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MTB 245

Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:31 pm
by Pioneer
MTB 245 (presently a Houseboat on the Sth Coast) has recently been the the subject of a feasibility study by the British Military Powerboat Trust, with the aim of returning her to its former glory of a naval vessel.
Owing to a very tight time frame (to be moved off current berth by end of February '09) This has now been seen as unrealistic—regretfully the BMPT has withdrawn from the endeavour.
However, a new buyer is evidently waiting to snap up this valuable piece of our history with the intention to restore her as a recognisable MTB. More news as time approaches for its move.

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 11:15 am
by Pioneer
The owner of 245, advises that the boat will move from its berth this Sunday, to a berth further down the River Itchen.
The new owner is, apparently, going to replace the on deck structure with a more MTB style superstructure, and continue to use the boat as a house boat.

We will endeavour to update you on 245 as time and effort permit.

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 8:36 am
by Brian Holmes
For Information, MTB 245 as she appears in my database

MTB_245 Vosper, Portsmouth and Porchester 29/12/42

New Year Honours 1944
MID ALSea Douglas Gordon Smith C/JX142138
For minelaying in the Nore Command area (Gazette Date - 1/8/44)
DSC TLt Douglas Eric James Hunt RNVR
MID AB Raymond Barnard P/JX415290
MID AB Eric Guest P/JX550840
MID Sto1 Frederick Arthur Parker D/KX156788
For an action off the Dutch coast 8/7/44
DSC* TLt Douglas Eric James Hunt RNVR
DSM TAPO Douglas Gordon Smith C/JX142138
DSM LMtrMch Harry Campbell Carty P/MX99313
DSM Tel Harry Morrey C/JX298392

Known Crew
TLt Douglas Eric James Hunt RNVR (Commanding Officer 1943)
TAPO Douglas Gordon Smith C/JX142138
LMtrMch Harry Campbell Carty P/MX99313
AB Raymond Barnard P/JX415290
AB Eric Guest P/JX550840
Ord Abraham Patrick Coneley P/JX 519332 Died 1/4/44 aged 18 Son of Abraham and Sophie Coneley, of Parkstone Poole (Branlsome) Cemetery Row A.N. Grave 116
Sto1 Frederick Arthur Parker D/KX156788
Tel Harry Morrey C/JX298392

Wartime Activities
22nd MTB Flotilla
Based at Lowestoft and Felixstowe
16-17/7/43 MTB 83, MTB 93, MTB 238 (Senior Officer) and MTB 245 are on patrol off Ymuiden when they sight a convoy of three small merchant ships escorted by two armed trawlers. Seven torpedoes are fired. At the time, one sinking is claimed but that is not borne out by post war investigations.
Minelaying in the Nore Command area (Gazette Date - 1/8/44)
22nd MTB Flotilla
MTB 25, MTB 83, MTB 88, MTB 93, MTB 238, MTB 245 and MTB 347 Based on the Nore
Operation Neptune Invasion of Normandy
8-9/7/44 MTB 88, MTB 93, MTB 238 and MTB 245 encounter a force of armed trawlers off Scheveningen. MTB 88 and MTB 238 make a torpedo attack hitting and sinking one trawler. MTB 93 and MTB 245 make a torpedo attack achieving two hits. MTB 245 is hit by a shell on the waterline close to the bow and begins to settle. MTB 245 gets underway astern and is later towed stern first by MTB 93 at 5kts. An ML later takes over the tow and a tug is despatched from Felixstowe.
1900 MTB 245 enters Felixstowe awash after twenty hours of towing.

Post War Fate
4/46 Sold
Houseboat â?? Meridian

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 10:32 pm
by Pioneer
Hello again Brian,
Many thanks again for posting this interesting brief of the boats War time activities.
Your posts certainly show that you have more than just an interest - keep them coming.
I have sent you a PM.
Best Wishes

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 1:56 pm
by MattR
Gentlemen,
I am researching MTB 245 and have read your posts with great interest.
I am especially interested in connecting a fascinating wartime presentation gift I own with the craft and those identified on the engraving.
If the remains of the craft are still indeed a houseboat are you able to shed any light on where it may be and perhaps a contact?
Also if you are aware of any existing pictures of 245 in service that would be amazing. I have searched the navy/MoD site but haven’t found anything yet.
Any assistance gratefully received.

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2020 2:25 pm
by Admin
This photo from the IWM collection shows the CO of MTB 245 Douglas Hunt.

douglas-hunt-mtb-245-iwm-a-17971.jpg
Lieutenant Douglas Hunt MTB 245 (third from left) © IWM A 17971
douglas-hunt-mtb-245-iwm-a-17971.jpg (62.84 KiB) Viewed 32138 times

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2020 12:44 am
by MattR
Thank you for the picture, I have also found The Gazette entry for 28th July 1944 where he was awarded the DSC for minelaying operations.

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2020 6:47 pm
by Adehp
Hi. I had the privilege of owning MTB 245 in the late 1970’s. She was berthed at Cobden Bridge in Southampton, and known as houseboat Meridian. Sadly, I was young(ish!) and impecunious, and, although very impressed by the noble history of the boat, I was in no position to improve her chances of survival. I eventually sold the boat to a South African couple called Mike and Rose Beech, who came from the 3 anchor bay area of Cape Town. I know the boat is no longer at Cobden Bridge, but I have no knowledge of her present location. I would be very interested in any information about her eventual fate. I really hope she has survived, as I have many fond memories of my time living on board. If anybody can update me, I would be very grateful. Adrian Hall-Patch
hallpatch@orange.fr

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2020 9:50 am
by reinaart
Two photos showing MTB 245, or part of the vessel, can be found here :

http://www.rodericktimms.royalnavy.co.u ... hotos.html

Image
Image

Regards,

Arjan

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2020 11:58 am
by reinaart
The vessel I marked with a red dot might also be MTB 245. At any rate, she has the same distinguishing features :
- Single 20mm Oerlikon gun on the fore deck with what appears to be a canvas spray screen.
- Carley float attached to the port side of the pilot house.

Image
Image

Arjan

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2020 10:47 pm
by MattR
Thank you for those rare pictures Arjan, very much appreciated. I had hoped there may be a few around somewhere! 👍🏼

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2020 7:34 am
by reinaart
You're welcome Matt . I have been wondering about the canvas guard around the Oerlikon. It was probably anti shrapnel padding rather than a simple spray screen but I'm not sure. A clear example of the padding used on a Vosper MTB :

Image

Regards,

Arjan

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 9:10 am
by reinaart
I think MTB 245's forward Oerlikon guard probably had splinter mattresses on the inside and a spray cover on the outer side. Photo doesn't show a Vosper :

Image

Arjan

Re: MTB 245

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2020 11:56 am
by reinaart
To correct my mistake, the last photo I posted does show a Vosper after all .

Arjan