Boats & ships

If it floats its here,whether or not on the high seas or inland waterways its here

High Speed Launch (HSL) 102, commissioned in 1936, is the only 100 class high speed, air/sea rescue launch to survive. The inspiration behind these RAF rescue craft was Aircraftsman T E Shaw (better known as Lawrence of Arabia), who pressed for the development of a large craft for offshore rescue work. The prototype vessel, HSL 100, was launched in May 1936 and on trials surpassed all the parameters set by both the builders and the RAF. The air ministry immediately placed further orders, with HSLs 101 – 114 ordered in stages in 1936 with deliveries commencing in 1937. Capable of a speed of up to 40 knots, boats of this class rescued more than 13,000 airmen from the sea. HSL 102 herself saved 38 aircrew in 1941 as she patrolled the English Channel, and as a result received a visit from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. HRH The Queen Mother relaunched HSL 102 on completion of her restoration in 1996, 55 years after she had first stepped on board.

251 / 338

High Speed Launch (HSL) 102, commissioned in 1936, is the only 100 class high speed, air/sea rescue launch to survive. The inspiration behind these RAF rescue craft was Aircraftsman T E Shaw (better known as Lawrence of Arabia), who pressed for the development of a large craft for offshore rescue work. The prototype vessel, HSL 100, was launched in May 1936 and on trials surpassed all the parameters set by both the builders and the RAF. The air ministry immediately placed further orders, with HSLs 101 – 114 ordered in stages in 1936 with deliveries commencing in 1937. Capable of a speed of up to 40 knots, boats of this class rescued more than 13,000 airmen from the sea. HSL 102 herself saved 38 aircrew in 1941 as she patrolled the English Channel, and as a result received a visit from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. HRH The Queen Mother relaunched HSL 102 on completion of her restoration in 1996, 55 years after she had first stepped on board.

IAN09095