Latona, named after the figure in Greek mythology who was the mother of Artemis and Apollo, is a 30-foot single-engine motor boat built by Boats and Cars at Kingston-on-Thames in 1938. In 1939, the vessel was renamed HMS Hamford to avoid confusion with a larger 2,600-ton fast mine-layer also named Latona, which was sunk by Italian aircraft off Libya in 1941.

During World War II, HMS Hamford primarily served with the commandos, facilitating their landing during numerous exercises. After the war, the vessel was sold and relocated to the West Country, where she resumed service as a pleasure cruiser.

In the 1950s, the boat was owned by W.A. Waterman, Chief Test Pilot of Gloster Aircraft, who lived aboard her. Following his mysterious disappearance, the vessel fell into disrepair. Subsequently, she operated as a hire boat on the River Avon under the name Gay Goblin.

In 1974, the Skinner family purchased the vessel, initially renaming her Senang—the Malay word for happiness. They relocated her from Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire to the River Thames, where they constructed a new after cabin and replaced the original Gray petrol engine with a safer BMC 1.5-litre diesel engine. In 1978, her Dunkirk history was rediscovered, prompting a return to the original name, Latona.

At the 1980 Dunkirk Return, Latona spent a week in Ramsgate inner harbour alongside Ryegate II and Matoya. The owner of Ryegate II later acquired Matoya and, in 1994, purchased Latona as well. Following the 1980 event, the vessel cruised Plymouth waters until the late 1980s, after which she remained out of the water in Plymouth for an extended period.

In 1994, the current owner discovered Latona in Plymouth and transported her back to Kent by lorry. A comprehensive three-year restoration ensued, including replacement of frames, planks, decks, and ribs, reconstruction of the wheelhouse, and refurbishment of most upholstery. The engine was found to be in excellent condition. The vessel was relaunched in May 1998 and, with special insurance permission, participated in the ADLS Commemorative Cruise at Chatham as part of her sea trials.

Latona has since cruised extensively, crossing the English Channel to reach Middelburg, Holland, and sailing to the British Kiel Yacht Club at the entrance to the Baltic Sea. In 1999, she reached Otterndorf on the River Elbe. The vessel attended the Dunkirk Returns in 2000 and 2005, as well as Sail 2000 in Amsterdam.

Now back in the United Kingdom and last known to be owned by Lynn Fairman, Latona remains a fine example of traditional shipwright craftsmanship. The vessel is featured individually in a series of stamps titled Little Ships of Dunkirk, issued by Palau in 2015 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Operation Dynamo.

• Builder: Boats and Cars, Kingston-on-Thames
• Year Built: 1938
• Length: 30 feet
• Original Engine: Gray petrol engine
• Current Engine: BMC 1.5-litre diesel engine (installed 1970s)
• Notable Owners: W.A. Waterman (1950s), Skinner family (1974), Bill Williams (1970s-80s), Lynn Fairman (latest known)
• Significant Events: Dunkirk service (1939-1945), Dunkirk Returns (1980, 2000, 2005), Sail 2000 Amsterdam