ARCHIE BADENOCH in its major role as Police Vessel

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Archie Badenoch

Vessel numberHV000140

Vessel Registration Number20549

Previous owner South Australian Police

Builder General Motors Holden

Previous owner Royal Australian Navy (Australian, founded 1913)

Designer Royal Australian Navy (Australian, founded 1913)

Date1942

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 12.19 m x 11.78 m x 3.66 m x 1.6 m, 14.07 tonnes (40 ft x 38.66 ft x 12 ft x 5.25 ft, 14.3 tons)

DescriptionThe motor vessel ARCHIE BADENOCH was built at the General Motors Holden plants at Woodville and Birkenhead South Australia, and launched late in 1942 or possibly early 1943. It was constructed as a Second World War supply-tender vessel for the Royal Australian Navy.

In 1946 the craft was acquired by the South Australian Police Department and served as the Number One Police Launch. The vessel was named by the police department to commemorate mounted police constable Archibald Badenoch, the first South Australian police officer to be killed in action at El Alamein, North Africa in 1942.

From around 1946 to 1978 the ARCHIE BADENOCH was the only all-weather deep-sea patrol vessel in local waters. During its time as the principal police launch, the ARCHIE BADENOCH established an outstanding sea working record, featuring in hundreds of rescues throughout South Australian coastal waters and saving many lives. After 32 years of loyal service the vessel was retired in 1978.

Following a major restoration project under the direction of the South Australian Maritime Museum, ARCHIE BADENOCH is now used as an excursion vessel at Port Adelaide.

Prepared from material supplied by the South Australian Maritime Museum.

SignificanceARCHIE BADENOCH is a wooden launch built in South Australia during World War II. It is significant as the first South Australian Police launch after the Second World War. It has a long and important association with the community through its police activities.