The Margaret Dawson was a typical example of an early boat of the class built in the first half of the 1930’s. It had a single 40HP petrol engine but also had sails, and a lifting keel for use when sailing.

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The boat weighed about 6 tons, and had a top speed under power of 7 knots, and 10 knots under sail. They were not self-righting. They were designed to be launched from a beach, but some were slipway launched.

 

Towards the end of the 1930’s the single engine boat was replaced by a twin engine version with no sails, and this version went on to become the standard beach launch boat for many years, the last one being withdrawn in the late 1970’s. The majority of these boats are still afloat today, and it is believed that the “Margaret Dawson” is in use today for leisure and is now called “Storm.” 

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James Freeman Ritchie of Gourdon, was a crewman on the “Margaret Dawson.” James was taken prisoner by the Germans as one of a crew of six, when their boat the “Bella” was sunk in Catterline Bay by a German U – boat in 1916.

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MODEL OF THE "MARGARET DAWSON"

This precision model, showing a highly skilled degree of craftsmanship, was built by Ian Black of Peterhead. In September 2015, Ian generously donated this model to the Maggie Law Maritime Museum, which will serve to preserve the memory of the “Margaret Dawson” and all other Gourdon lifeboats and their crews.