MTB 675 - Oct 1943

Motor Torpedo Boats (MTB)
Bob Pearson
Able Seaman
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:16 pm

MTB 675 - Oct 1943

Postby Bob Pearson » Thu Jul 12, 2012 4:44 pm

In Oct 1943, MTB 675 dropped off an agent on to an island west of Askvoll, Norway. The boat was commanded by Lt Bramwell RNVR - an Irishman from Bangor. Due to bad weather the boat had to lay up under camouflage until the weather improved. On Oct 16, whilst making a dash for home, she was attacked by 6 Fw190s and was damaged. There were some casualties including a fatality or possibly more.

By chance, does anyone know the identity of those who were lost, killed in action? Secondly, was this boat used for other work in Norway? According to sources, it was attached initially to the 12th Submarine Flotilla and was fitted with davits to take two Chariots. Her aft 6 pdr was removed to accommodate the davits.

NB Chariot ops were unsuccessful in Norway and discontinued.

Many thanks in advance and kind regards,

Bob

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

Re: MTB 675 - Oct 1943

Postby Brian Holmes » Fri Jul 13, 2012 6:01 am

MTB_675 Alex Robertson (Yachtbuilders) & Sons Ltd, Sandbank, Scotland 7/43

For operations off the Norwegian coast (Gazette Date - 21/12/43)
DSC Tlt Frederick William Bramwell RNVR
DSM POMtrMch Dennis Wallace Knoweldon P/MX98460
DSM AB George Ronald Harrison C/JX378035
DSM Ord Bernard Eden McNeill C/JX4408664

Known Crew
Tlt Frederick William Bramwell RNVR
POMtrMch Dennis Wallace Knoweldon P/MX98460
LMtrMch Thomas M Robinson
AB George Ronald Harrison C/JX378035
Ord Bernard Eden McNeill C/JX4408664

Wartime Activities
Completed as MGB675
12th Submarine Flotilla
Fitted to carry and launch two chariots. This required the after6 pdr gun to be removed.
9/43 Moved to Lerwick with two chariots embarked.
10/43 Redesignated MTB 675
10/43 58th MTB Flotilla
MTB 666, MTB 669, MTB 675, MTB 681, MTB 683, MTB 684, MTB 685, MTB 686, MTB 687, MTB 723
Based on Lerwick
10/43 Mission to Norway to attack shipping in Askvoll harbour. Bad weather forces MTB 675 to lie up, under camouflage, in a fjord. When MTB 675 emerges, she is tracked and attacked by aircraft causing serious damage and casualties. MTB 675 returns to Dunbar, a distance of around 400 miles, on one engine and with no compass.
Operations off the Norwegian coast (Gazette Date - 21/12/43)
3/45 MTB 675 sinks a German midget submarine
1945 To Royal Air Force Long Range Rescue Craft (LRRC) 023

Bob Pearson
Able Seaman
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:16 pm

Re: MTB 675 - Oct 1943

Postby Bob Pearson » Fri Jul 13, 2012 4:18 pm

Dear Brian,

Many thanks for your very comprehensive reply, it is extremely useful and much appreciated.

Best wishes for the weekend and kind regards,

Bob

cdsc123
Sub Lieutenant
Posts: 76
Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:38 pm

Re: MTB 675 - Oct 1943

Postby cdsc123 » Sun Jul 15, 2012 10:11 pm

Pictures;
Attachments
mtb675.jpg
mtb675 bridge.jpg

Bob Pearson
Able Seaman
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:16 pm

Re: MTB 675 - Oct 1943

Postby Bob Pearson » Mon Jul 16, 2012 7:23 pm

Hello there,

And very many thanks for your posting. These are amazing images - thank you for sharing them. The last one - credited to the IWM - I have seen recently on their website, but the other two are completely new. I see the date given is Sept - one month before she went in to action off Askvold.

By chance, do you happen to know who is the copyright owner of the two images? I am currently researching for a book that concerns in part the operation of MTB 675 and its role to Askvoll with a British agent.

Thanks again and kind regards,

Bob

cdsc123
Sub Lieutenant
Posts: 76
Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:38 pm

Re: MTB 675 - Oct 1943

Postby cdsc123 » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:21 pm

Hi Bob

The photos are from page 112 of British Coastal Forces of World War II by Paul J Kemp.

The source is not mentioned.

Kr, Christian.

Bob Pearson
Able Seaman
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:16 pm

Re: MTB 675 - Oct 1943

Postby Bob Pearson » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:54 pm

Hi Christian,

Many thanks, that's very helpful. I will source the book at once.

Thanks again,

Bob


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