‘Centipede’ Mark IIA Restoration

Centipede rebuild
(c) Nina Plumbe

Location: Online
Airborne lifeboat displayed: Mark IIA
Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1048169962297522

This is a fascinating record of the recovery of the Mark IIA lifeboat from Duxford and a painstaking and masterful rebuilding. It is full of insights from the team doing the work and from the many admirers and watchers following the group. Thoroughly recommended.

of wood and carried under Lancaster bombers to rescue downed airmen from whatever sea they have come down in. In this case it was generally the North sea. There are airborne lifeboats Mk1 in existence in museums but these are only 24ft long and no where the size of a Mk11. We know of one Mk11 in France otherwise have found no other.It was designed during the war by Uffa Fox, a very well known boat designer who is best known perhaps for designing the International and National sailing dinghys.

Nina, owner of Centipede and the Facebook Group

The Facebook group is full of excellent photographs. These include Centipede in the 1960s and the work being done on the hull, equipment and fittings. It also includes many historical photos of the lieboats during the war.

Published
Categorised as Museum

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