Registration number 542
Status National Historic Fleet
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Details

Function Fighting Vessel
Subfunction Launch
Location Oulton Broad
Vessel type Range Safety Launch
Current use None
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No
Info required Yes
Web address www.bmpt.org.uk

Construction

Builder British Power Boat Co Ltd. Hythe
Built in 1945
Hull material Wood
Rig None
Number of decks 1
Propulsion Motor
Number of engines 1
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
12.59 feet (3.84m)
Depth
2.89 feet (0.88m)
Length: Overall
44.56 feet (13.59m)

History

HUMBER was one of forty 44.5ft River Class Fast Launches. She saw over 30 years of active service, in Home Waters with the RASC and, from 1965 with the Royal Corps of Transport. Her last active station was Hong Kong, where she was withdrawn in 1976. Following her return, she saw further useful service as an induction display at Colerne, Wiltshire. She was not declared finally surplus to requirements until 1989. Following restoration and refurbishment at Marchwood, she was transferred into the Naval base in 1992. As a museum exhibit, she remains in the ownership of the newly restructured Royal Logistics Corps. She is the last known 'River' to retain her wartime appearance.

We are currently seeking further information on this National Historic Fleet vessel. If you have any details about this vessel past or present, please contact us.

Key dates

  • 1945

    Built by British Powerboat Co. Hythe

  • 1945-1975

    30 years service in home waters with RASC and Royal Corps of Transport, latterly based  in Hong Kong

  • 1984

    Withdrawn from service as surplus to requirements

  • 1992

    Restored and refurbished at Marchwood

  • 2005

    British Military Powerboat Trust wound up  and HUMBER moved to Norfolk for eventual restoration

Sources

WSS Small Craft Group Journal: Survivors Update, pp103-4, Volume 14, December 1999 

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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