THAMES THRILL

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1929, Page 8

THAMES THRILL

MOTOR-CYCLES OF THE SEA. (By COMMANDER H. M. DANIEL, D. 5.0., R.N., 111 the “ Daiy Mail.”) Forty knots! That was our speed over the measured mile in the Thames in a C.M.H. Two of these coastal motor-boats were doing their speed trials before delivery to Holland. They are the second pair that the Dutch have purchased from Messrs John Tliorneycro'ft and Co., who have made a speciality of these boats, which have been adopted by nearly all naval Powers ol the world. We left Westminster Bridge at a snail-like pace of six knots, but once we were in dear water past Greenwich there came fresh sounds fi'oin down below, 'for 800-horse-power, was being called to life in the two sets of main engines. GIANT ENGINES. Giants of 800 li.p. need parasites to stir them into activity, and soon we heard two small motor cycle engines cranking the monsters until they fired and the whole boat was trembling with suppressed energy. The boat, literally leapt forward leaving us to dutch at handrails to prevent us sliding ignominiously over the round stern. It was when she met the Wash of a ship or tug that the C3f.IL really displayed her joie de vivre. She threw her nose into the air, and leapt from crest to crest; and when she found the wash of her consort it was more fun still. A C.M.B. is.the motor cycle of the sea. Closeness to the water accentuates the sense of speed; and when she lifts her bow and settles her stern as the engines are opened up, the thrill is something like that on a high-powei-ed motor cycle which can shoot past a mighty car at a pace that the lattei dare not attempt. The armament is two torpedoes, two depth charges, and a machine gun.