These "Hants & Dorsets" were the only class of large HSLs kept by the Post War Marine Branch. Designed by George Selman as a replacement for the 63ft HSL, they were initially met with derision by their wartime crews who had been weaned on the rakish lines of the "Whalebacks". Longer, heavier, taller, and streets ahead in comfort and seaworthiness, they soon proved to be one of the best high speed launches ever used by the RAF.
Their peacetime conversion to R.T.T.L. meant the removal of all armaments, and retro-fitting a Ford 10HP Target Towing Winch in the Aft Peak. On some boats, the barbettes on either side of the superstructure were removed, whilst on others they were plated over. Vessels destined for Far Eastern service had their engine room hatching raised to give better light and ventilation. They served as flagships for the Branch all over the world from 1100 MCU Alness in the North of Scotland to 1124 MCU Seletar, until being gradually replaced by the later Vosper boats as they came on stream.
Although some of the boats were 'Struck off Charge' as a result of damage, only one was actually lost whilst on service. This was 2555 which exploded in May 1955 whilst refueling at Blythe. No one was killed at this incident but her Cox'n suffered from delayed concussion. The base crews managed to drag her away from their own boats, thus preventing them from catching fire.
In 1949, four of the class, 2631, 2678, 2688 and 2690 were converted to Remote Control Target Launches. Their conversion was short lived and all were re-built as R.T.T.Ls by the close of 1951.
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