Coastal Forces Veterans

Hello again Karen A brief history of the ships that you mention. Both, mv’s “Gay Viking” and “Nonsuch” were from a class of 8 diesel powered MGB’s being built for various navy’s (including the RN). 502. Completed as MGB, became MGB 2002 in 1945, mined in Skagerrak 12/5/45 503. Completed as MGB, beca...

Hello Karen Welcome aboard. So far all I have found is this mention on page 3680 of the London Gazette COMMENDATIONS. Those named below have been Commended for brave conduct when their ships encountered enemy ships, submarines, aircraft or mines: — Captain Cyril ALLISON, O.B.E., Master, s.s. " ...

Our web site had this sad communication, with the family's permission we are able to post it here. Later, it is hoped to post a more detailed obituary. To whom it may concern, It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Sub Lieutenant Eric John Cartwright DSM [CFVA member # 2599 ] RNV...

Hello Jim Welcome aboard. MTB 309 was an American Elco 77 ft, built 11 February 1942, Commissioned 22nd April 1942. Her first Commanding Officer was Lt D Jermain DSC. RN who was also the 15th Flotilla’s Senior Officer. In September 1942 the remaining boats of the 10th Flotilla (MTBs 260-268) joined ...

This gentleman is wearing the uniform of a 2nd Engineering Officer (with superior certificate) of the Merchant Navy. A Chief Engineering Officer would have had 4 stripes on his cuff - a Second Engineering Officer, without the superior certificate, would have had 2 and a half rings - similar to a Lt ...

Hello ‘Phil’, welcome aboard. Not much information to go on but here is a little more info for you. Whale Island, Portsmouth, is the home of HMS Excellent, the Gunnery Training school, this is where your father would have gained his proficiency on the Oerlikon gun that you mention. (it is the oldest...

ML 357. A Fairmile "B" built by Anglo American Nile Tourist Company 1/8/1942. Re-numbered ML 2357, survived the War to be loaned to Bermondsey Sea Cadet Corps (1958). Sold 1961.
There is another little piece on her seen from HERE

Came across this interesting series of posts on the World Naval Ships Forums. Can any one recognise the harbour where the boats are neatly lined up? Click on thumb nails for larger images.

A biography of New Zealand's most highly decorated naval officer - Lt Cdr G J Macdonald DSO DSC and two Bars. RNZNVR
A recommended good read but may be difficult to source outside of NZ.

A new book about to be released is the latest work by two well known authors.
Currently available for pre-order on Amazon. This will be a most welcome addition to any book shelf I'm sure.

The award for a Laurence Lightwood Telegraphist C/WRX 125 was Gazetted on the 28 May 1943 (page 28 of 60)
page 2444. This entry does not give any details for what the award was made.

Viewers may like to see these images of the ex HMS Gay Archer as seen in the Daily Mail
Some good shots of the boat and the proud owners.

Having a good look at the pictures, I think that they are of a "Nuoli" class, Finnish MTB.
If so, it was given some coverage on the BMPT web site.

Here is a glimpse of some content of a Category - "Models"- to be introduced in the refurb (to be seen later this year). A completely 'scratch built' model of "D" MGB 673 by a Canadian enthusiast. This model took several years in the building, (click on image for a full view) it ...

Hello Julie The initial's MASB relate as you may know to Motor Anti Submarine Boat. I suppose it follows that if a "D" were stripped, and thereby lost its conventional role as an MTB, to one of now being engaged primarily in anti submarine work, and minesweeping by unconventional use of de...

Hello again 'bevbird'
Peter B has stated that he would like to make contact - please send a Private Message to me and I will pass on details etc.
Regards

Hello again 'bevbird' I have had some contact with Peter Bickmore BEM - I quote from an e-mail that I received ...."It is with interest I learn of "Dicky Bird " he was a great stalwart of the CFVA in its early stages although I never knew him on board MGB 647 it was one of those sad s...

Hello 'Bevbird' - welcome aboard.
As you may know we have Peter Bickmore BEM as one of our esteemed members, 647 was one of the boats that he served on.
I shall let him know of your post - hopefully he will be in touch.

Hello 'rammy' Welcome aboard. Currently what we have on MGB 682 is- A Fairmile D Motor Gun Boat, constructed by Wallasea Bay Yacht Yard of Rochford, UK on 00.05.1943. To RAF 1945 LRRC 029. We have her at Portsmouth ('Hornet) from May 1944. During 14-16th July 1944, attached to the 55th Flotilla, she...

Operate Blowers for 5 mins before starting Engines

The notice in the lower picture on the bulkhead says it all really. These were very dangerous vessels to get under way if they had been moored and closed down for any length of time.

Hello 'jdcboss'
That is a cracking photo - thank you for posting. I am sure that Dockside shots, and engine changes would be very interesting to see - looking forward to seeing some.
Cheers

Hello 'Skier' Welcome aboard. MTB 629 is mentioned several times in Leonard Reynolds' book 'Dog Boats at War. I would certainly recommend it. One piece of info not in the book - 27th May 1943 Ty P.O. J Marshall DJX 135110 was killed during an action off Terschelling, the only casualty that I can fin...

Messrs ZAGREUS FILMS have stated on behalf of Paul Childs (boat owner) that the ex HMS Gay Archer will be open to visitors through out the rest of February (2010). Admission is free but as the boat purely survives on self-raised finance any donation would be more than appreciated. Here is a recent i...

Recent news footage from BBC News of MGB 81 and HSL 102E (may not be viewable outside of UK)

This YouTube series has come to light. In 5 parts, it tells the story of the raid on St Nazaire. (Do not 'click' 'View All Parts" when advised, they are here.)

Hello again 'esbw' Just to whet your appetite a little further - Geoffrey Hobday's book "In Harm's Way" (ISBN 0 901627 30 5) mentions his aquaintance with Lt 'Tufty' Forbes on several pages. He also mentions that he (Lt 'Tufty' Forbes) picked up the boat (646) from new - (built by Risdon B...

Welcome aboard 'esbw' - hope that you enjoy the trip The excellent book by Leonard Reynold "Dog Boats at War' ( ISBN 0 - 7509-1817-9) mentions MGB 646 several times. Lt R A "Tufty" Forbes is also mentioned as the Commanding Officer in earlY '43, the boat is later shown as under the co...

This is rather a cloudy image of the trots at HMS Gregale in 1945. I am not sure of the originator of this photo and am unable to give due credit, What can be said is that all these were Licence built Vosper craft. As an example, MTB 410 (with some washing hanging out to dry :roll:) seen here almost...

Hello faulkner Welcome aboard. I am sure that you will get some of your queries answered here. Just for starters - during the early phase of WW2, MTBs were berthed at St Angelo. A base had been authorised for construction in early 1939 - this was to become HMS Gregale - but the first MTBs to arrive ...

Further to the above John - here is an image from an old Royal Navy book circ 1944/5. The illustrations at 25. 26. are for a 'Submarine Detector Operater and Submarine Detector Instructor. Your S.D ??