MSMB 5302. You will see from the photos attached she is looking a lot different from when you last saw her, the engine housing has been lowered to make a more 'sensible' way to get to the aft deck, still got to install air intake vents to the top for those beasts to breathe ! I haven't yet done much to the engines as the wheelhouse and painting was more important, now that the weather is cold and damp its time to work on the engines.... Click here to read more about it.
On the 30th November a fire started in one of the engine bays at the Hythe boatyard. The Medusa Trust are restoring Medusa on this site, and thank goodness Medusa herself is safe. No lives were lost or injuries sustained. The Medusa engines are being assesed for a second restoration, and the results of this, as well as further information, can be found on the Medusa site, which is available on our links page.
Workshop before the fire......
...... and after
We are sure everbody will join us in deep sadness, and sympathy for the Medusa Trust as this will cause problems for the progress of the restoration. The team are however, hard at it getting things back on track, and the dedication and positive actions are to be applauded. We wish the Medusa team all the very best of luck.
The BMPT Ltd had taken a part of the other engine bay at Hythe, and we had collected a large amount of P6 engines. gearboxes and new parts. The idea was that we build a new engine and gearbox for Ark Royal, to replace the ailing existing plant. Unfortunately the entire project went up in flames, and what is left is not worth salvaging. The boat itself is quite safe. No insurance was in place, as getting insurance for 1960 used engines would have cost more than the value of the goods. The finance for this project was privately funded, and therefore the Trust itself is not affected finacially.
The lads working on the
engine before the fire......
...... and the engine wreck after
We are agreed that the project must continue, and to this end we are seeking new premises, as well as new stock of Perkins P6 engines and gearboxes, and Perkins P6 parts,to continue the work.
Any offers of assistance in whatever shape or form will be very welcome, and the contact is Richard Hellyer 023 8089 0900 or click here to send an email
A rare moment in time and history.
Able Seaman Ken Johnstone, who served in HMS Diadem from 1944 to 1947, seen in the cockpit, and alongside 43957 with his son Dwayne, at Hythe, 18th October 2007.
Ken well remembers the demise of the original boat, and will send us the log extracts covering that episode in Diadems life.
Ken tells that the FMB hull was light blue, as was the deck. at that time.
More importantly for us is that Ken advises the boat had a seperate throttle control, not connected to the gearbox at all.
Ken has offered us his mounted crest of Diadem which I have gratefully accepted. I have told him it will be displayed in the cabin, on the aft bulkhead.
His main function on board was that of Coxwain.
Ken will also send us a full 45 page history of Diadem, and put us in touch with the remaining Diadem crew.
Ken and Dwayne live in Canada, and are here on a short visit, so dropped in on the off chance of seeing the boat.
This meeting left me feeling really humble, and puts into perspective all that we are striving for.
What a privilege and honour to be able to give someone so much happiness...just sitting in a boat which he hasnt seen in 60 years..!
The 2 photos of Diadem were taken in Coppenhagen in 1947, and clearly show the FMB.
A rare moment in time and history indeed..!
Richard Hellyer.
05:25 a.m. 11th October 2007;
72ft HDML Gibel-Tarik Ex ML 1301 arrives safely at Ijmuiden harbour, The Netherlands, after a long sea journey from Gibraltar.
The 65 year old vessel, with her original Gardner diesels, made the trip without a hitch. She crossed the Bay of Biscay in one run.
She was crewed by her new Dutch owner Klaas and his friends, including the son of the vessel’s wartime commander.
She will now be further restored, to end up looking even closer to her original appearance. Christian Sheppard-Capurro.
British Military Powerboat Trust Limited
Board Report -
21st August 2007
From the recent Newsletter you will have been expecting the arrival of the calling letter for the 2007 AGM, planned for the 15th September 2007. After serious consideration, the Board members have made a decision to move the planned date from the 15th September 2007 to the Sunday 18th November 2007. There are a number of reasons for this change, and we hope that you be able to both understand and agree with the decision........ Click here to read this report in full.
MASB32 arrives back in Southampton after a long absence. She is on her way to Norfolk for restoration. Saturday 28th July 2007
FMB 43957 ex HMS Ark Royal afloat in Hythe Marina. The boat arrived in Hythe on the 24th July, and was put in the water on 25th July 2007. We are hoping to have her operational shortly.
Unlike 'Miss Sian', the first in the series of ex military FPBs we featured in 'Yard Arm' a short while back the history and class of Thunderchild
(35ft FMB), a similar though not identical craft is something of a mystery.... Click here to view the whole article in Boat Histories.
You will notice that we have changed the "News" chapter heading, and replaced it with "From the Yardarm". We are very lucky to have the services of Mike Taylor, a well respected Journalist, who has offered to write a monthly article for the Trust. We start the ball rolling with "Miss Sian", otherwise known as FMB 43129.
We are also very much indebted to Mr Phil Simons, our Hon Historian who answers so many of your incoming questions re the boats out there. Mr Ted Else, who looks after the Forum on our web site, is an indispensable person as a policeman and adviser, thank you all for your kind assistance to the Trust.
Should you know of any interesting journalistic projects which we could investigate, please send them I to the trust(click here) or safemariner (click here) via email, for our attention and follow up.
We hope you enjoy reading the articles we hoist at the Yardarm.
Richard Hellyer"
This boat, MSMB 5302, was built by McGruers at Clynder in 1953.
She was allocated to HMRY Britannia, and remained with her until replaced in 1971.
Her present owner Daniel Earl, is in the process of getting her ready for his private use, and expects to have her back in the water in September this year.
She presently has 2 x 80hp Fodens as motive power, and is ashore in South Shields.
Daniel has very kindly agreed to put our web site address on the hull, so we expect many more visits to our site. Many thanks Dan, and we look forward to more news as you progress.
MSMB 5302. You will see from the photos attached she is looking a lot different from when you last saw her, the engine housing has been lowered to make a more 'sensible' way to get to the aft deck, still got to install air intake vents to the top for those beasts to breathe ! I haven't yet done much to the engines as the wheelhouse and painting was more important, now that the weather is cold and damp its time to work on the engines.... 
