Community Voices
memorial
ww2 service
community update
A memorial ceremony in Grimsby will mark the 85th anniversary of the loss of HMT Othello, alongside a linked ceremony in Bridlington for HMS Yorkshire Belle.
Fleet Updates
ww2 service
service history
Helinda’s documented wartime timeline from requisition in September 1939 through lay-up after VE Day makes her service history unusually clear and important.
Community Voices
for sale
ww2 service
community update
The 1943 ex RAF Special Duties Pinnace, now Carimuda, was seen at Brentford Dock and is currently advertised for sale as a houseboat.
Fleet Updates
for sale
ww2 service
A rare WWII-era motor boat listing has been shared with custodians and maritime heritage volunteers.
Fleet Updates
for sale
ww2 service
A newly shared listing notes RAF wartime rescue service, adding major heritage significance for potential custodians.
Fleet Updates
operation dynamo
ww2 service
service history
Warrior’s long service arc from Admiralty commission to modern restoration has been added as a recommended history resource.
Fleet Updates
for sale
ww2 service
The vessel listing notes Sheemaun’s wartime role with the Royal Navy Thames Auxiliary Patrol Service.
Fleet Updates
grants
ww2 service
From the 2026 awardees, two wartime-connected vessels stand out: HMS Cavalier and Massey Shaw.
Community Voices
operation dynamo
ww2 service
archive film/photo
A January post and period article prompt fresh questions about the fate of hundreds of Coastal Forces craft after the war.
Fleet Updates
operation dynamo
ww2 service
Warrior’s record connects pre-war naval construction, Operation Dynamo service, and modern restoration of a nationally important small craft.
Fleet Updates
ww2 service
service history
Annanetta’s wartime service and survival story align closely with the Association’s mission to protect and interpret historic working craft.
Community Voices
community update
lost ships
ww2 service
A September 2025 post reported former Royal Navy Ham Class inshore minesweeper HMS Sidlesham (1955) on the bottom at Chelsea.
Community Voices
lost ships
raf launch
ww2 service
A further update identifies former RAF launch 2748 as an RTTL and describes chains through the hull to haul her up the slipway for breakup.
Community Voices
lost ships
raf launch
ww2 service
A July 2025 follow-up post reports that former RAF launch 2748 was broken up.
Community Voices
community update
grants
ww2 service
Whaleback for the World reports S32 has been raised and moved from immediate breakup risk, with urgent fundraising now focused on haul-out.
Community Voices
archive film/photo
community update
ww2 service
A March 2025 post shared a 2010 image of Sungo on the River Itchen at Cobden Bridge, Southampton.
Community Voices
identification needed
ww2 service
community update
A March 2025 post asked for help identifying a 2001 Hayling Island photo, with comments identifying the craft as HSL 2561 “Blue Leader.”
Community Voices
archive film/photo
ww2 service
mtb
A March 2025 post shared an archive photo of MTB 245 and noted her WW2 service in the 22nd MTB Flotilla.
Community Voices
lost ships
ww2 service
A March 2025 post reported the final loss of Golden Galleon after earlier restoration to WW2 Royal Navy livery.
Fleet Updates
memorial
ww2 service
A States of Guernsey release confirms a Liberation Day re-enactment of Force 135’s 1945 arrival, including Rummy III (HMS Flycatcher).
Community Voices
community update
raf launch
ww2 service
A community post revisits former RAF High Speed Launch 145, reported to have rescued 486 airmen and others during WWII.
Community Voices
community update
ww2 service
A community photo post dated 2 February 2025 highlighted image reference 2656.
Community Voices
community update
ww2 service
A community photo post dated 2 February 2025 highlighted image reference 2605.
Community Voices
community update
ww2 service
raf launch
A November 2024 post highlighted Chuzzlewit, a 1944-built ex British Army Service Corps rescue launch, photographed at Twickenham.
Fleet Updates
current condition
identification needed
ww2 service
A September 2024 post highlighted a possible WWII MTB hull in the River Adur, with concern that another artefact could be lost.
Community Voices
community update
ww2 service
mtb
A post dated 12 August 2024 recorded MTB 208, built in 1942, at Platts Eyot.
Community Voices
archive film/photo
ww2 service
operation dynamo
British Council archive film offers a strong insight into the wartime effort behind Britain's little ships.