Sparrows Nest, Whapload Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1XG  Tel 01502 561963 

Update April 2012

 

 

 

To find us click this link to Google Maps, then enter NR32 1XG

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This is a truly historical Lowestoft vessel restored to fine working condition by Rob Clements. Probably the oldest Brooke Seaplane Tender in existence, ML117 was built boat B26 (P.L.R.S. Ref) to Admiralty contract ref. CP4443/12 (1912), placed with the J. W. Brooke & Co. of Lowestoft on January 13th 1913. Completed on 24th April 1913, she was allocated pennant number 117 and despatched to the RN Torpedo range at Loch Long. Three-figure pennant numbers were allocated to all Brooke constructions up to March 1917, when 973 is listed. Of the ‘Tireless-Class’ design, she is believed to be one of the first and only remaining craft of her type from this period. Click on picture above to download Smuggler.pdf with more of the story supplied by Rob, email - ml117@mac.com.

Restored to excellent condition over a 21-year period, ML117 is presently undergoing an equipment fit to enable safe running at public events and promotional activities. With the only remaining Brooke 40-F28/30 ‘Hundred’ series marine motor in existence, see pic below,  rebuilt by John Brooke and grandson of her original builder, its extensive rebuild programme now nears completion.

Not many shipyards had the skill to design and build high speed craft, even fewer to the extent of designing and building the engines. Brooke's engineering skills were second to none and their influence is still visible about the town of Lowestoft where their engineering works stood in Alexandra Road; their shipyard was based on the north side of Lake Lothing until 1940 when the company was taken over by Harry Dowsett and renamed Brooke Marine.

Our very first Air-Sea Rescue Service used Brooke Seaplane tenders to patrol the air routes and for mooring duties. Aircraft were catapulted off and a seaplane tender was despatched to stand by due to poor engine reliability. If (when) they crash landed, the ditched aircrew were rescued, often painfully disentangled. They carried wire-cutters and axes in addition to two six-foot hooded stretchers (etc). Kite balloons were also towed for reconnaissance purposes using the earliest HF radio transmitters.