New podcast unveils stories of RNLI courage during World War Two ahead of Remembrance Day 2025
A Co Down man has opened up on a special podcast about the charity's crucial role in World War II - and how his grandfather won three gallantry medals in 12 months for saving lives.
Paddy Murphy, from Newcastle, was speaking on the new RNLI podcast, ‘Stories of Courage’, which is being launched to mark Remembrance Day.
The one-off podcast unveils how, when war broke out in 1939, the RNLI carried on its mission to save lives – often in extreme danger.
The production highlights some of the incredible RNLI stories of courage around the UK and Republic of Ireland.
RNLI crew members and relatives of war-time crew are featured throughout the podcast, bringing incredible stories to life.
One of them is Paddy Murphy, grandson of Coxswain Patrick Murphy from Newcastle RNLI, who won three gallantry medals in just over 12 months for different rescues.
On the podcast, Paddy talks about the rescue that won his grandfather a gold medal for gallantry in 1942.
Paddy said: “I was absolutely thrilled to take part in the Stories of Courage podcast. The RNLI played such a big part in saving lives at sea during the Second World War that it was very special to be part of telling one of those stories.”
The podcast is narrated by historian, journalist and television presenter Dan Jones.
He said: “It was a pleasure to narrate the RNLI’s Stories of Courage podcast and learn more about its incredible history. The RNLI were involved in some of the key moments of the Second World War and it’s amazing to hear the different stories from crew and direct descendants from those who saved lives.”
Hayley Whiting, heritage archive and research manager at the RNLI, also helped weave together the various stories from the Second World War.
“We’re delighted to have created this Stories of Courage podcast, featuring some truly remarkable RNLI stories from the Second World War to mark Remembrance Day,” she said.
“When war broke out in 1939, the RNLI didn’t change, it carried on its mission to save lives which was often under extreme danger and this podcast pulls together a snapshot of some of those stories.
“Some of the stories featured in this podcast are from the RNLI archive and some are new, untold stories that we have gathered thanks to a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant that we were awarded last year.”
The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms and online at ‘200 voices stories of courage: Listen to the RNLI’s one-off wartime podcast’.
The courage and daring of the Newcastle RNLI branch continues to this day. In 2024 alone it launched 18 times – helping 26 people and saving three lives. In May Newry Mourne and Down District Council held a special reception in recognition of 200 years of service by the branch.
RNLI volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the UK and Republic of Ireland. The charity runs entirely on voluntary donations and legacies.