I have a list of fates of the 63' BPB's which were given the generic name HSL. the first 63' built was MASB 22 (build no 1561) which was given the service number 122. Given this info and the build number of '32 (1571) I assume it is fair to say that S32 had the service number 132 or was hsl 132 (not MGB 132 reclassed MTB 451).

With this in mind, assuming my info is correct can anyone find any info on HSL 132? or correct me.jjclassed MTB45132 re132 re-classed as MTB 451and built at the Hythe yard

Thanks Darren and Don,

I do have those photos of '32, I have assumed that the 'S' replaced the '1' when the ASDIC was installed, are there other photos of 63' HSLs with the three numbers like 130? (130 survived the war and was sold off in1946)

Clive, RN MA/SBs 22-39 used the 63ft Whaleback hull, as did RAF HSLs 122-190 (except the Aeromarine boats HSL 150-155 I think).

I really do not think it ever got more complicated than this, i.e. RN MA/SB 32 was certainly not the same boat as RAF HSL 132, if this is what you are trying to figure out.

Thanks guys,

As you say the MASB 32 and HSL 132 were probably not the same boat even though they were all 63' type 2 hulls, in all the pictures of MASBs (24 33 35 etc) there is no '1' so I realise what you are saying.

The reason for my enquiry was that in the 'pack' which Hector gave me was a few pages written out by Bernard (Bernard Cox?) which said all of theese 63' boats were called 'HSLs' wether built for ASR / MASB etc. Also all build numbers and service numbers tally, which I suppose they would anyway. I will have another read tonight.

I am trying another angle to find some history but it seems as if it is not quite working!

In saying what has just been said, is ASRL 130 as in Darrens picture not HSL 130?

 Thanks for not letting me wander off down the wrong path!

I am not really a 'nerd' - I just see that sometimes the http:// bit either needs a space after the previous sentence or completely removed to be replaced by www.

Regds

I have a hand written report from the red listsof the service of what is said to be HSL 132 which had been assumed to be  MASB 32 ( I think that makes sense) I now appreciate that they are different boats, the interesting thing is that I have a small bit of data regarding MASB 32 which says the completion date and pay off dates are the same but disposal date is different as is the date she was sent to Poole.

I am a bit sketchy on my info as it is at home, the annoying thing is from the little info I thought I had on her, I now have even less!

32 was laid down in 1939 by The British Power Boat Company at their Hythe yard. However she was not completed and launched until 24th September 1941. She was originally configured as a Motor Anti Submarine Boat, hence MASB and was given the Service Number 32. Her original Yard Number was, I think, 1571. She was subsequently configured for air sea rescue work. On page 139 of the June 1942 edition of The Motor Boat and Yachting 32 is shown with S32 painted on her foredeck. The accompanying article relates to a trip undertaken by journalists on several boats including S32. The text in part reads:

“These motor boats are now primarily employed by the Navy for rescuing airmen from the sea. They are of the by now familiar 63-ft Scott-Paine type, manned by two sub-lieutenants R.N.V.R. and eight naval ratings. Nearly half the hull is occupied by three Napier engines; the crew sleep aboard and the officers ashore. Working in conjunction with these craft are R.A.F. boats of the 60-ft type, their turns of sea duty alternating”

The article probably had to have been written in April or May to have made it into the June edition. So … it would appear that 32 had the prefix “S” very early on in her service life and whilst used for Air Sea Rescue work. I assume that this would have been before she might have been involved in any “Special Duties”. (Though to me, rescuing downed airmen was pretty special!!)

MASBs 22 to 32 were originally ordered as 70 foot boats with MASBs 7 to 21.

HSLs 122 to 133 were ordered as 64-ft boats in 1939 with the designation of High Speed Launch but were eventually built as 63 footers. (Thirty six 63-ft High Speed Launches were built at Hythe in 1941/1942)

In the year September 1939 to September 1940 BPBC produced 136 boats. From October 1940 to September 1941, 150 boats. October 1941 to September 1942, 112 boats. Peaking at 210 boats in the year October 1942 to September 1943.

The Pom

Hi,

21 Sep '41 - went to southampton to be fitted with ASDIC and RT having been allocated to Dover command for air sea rescue duties under SMBA 1014 dated 17 Sep '41