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Name: Navigator

Certificate number: 1384

Status:

Designated Vessel

Function:

Service Vessel

Sub Functional Area:

Patrol Boat

Type:

Admiralty MFV

Location:

Dartmouth, Devon, England

Current use:

Restoration

  • Length on the Waterline:

    27.43 metres (89.93 feet)

  • Length Overall:

    29.57 metres (96.95 feet)

  • Gross Tonnage:

    115.96

  • Draught:

    3.05 metres (10.00 feet)

  • Maximum Breadth:

    7.01 metres (22.98 feet)
Navigator -

Web address

Builder

History

NAVIGATOR was the second 2nd of the 90ft class of MFV ordered on 27 November 1942 as part of an initial batch of 24 craft, built by Richards Ironworks of Lowestoft who were also the designers of class. Completed and inspected on 30 December 1943, she was commissioned on 5 January as MFV1502 and allocated to Force S at Inverness on 8th January along with MFVs 58, 62, 117, 1001 and 1002. MFV 1502 was then sent to Great Yarmouth for tropicalisation. The Flag Office Force S ordered that two MFVs were to accompany each convoy - the first was 4 April 1944 and the chosen were MFVs 1502 and 1503. On completion of this task she was at Portsmouth on 21 July 1944 for a refit completed on 4 August. Further refits followed on 30 October - 10 November.

In March 1945 MFV 1502 was allocated to have the remainder of her tropicalisation completed at Wivenhoe Shipyard and she was at this time also converted to a fireboat. She was earmarked for Army manning on 8 May 1945 and operated around the south coast for the remainder of the year. In 1947 she was transferred to the War Department Fleet and manned by RASC crew. She was attached to the Water Transport Company (WTCoy) 985 and used for navigational training. She was used the Golden Hill Fort Training School in dual roles as training and Flotilla Leader. In 1951 she visited Copenhagen as flotilla leader of six to eight Mk 1 and approximately six Mk 2 General Service Launches. The designation of V in MFV was dropped to make her MV 1502, and in 1954 she was still in her grey livery. In the late 1950s she had an enlarged bridge and forward deckhouse fitted during her first major conversion (probably at Husband's Yard, Marchwood) but retained her original masts, funnel, grey livery and number.

In 1962 the craft was operating as RASCV YARMOUTH NAVIGATOR. In July 1965, there was a merger of the RASC with the Royal Engineers to form the Royal Corps of Transport and she became RCTV YAMOUTH NAVIGATOR. By 1970s she had completed her second major conversion with a streamline funnel, stump mast and deckhouse further extended forward. Her grey livery was changed to a navy blue hull, white upperworks and buff funnel. By 1976 she had been changed over to civilian manning and was attached to the Fleet Squadron 20 Maritime Regiment based at Gunwharf, Portsmouth. Later she was with 18 Maritime Squadron RCT, still used for navigation training. 1st October 1988 YARMOUTH NAVIGATOR was officially transferred to the RMAS and became RMAS 1502 and was allocated to range duties (RSG).In April 1990 she was allocated to be the local training tender for the Sea Cadet Corps and was briefly listed as YARMOUTH VOYAGER. On 22 October 1990 following withdrawal from service, she was laid up in No 3 basin. In May 1991 she was officially stricken from service and on 28 August 1991 towed to No 1 basin and offered for disposal.

She has recently been sold and is currently undergoing a restoration programme.

These brief histories are compiled from details supplied by vessel owners and enthusiasts and from various reference works. National Historic Ships would be grateful for any corrections of facts or additional information for inclusion. Please contact ron.ellis@nationalhistoricships.org.uk

Subsequent developments

None notified, please let us know if you have any additional information.

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