What's this RAF motor gun boat?

robin bird · Mar 11, 2018

Dad took this wartime photograph of RAF MGB 019 and a similar one of MGB 004, I think off Helensburgh. Can any one tell me more about these particular vessels?

Owen · Mar 11, 2018

Same photo here with some details on 019.
RAF Boats
It's a LRRC rather than a MGB isn't it?

Orwell1984 · Mar 11, 2018

Same site has this to say:
RAF Boats

During 1942 the Director of Air Sea Rescue recommended that in addition to the existing 100 class HSLs, a second type with longer range would be necessary in anticipation of placing launches at intervals under the bomber streams. These craft would have required to stay on station for many hours, in all weather and speeds of 20-25 knots would suffice. He further estimated 110 such craft would be required. THe RN was approached for a number of Fairmile ML's, however the request was turned down. By 1944 a requirement existed for a larger Long Range Rescue Craft (LRRC) for the Far East theatre. The RAF invited tenders for a prototype LRRC, however by November 1944, it was clear none would be ready in time for the Far East. The problem was resolved by the RN finally keeping its 1942 commitment by allocating 40 MTBs to the RAF. These craft, formerly Fairmile "D" MGB/MTBs, were made ready between November 1944 and August 1945. The craft allocated RAF numbers LRRC 020 - 039 were already in service in the RN, with MTB 744 (LRRC 040) in service with RCN, however all torpedo and depth charge mechanisms were removed before transfer. The balance LRRC 001 - 019 were in advance stages of building, but were completed as LRRCs. All craft retained their distinctive torpedo cutaway each side of the bows, being integral parts of the hull construction. Alterations centred mainly around a reduction in the amount of armament but also included the re-arrangement of the accommodation to provide space for a large sick bay, and the installation of RAF radio equipment. The four ferry tanks installed on the deck were retained to extend the range, their installation increased the total fuel capacity from 5,200 to 8,800 gallons.

Converted and new craft began to be delivered in 1945 and thus all the LRRCs were assembled at Calshot for final equipping and were divided into five flotillas of eight boats each, forming Nos 101 - 105 ASR/MCUs. Only two of the flotillas had sailed for the Far East by the time of VJ day, one being Malta, the other in Gibraltar. The craft remained in the Mediterranean, whilst the others stayed at Calshot. Subsequently some of those in the Mediterranean were dispersed to other ASRUs to relieve other HSLs, whils others were sent to the Suez Canal Zone. Six LRRCs at Suez were stripped and converted to Officers Married Quarters at Fanra in Egypt in 1947. The craft were subsequently sold and destroyed locally, however others had already been offered for sale at Malta in May 1949, whilst those at Calshot were returned to the Admiralty in 1946. For the most part, the lend lease engines would have been removed and returned to US control, the hulls probably destroyed, however four former LRRCs were subsequently transferred to the Sea Cadets Corps (SCC) in 1948.

Towards the end of 1999, of the three known surviving Fairmile "D" types, two were former LRRCs - 029 at Shoreham and 030 at Chatham - then both houseboats.
Click to expand...

robin bird · Mar 12, 2018

Thank you gentlemen and that's dad's photograph as it appeared in a book I wrote. His photographs must have been taken at Calshot not Helensburgh and later in the war when dad had been posted from RAF Helensburgh to Beaulieu/Calshot. So, thanks again for putting the picture in context

robin bird · Mar 12, 2018

004, is this the fourth example? picture taken at same time and location

Dave55 · Mar 12, 2018

Found this page with some more info
Power was Packard 2500 series V-12s. Great looking engine.

RAF Boats

EDIT: Opps Same page that Owen and Orwell posted. I didn't notice the Specifications link in it

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What's this RAF motor gun boat?

robin bird Well-Known Member

Attached Files:

019.JPG

Owen -- --- -.. MOD

Orwell1984 Senior Member

robin bird Well-Known Member

robin bird Well-Known Member

Attached Files:

004.jpg

Dave55 Atlanta, USA

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What's this RAF motor gun boat?

robin bird Well-Known Member

Attached Files:

019.JPG

Owen -- --- -.. MOD

Orwell1984 Senior Member

robin bird Well-Known Member

robin bird Well-Known Member

Attached Files:

004.jpg

Dave55 Atlanta, USA

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