Peter ‘s interesting talk on 23rd February was all about the DUKW rescue service which served the Southport Community for nearly five decades.
Peter explained that the six wheel drive amphibious trucks used by the Sefton Lifeguards from 1951-1998, were originally designed by the American General Motors Corporation during World War Two to transport goods and troops over land and water. Commonly known as ‘ducks’, the name DUKW refers to a manufacturers code. D indicates the model year as 1942, U refers to the utility (amphibious) body style, K for all-wheel drive, and W for dual rear axles.
Peter went on to say that these veteran vehicles dutifully patrolled the beaches of Southport, Ainsdale and Birkdale for five decades. Their crews of Lifeguards and Sea Rangers were guardians of the dangerous beaches and seas of the Sefton coast. According to Peter, the rescue service never lost a victim or crew member and though close at times never lost a DUKW.
Wanting to show his appreciation of the DUKW rescue service Peter who is a local author and historian published D.U.K.W.s to water in 2020. During lockdown he went on to write and illustrate a children’s book Duke the Duck that was published in 2022. We all learned a great deal from this talk and many of our members were able to reminisce about the lifeboat service on Southport beach. We would like to extend our thanks to Peter for his interesting and entertaining talk.
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Article prepared by Lois Hughes.