team operating the mortar and the crew of the vessel in distress. Unfortunately even as late as 1844 a letter published in the Shipping and Mercantile Gazette described the loss of life of the York Union at Winterton and the Sarah of Goole driven ashore at Corton, due, it is thought, to their crews not knowing their role in operating the equipment. In the United States the limited range of the Manby mortar was overcome in the second half of the 19th century by the development of the Lyle gun. As early as 1842 the crew of Huzza from the port of Wisbech were rescued off Hartlepool by the use of a rocket. Eventually the Manby mortar was replaced by rockets. In 1967 a documentary on the inventor was made. Locations included Denver, Downham Market and Great Yarmouth. Scenes include the use of the mortar, rocket and breeches buoy. The recording is now available on the East Anglian Film Archive website. See also Breeches buoy John Dennett References External links Coastguards of Yesteryear: "Manby Mortar or Rocket Apparatus" Rescue equipment