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Journal dated 1 February 1879

A Life-boat Establishment has been formed by the Institution at this town, in the hope that the services of the Boat may be made available, in conjunction with a steam-tug, in the event of ship-wrecks occurring in Start Bay; the local residents having expressed a wish, at a public meeting specially convened by the Mayor to consider the subject, that the Institution would provide them with a Life-boat. The expense of the new Life-boat Station has been defrayed by Mrs Emma Hargreave, of Cleygate, Surrey, in memory of her late daughter; and in accordance with her desire, the Boat, which is one of the 33-feet 10-oared class is named the Maude Hargreaves. The inauguration of the Life-boat Establishment took place on the 23^rd October last. A procession comprising the Mayor and Corporation, Foresters, Coastguard men, and Life-boat crew, with bands of music, proceeded through the the town to the Life-boat House, where the Boat had been placed in readiness for launching. The Boat was presented by Walter Austin Esq. on behalf of the donor, and the gift was accepted in suitable terms by Mr. Charles Chalker, President of the Local Branch. The dedication of the Boat was then proceeded with, after which the hymn "For those in Peril on the Sea" was sung. The service proper was read by the Rev. E.M. Johnstone, assisted by the Rev. J.M. Knapp. The religious part of the ceremony was brought to a close by the singing of the "Old Hundredth". The Boat was then named by Mrs. Percy Hockin, the wife of the Local Honorary Secretary of the Institution, and successfully launched with the crew on board, amid the cheering of those present. In the evening, the Coxswain and crew were entertained at a dinner provided at the expense of Mrs. Hargreaves.

Journal dated 1 November 1888

No part of the South Devon Coast is more dangerous than that which forms the entrance to Dartmouth Harbour. Even in fine weather the navigation is very difficult for ships entering the port, and when a gale prevails from the S.E. the risk is very great, owing to the somewhat narrow channel being flanked by several rocks. That very few casualties occur is due to the precautions taken by the harbour commissioners, and the existence of a pilot service which is always available. In addition to this the National Life-boat Institution has had a boat stationed here for the past nine years to render assistance to any disabled vessel. It became necessary, however, to replace it by one of the modern class, possessing all the recent improvements; and Mrs. Shaw, of Exeter, having signified her intention of defraying the cost of a new boat in memory of her late husband, the Committee of the Institution decided to send it to Dartmouth, The new Life-boat is 34 feet long and 8 feet wide, and rows 12 oars, double banked. During the winter it will be moored at Warfleet Creek, and in the summer months will be located in the house built for its reception at Sandquay.

The launch of the new boat took place on the 20^th September, 1887, under favourable circumstances. Mrs. Shaw and a number of the Local Committee and friends, having partaken of luncheon at the Castle Hotel, proceeded by steam launch to where the boat was manned and all ready to be sent into the water. A crowd assembled on the ships and adjoining points of vantage, whilst a number of boats took up position on the river. The band of H.M.S. "Britannia", under Signor Reneri, was stationed in the vicinity, and in addition to playing a few pieces prior to the commencement of the ceremony, led the singing with much efficiency.

Admiral White, on behalf of Mrs. Shaw, formally handed the boat over to the Institution, and expressed the hope that it would be the means of saving the lives of any sailor who might unfortunately be wrecked on that coast.

Commander La Primaudaye, R.N., District Inspector of the Life-boats, on behalf of the Institution, and Major Hockin as Honorary Secretary of the Local Committee, heartily thanked Mrs. Shaw and the Institution for their handsome gift.

After a hymn had been sung, and the Rev. I. S. Brown had offered a short prayer, Mrs. Shaw stepped forward, and breaking a bottle of champagne over the bows of the boat, named it the "Henry and Amanda Shaw". The dogshores were then cut adrift, and the boat, with the flag of the Institution at the bow and the red ensign at the stern, glided into the river amidst loud cheers from the spectators, whilst the band played "Rule Britannia". The launch was a most successful one, and after the boat had made one or two trial trips, the proceedings were concluded with the National Anthem. In the evening the crew were entertained at dinner.

Transcribed from 'old RNLI documents'

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