My Father's aircraft was shot down on 1st July 1941 and ditched off the Dutch coast. During this incident a returning Stirling bomber was also lost trying to radio in my Father's position together with HSL 108 out of Goreleston, which was sent to pick them up. The HSL crew bar one were rescued but became Prioners of War with my Father whilst the crew of the Stirling were lost. Has anyone got any photo's of this vessel? I met someone recently who had seen a photogragh some time ago entitled "E Boat coming alongside to surrender" It was taken in Kiel harbour at the end of the war but the person l met swears it was an HSL. HSL 108 was captured by the Germans and used throughout the war but l do not know what happened to it. Nothing at Kew. Any ideas/pictures? Regards, Nick
Hi Nick ! I remember you asking about this last year ... I wonder if the Solent News and Photo Agency maybe able to find something for you ! ... they were able to find an old picture of the High Speed Launch 102 ... an email might be worth a shot ! ( or even an email to the guy who restored it ! ) British Power Boat Company: Facts, Discussion Forum, and Encyclopedia Article Desperate plea for £400,000 to save Launch 102 - the last surviving Dunkirk boat | Mail Online http://ww2chat.com/forums/news-articles/3532-ww2-rescue-boat-faces-bleak-future.html Annie
Hi Nick I can't find a picture specifically of HSL108, but she was almost certainly of the HSL100 class in these pictures. HSL116 as illustrated was the definitive design so 108 would probably have resembled her. click on the thumbnail to open it, and if its still too small to read, click on it again Adrian
Nick ... have you been in touch with the Great Yarmouth Port Authority at all ? Maybe they would have some information about HSL 108 in their files/archives ... Goreleston, would be under their jurisdiction I believe ! You've tried everywhere you can think of ... this maybe worth a shot ! Annie
Sorry Guys, Been away a couple of weeks. Thanks for the ideas. I will have a look and get back to you. Regards, Nick
Nick: A photo of HSL 108 in German hands appears on the photo page "Air Sea Rescue High Speed Launches at Gorleston" in the chapter "Dockyards and Shipyards" in Julian P Foynes' excellent little book "The Battle of the East Coast (1939-1945)". Published privately by author (1994) - ISBN 0 9521555 2 4 There has not been a good, comprehensive book covering the work of the RAF and USAAF ASR units in the North Sea, but JPF put a surprising amount of info, with some good sketch-maps, in his book. Well worth a revised edition and I am am still hopeful he can be persuaded to have a go ! Will advise him of your interest in this incident. Regards, BC
Thanks BC. I will certainly try to get a copy. There is a similar book written by Tony Overill, the son of one of the original crew that were caught with my Father. Anything further you can find would be great. Regards, Nick
