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St Abbs Head Lighthouse
17th October 1877
Sir,
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 11th Inst regarding a garden for the Second Assistant at this Station. I see no place so suitable as dividing the present gardens into three parts, and dividing the money allowance equally amongst the three keepers, and each can get potato ground at Northfield with his money, but I don’t think any arrangement about other vegetables at Northfield would be found desirable. Vegetables can be got to purchase in Coldingham but the distance would be too much where it can be avoided. I can see no reason why the present gardens should not be divided into three.
I am etc.
(signed) Robert Seater
St Abbs Head 5th May 1917
Sir,
I beg to inform you that owing to acts of the enemy this is the second occasion that the women and children had to leave the station. I would have informed you of several incidents that took place in the vicinity but I thought anything I would mention might come under the Defence of the Realm Act. Today several shells landed near the shore, one striking the rocks and another passed overhead. The ship (…Dane?) was about ½ mile off but owing to the choppy sea they did not manage to sink her and she came ashore near the landing slip, two of the crew were killed and two injured, 18 saved. I may mention that the Coastguard fully expected to be fired at but seemingly they had difficulty in training their guns owing to the sea being so choppy.
During a fog in February two shells were fired at the station, both shells as near as we could judge passed between us and the Coastguards. This is the fourth vessel we have seen attacked by submarines and all were sunk by gunfire and a patrol was blown up by a mine about half a mile out off the horn house. Taylor, Gardiner and myself thought the matter over and came to the conclusion that it was better to inform you and at the same time to state that we have no fear in carrying out our own duties, but I’m of the opinion that if matters are to continue, the women and children will not stay at the station but hope that step will not be necessary.
I am, Sir,
Your obd’'t Servant
(signed)David A Denoon
Monday morning. The S.S. “New Abbotshall” just passed this Station chased by a submarine which fired several shells at her. “Abbotshall” armed, returned fire and escaped.
St Abbs Lighthouse
Coldingham
9th May 1912
Sir
I have to confirm my telephone message of yesterday regarding the death of Norman Budge – only son and eldest child of the Principal Keeper at this station.
The accident happened shortly before 7 o’clock on Tuesday evening and as it was witnessed by several of the boy's companions, very few minutes elapsed as the alarm was given.
Fortunately, a St Abbs yawl was just off shore and the men were able to attract the attention of the coalmen (Thomas Wilson and Robert Craig – both of St Abbs village) who rowed in towards the scene of the accident.
Meanwhile the coastguard made strenuous efforts to rescue the boy and to summon medical aid. Under the supervision of Mr Newt, the Chief Officer, coastguard William Ballam allowed himself to be lowered down the cliff by coastguard A. Bradford and was thus able to render immediate aid on recovery of the body.
Slightly after 7 o’clock the boat arrived at the lighthouse slip and for upwards of an hour we persevered in methods for the preservation of life – the Doctor (Dr Calden) arriving and taking charge of the operations at about 7.30.
At 8.15 all hope of prolonging the lad’s life was abandoned and his body we carried to the lighthouse.
I need hardly add that this deplorable accident has cast a great gloom over the station.
In conclusion I desire to express my admiration of the brave action 0f Coastguard Wm Ballam in allowing himself to be lowered to the lad’s aid and for the determined and ceaseless efforts of the Chief Officer (Mr Newt) and of the coastguards Ballam and Bradford, to restore animation and to further every effort that was being made.
May I suggest that some expression of the Commissioner’s appreciation of so fine an example of courage and devotion to duty on the part of the Chief Office and Staff at St Abbs Head Coastguard Station, be sent to the District Captain of Coastguards in Edinburgh.
I am
Sir
Your Obedient Servant
E Graham
District Superintendent
To NLB Edinburgh
A letter of appreciation was duly sent by the NLB to the Coastguard Officials
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1896 - John and Isabella Clyne, with children Isa, Alex, William, John and Charlotte at St Abbs
