R.A.F. AIR SEA RESCUE (ASR), MARINE CRAFT SECTION (MCS Unit 1107)
c1940's and 1960's
By Chris Young
These photos show both the first two HSL craft which initiated the Newhaven RAF, ASR/MCS base which ran from 1939 to 1972 there are three post war pictures taken during the 1960's. Just prior to when most of these craft in this service were relocated to Mountbatten, Plymouth, in the 1970's as modern helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR ) capabilities tended to render these craft redundant, but other vessels were retained for target towing duties.
New Photographs added 2 February 2009 from Colin Bateman.
The original two High Speed Launch(HSL) which opened the base at Newhaven.
From the private collection of Chris Young.
Crew members from one of the original HSL's.
From the private collection of Chris Young
Post war 1960's photo of HSL entering Newhaven harbour.
From the private collection of Chris Young
HSL 100 crew including my late father, Tom Young, back row, top left hand.
From the private collection of Chris Young
About to pick up the mooring in Newhaven harbour.
From the private collection of Chris Young
About to come alongside to jetty.
From the private collection of Chris Young
Commendation to HSL 121 an a recently completed operation.
From the private collection of Chris Young
HSL 121 under Shearlegs at Newhaven. 1940
Colin Bateman
HSL 121 under Shearlegs at Newhaven. 1940
Colin Bateman
HSL 121 showing some of the damage. 1940
Colin Bateman
HSL 121 showing some of the damage. 1940
Colin Bateman
PO GL Bateman, Master of HSL 121. 1940
Colin Bateman
X Ray of PO GL Bateman's right arm
Colin Bateman
X Ray of PO GL Bateman's right arm
Colin Bateman
Letter from Hendon RAF Museum concerning HSL 121
Colin Bateman
Log card for HSL 121
Colin Bateman
HSL 121 being received in the Middle East
Colin Bateman