Conservation of WWII Commando dory

WWII dory in Boathouse 4 October 2021

I am a volunteer boat-builder with the Boathouse 4 conservation team in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Last year, my colleague Tim Deacon posted an enquiry on this forum (https://forum.commandoveterans.org/cdoForum/posts/list/7235.page) about a 18' wooden dory that had been donated to Boathouse 4. The helpful information members provided then gave us a flying start with our research.

Through manufacturers' marks on the original bilge pump and propeller, we have established this boat was built during WWII, although we have no evidence it ever saw active service.

We have now removed all the post-war additions to the boat and taken measurements. It corresponds very closely to a powered version of a 1941 design (CN1) by famous yacht builder Camper & Nicholson of Gosport.

The research that Tim started continues and a case for conservation is now being prepared. We understand that several hundred of these 18' dories were built during WWII for use by the Commandos as surf boats.

Did any others survive? All leads will be gratefully received and followed up.

Thank you.
Steve