Pinnace 784
I was reading your website with interest, as I am the proud owner of No 784, who was assigned to HMS Royal Oak, and just happened to be in refit when Royal Oak was scuppered. (Her Forward, and aft cabins were covered during this refit), she was then reassigned to HMS Royal Sovereign.
We believe her 3(?) other pinnace went down with her.
I am just starting a restoration project on her, to replace parts of the super structure which were added when she was sold into civilian life, wheel house, and main saloon.
Her hull is intact, and she still has her original Leyland tank engine, it has since been converted to diesel, manuals etc, are present.
I do have some history on her, and letters from the admiralty, confirming her history.
I am in the process of registering her on the National Register of Historic vessels, where they feel she may be placed on their "core vessel" list.
I thought you might like to know she is still very much together, and much loved.
Best wishes, Zöe Rowlands(Dodge)
ZoeDodge@Shellys.Co.Uk
