brixham in March 1878, missing and presumed dead, a service was held at St.Saviours Church, Walmer on Sunday April 28th. for the crew of the Petrel, who were; Alfred Axon; Phillip Claringbould; William Elliot; and Frederick Ellenden, three of whom were married
The Walmer Castle. One of the most famous Luggers to sail from the beach, she foundered off Ventnor Isle of Wight, in March 1892, in a SSW gale, with the loss of all hands. The bodies of three of the crew, Henry Axon (skipper) 41, James Arnold, 32; and William Cushney, 36; were recovered from the wreck. The remaining members of the crew were; David Axon, James Hoile and William Gilcrest. A fund was opened and £514.18s.2d. was placed in the trustees charge. the Rev.T.S.Treanor was treasurer and secretary to the fund.
Queen of Sheba. Wrecked on the beach during severe gales of December 1875 whilst trying to launch.
The Lady Bouncer. Later called "The Lady Compton" built by Issac Bayly and situated on the beach at the North end on November 1876. She landed the captain and eleven crew of the Norwegian barque "Victor" at Dover on 20th. March 1880
The Princess of Wales. Saved the schooner "Swift" from destruction in a strong easterly gale on March 18th. 1867. Picked up an abandoned collier off Brighton on O
ctober18th. 1862, and successfully took her into Ramsgate.
Friend of all Nations. On November 1863, she was awarded £67, for supplying an anchor and cable to the barque "Kestrel". In November 1863, £150 was awarded for supplying an anchor and cable to the brig "Burger Meister Smidt" lying off Dungeness. £70 for services rendered to the brig "Margaret" on October 29th, 1863.
The Success. January 7th. 1869 she was awarded £56 for services rendered to the brig "George Mary". On April 2nd. 1873, £400 for services given, and supplying an anchor and chain to the ship "Mary Blindell" which was in distress in the downs. £550 for services rendered to the French barque "Metore" which had been in collision on November 4th.
The Stornoway. Although involved in many incidents there is no record of awards for services given found yet.
The Brave Nelson. November 14th. 1860 saved a soul from the cutter "Hydra" which had been run down in the channel. November 6th.1881, picked up the crew of the brigantine "Terra Nova" which had sprung a leak and capsized. June 1874, £600 was paid for services given to the German brig "Diana" which had been in collision.. February 17th. 1876, rescued three people from the ill-fated vessel, "Strathclyde" ashore on the sands.
The Four Brothers. No records of services rendered as yet,
The Mary Ann. £400 awarded for supplying an anchor and chain to the ship "Empress Eugenie".
The Pride. Awarded £27 for taking the French schooner "Bayadere" into Ramsgate harbour on September 18th. 1866. Rendered assistance to the collier "Ethel" ashore on the sands on February 18th. 1865.
GALLEY PUNT UNDAUNTED
The Galley Punt Undaunted; seen here on Deal beach just to the South of Deal Pier. Taken in the 1970's, the two old boatmen are: left in the white shirt, Claire Hickman and right in blue, the owner and ex. Walmer lifeboat coxswain, Ben Bailey.
Deal Galley's were among the fastest boats on the beach at the time, easily reaching speeds of 20 knots in a good stiff wind. They were, like the Luggers, Lug rigged, the difference being that only one lug sail was used, there not being a jib or mizzen. The main mast was carried amidships in these boats, unlike larger Luggers, and smaller punts, which carried the main mast foreword, and usually a mizzen mast astern. Standing lug rig was common in many of the smaller mizzen and false mizzen punts as well.
Standing lug rig was common in many of the smaller mizzen and false mizzen punts as well.
The workings of a standing lug are pretty simple. The mast carries no stays, only one halyard; this is used to hoist the lug sail to its uppermost on one side of the mast, always on the lee side, the halyard then holding the sail aloft, also acts as a mast stay. On coming about the Galley is bought up, and as she turns her head to wind to go about, the sail is dropped, and transferred to the other side of the mast from where it is once again hoisted. Ballast was carried in the form of sacks of beach stones, thus if a cargo was picked up the ballast was discharged overboard.
Feats of heroism, and bravery were commonplace with these boats and men, with rewards received almost not worth the trouble. Many ships have perished on the Goodwin Sands, and many survivors owe much to the heroism and bravery of these craft and their crews, for saving their lives.
The bank buoy challenge race was a spectacle well worth watching when I was a youngster in the 1950's, the boatmen had to launch their galleys from the beach, set sail and run a course to the bank buoy and back, the winner receiving a cup. the last race was of this kind by the galleys was on a day with a strong south west wind blowing and low water, the race hardly started when one galley capsized, a couple of others met their fate as well and the race in the bad conditions just about wiped out the galleys from the beach, thus no more galley races were ever done,
Contrasts to belief
Not all Deal boatmen were out for self gain, and the churchyards and written accounts give proof of this. As the decline took place among sailing vessels, the Galleys and Luggers place in history was numbered, and fishing was turned to as an alternative source of income. The herring and sprat fishery maintained many livelihoods during the season, as well as employing women in the fish factory that was built in Sandown Road to take and can the fish.
Launching a boat from Walmer
DAVID SKARDON 1989
BILL ADAMS
BUBBLES: ALEC MARSH: JIM SKARDON
Freddie Upton and his crew in the galley
Dickie Powels Pictures supplied kindly by Pat Fouet (Bubbles son) Boatmen on the beach Can you put a name to them?
1 = ? 2 = Harry Brown 3 = ? 4 = ? 5 = Daniel Burton
The Last of the Luggers 2018
Martin Libby digging bait in Sandwich Bay
Freddie Hamilton
Terry Neal. ower of the Sunbeam
Photo compliments of Roger Divito
Alf May
The Photos below were kindly sent to me by Janice Brown (Bailey) grand daughter
of Bill Bailey who lived in 5 Brewer Street, she could often be seen on the beach helping with the boats in her younger days, along with her cousin Anne Thomas
Mr & Mrs Bailey passed away in the 1960's
Bill Bailey in the Reform
Bill Bailey Freddie Upton
A Picture of Alf May in his older years?
Supplied by Roger Divito
Bill Bailey; Dr. Hall and Freddie Upton
Leaving the wreck of the North Eastern Victory
Coming ashore in the Reform
Bills Boats were berthed opposite the
Star and Garter Hotel top of Oak Street
Oak Street Looking North to
Tommy Uptons hut
Bill Bailey and Harry Upton sitting down
Bill Varley; Fido Bailey
and John Mockett
Bill Bailey
Right Bill Bailey centre Freddie Upton
Bill Bailey and Frank Preston
Harry Willis Bait digger,at 3 Brewer St 1950's
photo compliments of Roger Divito
David Chamberlain
Owner Skipper of the Morning Haze
Harry Upton, top of Brewer St 1950's
Photo compliments of Roger Divito
Another part of Deal's history
are The Harris family who lived in
Lantern Cottage Coppin Street
Togo Harris had his boats on the beach opposite
the "Star and Garter" Pub See their pictures on the
OLD DEAL FAMILIES PAGE
Or Click the picture below to see the film
on the YouTube Channel
Left to Right; Tommy Hoare; Terry Harris
Rodney "Will" Willmington; Jackie Hall
Photo Compliments of Dian Wilmington
David Skardon age 17
Picture from the East Kent Mercury 17th March 1966
Taken by the Ladies Toilets top of King Street
%201940's.jpg)
Left;
George Fouet 1940's
Known by everyone as "Bubbles" He was a popular character on the beach in the old days
above; coming ashore in the Ida 1950's
He's the one jumping out of the boat. Patrick his son said "Bubbles never liked getting wet"
Picture compliments of Pat Fouet
Robert Abel and Jack Hargrieves, 1960's
The Sou-Wester top of King Street
Terry Harris and Harry Brown
The Budd's
Deal Boatmen for centuries
Photo's kindly donated by Billy Budd
Click the picture below to watch the Budd's film on YouTube
George Budd & Doris Moss
The Britannic; lost at Dunkirk
Budd
Frank Budd & tom riley summer 1927
Albert denton-George-John-Jack Budd
George & johnny Budd
Princess Elizabeth1 with a tripping Party
Spratting 1932
Jack Budd with trip on Goodwins.
John & George Budd 1960's
Johnny Budd & Peter Giles
1950's pier building
John & George Budd
& Eliza & Bill Casse
_edited.png)
Suet Ambrose
Les Kennet
Joe Mercer
John Dadd
Frank Arnold
Doc Bailey
Dickie Lill 1960's
Stories of rescues that Harry Pitcher, an old Deal Boatman was involved in
Harry Pitcher, an old Boatman who was always seen on Deal beach in the old days, was, like many others, always ready to aid assistance to those in need. Harry's father owned many properties in Deal, which he rented out, they also owned a motor boat which was used for taking punters for trips out to the Goodwin Sands during the season, and like many others, Harry had deckchairs on the beach which were rented out during the summer season.
the stories in these paper cuttings date roughly from the period of 1935 to 1950 we don't know the actual dates, these are about Harry Pitchers involvement with rescues
Tom Upton and Harry Upton
Tom Upton
Tom Upton Dies at the age of 75
Born and bred on Deal Seafront, Mr Tommy Upton died at the age of 75, He lived at 10 Coppin Street and was the second of three famous brothers. The Eldest Harry and the youngest Fred, who was Coxswain of the Walmer Lifeboat.
Tom Upton was born on Deal Seafront at Hope House, where his hut used to stand. his family were boatmen for many generations and his great-grandfather was drowned on the Goodwin Sands. Tom has had many narrow escapes in his life and had his full share of excitement.
His plot which was on central parade had at one period 30 boats on it, and his dog and parrot were legends in many corners of the world.
As a youth Tom took his place in the galleys that "hooked on" to passing ships in the Downs, and it was in his youth, he bought his first boat the "Isabel"
At one period he had his own bathing station just to the North of the Royal Hotel, he also sold the last of the bathing machines that were prominent on Deal beach.
His career spanned through many adventures, he was a pilot on the cutters in the first world war. He and his wife Anna found the Gull lightship, after it had been run down by a steamer in fog.
Tom used to crew on the Walmer lifeboat from which many stories could have been told. And his wife Anna, was, up until 1954 the only woman to hold a Deal Boatwoman's license which was issued in 1929.
*****************
THE RILEY's
George Riley ( North Deal lifeboat station) Bill Riley; John (Ginger) Riley; Toogo rescue award
The Riley's are a very old Deal Family having had boats on the beach for many years in the past. They were part of the North Deal Lifeboat crew and served on numerous occasions in rescues on and around the Goodwin Sands. the pictures show a couple of the medals which were awarded to them for bravery.
See the film on Youtube
Medal presented by Presented to the crew of the Mapel Leaf Commeration for assistance given to the
the Mayor of Deal 2nd Nov.1911 for Aiding HMS Niger Vessel Toogo 2nd April 1911
Awarded for services given to HMS Niger George and Bill Riley Coming Ashore 1935
I would like to thank the Rileys Grandson Peter Johnson for the pictures and family history
*********
Above
The Fairway lies wrecked under Deal Pier, after a storm hit the town in 1969, causing several boats to be destroyed
Right
A paper cutting from the 1970's
Richard Smith and David Skardon with the Spray
This was when we had a a Hovercraft bear down
on us while we were longlining in the Kellet Gut
at 5am in the morning, it never altered course
Long story
The Tripping boat Clarenden coming ashore
The Tripping boat Clarenden in a wrecked condition
Darky Budd Arghie Dunn
& Bertha Budd 1926
The Britannic with rescued crew from a ship aboard, 1940
