'Faithful Forester' was one of many 44 foot lifeboats built around the world. This twin engined steel hulled lifeboat was originally designed by the US Coastguard and soon found favour in many countries. The RNLI built 21 examples naming them Waveneys and in 1967, the fourth, 'Faithful Forester' arrived at Dover. She was built at Lowestoft by Brooke Marine costing £43000, which was funded by the Ancient Order of Foresters.

The Waveney lifeboats were originally fitted with 215hp Cummins diesel engines that gave a top speed of fifteen knots. She was officially named at a ceremony in July 1967 by the Duchess of Kent. During her time at Dover she was launched 204 times and saved 140 lives.

After being replaced at Dover in 1979 by 'Rotary Service', this lifeboat went into the reserve fleet until 1997. 44-004 even serving as Station lifeboat at Holyhead for a while between June 1984 and September 1985.

'Faithful Forester' still continues to be used as a lifeboat four decades later. Now known as 'P&O Nedlloyd Strathmore' in service at Narooma, New South Wales Australia for the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol

Some old movie footage of 'Faithful Forester', including her naming ceremony, can be found on the 44ft Motor Lifeboat website.

'Faithful Forester' in her RVCP colours ready for embarkation to Australia. From the collection of Mr D. Smith.