Hi Jointy,
Yes my father said most people would not believe it. But her builders contracted speed was 45 knots, which she did attain. My father plus the the vessels future MEO did time her over the measured mile with a stop watch, also shaft indicator went off its scale. I know the RN was certainly impressed as they offered my father any job he fancied for his last years at Malta. Which was in charge of the outboard motor section, which at the time was 10 seagull 1.5 hp outboards, for staff he had to Chief ERA,s and they each had a PO ERA and they had each 4 ERA's. So it was in at 10 in the morning for an hour, a hour in the afternoon and a marvelous holiday lasting two years( I was there at a toddler and remember it was a good time). The Base ship then was HMS Ranpura for maintenance etc and us kids had fantastic Xmas parties on her.