Post WWII two pinnaces were taken up by the RAF from the M.C.A. (Ministry of Civil Aviation). The pair were generally the same as the SD pinnaces (16F/109) when taken over and in fact Pinnace 1197 was later redesignated as a SD pinnace prior to disposal from the RAF.
Pinnace 1196 which was formerly numbered MCA 1 was however, converted for special use by the MOS and held at 1107 MCU, Newhaven primarily for special operations. The pinnace was known locally as the “Boffin Boat” and was not on the normal Marine Branch strength. Whilst at Newhaven 1196 was running for the benefit of the MOS and RAE (Royal Aircraft Establishment) Farnborough, but was also given other tasks when not so employed. The main work with the research teams was with the development of underwater weapons and in particular the detection of submarines. After conversion for research work, the main differences in appearance from a SD or GS pinnace were the lack of a sampson post and derrick and the extra high roofed hold with an entrance on the port side about a quarter of the distance along the hold coaming. The hold was fitted out with the power supply points and benches for a basic electronic laboratory. The equipment itself was taken on board each time by the research teams. Power for the equipment was supplied from a large diesel generator in a compartment across the after end of the cabin.
The craft was slipped at RAF Mount Batten on the 19th December 1962 before finishing her final spell with the RAE at Newhaven. Her time was up in 1966 when Pinnace 1196 was transferred to the DNC (Director Naval Contracts) on the 4th May that year for disposal. The task at Newhaven continued however, the pinnace being replaced by RAF 5002, the converted naval HAM class IMS taken over by the RAF originally for use an Interim Long Range Recovery Craft (IRV). The task was later given over to the RCT, who took over the 5002 to continue as the new “Boffin Boat”.
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