Target-towing role

Due to the numerous forts and coastal batteries, the Royal Regiment of Artillery employed some of its soldiers as the crews of small boats.

These were mainly other ranks, the Gunners, who would have been found at certain stations such as Malta, Gibraltar, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shoeburyness or any other station that needed the duties of a sea-going launch. Some of the duties would have entailed the moving of men and stores from one gun position to another that were not accessible by land, and ferrying the same between ship and shore. At Gibraltar they also served as the Lifesavers.

Another of their roles, presumably very active, was in towing the targets for Coast Artillery. I'm currently researching whether the Royal Artillery fulfilled this role in Malta or whether it was done by the Royal Navy and until when. Britain abolished its Coast Artillery in 1959, but my interest is more in the late 19th century to post-World War I. I would appreciate any information by readers.