ML 357

Motor Launches (ML), Harbour Defence Motor Launches (HDML) & Rescue Motor Launches (RML)
Navigator27
Seaman
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2016 10:49 am

ML 357

Postby Navigator27 » Wed Feb 24, 2016 12:06 am

Hi,hoping I can get some information from this site.My Grandad was on ML 357 from 1942-44 as a Stoker 1st class. I've read some great stories on this site,including some about ML 357 that were posted a few years ago now. I did read that ML 357 was being restored,anyone know how that is going? My Grandad did tell us some of what he did around the Dodecanese Islands,but not that much,he was really proud of the part he and the crews played in the war.Trying to get as much info as I can for my Dad and some photos of ML 357 and the crew would be great. Thanks.

Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 501
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:40 pm

Re: ML 357

Postby Admin » Wed Feb 24, 2016 11:33 am

Hello Navigator27 and welcome to the forum.

There was a link contained in the earlier thread about ML 357 for photographs of ML 357 and ML 351 posted on Pinterest, which are still available.

The campaign around the Dodecanese Islands consisted of multiple small-scale operations and patrols—with larger ones carried out at times—utilising a number of small raiding forces, including such elements as the Special Boat Squadron (SBS), the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) and the Greek Sacred Squadron, as islands with small German garrisons were alternatively taken by Allied forces, and then retaken by the Germans. The SBS operated their own transport, known as the Levant Schooner Flotilla, supplemented at times by MTBs or MLs.

There is an interesting overview of Aegean operations for the specific time period September–November 1943 produced by the Admiralty and originally published in the London Gazette, which provides an insight into the kinds of activities involved in the Aegean campaign. There are also a number of informative resources to be found under a search in Google for 'Levant Schooner Flotilla' and 'LRDG'.

I'll have a look through my own resources later for any specific information I may have on ML 357.

Regards
Admin

Navigator27
Seaman
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2016 10:49 am

Re: ML 357

Postby Navigator27 » Thu Feb 25, 2016 1:01 am

Many Thanks for that information.My Grandad was onboard ML 357 from 11 April 1942 until 29 April 1944. He did tell us that they used to transport Raiding forces onto the islands,on one of these missions,coming back after collecting the Raiding Force,i believe,my Grandad picked up a detonator that had been left connected on deck and it went off,taking off his middle two fingers on his right hand.According to his records he was off duty for 2 months,but didn't go back to ML 357,instead he went on other ships until 1946.Does anyone know if the restoration of ML 357 has progressed? Thanks.

Admin
Site Admin
Posts: 501
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:40 pm

Re: ML 357

Postby Admin » Thu Feb 25, 2016 4:09 pm

I haven't been able to find any recent news on the boat but I note there was a thread on ML 357 in the World Naval Ships forum with a post from owner Terry Young giving his contact details, which if they are still current, you could try contacting him with.

Navigator27
Seaman
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2016 10:49 am

Re: ML 357

Postby Navigator27 » Fri Feb 26, 2016 12:52 am

Thanks for that,i'll try to get in touch with him from there. Really appreciate th info you have given me. Thanks. Mike.

tooseyboy
Seaman
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Feb 26, 2016 7:44 pm

Re: ML 357

Postby tooseyboy » Fri Feb 26, 2016 7:53 pm

Navigator you are more then welcome to visit 357

Navigator27
Seaman
Posts: 4
Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2016 10:49 am

Re: ML 357

Postby Navigator27 » Sun Feb 28, 2016 2:41 am

Hi Terry,thanks, really appreciate that,i know my Dad would love to see the actual boat his Dad served on.My Dad always assumed he was on an MTB and not an ML.Trying to get all the info I can on my Grandads time in the Navy in WW2,and a visit to see your boat in the near future would be fantastic. I was reading some posts from a couple years back and I think you managed to get in contact with a Stoker or his family from 357,would you have an email for them,as I assume he and my Grandad would have worked together. Many Thanks. Mike.

Loads of Mud
Seaman
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Dec 10, 2016 4:24 pm

Re: ML 357

Postby Loads of Mud » Sat Dec 10, 2016 4:26 pm

News about ML 357.

It moored at St Osyth Creek,Essex CO168EW.


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