MTB 614

Motor Torpedo Boats (MTB)
Maggieharmer
Seaman
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2012 4:31 pm

MTB 614

Postby Maggieharmer » Tue Feb 07, 2012 9:40 pm

I am researching my uncle's MTB 614 . He was killed on it under 'surface action' and I would very much like to know what happened. Also, any information on the boats service history. I have uncovered it was sold to Bosham Sailing club at the end of the war, then to the Sea Scouts and moored on the Thames. However I can find no more records! Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

jonco
Chief Petty Officer
Posts: 57
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:47 pm

Re: MTB 614

Postby jonco » Wed Feb 08, 2012 8:50 am

Hi,
I think she started life as MGB 614 and was converted in Sept1943. Somebody more knowledgeable than me needs to confirm this.

Have found this info so far:

MTB 614
ex-MGB 614 details: see MGB 614 51st MTB Flotilla.
Commanding Officer 05.11.1943-(06.1944) T/Lt. R.H. Newman, RNVR
12.1944-(07.1945) T/Lt. J.M. Ford, RNVR
First Lieutenant 10.01.1943-(06.1944) T/S.Lt. J. Gladwell, RNVR
Third Officer 15.05.1943-(06.1944) T/Midsh. P.M. Lowndes, RNVR
Cheers
Colin (jonco)

jonco
Chief Petty Officer
Posts: 57
Joined: Sun Oct 02, 2011 6:47 pm

Re: MTB 614

Postby jonco » Wed Feb 08, 2012 9:44 am

Hi

The following entry is from Naval-history.net - casualty lists - I searched under MTB614 - was this gentleman your uncle?

SHAW, Harry, Act/Chief Motor Mechanic 4c, P/MX 98243, MTB.614, 29 March 1944, surface action, killed.

Regards,

Colin (jonco)

Maggieharmer
Seaman
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2012 4:31 pm

Re: MTB 614

Postby Maggieharmer » Wed Feb 08, 2012 10:17 pm

Dear Colin,
My uncle was not Harry Shaw but Edmund J Fuller, Leading Motor Mechanic. However they both died on the same day so presumably it was due to the same incident. There was also listed as dead on that day on the boat Thomas Armstrong and James Kelly. My mother says he was 'gassed' but all I can see on the casualties is 'surface action' I have found a letter of condolence on MTB 614 headed paper from RH Newman, the commanding officer and J Gladwell the first Lieutenant. He says that due to the work of Edmund many of his shipmates were saved, but would like to know what happened. Is there a way of tracking the ships actions/ incidents? Thank you for your interest and results so far! I have contacted the sailing club to see if there is a photo of 614 there but have not heard anything. As to what happened to it on the Thames...?! Maggie

Pioneer
Moderator
Posts: 347
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 12:48 pm

Re: MTB 614

Postby Pioneer » Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:18 am

There are two actions concerning MGB/MTB 614 described in ‘Dog Boats at War’ – Leonard Reynolds – ISBN 0 7509 1817 9, (a good Library may have a copy)

Briefly – 28/29th May 1943.
MGB 614 in company with 615 and SGB 4 engaged enemy E-Boats off the Isle of Wight. 614 was hit and set on fire in the aft crew space plus her CSA smoke apparatus was hit. Although badly damaged there were no casualties on this occasion.

28/29th March 1944.
By now fully repaired and although not having Torpedo Tubes she was then identified as an MTB and attached to the newly formed 51st Flotilla operating out of Newhaven.
MTB 614 in company with 602, 608, 611, 613 and 615 fought a fierce action with enemy R boats just outside of the enemy held Dieppe Harbour. One R boat was seen to explode but the Flotilla suffered heavily, especially from accurate firing from shore batteries.
12 Killed’, 11 seriously wounded and 18 with minor wounds.

Those killed were –
MTB.602, surface action
BUCKINGHAM, Elijah, Able Seaman, P/JX 324788, killed
HOLMES, Andrew, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 514085, killed
ODELL, Kenneth W, Able Seaman, P/SSX 31186, killed
SELBY, Walter E, Ordinary Seaman, C/JX 379838, killed
SYMONS, Ronald, Act/Leading Seaman, D/SSX 24764, killed
TOWNDROW, Stanley, Able Seaman, P/JX 313124, killed
TUBMAN, Wilfred, Stoker 1c, P/JX 137260, killed

MTB.608, surface action
LINDSAY, Andrew R, Ordinary Seaman, P/JX 425373, killed

MTB.614, surface action
ARMSTRONG, Thomas, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 305810, killed
FULLER, Edmund J, Leading Motor Mechanic, P/MX 502206, killed
KELLY, James, Able Seaman, D/JX 253402, MPK
SHAW, Harry, Act/Chief Motor Mechanic 4c, P/MX 98243, killed

Sources:
“Dog Boats at War”
Naval History Net

Maggieharmer
Seaman
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2012 4:31 pm

Re: MTB 614

Postby Maggieharmer » Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:21 pm

Thank you for this, I am looking into the 'Dog boats at War' book to learn more. Incidentally why were they the dog boats?! Maggie

Croatian Navy
Petty Officer
Posts: 33
Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2012 11:59 am

Re: MTB 614

Postby Croatian Navy » Sat Feb 11, 2012 2:40 pm

Dogs beacuse of letter "D" in their class name - Fairmile "D"

Cptsideways
Seaman
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2016 9:49 pm

Re: MTB 614

Postby Cptsideways » Wed Nov 23, 2016 9:58 pm

An old thread but in searching for information on a picture hung on the wall in the Chichester Park Hotel, that I frequent for work & being an enthusiastic boaty type, this picture had me intrigued. Some googling threw up this thread. Next time I'm at the Hotel I will ask what they know about the picture.

The picture appears to be Bosham Quay which is within Chichester Harbour somewhere I know well, lovely place has a pub with a Submarine door! & a tidal car park.

The picture, it appears to be MGB or MTB 614 that was used by Bosham Sailing Club & would have been the vessel your relative served on. Post 1940's by the cars (early 50's I'd say)


Image

Brian Holmes
Commander
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed May 06, 2009 3:26 pm
Location: Portsmouth

Re: MTB 614

Postby Brian Holmes » Thu Nov 24, 2016 4:09 pm

MGB 614 Woodnut & Co Ltd, St Helens, Isle of Wight 6/8/42
For an action off Dieppe 28/3/44
DSM AB Alfred Mawson P/JX383886
MID Lt James William Gladwell RCNVR
MID PO Thomas Boyle C/JX139471

For Operation Neptune - passage of troops and supplies during the assault on Normandy
DSM LSea Leslie Pringle C/JX141803
DSM AB John Bright McLaughlin C/SSX30888

Known Crew (MGB 614)
TLt Eric Albert Honer RNVR TLt 26/9/41 18th MGB Flotilla HMS Attack (Portland) for small craft 10/8/41 [also based at Newhaven & Dartmouth] 10/43 Commanding Officer MGB 614 7/43 Commanding Officer MTB 511 7/43 HMS Hannibal (Taranto, Italy) (additional; for miscellaneous duties [service at Bari]) 12/43 DDOD Operations Division, Admiralty [HMS President] (for duty outside Admiralty) 22/1/45 Born 20/5/11 in Croydon district, Greater London / Kent / Surrey and died 11/91 in New Forest district, Hampshire / New Forest
TLt Peter Edward Mason RNVR TLt 29/5/40 HMS St Christopher for MLs 14/6/41 18th MGB Flotilla Based at Portsmouth and then Newhaven Commanding Officer MGB 614 1/6/42 Commanding Officer SGB 4 Grey Fox 26/7/43 For an action in the Channel on 27th September 1943 DSC TALtCdr Staff Officer Operations HMS Beehive (Felixstowe) 8/8/44 HMS Braganza (Bombay)
TSLt Stanley Bracy Taylor RNVR TSLt 21/5/42 18th MGB Flotilla MGB 614 3/8/42 First Lieutenant MTB 524 12/5/43 TLt 21/5/43 53rd MTB Flotilla Based on Portsmouth First Lieutenant MTB 693 For Operation Neptune - passage of troops and supplies during the assault on Normandy DSC Commanding Officer MTB 793 21/2/45 Born in Edmonton district, Essex 21/7/13
TSLt James William Gladwell RCNVR First Lieutenant MGB 614 25/10/42 MTB 614 10/1/43 TLt 22/12/43 HMS Gregale (Coastal Forces base, Malta) 4/45
TASLt R L MacDonald RNVR 18th MGB Flotilla Based at Portsmouth and then Newhaven MGB 614 25/5/42 TSLt 27/2/44 64th MTB Flotilla Based on Portsmouth MTB 739 12/4/44 Operation Neptune - Invasion of Normandy
Known Crew (MTB 614)
TLt R H Newman RNVR TLt 29/11/41 51st MTB Flotilla Commanding Officer MTB 614 5/11/43 HMS Aggressive (Newhaven) 1944
TLt J M Ford RNVR TLt 1/4/42 18th MGB Flotilla Based at Portsmouth and then Newhaven MGB 613 21/8/42 51st MTB Flotilla Based at Dover Commanding Officer MTB 614 12/44
TSLt James William Gladwell RCNVR First Lieutenant MGB 614 25/10/42 MTB 614 10/1/43 TLt 22/12/43 HMS Gregale (Coastal Forces base, Malta) 4/45
TSLt James William Gladwell RCNVR First Lieutenant MGB 614 25/10/42 MTB 614 10/1/43 HMS Gregale (Coastal Forces base, Malta) 4/45
TSLt Peter Moody Lowndes RNVR MTB 511 12/5/43 TASLt 1/9/43 18th MGB Flotilla MTB 614 15/5/43 51st MTB Flotilla TSLt 1/3/44 HMS Gregale (Malta) Commanding Officer MTB 289 17/3/45
CMtrMch Harry Shaw P/MX 98243 51st MTB Flotilla MTB 614 Killed in action 29/3/44 aged 30 Son of Harry and Emma Shaw, husband of Enid Shaw, of Solihull, Birmingham.
PO Thomas Boyle C/JX139471 15th MGB Flotilla (Coxswain) MGB 318 For distinguished services (Gazette Date - 30/3/43) DSM 51st MTB Flotilla MTB 614 For an action off Dieppe 28/3/44 1944 SGB 8 For a series of actions in the Channel over a period of two years DSM*
LMtrMch Edmund James Fuller P/MX 502206 51st MTB Flotilla MTB 614 Killed in action 29/3/44 aged 25. Son of Harvey and Edith Fuller, of Cowley, Oxford. Buried in Oxford Rose Hill Cemetery Sec. G.3. Grave 96
LSea Leslie Pringle C/JX141803 51st MTB Flotilla Based at Dover MTB 614 For Operation Neptune - passage of troops and supplies during the assault on Normandy DSM
AB James Kelly D/JX 253402 51st MTB Flotilla MTB 614 Killed in action 29/3/44 aged 23 Son of George and Lucy Kelly, of Stoke-on-Trent; husband of Margaret Elizabeth Kelly, of Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent
AB Alfred Mawson P/JX383886 51st MTB Flotilla MTB 614 For an action off Dieppe 28/3/44 DSM
AB John Bright McLaughlin C/SSX30888 51st MTB Flotilla MTB 614 For Operation Neptune - passage of troops and supplies during the assault on Normandy DSM
Ord Thomas Armstrong D/JX 305810 51st MTB Flotilla Based at Dover MTB 614 Killed in action 29/3/44. Son of Thomas and Caroline Armstrong, of Newtown, Cramlington; husband of Ann Armstrong. Buried in Seaton Valley (Cramlington New) Cemetery Grave 2276

War Activities
18th MGB Flotilla
MGB 602, MGB 608, MGB 611, MGB 613, MGB 614, MGB 615, MGB 616, MGB 680
Based at Portsmouth and then Newhaven
28-9/5/43 SGB 4, MGB 614 and MGB 615 depart Newhaven following a report of eight E boats approaching the convoy route. They sight the E boats after they have been attacked by aircraft. There is an exchange of fire before the E boats make off. MGB 614 is hit in the after crew space.
9/43 Redesignated MTB
10/43 51st MTB Flotilla
MTB 602, MTB 608, MTB 611, MTB 613, MTB 614, MTB 615, MTB 616, MTB 680, MTB 689
Based at Portsmouth
Based at Newhaven
Based at Dover
Based at Ramsgate
28/3/44 MTB 602, MTB 608, MTB 611, MTB 613, MTB 614, MTB 615 depart from Newhaven and reach Dieppe harbour mouth. They encounter a German force of three Vp.-Boats, three Flaklighters and 11 Räumboats and engage at close range. Shore batteries engage them. All boats return to Newhaven severely damaged. Twelve men are killed, eleven seriously wounded and eighteen with lesser wounds.
29/3/44 An action between MTB 204, MGB 40, MGB 611, MGB 613, MGB 614 and MGB 615 and a German force of three Vp.-Boats, three Flacklighters and 11 Räumboats between Dieppe and Calais. MGB 611 and MGB 614 are damaged
Operation Neptune Invasion of Normandy
51st MTB Flotilla
Based at Dover
MTB 608, MTB 611, MTB 613, MTB 614, MTB 615, MTB 616 and MTB 680
2-3/8/44 An action between the Second S Boat Flotilla (KKpt. Opdenhoff) and MTB 608, MTB 613, MTB 614 and MTB 680 off Le Havre. S 180 and S 181 are damaged by gunfire. S 167 and MTB 608 collide and are damaged.

Post War Fate

Cptsideways
Seaman
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2016 9:49 pm

Re: MTB 614

Postby Cptsideways » Thu Nov 24, 2016 4:41 pm

Doing some research there appears to be quite a few of these still in existence. Most are houseboats it seems, Some even restored, Ive seen MTB 102 at sea & its sounds lovely.

219 newly restored is on a canal in Exeter https://www.waterways.org.uk/westcountry/branch_news


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