If only.... "The Admiralty had built a boat which was to the same design and construction as the popular RAF Pinnaces whilst the Admiralty had around 90 of these craft, the RAF had some 260. The original design was from the builders Groves and Gutttridge of Cowes who completed the first RAF Pinnace MK1 in 1938. The Admiralty version of this craft were known as, FSMB's (Fast Seagoing Motor Boats) or TRSB's (Torpedo Recovery Safety Boats) or simply as 60ft Seagoing Motor Boats. 4195 was ordered by the Admiralty from Watercraft Ltd. The Barge Walk, East Molesey, Surrey on 17th March 1941 under authority CP88739/40 this order was for three 60ft FSMB's /SMB's Admiralty Numbers 4193 to 4195 inclusive. 4195 was completed by the builders and taken over by Fleet Air Arm personnel, leaving Watercraft on the 4th September 1942 (CP 8371/42). Subsequently the craft was allocated to RNAS Condor at Arbroath on N/S Transfer Account 470 where she continued to serve until she was declared for disposal on the 19th July 1946 (191801/46). 4195 was eventually sold out of service on the 6th October 1948 and is on the National Historic Ships Register. " Groves & Gutteridge Boats for sale UK, Groves & Gutteridge Used boat sales, Groves & Gutteridge Motor Boats For Sale 1941 RAF Pinnace - Admiralty - Apollo Duck
I think these were also used by the RSS and I think that the yanks used one for oss sork...I'm off to look in the secret wireless war...Good post Gordon...Funny how most folk who join RAF never got or get to fly....
As an aside... In The Paladins, John James notes that an RAF "squadron" could comprise from 220 to 240 men in total - given all the technical and support grades, and the ancillary staff for actually running an air base...all to roster twelve aircraft daily, and support a complement of 23-26 pilots!
The amount of flyers today is astounding.....They could fill a football...stadium...well row 1 anyway.
