Hyperion SOLD!
This is a piece of British history that can be used with two bunks in forward cabin and two in aft cabin, sea toilet with storage tank, fresh water tank and shore power 240v/24v/12v and a power inverter 24v to 240v. 6ft head room throughout etc.
The Hyperion is a 48ft Derby Class triple screw fast launch, which was ordered in 1940 and completed in 1943. Built by j.s.whites as yard No 1502 in mahogany.
She became part of the Royal army service corps were she had a crew of 7 and commanded by an Lt RN, Her armament comprised of two Bren guns or similar light armaments.
Hyperion was transferred to 624 company (motor boat) on April 1944, After taking part in various pre-invasion exercises, she was moved from West Mersea to the isle of Wight to be based at Yarmouth on 24/25 may 1944.
On 5th June 1944 Hyperion along with the bird class fast launch Swallow, joined up in the Solent with the invasion fleet convoys on their way to Normandy. Both swallow and Hyperion arrived at Normandy in the early hours of 6th June 1944 and Hyperion became the smallest craft to reach Normandy on D-DAY under her own power. Shortly after arrival at Normandy and during the subsequent build-up after the landings the two craft were given a ‘free rain’ in controlling DUKW’s between the beaches and supply ships.
Hyperion later became involved in ferrying senior officers and giving VIP’s sightseeing tours around the assault area. Most notably, her logbook records that on 19th august 1944 she was ordered to stand by for a party of VIP’s At 1515hrs she took on board His Royal Highness King George V1 and Mr Anthony Eden, then Foreign Secretary, and gave then a grand tour of the Mulberry harbours and the anchorages.
Hyperion was transferred to 571 Company (motor boat) on 4th June 1945 and then absorbed into force 135, which was set up for the liberation of the Channel Islands, The Hyperion and sister craft Grand parade along with Humorist, were involved in the transportation of German officers from Alderney to Guernsey, after the surrender of the Germans in the channel islands. The craft operated there for some time, with a mixture of civilian and service crew, regularly making the passage between the Islands at 20 knots.
In the mid to late sixties Hyperion was transferred to the civilian fleet of the RTC and then operated out of Weymouth along with sister craft Captain Cuttle and Isinglass on range patrol and clearance for Lulworth firing range until 1971.
She has substantially been restored in private ownership since 1971 she is now powered by three Perkins 6354 diesels, each rated at 120/130 Bhp she retains her original lay out and many of the original fittings and two de-activated Bren guns.
This boat is ready to go to sea with a recent overhaul out of water including antifouling and paint work to sides and top with repairs to wood work using mahogany and oak. Also new galley equipment and life raft service done.
