Name

ML 293

ML 293 was built by the Dorset Yacht Company in 1941 at Hamworthy and worked as a Second World War motor launch. She joined the fifth flotilla and some of her exploits have been recorded in the book 'Inshore Heroes', notably her raid on the Radar Station in the Elaples area, when supportng the Special Services.

She was the first bowed vessel into Bologne harbour duing the liberation of France, nearly falling victim to the Army sharpshooters exploding mines periously close to her stern.

ML 293 was paid off in August 1945. Her name was changed to SOUTHERN PRINCESS, after conversion to be a pleasure boat off Great Yarmouth.

1949 found her leased to the Humber Conservancy Board, and she was now to be used as a survey vessel. As the E P HUTCHINSON, ML 293 played a role in the planning of the new Humber Bridge.

She was sold to Holland for a period, but not for long as the new owner could not meet his financial obligations and she was resold. Her return journey involved an underwater collision, which was repairable, but the cost of more modifications, financial problems and lack of attention resulted in ML 293 being classed as derelict and as such she remained a while in Bristol Dock.

Sold to Bob Morley, her restoraion to a Naval vessel commenced. After extensive work at Gloucester and Lydney, she returned to Bristol for the Naval Cadets. Under the command of Bob Baker, she served as a training vessel. The Midlands branch of the CFVA lent a hand by replacing her funnel with one more in keeping with her Fairmile shape. For three years she stayed in Bristol, until sold once again. Following on from this, she was berthed Hooe Lake, Plymouth, but was recorded as being disposed of in 2004.