Howard V. Rackliffe, dragmaster, United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, died at the Marine Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, on November 22. At the time of his death he was 50 years of age.

Mr. Rackliffe was born in South Thomaston, Maine, on March 26, 1877. He entered the service of the Coast and Geodetic Survey as a hand in a wire-drag party and remained in this branch of the work until his death, having been appointed a dragmaster in 1919.

His knowledge of wire-drag work and his all-around ability in the mechanical and nautical trades played an important part in the development of the wire drag and in the prosecution of surveys for which this apparatus is used. His genial and kindly disposition endeared him to all with whom he served.

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C&GS Bulletin 11/1927