SHIPWRECKS & GROUNDINGS “Mowbray”

On, Tuesday, 9th, December, 1834, the brig “Mowbray” was driven ashore between Redcar and Coatham. The lifeboat “Zetland” was launched and rescued ten of the crew, and returned to shore.
Whilst looking at the vessel, the life boatman could see two small boys lashed to the rigging who had been left behind. In the meantime the tide had receded, affording a better opportunity of reaching the “Mowbray”. Though at imminent peril George Robinson, Coxswain of the “Zetland”, launched a small boat and unaided succeeded in rescuing and bringing the two boys to shore.

For this noble action, a subscription was entered upon at Stockton, and i May 1836 a silver tankard presented to G. Robinson, which is still an heirloom at Redcar.

The memory of G. Robinson as coxswain of the Zetland is still held in good repute among the older fishermen, whom he frequently admonished when on a risky journey thus:- “Noo lads, ah know you’ll dee yea best, don’t forget there twenty three of us” and away they rowed, brightening all eyes and cheering those in despair. In the churchyard at Marske there is a tombstone erected in the memory with the following inscription:- George Robinson, Pilot, Redcar, who died 14, February, aged 63 years.