Lightships, Lighthouses, and Lifeboat Stations:

A Memoir and History

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Transportation, Ships & Shipbuilding, History, Military, Naval, Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Lightships, Lighthouses, and Lifeboat Stations: by Bernie Webber, Brown Walker Press (FL)
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Bernie Webber ISBN: 9781627340700
Publisher: Brown Walker Press (FL) Publication: November 1, 2015
Imprint: Brown Walker Press (FL) Language: English
Author: Bernie Webber
ISBN: 9781627340700
Publisher: Brown Walker Press (FL)
Publication: November 1, 2015
Imprint: Brown Walker Press (FL)
Language: English

"Lightships, Lighthouses and Lifeboat Stations" is part history book, part memoir, written by Bernie Webber, recipient of the Coast Guard's highest award, the Gold Life-saving Medal, and hero of the Disney movie The Finest Hours. While the public will recognize Webber's name from the movie and the bestselling book by the same name, few people know that during his lengthy Coast Guard career he served on lightships (ships anchored in dangerous areas to warn other vessels of hazards) in addition to lifeboat stations (small boat rescue stations) and lighthouses. Webber poses the following question: "How did the lightship men cope with the isolation, constant loneliness, boredom, fear, or just sheer terror? All were part of life on board a lightship. Rough seas tossed the ship about, rearing up and down the anchor chain. This was a world of isolation, noise from operating machinery, and blasts from the powerful foghorn that went on for hours, sometimes days, at a time." Webber answers that question in this book, drawing on a combination of personal experience and meticulous historical research. Discussions of men going mad, lightships being run down by larger ships, anchor chains breaking, and lightships cast upon shoals are offset with humorous stories and the author's reflections on his best days at sea. Webber also explains some of the heroic actions of a few lightship men over the years, and points out that they received no recognition at the time. The isolation these men faced was intense, but they learned to make do with what they had. Fourteen historic photos are included, as well as a Foreword by Michael Tougias.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

"Lightships, Lighthouses and Lifeboat Stations" is part history book, part memoir, written by Bernie Webber, recipient of the Coast Guard's highest award, the Gold Life-saving Medal, and hero of the Disney movie The Finest Hours. While the public will recognize Webber's name from the movie and the bestselling book by the same name, few people know that during his lengthy Coast Guard career he served on lightships (ships anchored in dangerous areas to warn other vessels of hazards) in addition to lifeboat stations (small boat rescue stations) and lighthouses. Webber poses the following question: "How did the lightship men cope with the isolation, constant loneliness, boredom, fear, or just sheer terror? All were part of life on board a lightship. Rough seas tossed the ship about, rearing up and down the anchor chain. This was a world of isolation, noise from operating machinery, and blasts from the powerful foghorn that went on for hours, sometimes days, at a time." Webber answers that question in this book, drawing on a combination of personal experience and meticulous historical research. Discussions of men going mad, lightships being run down by larger ships, anchor chains breaking, and lightships cast upon shoals are offset with humorous stories and the author's reflections on his best days at sea. Webber also explains some of the heroic actions of a few lightship men over the years, and points out that they received no recognition at the time. The isolation these men faced was intense, but they learned to make do with what they had. Fourteen historic photos are included, as well as a Foreword by Michael Tougias.

More books from Biography & Memoir

Cover of the book 106 Facts About Donald Trump by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book With Courage and Common Sense by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book An Otter on the Aga by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book Je ne t'oublierai pas by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book Giraffe and Other Short Stories by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book Orphan Frankie by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book Rosso Fiorentino by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book The Choice: Ronald Reagan Versus Barack Obama and the Campaign of 2012 by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book Trans Africa '62 by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book The Discovery of Radium by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book Parrish Times by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book Adventures and Conquests of Pizarro by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book Rebecca Gratz by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book From Workhouse to Westminster by Bernie Webber
Cover of the book The Tragedy of St. Helena by Bernie Webber
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy