I spent a fair bit of time and money looking at the background of both the Grille and her No1 Motorboat which is the subject of the article, most of my information came from the Richardson's who were the first British civilian Owners of the Motorboat in question.
My understanding was that the Grille was towed to Hartlepool for refurbishment to her Engines by Richardson Westgarth as they had been sabotaged by her Crew which reminds me of HMS Deepwater ex W.H. (a former German Navy Vessel) whose
German scratch Crew tried to do the same when on passage to GB under RN Supervision but were caught in the act and put under Armed Guard to be sent to Detention Centres as they were not classed as POW's as the War had ended. She was laid alongside "Vernon" when I was there.
Whilst at Hartlepool as indicated " Tours" of her took place including some which were chaperoned by the great Alva Lidel but unfortunately it was found that the vessel weighed a lot lighter after the tours than she did when the tours started
No1 Motorboat was the only the one of the boats available to be used by Hitler and was suitably fitted out.
When "Tot" Richardson acquired her( in exchange for a car) the engine had also been sabotaged by the Germans this was exchanged for a Bus/Coach engine acquired from his business 'Stock.' He renamed the Motorboat "Grillet" and had her for many years.
Hearing that she was last heard of in the Malta/ Gozo area I arranged a family holiday in that area and whilst the girls did the shop till you drop expeditions I sped off in a Hire Car looking for the boat in both areas, unfortunately I couldn't find her.
Can anybody tell me please if she is still afloat?