Peril on the seas

Dermot O’Leary celebrates the RNLI’s valour during World War Two

Every day across Britain, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) crews carry out acts of bravery. But what few people know is the vital role the service played during World War Two.

Now, in a one-off special to commemorate the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, lifelong supporter Dermot O’Leary travels to key wartime locations to hear the untold stories of the RNLI heroes.

As most young men were called up to fight in the war, the RNLI was mainly staffed by those over 60.