n/a

Current boat name

n/a

Boat class

6913

Function

Military

Type

Length (m / ft)

4.57 / 15ft

Beam (m / ft)

0.71 / 2ft 4in

Masts

None

Propulsion

Paddle

Designer

Goatley F

Design date

1942

Date of build

1942c

Place of build

Cowes I o W

Present use

Museum/CMSM

Built about 1942 this original Cockle Mk 2 was found at the Saro Works, Isle of Wight, and has been restored to its original state. The 15ft Mark 2 was designed by F Goatley and uses the same folding method as his earlier 10 man collapsible boat. The Mk 2 was very robust from every point of view. Its thin flat plywood bottom allowed it to be dragged over shingle and rocks without damage and when collapsed vertically along its length the canoe could be passed through the forward torpedo hatch of a T class submarine. Raising and folding was very rapid with no loose parts and could be completed in less than 30 seconds thanks to Goatley’s unique hinged locking struts When collapsed it was only 6 ½ inches high and once in its canvas sleeve several canoes could be stacked up one upon the other.This type of canoe was first used operationally on the Frankton Raid on Bordeaux harbour wich was led by Major Haslar in December 1942. It is possible that this canoe was one of the six taken to the starting point for the Frankton Raid and was the one found to be damaged when brought on to the deck of the submarine. This craft and its crew were returned to the UK and the damaged canoe was sent back to the manufacturer's for repair in the Isle of Wight. It was discovered in the firm's workshops in the 1980's. GH Aug 2010 Signifance: Other reading: Rees Q Cockleshell Canoes (The) 2008