Former RAF HSL 145 “Nanaloa” Remembered at West Mersea

community sighting raf launch ww2 service

A community post revisits former RAF High Speed Launch 145, reported to have rescued 486 airmen and others during WWII.

Published 11 February 2025

A post by Barry Lawrence in the For the Love of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk group (11 February) highlighted a derelict vessel beside the lifeboat house at West Mersea.

The boat is identified as Nanaloa, formerly RAF High Speed Launch 145. The post notes that wartime logs record the rescue of 486 airmen and others of various nationalities, and that the number '145' could still be made out on the stern beneath later paint.

Barry describes the vessel as once well cared for before eventual abandonment, and reflects that her final resting place beside a modern sea-rescue station is a poignant link between past and present lifesaving service.

Credit: Barry Lawrence
Group: For the Love of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk
Source:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/562609010767534/

Photo credit: Barry Lawrence (current photos)
War photo credit: Mersea Museum.