Rummy III

Built in 1935 for Leicestershire businessman Geoff Livingstone, the Rummy III was requisitioned by the Royal Navy in May 1940 in Boston, Lincs, and remained there for 2 years as the launch for senior naval officers. In 1942, she moved to Great Yarmouth and became a fire float at the coastal forces MTB base. Unfortunately, these MTBs would be involved in the great fire disaster that took place here in Ostend in February 1945, so this link between the Rummy III and Ostend is very relevant.

In 1944, she then moved to Ludham, Norfolk, and became the depot ship for HMS Flycatcher, a Fleet Air Arm establishment. At that time, the name of the Rummy was officially changed to HMS Flycatcher, making her officially the last surviving Fleet Air Arm vessel of World War II.

After the war, Geoff Livingstone brought the Rummy III back and kept her at Reedham Ferry until he sold her in 1956.

The current owners want to tell the public the story of requisitioned civilian vessels and the Royal Navy Patrol Service, which operated requisitioned vessels such as trawlers.