Many moons ago Baz Juniper posted a question about a Submarine Narrowboat. I have managed to do a little bit of research and there were 4 narrowboats owned by the Royal Navy and the external outlines were of current ships of the 1970's.
Cleopatra - a Leander Class Frigate Renown - A ballistic missile submarine London - a guided missile destroyer Sheffield - a type 42 destroyer There were articles in Waterways World, with photos in 1974 and 1977 - one of these photos showing all 4 boats in the entrance to the Paddington Arm, this photo was also published in one of the London Newspapers and in the Navy News. In WW it did give some detail of where they would be visiting in the particular year. The 'assumed' boat builder has been contacted and a response is awaited. I am also trying to get some anecdotes from members of the Royal Navy at the time who manned them. One of the boats was still in existence in 2006 being owned by a Sea Cadet Unit at Nottingham, it can be identified by the unusual bow shape and appears to be what was Cleopatra but the Frigate outline cabin has been removed and a relatively standard narrowboat cabin fitted. It is not known if any of the others exist or when they were sold off by the Royal Navy. It is possible an article will be published at some time when more substantial information is available. If there is anyone out there who remembers these boats and has any photos these would be most welcome. Terry
