Born in 1839, Richard Roberts served as second-coxswain at the famous North Deal station for twenty years, from 1865 to 1885.

He was then appointed coxswain, and as such served for another twenty-two years, retiring in 1907 at the age of 68. He died on 8th August, 1933 in his 95th year. His wife Susannah, also in her 95th year, survived him.

Thus, for forty-two years he was an officer of the life-boat, and during that time 441 lives were rescued from shipwreck. Coxswain Roberts was awarded the silver medal of the Institution in 1882 " for long and gallant services." In 1894 he received a clasp to the medal, again for " long and gallant services," and on his retirement he was awarded a second clasp, a certificate of service, a pension and a special gratuity.

From The Life-Boat, Vol: XXIV, No 315, September 1933, Four Distinguished Coxwains