Second Word War motor boats rescued

Two of the last remaining motor boats used during the Second World War have been saved for the nation with the help of a £580,000 grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.

When they were built the boats were among the fastest of their type. One of the boats was active during the US landing at Omaha Beach during D-Day, while the other was used to retrieve shot- down airmen from the sea during the Battle of Britain.

Acquired by Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust, the boats have been restored to full working order and are now on display at Gunwharf Quays Marina in Portsmouth. It is now hoped that people will be able to charter the boats and experience what it was like for the crews driving at full speed 70 years ago.