Nelson 34

34ft FML 6751 FML 6751 was the third of 17 Mk4 Fast Motor Launches to be ordered for service with the Royal Navy, and the third of 11 to be built by Watercraft of Shoreham. FML 6751 was assigned to service number 6751 on the 25th July 1967. On the 1st December 1967 the boat was allocated to Portsmouth, but was then subsequently re-allocated to Devonport on the 17th April 1968. On completion and upon arrival at Devonport, the FML was issued to the shore training establishment HMS FISGARD at Torpoint. The boat remained as the Captain’s Barge, even after the shore establishment was renamed HMS RALEIGH in 1975.

The craft was based at the Seamanship Training Facility at Jupiter Point. Between 1971 and 1993 the FML 6751 was logged into Devonport Boathouse for refits or repair no less than 23 times. On the 22nd July 1988, when Her Majesty The Queen visited Plymouth in HMY BRITANNIA, the FML 6751 performed the role of Escort for the Royal Barge after one of BRITANNIA two FML’s had to undergo repairs in the Boathouse. In February 1993, FML 6751 went into the boathouse for survey prior to being transported up to the Boat Store at Topsham near Exeter to await final disposal or re-allocation. She was relieved of her duties at HMS RALEIGH by FML 7934.

The service career of FML 6751 then continued, as she was subsequently allocated to the RNR Navigational Training School HMS KING ALFRED and based at Portsmouth where she served through to at least 1996. By 1999, FML 6751 was listed as lying at Greenock. In June 2000, FML 6751 was listed as with STRATHALLAN SCHOOL CCF and named STRATHALLAN. She was sighted at Ardrossan SCC in October 2003 still named STRATHALLAN. She was further listed as with STRATHALLAN SCHOOL CCF through to at least 2009.

By July 2012, she was no longer listed by the MoD as a service boat. There is no indication that she was sold out of service through any of the usual MoD disposals agencies. The post-service career of FML 6751 can be summarised as: 2009? – 2016 Owned by Andy Hughes. Boat based at Pwllheli, North Wales.

Named ‘Navy Lady’.2016 – 10/2017 Owned by Mark Buchanan. Boat based at Londonderry, Northern Ireland.10/2017 – present Owned by Nick spickett Boat based at Reading. Proposed conversion to houseboat.