Details
Construction
Dimensions
History
Built as a private motor yacht by William Osbourne in 1937, GERFALCON served as a Royal Navy Auxiliary patrol craft during the Second World War, having been requisitioned in June 1940 from her owner at the time, Commander V Searles-Wood. The vessel was first registered in 1938 by the Registrar of Shipping at Littlehampton.
GERFALCON was lovingly restored to her original condition by her most recent owner and in 2012 was selected to take part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant.
Under new ownership since July 2024, she subsequently underwent significant restoration work, aiming to restore GERFALCON to its former glory, maintaining its historical significance and ensuring its legacy is preserved for future generations. The restoration will be a transformative undertaking, reflecting both the vessel’s wartime service and its maritime heritage.
In May 2025, GERFALCON's restoration was nearly complete, and, following sea trials, she took part in the 85th Anniversary Return to Dunkirk flotilla.
Key dates
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1938
Built by William Osbourne at Arun Shipyard Littlehampton, West Sussex for Commander Valentine Searles-Wood of Warerlooville Hampshire
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1940
Requisitioned by the Admiralty for the Dunkirk evacuation
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1946
New owner
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1949
New owner
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1952
New owner
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2012
Vessel selected for Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on 3 June 2012
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1997
Bought by present owner
Sources
ADLS News: Fleet news, Spring 2015
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
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