The RAAF has been gifted its only remaining rescue launch used during World War II.
O2-06 is one of 15 separate O2-class vessels built for the Air Force in 1941 and will be restored in its original livery before being displayed at the RAAF Museum at Point Cook.
The boat was originally in service in the Gippsland Lakes, East Sale and Point Cook and was declared for disposal in 1954. It subsequently had three owners, including its latest, Howard “Harry” Bowman, who bought it in Melbourne in 1986.
Air Force operated boats from 1921 to 1993, and the fleet peaked at 1300 during WWII, with 600 powered craft and 700 unpowered.
After the cessation of hostilities in the Pacific, the RAAF commenced disposing of its unwanted boats.
A revision of the RAAF Small Marine Craft Program led to the retention of only 107 to provide support in the areas of supply, torpedo recovery, air-sea rescue and flying boat service at eight bases.
These bases gradually diminished in number until only three marine sections remained at Townsville, Williamtown and Point Cook for SAR duties. These three sections remained operational until January 31, 1993.
When Bowman realised he had bought a piece of RAAF history, he motored it across Port Phillip Bay to Mordialloc Creek, loaded it on a trailer and transported it to Sale.
During the past 36 years, it has been a regular sight on the waterways between Sale and Lakes Entrance, and has generated a great deal of interest from locals and holidaymakers.
Bowman maintained the boat as originally as possible, marginally converting it internally into a comfortable family cruiser without detracting from its unique military past.
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He had always wished to donate the boat to an appropriate organisation that would restore it to its former glory and display it for future generations.
Defence has now confirmed its History and Heritage Branch will restore the boat before putting it on permanent display.
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