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68 High Speed Launch Type 3
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68 High Speed Launch Type 3
68 High Speed Launch Type 3 (Hants and Dorset)
The Royal Air Force Museum is Britain's only national museum dedicated wholly to aviation
Media ID 702069
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Boats Royal Air Force Ships World War Two
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph, six 68 High Speed Launch (HSL) Type 3 vessels, also known as "Hants and Dorset" class, are anchored at a Royal Air Force (RAF) base during World War II. The image, captured by renowned photographer Charles E. Brown, offers a glimpse into the vital role these ships played in the British naval forces during the conflict. The HSL Type 3 was a versatile and agile vessel, designed primarily for the transportation of troops and supplies to and from amphibious landing craft. With a length of 102 feet and a top speed of around 17 knots, these ships were well-suited for the challenging conditions of the English Channel and the North Atlantic. The photograph shows the six HSLs at rest, their sleek hulls reflecting the calm waters of the harbor. The ships' gun mounts, which were capable of mounting various types of weapons, are visible on the deck, a testament to their defensive capabilities. In the background, the distinctive silhouette of a RAF aircraft can be seen taking off, underscoring the close collaboration between the RAF and the Royal Navy during the war. The HSLs played a crucial role in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, transporting troops and supplies to the invasion beaches in Normandy. They continued to serve in various roles until the end of the war, helping to secure victory for the Allied forces. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the important part these vessels played in the history of the RAF and the British naval forces during World War II.
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