Gay Archer at Watchet Harbour

Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic

   Whilst down in the west country of England, Somerset to be precise, several years ago I was walking around a very picturesque harbour at Watchet. I looked over the harbour wall down into the marine and was surprised to see a 40mm Bofors gun right below me. I was then even more surprised to look to the sides and see the rest of a Gay class Motor Torpedo Boat, built from 1952-54. This particular one is 'Gay Archer'.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/roblangham/432877639/

Author	Message Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic Printable Version Translate Topic
Rob Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 10 July 2009 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rob Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Gay Archer at Watchet Harbour Posted: 10 July 2009 at 3:16pm
	Whilst down in the west country of England, Somerset to be precise, several years ago I was walking around a very picturesque harbour at Watchet. I looked over the harbour wall down into the marine and was surprised to see a 40mm Bofors gun right below me. I was then even more surprised to look to the sides and see the rest of a Gay class Motor Torpedo Boat, built from 1952-54. This particular one is 'Gay Archer'. http://www.flickr.com/photos/roblangham/432877639/

johnk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 March 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1355	Post Options Post Reply Quote johnk Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10 July 2009 at 4:52pm
	Hi Rob, Great shot of Gay Archer great restoration of a post war coastal forces vessel, one of the last for the UK, some talk a while back now of her coming to Bristol, would be nice as I am often in Bristol following the Medway Queen re-build. Johnk

Nuthatch Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 22 June 2008 Location: London Status: Offline Points: 30	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nuthatch Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 August 2009 at 10:47am
	Hi yes great photo she looks fantastic... even the bird on the wall is having a good look!
	Paul Hopley

johnk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 March 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1355	Post Options Post Reply Quote johnk Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 17 August 2009 at 10:52am
	Indeed Paul, coastal forces craft have a wide following! now word on possible Bristol move, still interested to know, be great to see her one day. Many thanks, JohnK

Pioneer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Pioneer Joined: 07 December 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 675	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pioneer Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 September 2009 at 10:25pm
	The ex HMS Gay Archer at Watchet September 2009. An Engine is out being rebuilt (stripped down). She is moored away from her usual berth. You may just notice a Flare Launcher on the Port side aft of Bridge. Image courtesy of R. Hellyer.
	Pioneer - Forum Moderator

johnk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 March 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1355	Post Options Post Reply Quote johnk Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 September 2009 at 8:26am
	Hi there, Many thanks for the picture, Johnk