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MTB 747 AB Albert Pearson

Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2012 2:37 pm
by sh4uny1968
Hello there i am trying to find out more about my grand father service in the navy i do have his service papers which showed he first started as a stoker on the HMS Duke than as AB on HMS LONDON but after Radar training HMS Valkyrie where he met my grand ma .. he then served on the MTB 747 from feb 1944 until may 1945 then on land bases until sept 1946 .. ie HMS HORNET , COLLINGWOOD & EXCELLENT, and i remember how his fondest memories were was on the MTBs , so i would love to find out any thing about the MTB 747
regards

Shaun

Re: MTB 747 AB Albert Pearson

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2012 9:35 am
by Pioneer
Hello 'Sh4uny1968' - welcome aboard.
MTB 747 was a Fairmile Motor Torpedo Boat (D MTB) Length: 115'
Builder's Yard: Sussex Shipbuilders, Shoreham
Completion Date: June 1944 Loss or Disposal Date: 9th February 1958
Notes: MTB 747 survived the war and was transferred to the Sea Cadet Corp in March 1946, before being sold on 9 February 1958. Her Commanding Officer was Lt RP Fawcett from 27th May 1944 - 6th June 1945.

If you type '747' into the Forum Search facility (top right of this page) you will see that 747 has been mentioned in several postings regarding actions etc (click on an individual posting title to read the full post)

Regards

Re: MTB 747 AB Albert Pearson

Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2012 8:53 pm
by Brian Holmes
MTB_747 Sussex Shipbuilding Co Ltd, Shoreham-by-Sea 6/44

Wartime Activities
8/44 66th MTB Flotilla
MTB 731, MTB 733, MTB 737, MTB 747, MTB 750, MTB 752, MTB 757, MTB 760
Based at Portland, Plymouth and Ramsgate

Post War Fate
3/46 Sea Cadet Corps
19/2/58 Sold

Re: MTB 747 AB Albert Pearson

Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 8:38 am
by sh4uny1968
Thank you very much for all the info

Regards

Sh4uny

Re: MTB 747 AB Albert Pearson

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 10:11 am
by seabird1
Hi Shaun,
My Grandfather, Cyril J Foord, served as Petty Officer on 747 in 1945. I have a photo of 747 at speed in the Solent. They were on their way to attend the scene of a collision between 2 merchant vessels. I made a model of 747 that he used to keep on his sideboard. It came into my possession after his death 5 years ago.
It was designated MTB although no torpedo tubes were fitted. I was told none were available at the time of commission.
If I can help any further, please let me know.
Regards,
Mark

Re: MTB 747 AB Albert Pearson

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 8:23 pm
by Guthlac
As I understand it, the 66th MTB Flotilla was created for an anti-submarine role and its boats shipped 32 depth charges in place of the torpedo tubes. This photo shows my father's boat (731) with the depth charges in place and what are (presumably) some of the the other boats of the flotilla alongside. I don't know the location though - might it be Portland?

I have transcribed a Report of Proceedings from the National Archives relating to an anti-submarine patrol carried out in the Channel by MTBs 731, 747 and 750 on 23/24 December 1944 in which an attack was carried out on a suspected contact - although as no U-boat is recorded as sunk in that location, it must not have been successful. The report concludes that "Intelligence showed that there were some U boats in the area, echoes were loud, sharp and distinct. Extent of target was approximately 8 degrees at varying ranges between 750 yards and 1200 yards. No movement or doppler were however recorded and QH2 showed the target to be stationary. Recorder races were good."

Hope this is of interest.

Robert
MTB 731 holding depth charges.jpg
Mark

Re: MTB 747 AB Albert Pearson

Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2013 8:55 am
by sh4uny1968
hi there all thank you so much for all the info .. sorry not been on for a while had alot of things going on .. and once again thank you

Re: MTB 747 AB Albert Pearson

Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 11:08 am
by SMW
I am unsure whether this thread is still active and I have only just discovered it. My dad served on MTB 747 and then in the minesweeper flotilla. I know he was at Le Havre as he sometimes spoke of a rescue mission for an American ship. My dad was Petty Office Fred Moore.
15068399_636279353218445_2589699632074947912_o.jpg
The photo attached shows the crew in 1944 at Ramsgate Harbour, my dad is front row and far right as you look at the photo.

I would love to hear from anyone who had a relative on this boat who may have stories about life on board. My dad was very reticent about wartime experiences, a few stories were told but not many.

Re: MTB 747 AB Albert Pearson

Posted: Sun Apr 16, 2017 8:30 pm
by sh4uny1968
Hello there .. I think my grandfather was back in the isle of man at the time of the picture on his radar training .. love the picture, wish I had more pictures and info for you, he has past away now . Regards

Re: MTB 747 AB Albert Pearson

Posted: Sat Sep 16, 2017 4:56 pm
by Scout Robin
HI, I have been writing the history of what is now Richmond upon Thames Scout District.
In that District was 14th Richmond Dea Scout Group.
They had MTB 747 for some years before passing it on to Ajax Sea Scout Group.
In the last year I found the ships bell had been purchased at auction by a private military museum on the East coast.
I have spoken to an ex member of 14th who remembers using the boat as a temporary HQ, I think he said moored near corporation island at Richmond.

Robin Corti