25 NOVEMBER 1932, Page 32

LAUNCH!

By Major-General J. E. B. Seely

Whether we ever get to sea or not, we all depend upon the -bsffie of the seas, and therefore we all owe something to the lifeboat service, and we commend even to the dullest land- lubber General Seely's Launch ! (Hodder and Stoughton, Is True stories-of adventure are as popular to-day as any NH', of reading among readers of all ages. Here are hair-raising stories of heroism and dangers, told with the direct simplicity of one who took part in several of the adventures and with General Seely's infectious enthusiasm. (We congratulate the Brooke (I. of W.) lifeboat on her new coxswain, chosen since he wrote this book.) He also sketches the development of the work through the century since Sir William Hillary initiated it and through the age of " sailing-and-pulling " to the day et the motor engine. The world admits that the British lifeboat service is technically the finest of its kind. The British rate admits that it has no nobler or more unselfish body of men than its lifeboat men. The whole organization grew up naturally and remains voluntary, untouched by the "dead hand t;f the" State." That is another glory of the service that carries

with it a duty for those who cannot join a crew. .