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The remains of a WWII High Speed Launch (HSL) can be found at Polbathic.

Type

High Speed Launch (HSL)

History

The history of this High Speed Launch (HSL) was not known in 2021 when most of the hulk investigations were undertaken by The SHIPS Project, and all we knew was that she had a pennant number of 27xx as the '27' could still be made out on her hull. The RAF numbers for this class of vessel were 2700-2716 and 2739-2746 so we thought that she should be one of these vessels.

Early in 1942, the RAF Marine Craft Policy Committee accepted both Thornycroft and Vospers designs for new High Speed Launches. Whilst these companies concentrated on their tried and tested hull designs, George Selman at the British Power Boat Company (BPB) was able to adopt a more expansive approach and he was able to conceive an original design which was close to the RAF ideal. The result was the 68ft BPB HSL, also known as the BPB Type 3 HSL, but nicknamed the "Hants & Dorset" because the wheelhouse resembled a bus from the Hants and Dorset bus company. The new HSL was a big and beamy craft in comparison with all other HSLs, and the interior was palatial after the confined spaces of the other types. The amount of space was further enhanced by the designer's concept of placing a full height deckhouse above the main deck instead of the customary half-height, recessed deckhouse. Apart from the engine room, which was separated from the forward sections by the tank space, all working and accommodation areas of the craft were interconnected, hence the crew were able to move from any part of the deckhouse, via hatch and ladder to any part of the lower deck without venturing outside.

The hull design was advanced for its day; the chines were lifted at the forward end to create a deep vee forefoot and a soft wave entry, twisting to an almost flat planing section aft. Although the 68ft HSLs did pound in waves, they were more comfortable than the BPB 63ft HSLs. They were also slower than the 63ft craft, but could hold a good speed in rough sea.

HSL 2552, the first of the type, arrived at Calshot in October 1942 and after gaining the confidence of RAF crews many more were ordered and built. A total of 90 of the type were eventually built at Hythe and Poole between 1942 and 1946. Construction gained great pace in 1943 when 69 craft of the type were completed. The last two craft were completed in 1946, however in 1944 a reassessment of requirements led to cancellation of an order for a further 32 craft originally allocated numbers 2747 - 2778.

The 68ft HSL was very successful, with many serving into the 1950's, the only one type of 10 wartime HSLs to be retained by the RAF in the big sell-off after VJ day. With the war over, the role of the craft was changed to that of Rescue and Target Towing and several craft were given limited or full conversions to Rescue & Target Towing Launches - RTTL Mk.1 configuration. Limited conversions involved removing the guns and glass domes, the tubs being retained, whereas in the full conversion the gun tubs and all associated fittings were removed. In both conversions a small target towing winch and cuddy were fitted aft. Four former HSLs were also converted to Remote Controlled Target Launches (RCTL), these later being converted to RTTLs.

The dimensions of the launch were 64 ft. overall with a beam of 14 ft. 6 ins., and powered by a trio of Napier Sea Lion engines.  The range was 500 miles at a speed of 39 knots.  The two wing engines were inclined to drive directly to the outboard propeller shafts, whilst the centre engine faced the opposite direction and transmitted via a Vee-drive to the centre propeller.  This arrangement allowed for “cruising” on the centre engine only, a range-extending economy measure which retained a high degree of manoeuvrability.  The accommodation included an officer’s wardroom/sickbay for four and forecastle bunks for eight crew.

Vessel type information from Boats of the Royal Air Force Marine Branch 1918 - 1986 SHIPS Link.

Description

It is thought that this HSL was rebuilt and moored alongside Hexton Quay in Hooe Lake. The vessel then fell into disrepair and was taken to Polbathic lake where it was abandoned in the salt marsh. In 2002 the hull was intact and the wheelhouse was still attached but by 2008 the wheelhouse had disappeared, photographs taken by Jan carpenter in 2021 show that the hull has now collapsed and opened up at the fore end. This boat is the HSL that was photographed in Hooe Lake in the 1980s SHIPS Link alongside Hexton Quay.

Thanks to Jan Carpenter for the additional information.

Location and Access

Polbathic Turf, the saltings at the entrance to Polbathic Lake on the south side.

Nearby hulks include ketch Maggie Annie SHIPS Link, Tamar barge Lynher SHIPS Link and schooner Millom Castle SHIPS Link

Last updated 16 Mar 2023

Position OS: SX 36056 56830
Position GPS: 50.388448, -4.307605
Show the site on Google Maps SHIPS Link


Information

Date Built:

WWII

Builder:

British Power Boat Company, Hythe, Southampton

Official Number:

Unknown

Length

64ft

Beam

14ft

Draught

3ft 6in

Construction

Timber, diagonal planked, mahogany

Propulsion

Originally 3 x Napier Sea Lion engines

Tonnage

13.5 tons displacement

Portmarks

None

Outcome

Abandoned

Reference

None

RAF Fast Rescue Craft

The origin of these craft that were used for rescuing airmen that had crashed at sea has a Plymouth connection. One of the prime supporters of the idea for these vessels was Lawrence of Arabia, who as Aircraftsman Shaw was working at Mount Batten seaplane station in Plymouth when a Blackburn Iris seaplane crashed in Plymouth Sound. Shaw/Lawrence was one of the first on site and rescued two of the crew. Lawrence was spurred by this accident to promote the adoption of fast rescue craft in the Roayl Air Force and spent years working with designers to produce the first craft.

High Speed Launch 102

High Speed Launch (HSL) 102, commissioned in 1936, is the only 100 class high speed, air/sea rescue launch to survive. See the HSL 102 page on the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust website.


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