I have just joined this forum as I am impressed by the corporate knowledge of its members. I am researching my father-in-law's naval career, during which he served on MGB 609 but mainly on MGB 77 and MTB 415. My research so far has raised a few questions that I'd like to put to you all. First off, my father-in-law was Stoker 2nd Class Cecil Halford. As far as I know he never used his real first name and always called himself Mick or Mike. So here goes:
The internet seems to have little information about MGB 609. Indeed, some websites don't have it at all. What flotilla did it serve in and where was that based?
Did MGB 77 become MTB 415? Some data suggests so but I have found reference to MGB 80 becoming MTB 415.
Data states that MTB 415 served with the 1st MTB Flotilla. I believe that the 1st was based in HMS Beehive in Felixstowe and yet Mick's service record has him serving mainly along the south coast. There is reference to HMS Aberdonian in Dartmouth, HMS Attack in Portland, HMS Forte in Falmouth and HMS Hornet in Gosport. This is confusing. Did the 1st MTB Flotilla serve from East Anglia or the south coast?
There is also internet confusion over the 1st MTB Flotilla serving in support of D Day. Elsewhere on the internet, they stayed in the North Sea. Did the 1st MTB F (MTB 415) support D Day?
What I did find was the actor Patrick MacNee (John Steed in the Avengers) served as navigation officer on MTB 415.
I'd love to hear of any details of MTB 415's service. Who were it's COs (after summer 1943 when Mick joined it)? In what notable actions did MTB 415 take part?
Rolf Hippman - sorry, RAF and RCAF, not a naval type. Kipper Fleet on Nimrods though, if that counts.