History & Description:

Forty-Two was built for Norman West of Strood, Kent by the local boat-building yard to a design by Thomas Laing. A sturdy, traditional flush-deck motor-yacht with commodious accommodation boasting a full-width aft stateroom and sunken deck saloon.

Norman West a member of the Medway Yacht Club and Little Ship Club was only able to enjoy his new boat on the Medway for a few short years before Forty-Two was requisitioned by the Admiralty for Operation Dynamo in May 1940.

Forty-Two sailed from Sheerness under the command of Lt. Nimmo RNR with two ratings to lead a small convoy to help evacuate troops from the beaches at Dunkirk.

Following Dunkirk Lawrence Aldridge was appointed command of Forty-Two on armed coastal patrol, with a machine-gun mounted on the forward tabernacle.  Under the Ministry of War Transport Forty-Two remained in service until de-commissioned in July 1945. In November of that year Forty-Two was sold back to her original owner and re-registered with Lloyds.

In 1950 Forty-Two was one of a small group of vessels to make the first return to Dunkirk.

Norman West, now living in Shorne, Near Gravesend, refitted Forty-Two and replaced the original petrol motors with 52hp BMC diesels in 1958. In the early 1960's Forty-Two was sold to J E & D J Price of Orpington, Kent.  They were members of the Thames Motor Cruising Club and kept Forty-Two on a mooring in Rochester.

In the late 1960's F Mepham of Camberley became Forty-Two's third owner.  In the 1970's Forty-Two came on to the River Severn navigation and was bought in poor condition in Stourport Yacht Basin by Derek Bromige.  A complete restoration began which continued at the Severn Motor Yacht Club where Derek was a Flag Officer. About ten years ago the current owner purchased the vessel and began an extensive refit at Judges Boatyard, Hawford, Worcester.  Work included re-planking large sections of the topsides in Iroko and new laid decks which have subsequently been sheathed to prevent deck leaks.

Carvel pitch-pine hull copper fastened to steam bent oak timbers and frames. Long straight keel with bilge runners, raked straight stem, cruiser stern and round bilges. Laid teak decks. Original teak deck-house, teak and mahogany brightwork.

The interior was largely re-fitted at the time and although some original joinery remains the accommodation would benefit from some re-planning and styling.

Chain Locker.

Double Forward Cabin with opening port-lights, fore-hatch, double berth to port.

Ensuite fully tiled shower and Heads Compartment with wc and wash-basin.

Lobby, with skylight, two single bunks to starboard and cabin to port with two good sized single berths, fitted drawers and hanging locker.

Steps up to Deck Saloon / Wheelhouse. Port helm position and console. Seating, hatch to engine room below.

Companionway to stern deck and steps down to aft stateroom with upholstered seating to three sides, lockers, table, hatch to aft deck.

Galley with fitted cupboards and drawers, work tops with inset sink unit and ceramic hob, fridge.

Heads compartment with wc and washbasin.

On Deck: Anchor windlass and 45lb CQR anchor.

Original deck stanchions, deck hardware, cowl vents, navigation lights, dinghy davits, main and mizzen masts. Second steering position with morse controls. Lower stern deck with hatch to large lazarette.

Twin 52hp BMC diesel engines (condition unknown but believed running) four fuel tanks. Batteries. Bilge pumps.

Nasa Marine Sounder

Sowester Sounder

Apelco Radar

Sowester Speed

Kelvin Hughes VHF

Navtex Radio

Kent Clear View Screen

Sellers Note:

The opportunity to purchase one of the larger authenticated Dunkirk Little Ships is extremely rare. Forty-Two is undoubtedly a total project but offers scope to refit a period style interior or adapt to a liveaboard cruising style. The exterior of the vessel remains almost as built.  Archive photographs and letters on file from Forty-Two's commander in 1940.

A slice of history and a very worthwhile project.

Boat Safety Scheme Certificate to 2015

Guide: £12,000

Lying: Afloat Worcestershire

Contact us to arrange a viewing.  Don't delay, the Operation Dynamo reunion is in 2015.  Refit her and be pride of place in the flotilla.