MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Motor Torpedo Boats (MTB)
Croatian Navy
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MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Croatian Navy » Tue Feb 28, 2012 4:07 pm

For my texts about ww2 on Adriatic I am searching for some photos, so if anyone can help me. I would be very greatfull.

So, I need these photos:

MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667.

I also need photos of their crew members and their comanders:
C.J. Jerram
Eric Hewitt (MTB 670)
W.E.A. Blount
Dennis Herbert Lummis
R.C. Davidson

Also I need crew photos. I only have together crew photo of MTB 638.
Last edited by Admin on Wed Feb 29, 2012 5:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Edited post title to make it more specifc

Admin
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Admin » Tue Feb 28, 2012 4:16 pm

The Imperial War Museum has certain materials for all of those boats (not sure about photographs) including sound recordings from crew members who served, though you would have to pay to procure any items.

jonco
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby jonco » Tue Feb 28, 2012 6:39 pm

Hello Croatian Navy,

Have a look at this site if you have not already: http://www.unithistories.com/units_inde ... sonsx.html

There is certainly a photo of Dennis Herbert Lummis there. You may find some others - I do not have time at the moment but will try to look later.

I have posted a poor quality photo of MTB 634 which appears under MTB 638 post in this section.

Cheers

Croatian Navy
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Croatian Navy » Tue Feb 28, 2012 7:07 pm

Thank You both for Your help.

241987Chris
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby 241987Chris » Fri Jul 13, 2012 2:29 pm

Hello Croatian Navy,

My grandfather ( Thomas Alfred Davies C/JX 373903.) Served on MTB 634 as Ordinary seaman 29/01/1943 15/03/1943 during that time also Lent to MTB 624 01/03/43-15/03/43.

I have a photo of him in uniform but that’s all… I you have any photos of the boat and the crew id love to see them and see I could pick him out

wyamdp
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby wyamdp » Tue Aug 04, 2015 2:06 pm

All - My father AB William Macdonald C/JX278299 served on MTB 634 in the Adriatic campaign. The picture below was taken in Malta sometime in 1944 of the 634 crew with some captured E boat trophies. This event could be linked to a previous thread where a picture shows MTB 634 taking the capture of an E boat. My father is second from left with a pennant over his shoulder. He served on 634 unscathed until the end of the war and indeed was presented with 634's flag by the captain at the war's cessation. We still have the flag in our family and can post additional pictures if there is any interest.

Regards,
Angus Macdonald
Attachments
MTB-634-Malta-1944.jpg
Last edited by Admin on Tue Aug 04, 2015 11:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Straightened photograph

Admin
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Admin » Tue Aug 04, 2015 11:15 pm

Hello Angus

Thank you for your interesting photo. The radar dome visible in the background is that of an Allied boat, but I'm glad you have an actual visual identification for your father in that photo, since they are all wearing Kriegsmarine uniform it seems, which makes it a highly unusual photograph. Is this your father posing with a rather friendly E-Boat crew, or is this the whole of the MTB crew got up in in German uniform I wonder? I would like to see any others in your possession, but would it be possible for you to scan this photo and others in a flat-bed scanner please if you have access to one, so as the images can be seen straight on, rather than at an angle?

Kind Regards
Admin

Croatian Navy
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Croatian Navy » Wed Aug 05, 2015 11:56 am

Hello Angus
The photo is great. Thank you for share it with us.
It think that the time on this photo is May 1945 when Germans capitulate on Adriatic.
Is on the back of photos some description?

wyamdp
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby wyamdp » Wed Aug 05, 2015 8:32 pm

All - I did indeed notice the 10 crewmen wearing German apparel but giving the general joviality (cigars on show!) and the inquisitive bystanders, I assumed the photo was taken after reaching port after a successful engagement - as with the Royal Ensign in the background. My father did state the photograph was taken in 1944 but unfortunately there is nothing written on the back apart from a random number. There is no doubt that my father's boat did indeed capture E boat(s) intact, as he bequeathed to myself a German crewman's compass which I still have in my possession (see picture below). Plus the pennants from the photograph made it home as booty! We will however, endeavour to upload a higher definition version of the crew picture as requested.

What might be of further interest is my father's memoirs of 634's engagements in the Med/Adriatic which I am sure he would have liked to share with other veterans/interested parties. We will upload accordingly if there is such a demand.

Regards,
Macdonald family

wyamdp
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby wyamdp » Wed Aug 05, 2015 8:41 pm

And that attachment....
Attachments
compass1.PNG
compass1.PNG (216.89 KiB) Viewed 84379 times

Croatian Navy
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Croatian Navy » Thu Aug 06, 2015 11:15 am

Maybe they captured some other type of the ship. Because, as I know, neither one E-boat (Schenllboot) was captured on Adriatic during 1944. All E-boats on Adriatic was captured (they capitulate) on 1st May 1944. I will try to see all my files which ship was captured by MTB-634 on Adriatic in 1944.
But...
If this photo is taken on Malta...
I must see my files :)

wyamdp
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby wyamdp » Wed Aug 12, 2015 12:33 am

Find below the scanned photograph of the 634 crew. I'm afraid the definition isn't perfect but is an improvement on the prevous post.

Regards, Angus
Attachments
MTB 634 crew.jpg
MTB 634 crew.jpg (172.4 KiB) Viewed 84309 times

mattdunn
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Re: MTB 637

Postby mattdunn » Sun Feb 05, 2017 9:48 pm

Just sorting through my grandfathers belongings since my grandmother past away last month, found this picture of MTB 637 crew in Malta, his name was 'Bill' William Ledson in the photograph, I've got loads more photos to go through, just wondering if anyone had pictures with the name Ledson written anywhere. His job title was stoker from 1943 onwards and he seems to have helped himself to a few bit and pieces in the war, including the engine manuals... just read somewhere that the boat founded? I'm trying to find out about other boats he went on?
Attachments
MTB 637 MALTA PIC NAMES OF CREW.jpg
mtb 637 crew pic malta
MTB 637 MALTA PIC FEB 1945.jpg
mtb 637 crew names malta

Pioneer
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Pioneer » Mon Feb 06, 2017 1:49 pm

MTB 637
Fairmile 115' D-Type Motor Torpedo Boat
Builder's Yard: Alexander Robertson, Sandbank, Argylshire
Completion: January 1943 Loss or Disposal: 30th January 1946
Notes: MTB 637 was lost on passage between Malta-Alexandria on 30 January 1946. One of eleven earmarked for the Royal Egyptian Coast Guard, this boat was being towed to Alexandria by one of four destroyers when severe weather caused the tow to part or be cut. It foundered and was sunk by gunfire from the escort to prevent it forming a navigational hazard.

From the site database

wyamdp
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby wyamdp » Mon Dec 31, 2018 8:39 pm

My son colourised the b&w photo of the 634 crew in captured apparel as a Xmas gift. It brings the whole scene incredibly up to date.
Regards, Angus
crew-of-mtb-634-coloured.jpg
634 crew
crew-of-mtb-634-coloured.jpg (446.57 KiB) Viewed 65299 times
Last edited by Admin on Fri Apr 03, 2020 11:17 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Cropped image for improved display

Peter
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Peter » Wed Jan 02, 2019 5:32 pm

Good Afternoon, I am pleased to join in the current subject on the above boats although some of the titles could be incorrect I am certain they were not all MTB's. I can recognise MGB 634. Having served in the Italian and then on to the Dalmatian Islands it was pleasing to read the blogs over the New Year period, for which I attaché perhaps a little late a card to all you with contacts in those campaigns, the Families & Grandchildren and Friends my sincere best wishes at this time with the Card that was raised by Coastal Forces aboard our then base ship " Miraglia " (captured Italian Sea plane Carrier ) now docked in Brindisi (Italy) that took over the role of Base ship after the severe damage to our HMS Vienna after the Bari air raid in December 1943.
Picture of the Island of Vis
It is with My Best Wishes to you All
Peter
Attachments
Issa Hotel Christmas Card 2015.jpg
Xmas greetings fr0mMiraglia.jpg

Peter
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Peter » Fri Jan 04, 2019 11:22 am

Good morning All.
Continuing the post of MTB's, when I first saw the post I recalled the name Ledson a name that with some research and dusting down my library of pictures and stats.
I discovered Ledson William CFVA Member No 553 along with other Members -Inc. the Lindfield Brothers with whom I met at the opening of the Merseyside Branch in 1981
Question : am I on the course ?
Cheers
Peter

Peter
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Peter » Wed Apr 10, 2019 5:21 pm

It is in remembrance of todays Memorial List ( April 10th) of those of crew of MTB 710 lost in the Adriatic campaign, that I contacted George Chandler one of the few survivors of that boat, and to convey my thoughts. We then chatted about the photograph on view, and our many visits to Croatia as the British Veterans of Vis, it was during one of these visits that we were entertained by the Croatia Navy.
It is with thanks to the CFV site and to Kevin, that we Veterans have been able to share our memory's and experiences to be recorded for and used by our families and for the many who show interest in our history

wyamdp
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby wyamdp » Thu Nov 14, 2019 8:41 pm

Hello all, there was some dubiety over the background to the colourised picture of the gentlemen wearing the Kriegsmarine uniforms. Reading Sir Walter Blount's account of the Tagliamento surrender, I think this has been solved. (He was the CO of MTB 634.) 634 crew were the culprits!
Please see the attached documents.

Regards, Angus
Attachments
2019-11-14 20.25.00.png
Reference 2
2019-11-14 20.24.12.png
Reference 1
Screenshot_2019-11-14-20-22-51.png
Introduction

wyamdp
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby wyamdp » Thu Apr 02, 2020 2:27 am

MTB 634 crew with AB William Macdonald identified by the blue dot.
Regards.
Macdonald family

crew-of-mtb-634-ab-william-macdonald.jpg
Last edited by Admin on Fri Apr 03, 2020 11:19 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Cropped image for improved display

Peter
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Peter » Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:43 am

i St Anne,s.jpg
Wow ; What a post to lift the "Stay at Home" blues and help with the pain of lock down for us all at this for me, yes it is stay calm for us all and we will beat this hidden enemy as we did with the enemy of 1945

May I reflect on the post with "I was there" in the war of the Dalmatia Island Campaign and all the pain of battle we shared in the joy of comradeship and we won, as we will in this battle of the coronavirus . the attached picture will reflect on some of the good times with Coastal Forces Veterans Association

Skegness123
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Skegness123 » Tue Jul 28, 2020 9:48 am

My Father In Law - Harry Crookes served on MTB 637 (4th from the left 2nd row) he didn't talk much about what he did on the boat but I know he used to cook often. He also told me about the crews drinking habits - they used to spread brasso onto bread and leave it in the sun to ferment before eating and they were also known to sell their socks so they could buy booze to go on "sippers" I have the exact same picture at home but the names are better on this one. He remained close friends with John Richardson (middle top row) throughout his life.

Dougers
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Dougers » Sat Oct 10, 2020 3:28 pm

Hi

I am wondering if anyone has any knowledge of which boat my late father served on. His name is Ian Austin and came from Johannesburg, South Africa. He told us he served on the MTB’s in the Adriatic and then went across to Genoa towards the end of the war. He mentioned they were stationed at Vis and he operated the bofors gun at the stern. He also mentioned he was promoted to one rank above Ordinary Seaman but was demoted back down after throwing his helmet at one of the officers on board. Hoping that might ring a bell?

There is a picture of what my brothers and I are convinced is him standing on the stern at his gun with MTB 378 passing astern taken somewhere off Genoa. I have attached the pic.

Many thanks
Douglas Austin
Attachments
B14992D2-20BB-4B3F-ABC8-6A0EED5A6473.jpeg

jonco
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby jonco » Sat Oct 10, 2020 5:56 pm

...........I am wondering if anyone has any knowledge of which boat my late father served on. His name is Ian Austin and came from Johannesburg, South Africa............
Hello, You could apply for his service record through the link below. Service record should show bases and tenders but they are not always fully accurate and take a time to come through. Note section on non-UK personnel. https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov ... cords.html

reinaart
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby reinaart » Sat Oct 10, 2020 7:53 pm

Douglas, the MTB with the Bofors gun was a Higgins MTB. This means that your dad (if he is indeed the man in the pic) served on MTB 419, 420, 421, 422 or 423. My guess is that it may have been MTB 422 because there are some action pics of this vessel taken from a Vosper (also IWM I think) . These pics were probably taken at the same time when the pic you posted was made. I also have pics of the other Higgins boats but none of MTB 419.

Regards,

Arjan

reinaart
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby reinaart » Sun Oct 11, 2020 9:04 am

I'm not sure, though, if any of the RN Higgins MTB s were stationed at Vis. I don't know anything about MGB s but the RN also used some former US Higgins boats as gun boats (45th MGB Flotilla).

Arjan

reinaart
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby reinaart » Sun Oct 11, 2020 10:43 am

Apparently the Higgins boats of the 45th MGB Flotilla were manned by the African Coastal Force :

Image

Arjan

Swimteacher5014
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Swimteacher5014 » Sat Feb 13, 2021 11:14 pm

All - My father AB William Macdonald C/JX278299 served on MTB 634 in the Adriatic campaign. The picture below was taken in Malta sometime in 1944 of the 634 crew with some captured E boat trophies. This event could be linked to a previous thread where a picture shows MTB 634 taking the capture of an E boat. My father is second from left with a pennant over his shoulder. He served on 634 unscathed until the end of the war and indeed was presented with 634's flag by the captain at the war's cessation. We still have the flag in our family and can post additional pictures if there is any interest.

Regards,
Angus Macdonald

Hi

I am new to this forum and have just been given a box full of photographs of my father when he served on HM MTB 634 in Ancona , Italy - 1944.

I have the exact photo which you have kindly shared Mr McDonald ( Angus) of the crew in German attire with the flag.

My father is Frederick Riddle is 4th from the left of the picture frame, knelt down holding of the flag,
( he’s at the forefront of the image).

I have additional pictures of my father in naval uniform and vessels I presume he served upon during his time in Her Majesty’s Navy during WWII.

I am very interested in learning about my fathers time in the Navy.

I can scan and send via email any pictures.

Sincere Regards

Stephen Riddle

David Carter
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby David Carter » Sun Feb 14, 2021 10:15 am

Stephen
Thank you for joining this forum. Please post the pictures you have. There are still veterans around who served on these boats and will be pleased to see them.
Regards
David Carter (Secretary)

Peter
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Posts: 130
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Re: MTBs 634, 637, 638 and 667

Postby Peter » Thu Feb 18, 2021 7:10 pm

Good Evening Stephen
I would be very interested in sending you some of the pictures I have about MTBs and MGBS operating in the now Croatian waters having spent some 2 years 1943-1945 aboard MTB 243 & MGB 647 in that area as a Radar Operator
Good Luck in your search
A/B Peter BEM


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