Warfare in News

Posted on Tuesday 20th December
Historic World War Two rescue boat HSL102, owned by Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust, is to be given a new lease of life with the installation of brand new engines.
The former air-sea rescue launch, which saved the lives of many downed pilots during the Battle of Britain, was rescued for the nation in 2009 with the aid of a generous grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
With support from Gunwharf Quays Marina, PNBPT has carried out extensive work to enable her to be MCA coded for public use, but she now needs new engines. Mermaid Marine of Poole has offered the Trust a very competitively priced ‘turnkey’ solution for supplying and fitting the engines, refitting the boat’s drive train, and other associated works.
It is anticipated that HSL102 will re-enter service in spring 2012.
The former air-sea rescue launch, which saved the lives of many downed pilots during the Battle of Britain, was rescued for the nation in 2009 with the aid of a generous grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.
With support from Gunwharf Quays Marina, PNBPT has carried out extensive work to enable her to be MCA coded for public use, but she now needs new engines. Mermaid Marine of Poole has offered the Trust a very competitively priced ‘turnkey’ solution for supplying and fitting the engines, refitting the boat’s drive train, and other associated works.
It is anticipated that HSL102 will re-enter service in spring 2012.
Further Reading
The RAF Air Sea Rescue Service 1918-1986
(Hardback - 224 pages)by Jon Sutherland
Between 1918 and 1986 the marine branch of the Royal Air Force provided rescue facilities, support and other services to this armed service. In its pre-1941 guise as the Air Sea Rescue service, the RAF had an inventory of over 200 motorboats, supported by float aircraft engaged in rescue, towing, refueling and servicing RAF aircraft. Amongst the many characters of this early period was none other than Lawrence of Arabia. The Marine Craft Section itself… Read more...
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