James Skinsale

Colonel James Skinsale was the MP for Thurley in the early 20th century.

Biography
Skinsale had spent some time in India while in the army. Heading to Southampton on Lord Palmerdale's steam yacht after visiting a casino at Deauville, the yacht crashed onto Fang Rock. Skinsale, Palmerdale, Palmerdale's secretary Adelaide Lessage and coxswain Harker were the only survivors, and soon met the Fourth Doctor and Leela. He described Leela as "not a bad looker".

After everyone on the island except Skinsale, Leela and the Doctor were killed by a Rutan scout, they went to the lamp gallery. When the Doctor injured the scout with a makeshift mortar, the Doctor asked Skinsale if he had any diamonds, but Skinsale remembered that Palmerdale kept diamonds in his pocket, but Palmerdale's body was in the crew room, so Skinslale went there with the Doctor. Skinsale found the bag of diamonds on Palmerdale's body, and the Doctor dumped all but one of the diamonds on the floor. While Skinsale was picking the diamonds up, the Rutan killed him as its final victim. The Doctor told Leela that Skinsale died with honour. (TV: Horror of Fang Rock)

Personality
Skinsale was being blackmailed by Palmerdale, who knew a secret that, if made public, would have ruined him. Skinsale was so determined to keep his secret, he sabotaged the telegraph, the only communication to the mainland. However, despite his failings, Skinsale was also a brave man, opting to accompany the Doctor to retrieve the diamonds needed to defeat the Rutan. (TV: Horror of Fang Rock)