09:00, 11 November 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
A brand new podcast has been launched by RNLI for Remembrance Day. Narrated by award-winning historian and journalist, Dan Jones, this one-off podcast brings to life remarkable stories from the Second World War.
With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and their own 200 (201 – to be exact) years of history, the RNLI have a range of stories for them to share in a new format with audiences. These stories include its involvement in the Dunkirk evacuation, the German occupation of the Channel Islands and what that meant for RNLI stations there, the rescue of downed pilots during the Battle of Britain and the loss of lifeboat crew members during the conflict.
RNLI crew members and relatives of war-time crew make special appearances throughout the series and help bring some of the stories of courage to life with raw emotions and extra details.
Dan Jones 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.”
Also featured throughout the series is Hayley Whiting, Heritage Archive and Research Manager at the RNLI. Her expertise helps weave the various stories from the Second World War together.
Hayley said: “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. 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.”
Retired crew member of the Margate Lifeboat Station, Chris Sandwell, says: “I was absolutely delighted to be involved in the Stories of Courage podcast and talk about my family connection to the RNLI’s Second World War story.
“My grandfather, Harry Sandwell, who was on the crew at Margate Lifeboat Station was involved in the rescue of a downed pilot during the Battle of Britain which I was able to retell for this podcast. I went on to follow my grandad and father’s footsteps and joined Margate Lifeboat Station crew myself in 1966 and volunteered for 45 years.”
The Stories of Courage podcast is available on all major podcast platforms and online here. The podcast was produced by the RNLI in partnership with Adventurous Audio and follows the success of the RNLI's 200 Voices podcast, released as part of the charity's 200th anniversary celebrations in 2024.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
RNLI. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution saves lives at sea through volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguard services around the UK and Ireland. It also promotes water safety education and innovation in rescue technology. Learn more here.
National Water Safety Forum. This forum coordinates efforts to reduce drowning and improve water safety across the UK’s coasts, rivers, and inland waters. Discover their work here.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency. This government body ensures maritime safety, coordinates search and rescue operations, and protects the marine environment. Find out more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
Photo credits: RNLI and Charlotte Hill / RNLI
