MR ROBERT CROSS
George Medal lifeboat cox dies
Coxswain Robert Cross, whose gallantry as a lifeboatman won him the George Medal and the Royal National LIfeboat Institution's gold medal twice,
has died in a Hull hospital. He was 88.
Mr Cross, who retired in 1943, after commanding the Spurn lifeboat on the Humber for 31 years, took part in the rescue during this period of 403 people.
TO 1902
In his total lifeboat service going back to 1902, he went to the rescue of more than 450 people.
In 1909, he went out with the Flamborough boat to help several fishing boats caught in a sudden gale.
Two of the boats were lost, and among those who were drowned were Mr Cross's brother and his two sons.
That helped to determine his career.
MODEST MAN
Although entitled to wear the ribbons of more medals for heroism than any other member of the lifeboat service,
Mr Cross was a modest man.
The George Medal award was for the same deed of gallantry that earned him the Lifeboat ?VC? - the rescue of the crew of the Grimsby Trawler St Gurth.
Mr Cross lived at 12, Louville Avenue, Withernsea. A service at the Methodist Church, Hull Road, tomorrow will precede interment.
RNLI Humber
Numerous references to Rober Cross are made on the
Humber History Page.
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