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Celebrating television's This Is Your Life

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THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Richard Evans, lifeboat coxswain, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews at Thames Television's Euston Road Studios, having been led to believe he was there for a meeting to organise a film premiere in aid of lifeboat funds.

Richard, who was born in the fishing village of Moelfre on Anglesey, joined the local lifeboat crew in 1921 at the age of 16. He was appointed lifeboat bowman in 1930, second coxswain in 1939, and coxswain in 1954 when he succeeded his uncle John Matthews. He was awarded his first RNLI gold medal in 1959, when, in hurricane gusts of more than 100mph, he made 10 runs to save the crew of the 506-tonne MV Hindlea before the vessel was swept away and broken in half on rocks.

Seven years later, working with Holyhead lifeboat, he and his crew helped save 10 men from the 1,287-tonne Greek-registered ship, Nafsiporos, for which he was awarded his second RNLI gold medal. In 1969 he received the British Empire Medal, and the following year he retired after 16 years as a coxswain, having served 49 years as a lifeboatman and helped save almost 300 lives at sea.

"You've beaten me tonight!"

programme details...

• Edition No: 271
• Subject No: 273
• Broadcast live: Wed 4 Mar 1970
• Broadcast time: 7.00-7.30pm
• Venue: Euston Road Studios
• Series: 10
• Edition: 15

on the guest list...

• Murley Francis - live link
• Evian Jones - live link
• Menar Davis - live link
• Capt David Jeavons
• Capt Angelus Kapsufis
• Capt Tom Hughes
• Hugh - cousin
• Kitty Roberts - sister
• Nansi - wife
• Evan Owens
• David - son
• William - son
• Derek - son
• Hugh Jones - live link
• Callum Stocks
• William Maguire
• Capt Chip Case
• Moelfre villagers - live link
Filmed tributes:
• Aerian - granddaughter
• Rian - granddaughter

production team...

• Researcher: Mary McAnally
• Writer: Dan Douglas
• Director: Margery Baker
• Producer: Robert Tyrrell

Life Savers

heroes of the emergency services

Life Is Full Of Surprises

Producer Robert Tyrrell reveals some 'cloak and dagger' tactics

Screenshots of Richard Evans This Is Your Life

North Wales Daily Post 17 April 2002

VILLAGE HONOURS ITS TRUE HERO OF THE SEA

By David Greenwood

An Anglesey village steeped in maritime history is to honour its hero of the sea by putting up a permanent tribute.

Moelfre villagers have commissioned a portrait of Richard (Dick) Evans, the only lifeboatman to be awarded two gold medals - the RNLI equivalent of the Victoria Cross - for two epic rescues, who died seven months ago, aged 96.

The painting, by local artist Keith Shone, will be unveiled next week at Moelfre School when the village's award-winning community committee puts on a special social evening.

Last night, County Councillor Derlwyn Hughes said: "This is something very important for the village and it will give generations of schoolchildren a chance to read about our links with the sea - particularly through the life and times of a remarkable man."

"Richard Evans' heroism and achievements are an example to many, and represent all those who are involved in saving lives at sea."

Moelfre has a maritime tradition spanning the centuries and the name of Richard Evans was at the forefront for decades.

"The tribute has been arranged with the co-operation of his family, and we all felt the school was the perfect venue. It is a place which serves the whole community - as a library, a centre for activities for the elderly, and education courses for adults as well."

Coxwain Evans was awarded his first gold medal in 1959, involving the 506 tonne SS Hindlea, with eight men on board.

In hurricane gusts of more than 100mph, he made 10 runs to save the crew shortly before the vessel was swept away and broken in half on rocks.

Seven years later, working with Holyhead lifeboat, he and his crew helped save 10 men from the 1,287 tonne Greek-registered ship, Nafsiporos. The two crews collected 17 bravery awards.

Mr Evans, who was featured on the television tribute show, This Is Your Life, when it was presented by Eamonn Andrews, was awarded the British Empire Medal for his service in 1969, and retired the following year after 17 years as coxswain, and a total of 49 years as a lifeboatman.

Next week's social will be held on Friday, April 26 at 6pm and will include a tribute to Mr Evans by local chapel minister, Rev Huw John Hughes, and entertainment by local schoolchildren.

Richard Evans joined the Merchant Navy in 1919 aged 14, and two years later became a member of Moelfre lifeboat crew.

He was appointed lifeboat bowman in 1930, becoming second coxswain in 1939.

Six years later, aged 35, he succeeded his uncle John Matthews as coxswain.

Named "Man of the Year" in 1968, he became an honorary Bard of the National Eisteddfod 10 years later.