Previously unknown Henry Blogg medal on show at Cromer RNLI museum

The rediscovered medal awarded to Henry Blogg. (Image: Archant)

The accolade, given by the Board of Trade 'for long service with rocket life-saving apparatus', is on display at the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum in Cromer for five years.

Museum staff are appealing for information about the medal on loan from its owner Andrew Squirrell, of Bacton, who used to holiday in Cromer as a child.

Mr Blogg, a coxswain who died in 1954, was the most decorated RNLI crew member.

Jacqui Palmer, museum manager, said: 'It was a lovely surprise to find out there was another medal. It is fantastic to find out more about Henry Blogg. We think we know everything about him but more keeps appearing.'

Andrew Squirell, owner of the medal, with his grandchildren Zak and Alannah Chudley at the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum (Image: Archant)

She described the coxswain, who completed 53 years of RNLI service, as an inspiration and added the medal was probably awarded between 1922 and 1954.

Mr Squirrell was given the medal in the 1980s while studying at Norwich City College.

He said: 'I've always been interested in the lifeboats and the fishing industry. The course I did all those years ago was actually on electrical engineering but I managed to have a project on the lifeboats included. Afterwards I tidied the medal away and didn't think about it again.'

Mr Squirrell decided to take the medal to the museum after speaking to its volunteers.

The family visited the attraction and went aboard the HF Bailey lifeboat, stationed at Cromer from 1935-1945 while Mr Blogg was coxswain.

Mr Squirrell's grandson Zak Chudley is currently working on a school project on the lifeboatman.

Anyone with information about the medal should call 01263 511294, email blogg_museum@rnli.org.uk or write to RNLI Henry Blogg Museum, The Rocket House, The Gangway, Cromer, NR27 9ET.