Author: efoeth

There are two types of this launch, a  standard version and this lighter version. The information sheet for the drawings below state:

“This design was developed in 1935 to replace the existing 45ft Motor Launch,; the new design to be a lighter craft to be carried in reconstructed capital ships and to be within the lifting capacity of the aircraft cranes.”

John Roberts states that “42ft motor launch was similar but had only a single rubber, like the 42ft sailing launch from which it was derived. The rubber or rubbing strake is the line at the outside of the hull running the entire length, either a timber of rope. I use Robert’s information to classify all large launches as either 42 or 45 ft.

Survivors of the tanker Bianca or San Casimiro German prize crews hoisted aboard HMS Renown, 8th of March 1941.

WITH THE ROYAL NAVAL SUBMARINERS AT HMS FORTH, THE SUBMARINE DEPOT SHIP. 2 TO 6 MARCH 1942, HMS FORTH, AND ON BOARD SOME OF HER SUBMARINES. © IWM (A 7776)

This page was added to show what the RAF rescue laucnh / seaplane tender looks like. It tends to show up a lot…

ROYAL AIR FORCE 1939-1945: COASTAL COMMAND © IWM (CH 11075)

There’s an interesting volume by Caste Hill Press called Boats for the RAF, focusing on the work of T.H. Lawrence (yes, that one) helping developing the RAF high speed launch. A most enticing volume, and I would recommend it to myself were it not for the wrong service.

Note: type III designation is my own

Source: https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-collections/ships/ships-boats/

Source: https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-collections/photographs/courage-of-the-everyday

Source: https://navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-collections/photographs/courage-of-the-everyday/

Reproduced with permission from the Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums

Reproduced with permission from the Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums

A demonstration of the 25ft fast launches by John Thornycroft & Co on the Thames at Dagenham on the morning of the 20th of February 1939.

I spotted this little fellow aboard HMS Prince of Wales, presumably a replacement after a few of her boats were destroyed when she engaged the German battleship Bismarck? It has no rear cabin and resembles a 20 ft Fast Tender as in this Vospers add. Comparing the length to that of the Bofors emplacement that is about 25ft long leads to the conclusion this is a 25ft fast motor boat without a rear cabin.

“MIDDIES” OF THE ROYAL NAVY. NOVEMBER 1943, ABOARD HMS CUMBERLAND, AT FLEET ANCHORAGE. LIFE ABOARD FOR THE MIDSHIPMEN OF THE ROYAL NAVY; JUNIOR NAVAL OFFICERS WHO HAVE HAD A COURSE AT A NAVAL COLLEGE AND ARE STILL STUDYING THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF SEAMANSHIP. © IWM (A 16669)