Gerfalcon

History
United Kingdom
Name	Gerfalcon
Owner	Various private owners, currently Gary Fletcher
Operator	Privately operated
Port of registry	London
Route	Southern coast, Portsmouth and Dorset excursions, private charters
Builder	William Osborne, Littlehampton
Yard number	192
Launched	1937
Completed	1937
In service	1937
Out of service	Active (preserved)
Identification	Official Number: 166149 Code Letters 2ILL3
Fate	Preserved as a historic vessel
General characteristics
Class and type	Motor Yacht
Length	34 ft (10 m)
Beam	9 ft (2.7 m)
Decks	1
Installed power	2 x BMC 1.5 diesel engines
Propulsion	Twin screws
Capacity	6 passengers (current configuration)

Gerfalcon is a historic motor vessel built in 1937 by William Osbourne, Littlehampton. Notably, she participated in the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II, where she played a crucial role as one of the "Little Ships." Today, Gerfalcon is preserved as a National Historic Vessel undergoing restoration.

History

Construction and Early Years

• Gerfalcon was ordered by Valentine Searles-Wood of the Royal Navy and launched in 1937 as a private motor yacht, constructed by William Osbourne, Littlehampton as vessel 192, a prestigious shipbuilder in the United Kingdom. She was built to the highest standards, reflecting the quality and craftsmanship associated with her builders. Initially, Gerfalcon was used for pleasure cruising along the British coast.

World War II Service

With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, Gerfalcon was requisitioned by the Admiralty to assist in the war effort. In 1940, she was one of the hundreds of civilian vessels called upon to participate in Operation Dynamo, the mass evacuation of British and Allied troops from Dunkirk, France. During this operation, Gerfalcon made multiple trips across the English Channel, helping to rescue soldiers stranded on the beaches.

Following her service at Dunkirk, Gerfalcon continued to serve in various capacities throughout the war, including coastal patrol and transport duties in the Royal Naval Patrol Service as an Auxiliary Patrol Craft.

Post-war Years

After the war, Gerfalcon was returned to her owners and refitted for civilian use. She was restored to her former glory as a motor yacht and was used for private cruising. Over the years, she has passed through several owners, each of whom has contributed to her upkeep and preservation.

Preservation and Current Use

• Gerfalcon is now recognised as a vessel of historic significance, listed on the National Historic Ships UK Register. She is also a member of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS), participating in regular commemorative events, including the annual Thames Traditional Boat Festival and the Dunkirk anniversary cruises.

Today, Gerfalcon is in very poor condition but is being carefully restored by her current owner Gary Fletcher. She continues to serve as a reminder of the bravery and resilience demonstrated during the Dunkirk evacuation.

References

• "Gerfalcon". National Historic Ships UK. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
• "Gerfalcon". Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. Retrieved 26 August 2024.