PU 8's on ebay

Ah Memories!! An Ex-RE engine, the PU8 was put to several uses. "Pontoon Engine" would be as an auxiliary drive to the the hydraulics of the Heavy Ferry to save firing up the RR B80 main engines. Also used as a prime mover for a Pulsometer submersible pump for water supply. In each case drive was via long flexible couplings. Comment on the latter, the ship carrying an RE Field Company en-route to Italy at the back end of the war was torpedoed. As the water coming into the hold was more than the ships pumps could cope with, the skipper was about to give the order abandon ship when an RE senior NCO suggested breaking out several of the PU8 and pump sets. This was done and saved the ship, earning the Sergeant a mention in dispatches!