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(e) Ambulance Transport-
The launch "Howard Deighton" used by the Medical Officers as a boarding
launch is fitted with an ambulance room on deck with accommodation for
four stretcher cases or eight walking cases.
The middle river launch the "Alfred Robertson" has a fairly spacious
after cabin in which a stretcher case can be carried.
The following is a report by Mr. Mackie on the new motor launch "Alfred
Roach":-
M.L. "ALFRED ROACH"
The new twin screw motor launch was built by Messrs. John I. Thornycroft
& Co. Ltd. at their Hampton-on-Thames yard in accordance with our design.
I supervised the construction throughout and the subsequent trials, all of
which gave complete satisfaction. The trials embraced such tests as speed,
fuel consumption, endurance, manoeuvring, heeling, stability and vibration.
She was accepted for service in the Lower River District, commencing 1st
October, 1948.
The duties required of the launch are arduous and comprehensive, which
involve her being ready for duty, if not in service, by night and day.
Normally, she will be engaged in daily routine with the Sanitary Inspector,
but it is intended that the duties shall include:-
(a) Sanitary Inspectors' duty launch.
(b) Rapid conveyance for patients and bedding etc. from ship to shore.
(c) To assist or relieve the "Howard Deighton" and "Alfred Robertson"
in appropriate circuwastances.
The vessel represents the latest developments in ambulance launch
design, which allows for quick convertibility, also the comfortable handling
and transport of three stretcher cases and eight sitting patients.
In consequence of her limited draught and super structural arrangement,
she is able to negotiate bridges and operate over the entire district of the
Port Health Authority at any state of the tide.
Measurements Reg. Ton 12.13/100
Length 53 ft. 0 ins.
Beam l2 ft. 0 ins.
Draught (mean) 3 ft 6 ins.
Block Coeff 0.408
Construction The hull is of round-bilge form and is constructed of doubleskin
mahogany on elm timbers. Oak is used on the heavier sections and
mahogany employed throughout the superstructure. All timber is of good
quality, while fastenings and workmanship conform with the best boat-building
practices. The sunken type of accommodation is to reduce the height of
superstructure and the raked wheelhouse front are features which reduce wind
resistance.
The bow is given considerable flare to deflect storm water and the
quarters well rounded to facilitate a clear get away from larger vessels.
The decks are clear and of sufficient width to afford free movement from
forward to aft and the internal arrangement allows easy passage from bows to
the cockpit for use in stormy weather.
Lifting: Gear A collapsible type of mast and derrick are provided to lift
and discharge stretcher cases from the launch.
Internal Arrangement Seven bulkheads add to the transverse stiffening of
the hull and divide the interior into eight compartments. viz. forepeak,
crew's messroom, wheelhouse, engine-room, galley and lavatory, saloon,
cockpit and afterpeak. By a series of doors at the bulkheads, it is possible
to pass from the forepeak to the afterpeak without using the deck, a great
advantage in stormy weather.
(8)