Last Operational World War II Motor Boats Saved For The Nation

"Two of the last remaining fully operational high-speed World War II motor boats have been saved for the nation by Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust with the help of a £580,000 grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF).

When built, they were among the fastest boats of their type in the world. One of the boats, MGB 81, was active during the US landing at Omaha Beach during D-Day and received the battle honour ‘Normandy 1944'. The other, HSL 102, is the only surviving example of the 100 class high speed launch and was stationed at RAF Calshot during the Battle of Britain, retrieving shot down airmen from the sea. Throughout the duration of the war, HSL vessels saved a total of 10,000 airmen of many nationalities.

The money will enable Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust (PNBPT) to purchase the gunboats. Although both were outstanding examples of British naval engineering, they only had a life expectancy of 20 years. They have now been restored to original working condition and are on display at Gunwharf Quays Marina in Portsmouth. It is hoped people will get the opportunity to charter the boats and experience what it was like for the crews driving at full speed 70 years ago."

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