Gerfalcon: A 96-Year-Old Hero of Dunkirk and Royal Navy Patrol Vessel

Gerfalcon as she is now

Gerfalcon was recently purchased via Dean and Holland Yacht Brokers in the following condition (you can view her survey of 28th July 2024 and 2nd Jan 2021 by clicking on the respective links):

A special ship, recognised by mulitple associations and historic registers

Operation Dynamo: Gerfalcon's Role as a Little Dunkirk Ship

Operation Dynamo, also known as the Miracle of Dunkirk, saw over 338,000 Allied soldiers evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk, France, between 26 May and 4 June 1940. Among these heroic vessels was Gerfalcon, a motor yacht built in 1937. As a designated Dunkirk Little Ship, Gerfalcon played a crucial role in ferrying soldiers from the beaches to larger ships waiting offshore. This effort epitomised the "Spirit of Dunkirk," symbolising bravery and resilience during one of World War II’s most critical moments.

Gerfalcon as a Historic Ship

Gerfalcon, a 34-foot motor yacht with a mahogany on oak hull, has been meticulously maintained to preserve its design and wartime heritage. Recognised on the historic ships register, Gerfalcon continues to capture the imagination of history enthusiasts. Its preservation provides a tangible link to the past, commemorating its significant contribution during the Dunkirk evacuation.

Broker Images

Gerfalcon was recently purchased via Dean and Holland Yacht Brokers in the following condition:

The brokerage

The ship exchanged hands on 8th July 2024 via the Broker Holland and Dean in Essex. The advertisements are shown below:

Owners of Gerfalcon

The boat was originally ordered for recreational use by Royal Navy Commander Valentine Searles-Wood of Waterlooville, Hampshire. Gerfalcon is now privately owned for recreational use by Lieutenant (VCC) Gary Fletcher (rtrd) and is currently laid up in Essex where she will be taken out of the water, surveyed and remedial works undertaken to get her back to her former glory. Lt Fletcher hopes to return the boat to Hampshire, Gosport once seaworthy.

Commander Valentine Searles-Wood Royal Navy

Commander Valentine Searles-Wood Royal Navy was born on 23rd June 1892. He served as an officer in the Royal Navy during WW1, being the commander of HMS Harpy on 5th November 1918. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander on 15th April 1923, placed on the retired list with rank of commander on 20th August 1935. When WW2 broke out, he was called back into service and commanded 25 group of anti-submarine trawlers from 12th to 23rd October 1939, after this he was placed in command of the armed yacht St Modwen. He reverted to the retired list on 13th February 1940. His death was recorded at Blandford Forum in April 1943.

His son, Sub-Lieutenant John Valentine Searles-Wood, followed in his father's footsteps, serving in the Royal Naval Patrol Service aboard H.M. Trawler Fifeshire. On 20th February 1940, HMT Fifeshire (S.Lt. John Valentine Searles-Wood, RN) was tragically sunk by German aircraft east of Copinsay Island, Scotland, in position 59º00'N, 00º25'E, leading to the loss of John's life at the age of 20. He is honoured at the Lowestoft Naval Memorial, Suffolk, on Panel 1, Column 2.

Lieutenant (VCC) Gary Fletcher (rtrd)

Gary is a dedicated volunteer and coach with notable achievements in maritime research and paddlesports, including solo crossings of the English Channel and leading Arctic expeditions. Now retired from his role as VCC Deputy Commander, Gary brings extensive experience from his Teaching and Research Fellowship at Imperial College London and as Co-Founder of Reading Hackspace, where he managed, supported, and ran various workshops. His professional background includes technology consultancy for central government and global deployments, such as Diego Garcia and Buckingham Palace.

A strange twist of fate?

In a strange twist of fate, Commander Valentine Searles-Wood and Lieutenant (VCC) Gary Fletcher, both from the small village of West Moors in Dorset, are both custodians of the same boat. In an even more remarkable turn, the ship was accepted to the Historic Ship Register on Gary's birthday. Their lives, separate, have been mysteriously intertwined by the fate of Gerfalcon.

Ship registration records:

We will restore Gerfalcon in its Royal Navy Patrol Boat Colours

After its valiant service at Dunkirk, Gerfalcon was immediately conscripted into the Royal Navy, serving as a patrol auxiliary vessel. Although its tenure with the Royal Navy was brief, lasting only from June to August 1940, this period remains a significant chapter in its storied history. The decision to restore Gerfalcon in its Royal Navy patrol boat colours is grounded in several compelling reasons:

1. Historical Rarity and Significance: Despite its short service, there are virtually no remaining vessels that served in this capacity. By preserving Gerfalcon in its Royal Navy colours, we honour a rare and unique aspect of maritime history, offering a glimpse into the less-documented roles that small ships played during the war.
2. Continuation of Narrative: Gerfalcon's journey from a private yacht to a wartime vessel and back to private ownership is a compelling narrative. Restoring it in its wartime livery ensures that the vessel's story is told accurately and respectfully.
3. Symbol of Service and Sacrifice: The Royal Navy colours serve as a tribute to all the vessels and crew members who played vital roles in patrol duties during World War II. It commemorates their service and sacrifices, adding depth to the historical context in which Gerfalcon operated.
4. Educational Purpose: Restoring Gerfalcon in its patrol boat colours enhances its educational value. It allows us to tell a more comprehensive story of the vessel's service life, from its heroic deeds at Dunkirk to its subsequent role in the Royal Navy, providing a richer experience for those who encounter this historic ship.

By keeping Gerfalcon in its Royal Navy patrol boat colours, we ensure that its complete story is preserved and honoured, celebrating not only its contribution to Operation Dynamo but also its service in the Royal Navy. This decision is a homage to the ship's multifaceted history and a commitment to preserving our maritime heritage for future generations to appreciate.