Meet The Bosun : 1936 RAF Air-Sea Rescue Launch

[@anthonyinglis6956]

My father had an engine failure in 1942 in a Beaufighter over the English Channel just south of the Isle of Wight, and had to bale out. One of these craft, powered by the Lion engine from the firm founded by my father's great-great-great grandfather's D.Napier & Co, was sent to look for him. The problem was the engine was so loud, the crew never heard his cries for help, despite getting within a quarter of a mile of him. He was eventually rescued by a fishing vessel called the Artic Pioneer. Subsequent to this, all air-sea rescue launches had to switch their engines off for one minute every quarter of an hour.

[@anthonyinglis6956]

I would love to have known what those medals were on the bulkhead. But possibly of more interest to another channel!

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

These days the Dutch and Scandinavians use life boats and patrol boats with electric motors and battery packs that can run for hours in electric stealth mode especially when searching at night...or in fog.. so they can listen for calls or a distress whistle. 😎🧙🏼‍♂️🇬🇧 Scania do a hybrid set up where the in-line electric motors alone can produce nearly 400hp each and they are about the size of a beach ball. The ICE engines are truck 16 litre v8 diesels marineised.

[@eliasabreu2311]

eu também já li um relato sobre isso na revista Seleção Register.

[@rogerwood4846]

@@anthonyinglis6956 no mention of the medals donated by an AIR SEA RESCUE veteran on the wall...think they belong to CHARLES MEACOCK...deserves a mention alongside all the other WEBFEET who served

[@Steve-Cross]

Hi Nick. About 50 years ago when I was a lad. I was in the air training corp (ATC). A group of us were taken out on one of these air sea rescue launches. It sounded like thunder and went like stink. A very memorable day. Thank you for bringing those memories back Nick. Absolutely brilliant.👍

[@AQUAHOLIC]

What an incredible experience! I guess it would have had the original engines then too.

[@Steve-Cross]

@ Yes Nick. I think it had either triple Merlin‘s, or the Napiers. It certainly got up and went. 👍

[@kennethgarland4712]

Same here, but my trip was in the 60s! Was that at Mount Batten? An exciting trip round Plymouth Sound!

[@caroleallen2837]

I do like listening to someone who is enthusiastic about their subject. Lovely .

[@causewaykayak]

How beautiful was that. Hours of sandpapering and varnishing. Good on you all at that Boathouse #4

[@jayanderson8895]

We need more videos of Tiger showing us around Boathouse 4's other historic craft!

[@douglasmaxwell6547]

Yes

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

​@@douglasmaxwell6547 What a happy chappy he was!

[@saberwing7930]

What a machine.A beautiful rescue craft. 40 knots out of a wooden hull is pretty amazing. I'm glad they've got her still around. She's got stories to tell, and with a crew like Tiger, fine chaps to tell them. This is a great vid, it's always nice to have boats with stories.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@paroladamoreministries4995]

Ciao Nick, absolutely loved your different presentation of a fantastic 1936 WWW 2 historical RAF Air-Sea fast boat that saved many stranded pilots (38)of different nationalities. What a lovely chap narrating to you about its whole history. This was a great find by you Nick that I am sure many many people will enjoy this particular boat story told by Tiger. 40 knots in its day is exceptional fast too......"the sea shall not have them!'

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Many thanks!

[@nicksearle3677]

Helped restore her from a houseboat wreck. Nice to see her still going and in good hands

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Good job!

[@elizabethcarrington5819]

That’s so awesome!

[@Jeff-gn1xz]

Boathouse 4 added to the list of places to visit when I'm next in the area. It's wonderful that we have people like Tiger to help maintain our heritage.

[@nicbennett6554]

I love the modern boats you tour, but this piece of history shared with expert knowledge and enthusiasm by Tiger was amazing. Thanks Nick!!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Interdiction]

This is no longer historic . Wrong engines wrong gearboxes ? what is historic about it

[@999wilf999]

My granddad was an RAF air-sea rescue wireless operator during the war, working on the RAF's small boats, although I don't know which ones in particular. He always spoke very highly of the HSLs, so it's good to see one of them so well preserved, and thank you for showing his 'office!' The sea shall not have them.

[@MarkPoppinPringlesleaf]

Great tour of her. Tiger is certainly very knowledgeable and you can tell passionate about his boats. Thank you for taking us on a historical tour of her Nick

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@Ulbre]

I absolutely love this. As an ex-serviceman in the RAAF (the extra "A" being Australia) I would like to thank the men who crewed these boats, during WWII, for their service. I imagine they would have gone out in any conditions to rescue downed crew and would have become targets themselves especially during the night when their search lights would be lit up looking for downed airmen. The crew of these boats were all heroes. Top notch video sir.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thank you!

[@mrshort2379]

Thank You for that awesome tour of Historical excellence. I have always been amazed by boats of that type they lived a hard life. however, I would say, I bet it was fun to an extent. I would love to see some more historical special purpose boats like that, especially a WWII US PT Boat, and fast attack boats used during Vietnam era. there were some pretty awesome special purpose boats. that allot of people never even knew about.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@MightyLucas]

Enthusiasm is so infectious 👌🏻. Great boat in good hands.👍🏻

[@gap9992]

Boathouse 4 is always worth a visit. Lots of very interesting boats to see

[@rexpayne7836]

You never know what you'll see on this channel. What a character with great knowledge of this boat. Thanks, Nick. Loved it. 🇦🇺 😀

[@AQUAHOLIC]

My pleasure!

[@fidel681]

Wow Tiger knows his stuff and some more. Love the history of this craft and the importance it played during ww2. Thanks Nick👍

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@jamesmclellan6301]

My late brother lived aboard MTB219 for 8 years when used as a house boat moored at Cheney Wharf in Chelsea. She was 70’ and 38 ton. A lot bigger but had 3 Merlin engines giving her low 40s from my understanding. Now being restored in Bridgewater. I stayed numerous time and the woodwork was all exposed and was stuffed full,of character. Looking at this took me back but nice to see this beauty in such good condition. Great change from the norm Nick and really appreciated.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@MrPlusses]

Thank you gor the tour. Never really thought about it but if not for one of these boats picking up my dad I wouldnt be here. The whole group there in Portsmouth are rock stars.

[@williamgildea8348]

In my opinion this is one of the best tours I’ve ever seen. Amazing build, they just don’t build them like that anymore. ❤️❤️❤️

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@tomasgoodlaxson4255]

Wonderful! Absolutely brilliant. I would love to see a few more of those historical ships. Thanks!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@julesforsyth2996]

Wow, I wonder if anyone who was rescued is still alive, highly unlikely I expect. Lovely guy who knows his stuff and really enjoys what he does. Brilliant.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@sohovulture87]

Blimey, you've only gone and done it again, Nick. What an original and fascinating tour and lovely to know that knowledgeable enthusiasts like Tiger are still engaged in restoring treasures such as this launch. Much hat-doffing and forelock tugging. Fab!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@Renol70-N]

If boats could talk eh ! Maritime history right there, such a fascinating tour. Thank you & Tiger for our Friday fix. Have a good weekend 👍

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@rpaasse6453]

There is a Dutch movie called, Soldaat van Oranje. Soldier of Orange, his name was Eric Hazelhof. He was brought one one of these boats to the Dutch shore, swim on land, take off is divergear and in toxido walked through the German defense-line to attend a party in Scheveningen. It really happened that way in the war. The men who sailed these boats indeed had no fear. As a young boy i saw that boat, in the movie, plouwing through the waves, Eric on deck at the front, great music with it, that is the image i have thinking of these boats, still gives me goosebumps. Long story short. These boats were a top peace of English engineering, like the Spitfire, and i am realy happy people still care for these boats and thank you very much for showing this powerhouse on youre channel. Because if you look at the state of this boat, its beautiful.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@maryholder3795]

The Sea Shall Not Have Them. 210 RAF pilot rescue boat. Fascinating boat, and histor. The building of her is fascinating, they don't make ships like her anymore. Lucky you Nick finding her Excellent video of important time in our history, WW2 English channel, Dover Strait. Magical Nick thank you.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

You're very welcome! 🙂

[@ryanfowlow8034]

Now this is a man who loves his boat, and the history of said boat. Great video Nick.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@doverivermedia3937]

Wow, amazing. My dad was in WW2 RAF and a life long boater. He'd of loved to visit 'boathouse 4' ... Great job Nick 👍 🇬🇧

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thank you!

[@davidnorton5887]

The best looking boat, inside and out, you've had on the channel. Thank you.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

You're welcome!

[@neilewart4347]

All those who are involved with preserving these lovely boats deserve more recognition. Ditto others who have kept heritage railways, locos, planes and vehicles alive and well. So much more could have vanished for good if wasn't for their enthusiasm, energy and bloody mindness .

[@alistairbaxter3]

Brilliant! Thank you. More Tiger and Bouthouse 4, please.

[@iancharlton678]

Fascinating Nick 🇬🇧🙂 I remember an old b&w film/drama set on a fast WW2 boat, artillery fixed fore and aft, crossing the channel driving on a single aero style V12 - sneaking close to an occupied port, then shelling the hell out of them with the deck guns………. the Captain then shouting down the tube “bring in the wings !!” followed by an un-earthly roar and some buggering off at a huge rate of knots……. Back for tea and medals 😊🇬🇧 Also, some 45 to 50 years ago we (family) took a ride on a boat which I remember as Pentland Spray(?) at Fort William - a decommissioned MTB with its 27litre Rolls Royce engines (pair) still in place, but due to be removed. The guy operating was the wartime Coxswain of the same vessel, having bought her when she was demobbed…….. we (I) badgered him to tickle the throttles a tiny tad and you could feel the potential from even a tiny rise on two huge revcounters at the helm. It was fascinating and a little awkward that the helmsman’s view wasn’t great, as his job was to steer as instructed, so helming under your own direction was compromised. I’d love to know what became of the boat……. Wonderful tour Nick - right up my Men and Motors, engines, wartime street 🇬🇧🙂

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@SirPrancelot1]

What a great tour. This man would be a credit to whatever organisation or business he worked for! Thanks Nick.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Couldn't agree more!

[@richardmorgan8840]

Wow, Wow, Wow. True craftsmanship and a brilliant tour guide🙏

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@Aran2323]

Tiger was a great tour guide of a really cool boat!

[@jaimiemadden590]

I think David Niven was sleeping in the officers quarters, best not to wake him Fun nostalgia indeed… very sleek wooden hull and big power in her day I’m sure many an airman was glad to see this boat coming If it wasn’t for these museums we would lose track of our history Great interview and tour Nick.. special thanks to Tiger

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@gervers]

Fantastic boat and history tour!!! What a lovely guy! Thank you both. Awesome. Just one very very minor thing. A Lancaster had a crew of 7. A US B17 Flying Fortress had a crew of 10. Have great weekends one and all.

[@michaelcaffari3997]

A totally fascinating review of a wonderful vessel. Your guide on this boat was an inspiration. Cheers Nick

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@History--Stamp]

"Dad what did you do during the war?" "Well son I was a sailor...for the RAF" 😂

[@sweden4thewin]

Great tour by a couple of great chaps on a great boat. Thanks for the video, it was a pleasure to watch.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Our pleasure!

[@thebadger1165]

I'll be honest at first I thought who is this guy but seeing his enthusiasm and passion for historic boats really captured me. I will be going to boathouse 4 next ime I'm getting the caen to portsmouth ferry

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

Why was that your first thought. Didn't you like his hair!

[@robertlindstrom540]

Fascinating is right. And more interesting than modern boats to many. In fact, as an idea if you started a channel about historic boats we (many of us) would be absolutely riveted to our screens. Your way of storytelling is just about perfect and you seem to always find the right persons to talk to.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

If only I had the time! hopefully we might see a few more on AQUAHOLIC though...

[@robertlindstrom540]

@@AQUAHOLIC 👍

[@tiagocruz5399]

Well worth the video. It's lovely to see how much the British engage in volunteer work in the service of their community.

[@rodhengstberger2438]

Fantastic boat. I would have loved to have seen it in operation with the original motors. Great history lesson from the Bosun.

[@hidusb]

That is one priceless boat. What a history!

[@northstar5334]

Pretty cool boat old monster Nick Thanks

[@djberkey5449]

W.O.W! Now this is amazing! I just looked up their website also! You need to go and charter this beauty or hire or whatever it is…you can go out for rides! Thanks for this one! It was so interesting, especially hearing him talk about how she’s built with diagonal planks!! Such simple ideas and look how long she’s lasted! Brilliant! (And it is!)

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@SAM-zt2uy]

Wow that boats a credit to those that work and maintain her thanks for the tour Tiger.

[@boznorris527]

I had the pleasure of doing engine services and fitting new steering assembly on the 441 version of this vessel. What a fantastic piece of history and beautiful boats 🤙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@scottdynek2728]

How amazing!!! Nick never ceases to amaze his viewers! Thank you!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@rtbinc2273]

I love these - thanks so much for showing us this magical boat. It's true - only Nick would show us this!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@robertseaman2254]

That’s amazing what a boat ,in beautiful condition.how they managed to design and build them and do them in the time scale just blows my mind ,it really shows what can be done with a focused mindset.

[@fnikacevic]

Incredibly clean for being almost 100 years old!

[@DieselPumpUK]

One of my favourite vids yet, thanks for sharing.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@ijoseluis]

Very interesting! A live museum. Thank you, Nick!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JohnRoberts-q4p]

My father-in-law served as Flight Officer on HS 104. During WW2 Based at Shetland, Plymouth, Newlyn and Lagos West Africa. Such beautiful craft serving an important role.

[@Richcap122]

Thank you, Nick. I really enjoyed these old woodies and military vessels you just have to Marvel at the craftsmanship of the the day, as I spent four years on the coast guard cutter Eagle a 1936, 295 foot all riveted German sailing vessel

[@satch7123]

This is fantastic. What a wonderfully enthusiastic and knowledgeable chap. Brave souls working these boats back in the war... an easy target probably? Not sure of the 'rules' regarding rescue craft? Nick, thank you for letting him speak (as you always do!) So many presenters speak over, interrupt etc. Brilliant! 👍

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@paroladamoreministries4995]

Tiger should write a book about this remarkable boat - especially about all the different pilots that were saved and are still living today, Amen!!!

[@del5.0]

Love this content, Nick. That was a fast boat for the 30's Thanks as always, Cheers!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@cookiemonster2299]

Cheers Nick and Tiger absolutely loved seeing this boat inside and out, might have to pop along to Portsmouth sometime. 👍❤️🇬🇧

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@lbcmotors9316]

great guest! More of the collection would be awesome!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Hoping to next year

[@gordonsimpson3235]

She is beautiful Nick!

[@24th1879]

When I was a kid in the 1960's in Falmouth I used to go out shark fishing with my Dad on an ex RAF launch like this one. We used to leave considerably later than the other shark boats and catch them up. She also had three engines which I may be wrong but I understood at the time to be marinised Merlin engines..

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Awesome!

[@manuelvanderslikke680]

Wauw Nick that is a real classic boat this 1936 RAF Air-Sea Rescue boat and it looks great with that blue hull and it still works not with the origional engines but still great i am imprest thank you Nick what a show ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Many thanks!

[@mtbelly1972]

Beautiful looking boat and what a history. Amazing. 💜

[@phillo1818]

Wonderfully brilliant showing. I am very thankful for these historical preservationist's who selflessly give of their personal time to ensure our Navel past is not forgotten and, in some cases, physically relived.

[@onefrazzer]

You always say people ask what happens to old boats well this is a very one example and he is very knowledgeable and passionate about this one

[@anthonybrazzale7251]

Great job by Tiger. Thanks to both of you for this fascinating tour and now that we are at that time of year…. very Merry Christmas

[@AQUAHOLIC]

You too! 😃

[@davidpenlington2753]

My late uncle was on MTB (motor torpedo boat) during the war, he said they used to almost idle over to the French coast and then open up and run down the coast strafing the shore line, when fully opened up you could hear them in England across the channel, Merlin Rolls motors.

[@bradrock7731]

I don't doubt that! I grew up going to the Unlimited Hydroplane races on the Detroit river in the sixties. A big swarm of Merlins & Allisons going flat out was magical. ( Not to make light of your uncles service)

[@GalacticAussie]

That was amazing Nick. Im glad our history is being looked after.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@dorislyons6223]

Thanks Nick, was hoping you would do this beauty when it was the backdrop to one of your recent videos. A new channel beckons Navyholic ❤

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@paulfranks9760]

Great tour and interview,Tiger knows his craft a pleasure to watch both of you ,thank you.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@ThoughtfulWander]

well kept lady there! Nice job! 👍👍Thanks for sharing, Nick! 👍👍

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Thanks for watching TW!

[@ThoughtfulWander]

@@AQUAHOLIC 👍👍

[@stevemumbling7720]

Beautiful, it looks brand new.

[@fraserhardmetal7143]

That boat is immaculate - a credit to all who have looked aftef her. There used to be 2 similar launches in Bridlington in the '60's - apparently T.E. Lawrence spent time there inter war developing high speed rescue craft.

[@jamestg4]

She is a beauty and looks very well cared for.

[@alaneverett2531]

You can see in his eyes he loves that vessel

[@lordsleepyhead]

The only thing I like more than a good boat video, is a good vintage boat video!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@williambridges3907]

What a beautiful piece of history, thank you so much for sharing.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@gordonimrie6968]

Love the channel Nick, especially 'My boat' and 'meet the owner', but this enthusiasm, information, and opinion for our UK maritime history is on another level. More please, much more.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it 🙂

[@bobuncle8704]

Big WW2 fan. Loved this tour.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@Kim_Jensen]

Wow, thats facinating history, and I love the enthusiasm of the gentleman presenting the boat😀Thanks for the tour😊

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Our pleasure!

[@Wolfie387]

Beautifully renovated..a magnificent vessel.

[@elizabethcarrington5819]

Wow! This is the coolest boat ever. I’ve read so many books on WW2 and lots of discussions about saving pilots downed over the channel . So awesome to actually see a real one. Thanks Nick! So glad they’ve preserved this beauty. ❤️😊

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@davidgreen1584]

Wow! This video has evoked so many memories & stories from your viewers! Fantastic & dramatic Also Tiger, what enthusiasm & knowledge & only matched by yours, what an a absolute & wonderful video👍 Loved it🎉😊

[@savethehumans7460]

Thanks for the share Nick.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

My pleasure!!

[@CharleyGeorge]

stunning boat well done on those people for keeping history around

[@davesandall4530]

Excellent you can see how proud he is of the boat 🎉

[@nicholasforman1195]

An absolutely fab piece of kit and way ahead of her time in 1936(when I had my first water skiing lesson)

[@CommitExecuteAccept]

Wonderful to see these craft in beautiful condition. Great British history and Tiger is pure class 👏

[@simonp75381]

Beautiful Boat . Great Video . Excellent Restoration. Thanks for posting.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I'm glad that you enjoyed it 🙂

[@ianyoung9837]

I really enjoyed this tour, in my opinion it would make a great additional facet to the channel.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@frank1672]

Hello Nick. Great Vlog. What a nice chap, proud of his boat and why not all that history. My wife's late Uncle Ray served on one as a seventeen year old, he never talked about it like so many.

[@loadedshamrock]

Great video, I think we need a tour of Boat House 4!!

[@AQUAHOLIC]

I don't disagree...

[@PortsmouthHistoricQuarter]

@@AQUAHOLIC Neither do we...😏

[@singeager]

Beautiful restoration

[@harbourdogNL]

Wow. Gorgeous. And going to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a must for anyone visiting Portsmouth. I could have spent an entire week at least. If I lived in the area I'd be a volunteer there, no question.

[@marcoperoni4735]

Brilliant video Nick and Tiger, thank you. ❤👍

[@AQUAHOLIC]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

[@baf_mcnab3065]

Fantastic video, something completely different and so enjoyable. Tiger is great, hope we are going to see a few more of his 'loves' Nick. Thanks for bringing us this one 👍