Pennant No 201–212 72ft White Built Boats

[dutch]

I am looking for information or any images that may exist of the 72Ft. White Built boats.
They were constructed between June-October 1941.i would be protocolary interested in any images of 212 as this was the flag ship of the 13th flotilla in which my father served, between May 1944 and October-1944.

[JamesDargie]

205 (and probably some of the others) are pictured at a distance in a black and white print entitled: "H.M.S. HORNET -THE ASSEMBLY FOR THE INVASION OF NORMANDY" in Peter Scott's 'The battle of the Narrow Seas: A history of the Light Coastal Forces in the Channel and North Sea, 1939 to-1945. I think the 13th Flotilla was numbers 205 to 212. MTB 212 was indeed Lt. Mark Arnold-Forster's the flotilla's Senior Officer

[JamesDargie]

also in Scott's book see pages 208-211 - Last week of Cap d'Antifer - details some actions of the 13th.

[JamesDargie]

I also have in my possession a short history of the 13th Flotilla written in 1989 by S/Lt. J. E. Lake second in command on MTB 205; but at the moment it is just typed on paper. I also have a very faded and difficult to interpret photocopied list of boats in the Flotilla and there whereabouts on various dates, initialled GMH 31/7/87 (seemingly some of these dates relate to actions); I'm trying to get this into a spreadsheet (annotated with the bits that are illegible) the values for 209 - 212 are so faded its impossible.

My grandad was Coxwain of MTB 205, and my Grandma built MTBs and other boats (though not the 13th Flotilla) at Hythe.

[cdsc123]

Here are some pictures;

[cdsc123]

Some more;

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_201 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 27/11/41

For an action in the Channel 14/6/42
DSC Lt George L Cotton RNVR
CGM Sto1 Robert Jenkins Spinks D/KX102770
DSM L Sea Albert E Collins D/JX140250

Known Crew
Lt George Lennox Cotton RNVR Commanding Officer MTB 213 22/10/40 Commanding Officer MTB 202 3/42 Commanding Officer MTB 201 6/42 (Promoted and appointed as Senior Officer 17th MGB Flotilla) DSC 1942
TLt James Doran Moore RCNVR MTB 201
SLt James Doran Moore RCNVR (Third Officer 6/42)
POSto Eric Hedley Ashton MTB 71 and MTB 201 and then commissioned. TSLt(E) 29/6/42 overseeing Vosper MTB's built in Annapolis [HMS Asbury ?] served in Algiers [HMS Razorbill ?] TLt(E) HMS Gregale 12/43 Base Engineer Officer, HMS Fox (RN base, Lerwick, Shetlands) 19/2/45 Born 1917 in Ecclesall Bierlow district, Derbyshire and died 11/4/2007 in North Wales
L Sea Albert E Collins D/JX140250 (Coxswain)
LSto Harold Rowe C/KX 88895 Killed in action 15/6/42 Son of Harold and Lilian Bertha Rowe, of Broadstairs, Kent
MtrMch John Ethelbert Ladmore P/MX 79496 (Killed in action 15/6/42) Age 19. Son of Bernard Edwin and Daisy Ellen Ladmore, of Southsea. Formerly served in the Home Guard. Buried in Portsmouth (Highland Road) Cemetery Section A. Row 6. Grave 30
Sto1 Robert Jenkins Spinks D/KX102770
Sig Ronald Harry Hartland D/JX 233493 Killed in action 15/6/42 aged 20 Son of Henry and Sarah Jane Hartland, of Stockingford, Nuneaton Buried in Nuneaton Stockingford Cemetery Sec. M. Grave 127 CWGC says HMS Wasp

Wartime Activities
9th MTB Flotilla
Based at Dover and Dartmouth
14-5/6/42 MTB 201, MTB 203 and MTB 229 are directed to intercept a large German tanker that intelligence believes will transit the Straits of Dover eastwards from Boulogne.
R 77, R 78, R 79, R 80, R 81, R 82, R 83, R 84, R 85, R 86, R 87 and R 88 are part of the escort for a convoy comprising the tanker Mamelland and five tugs. Also in the escort are Vps 1501, 1505, 1507, 1509, 1512, 1514, 1802, 1805, 1806 and 1813.
MGB 6, MGB 13, MGB 41, MGB 46 Polish MGB S3 from the 2nd MGB Flotilla lay mines ahead of the convoy but are engaged by the escort and shore batteries. MGB 46 is seriously damaged by gunfire from Vp1806. The ChMtrMch is killed and the fume filled engine room is temporarily abandoned. Engine room staff manage to get one engine running and the boat returns to Dover
0200 MTB 201, MTB 203 and MTB 229 begin their attack and encounter very heavy gunfire. MTB 201 gets close enough to launch one torpedo and is hit by gunfire on the bridge. The Commanding Officer, First Lieutenant, Coxswain, Telegraphist and Bridge Messenger are all wounded. The Signalman is killed. One engine has been damaged and there are casualties in the engine room. SLt I D Moore takes the wheel. MTB 201 launches the second torpedo. MTB 203 launches both torpedoes. MTB 201 comes to a stop and continues to be engaged by two armed trawlers. The crew abandons MT 201 which does not sink and is reboarded later after the trawlers leave the area. MTB 201 gets underway using the auxillary engine and heads for base. Three crew members have died, two are seriously wounded and only two are unwounded. MTB 201 is rapidly making water.
0745 Two RAF Air Sea Rescue Launches rendezvous with MTB 201. One takes off the seriously wounded whilst the other takes MTB 201 in tow.
0848 MTB 201 capsizes and sinks.

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_202 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 12/01/42


For an action with an enemy convoy in the Dover Straits 26/9/43
DSC* Lt Etienne Henri Larive R Neth N
DSM PO Tel Gerardus Adrianus Dekker R Neth N

Known Crew
RN
Lt George Lennox Cotton RNVR Commanding Officer MTB 213 22/10/40 Commanding Officer MTB 202 3/42 Commanding Officer MTB 201 6/42 (Promoted and appointed as Senior Officer 17th MGB Flotilla) DSC 1942
TLt Stuart David Marshall RNVR Commanding Officer MTB 202 6/42 Commanding Officer MTB 624 1944 Commanding Officer MTB 693 1944 Two DSCs in 1944.
TSLt Jack May RNVR First Lieutenant MTB 25 22/10/42. Commanding Officer MTB 202 1943, Commanding Officer MTB 361 2/9/43, Commanding Officer MTB 206 1944 and Commanding Officer MTB 494 1945. He was killed in action 7/4/45. Son of Charles Edward and Elsie May; husband of Margaret Emily May, of Barnehurst. B.A.(Lond.). Buried in Crayford (St. Paulinus) Churchyard Row 22. Grave 4
AB Leslie Wilson JX300489 (1/42 – 8/43)

RNethN
Lt Etienne Henri Larive R Neth N (Senior Officer 9th MTB Flotilla) Leading for action on 26/9/43
Lt J I Bommezijn RNeth N (Commanding Officer 13/8/43 – 5/5/44)
Lt G A Dogger RNethN (Commanding Officer 5/5/44 – 5/9/44)
Lt B ter Brake R Neth N (First Lieutenant 9-20/8/43)
SLt G P M Bodewes R Neth N (First Lieutenant 20/8/43 – 24/1/44) Later First Lieutenant of MTB 437
SLt J Sijtema RNeth N (First Lieutenant 5/5/44 – 5/9/44)
PO Tel Gerardus Adrianus Dekker R Neth N

Wartime Activities
13/8/42 Royal Netherlands Navy = Kemphaan
9th MTB Flotilla
Based at Dover and Dartmouth
4-5/7/43 MTB 202, MTB 235 (Senior Officer) and MTB 240 encounter two Elbing Class torpedo boats, T24 and T25, with a heavy screen off Cap Gris Nez. MTB 202, MTB 235 and MTB 240 trail the convoy to calculate course and speed. MTB 235 and MTB 240 fire four torpedoes without result. MTB 202, MTB 235 and MTB 240 return to Dover.
Royal Netherlands Navy 8/43 - 11/44
26-7/9/43 MTB 202 (SO embarked), MTB 204 and MTB 231 with MGB 108, MGB 117 and MGB 118 from 9th MGB Flotilla are directed to intercept two merchant ships believed to be leaving Le Havre and proceeding through the Straits of Dover.
c0200 MTB 202, MTB 204 and MTB 231 with MGB 108, MGB 117 and MGB 118 arrive at the Berck Buoy (Seven miles offshore and twenty five miles from Boulogne then come to a halt five miles offshore.
0308 The enemy are sighted. MTB 202, MTB 204 and MTB 231 with MGB 108, MGB 117 and MGB 118 move to about two miles offshore.
0320 Starshell bursts overhead and the force moves out of the illuminated area as quickly as the weather will allow and move ahead of the convoy which is escorted by none E/R Boats. MGB 108, MGB 117 and MGB 118 make a diversionary attack. MTB 202, MTB 204 and MTB 231 move inshore again before making a torpedo attack on a large three island merchant ship. Five torpedoes are fired and one misfires. MTB 204 achieves one definite hit Several further attempts are made to fire the remaining torpedo. V 1501 / Wiking 7, the Freighter Madali (3019 BRT) and M 534 / Jungingen are sunk. The Minesweeper M 4616 / Maurice-Jacqueline is lost by stranding near L’Abervrach
c0500 MTB 202, MTB 204 and MTB 231 disengage.
20-1/3/44 MTB 202, MTB 206, MTB 212 (Senior Officer) MTB 354, MTB 359 and MTB 362 attack 18 Vp.-Flotilla escorting Convoy Hecht“ Tanker Rekum (ex-brit. Was Shikari , (5540 BRT) which departed Boulogne at 2030 moving eastward.. MTB 206 and MTB 212 are beaten off by gunfire. MTB 212 suffers some damage.
MTB 354, MTB 359 and MTB 362 then attack the tanker and are also beaten off by gunfire.
Sighting reports from the MTBs allow shore batteries at Dover to engage the tanker which is hit and sinks off Calais
5/9/44 Paid off at Dover

Post War Fate
1947 Scrapped

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_203 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight

For an action in the Channel 6/42
DSC Lt Etienne Henri Larive R Neth N

Known Crew
Lt Etienne Henri Larive R Neth N (Commanding Officer 3/3/42 – 14/1/44)
Lt C H van Eeghen RNethN (A/Commanding Officer 4/43 – 20/8/43)
SLt B Vreede RNethNR) (A/Commanding Officer 20/8/43 – 9/43)
Lt G W Bendien RNethN (Commanding Officer 14/1-18/5/44)
SLt H L Bos RNethN (First Lieutenant 02/03/42)
Lt Sixma Baron von Heemstra RNethN (First Lieutenant 09/07/43)


Wartime Activities
9th MTB Flotilla
Based at Dover and Dartmouth
3/3/42 Royal Netherlands Navy = Arend
Work up and exercises at Weymouth
22/5/42 Based at Dover
14-5/6/42 MTB 201, MTB 203 and MTB 229 are directed to intercept a large German tanker that intelligence believes will transit the Straits of Dover eastwards from Boulogne.
R 77, R 78, R 79, R 80, R 81, R 82, R 83, R 84, R 85, R 86, R 87 and R 88 are part of the escort for a convoy comprising the tanker Mamelland and five tugs. Also in the escort are Vps 1501, 1505, 1507, 1509, 1512, 1514, 1802, 1805, 1806 and 1813.
MGB 6, MGB 13, MGB 41, MGB 46 Polish MGB S3 from the 2nd MGB Flotilla lay mines ahead of the convoy but are engaged by the escort and shore batteries. MGB 46 is seriously damaged by gunfire from Vp1806. The ChMtrMch is killed and the fume filled engine room is temporarily abandoned. Engine room staff manage to get one engine running and the boat returns to Dover
0200 MTB 201, MTB 203 and MTB 229 begin their attack and encounter very heavy gunfire. MTB 201 gets close enough to launch one torpedo and is hit by gunfire on the bridge. The Commanding Officer, First Lieutenant, Coxswain, Telegraphist and Bridge Messenger are all wounded. The Signalman is killed. One engine has been damaged and there are casualties in the engine room. SLt I D Moore takes the wheel. MTB 201 launches the second torpedo. MTB 203 launches both torpedoes. MTB 201 comes to a stop and continues to be engaged by two armed trawlers. The crew abandons MT 201 which does not sink and is reboarded later after the trawlers leave the area. MTB 201 gets underway using the auxillary engine and heads for base. Three crew members have died, two are seriously wounded and only two are unwounded. MTB 201 is rapidly making water.
0745 Two RAF Air Sea Rescue Launches rendezvous with MTB 201. One takes off the seriously wounded whilst the other takes MTB 201 in tow.
0848 MTB 201 capsizes and sinks.
16-22/6/42 Under Repair
7-22/7/42 Under Repair
2-31/8/42 Under Repair
8/42 Based at Dartmouth
14-21/9/42 Under Repair
13-4/10/42 Operation Bowery. HMS Cottesmore, HMS Quorn, HMS Glaisdale, HMS Eskdale and HMS Albrighton, MTB 49, MTB 52, MTB 55, MTB 56, MTB 84, MTB 86, MTB 95, MTB 203, MTB 229 and MTB 236 are searching for the German raider Komet off Cap de la Hague northern France. MTB 236 is at the rear of the column and becomes seperated. MTB 236 heads directly for Cap de la Hague at 30kts.
0030 Large quantities of tracer and starshell are observed about 7 miles away in the direction of Cherbourg. MTB 236 closes at 35kts.
0047 MTB 236 decreases speed 2-3 miles short of the tracer and alters to starboard to proceed inshore and intercept any ship passing through the barrage.
0055 A merchant ship (Estimated at 4000 tons and making 15-18kts) is sighted on Red 50 (160 degs true)
0105 MTB 236 cuts main engines and proceeds at 6 kts on auxillaries. The target is at 1 mile and illuminated by starshell.
0110 MTB 236 fires two torpedoes, crash starts main engines disengages to starboard and is engaged by the target. Both torpedoes hit the ship causing secondary explosions and setting her alight from stem to stern. MTB 236 has her stern lifted by the explosions. The centre engine breaks down. The port engine overheats and has to be run at low revs. MTB 236 heads for the Needles at 15kts. Of the crew, no one can be saved. T 10 and T 14 are damaged.
1-2/11/42 MTB 203 (With others from 9th MTB Flotilla) operate with HMS Tynedale and the Polish destroyer Krakowiak in an action off Brittany. MTB claims a torpedo hit on a 2000 ton merchant ship.
20/12/42 – 11/2/43 Under Repair
2/43 Based at Dover
1-5/3/43 Under Repair
22/3-30/4/43 Under Repair
1/6-2/7/43 Under Repair
9-18/8/43 Under Repair
1/9-29/12/43 Under Repair
29-30/1/44 Eleven MTBs are despatched from Dover to intercept Sperrbrecher 32 moving westward from Dunkirk. After initial bombardment from shore batteries at Dover six attacks are made without success. MTB 203, MTB 240 and MTB 418 are damaged and suffer casualties. An M Class minesweeper and two E Boats are damaged.
1-25/2/44 Under Repair
18/5/44 Mined off Etaples and sank whilst conducting a minelaying operation

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_204 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 27/3/42

For an attack on an enemy convoy in the Dover Straits 17/8/42
DSC Lt William Adriaan De Looze R Neth N
MID Lt Christopher Louis George Phillpotts

For an attack on an enemy convoy in the Dover Straits 26/9/43
DSC Lt Herman Cornelis Jorissen R Neth N
DSM PO Cornelis VanKruiningen 12333 R Neth N

For services when the boat was mined off the east coast 5/44
MID Lt Herman Cornelis Jorissen R Neth N

Known Crew
Lt William Adriaan De Looze R Neth N (Commanding Officer 27/3/42 – 3/10/42)
Lt Christopher Louis George Phillpotts
Lt Herman Cornelis Jorissen R Neth N (Commanding Officer 3/10/42 – 11/9/44)
Lt A J J Benist (Commanding Officer 11-14/9/44) (First Lieutenant 7/8/44 – 11/9/44) Third Officer 6/44 – 7/8/44
SLt H van Mastrigt RNethN (First Lieutenant 19/8/43 – 7/8/44) Later commanded MTB 436
Mid G Th Vermeulen RNethN 1944
PO Cornelis VanKruiningen 12333 R Neth N
Wartime Activities
27/3/42 Royal Netherlands Navy = Valk
9th MTB Flotilla
29/5/42 Based at Dover
17-8/8/42 MTB 38, MTB 43, MTB 204 (Senior Officer), MTB 218, MTB 219 and one other MTB attack an enemy convoy in the Dover Straits. MTB 204 hits an escort with a torpedo. Three MTBs are severely damaged. MTB 43 is sunk and the crew is rescued. MTB 218 is hit in the engine room, makes a second attack but, whilst lying disabled, triggers a mine and sinks. The Commanding Officer and four crew are killed but the remaining six are rescued from the minefield by MTB 219. MTB 38 is hit on the bridge and the Commanding Officer is killed.
26-7/9/43 MTB 202 (SO embarked), MTB 204 and MTB 231 with MGB 108, MGB 117 and MGB 118 from 9th MGB Flotilla are directed to intercept two merchant ships believed to be leaving Le Havre and proceeding through the Straits of Dover.
c0200 MTB 202, MTB 204 and MTB 231 with MGB 108, MGB 117 and MGB 118 arrive at the Berck Buoy (Seven miles offshore and twenty five miles from Boulogne then come to a halt five miles offshore.
0308 The enemy are sighted. MTB 202, MTB 204 and MTB 231 with MGB 108, MGB 117 and MGB 118 move to about two miles offshore.
0320 Starshell bursts overhead and the force moves out of the illuminated area as quickly as the weather will allow and move ahead of the convoy which is escorted by none E/R Boats. MGB 108, MGB 117 and MGB 118 make a diversionary attack. MTB 202, MTB 204 and MTB 231 move inshore again before making a torpedo attack on a large three island merchant ship. Five torpedoes are fired and one misfires. MTB 204 achieves one definite hit Several further attempts are made to fire the remaining torpedo. V 1501 / Wiking 7, the Freighter Madali (3019 BRT) and M 534 / Jungingen are sunk. The Minesweeper M 4616 / Maurice-Jacqueline is lost by stranding near L’Abervrach
c0500 MTB 202, MTB 204 and MTB 231 disengage.
29/3/44 An action between MTB 204, MGB 40, MGB 611, MGB 613, MGB 614 and MGB 615 and a German force of three Vp.-Boats, three Flacklighters and 11 Räumboats between Dieppe and Calais. MGB 611 and MGB 614 are damaged
5/44 Mined off the east coast

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_205 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 23/6/42

Known Crew
TLt Mark Arnold-Forster RNVR (Senior Officer 13th MTB Flotilla 1943 -) Previously Commanding Officer MTB 219 then Senior Officer 5th MTB Flotilla
TLt Peter Geoffrey Annesley Irvine RNVR Commanding Officer MTB 205 1944. Commanding Officer MTB 454 1945 DSC 1945 Died 1989 in Devon

Wartime Activities
13th MTB Flotilla
MTB 205, MTB 206, MTB 207, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210, MTB 211 and MTB 212
Based at Portland, Dover, Newhaven and Portsmouth
26/11/43 MTB 205 (Senior Officer) and two other boats (Division 1), MTB 254 and MTB 256 (Division 2) are on patrol off Cap d’Antifer.
2359 Division 2 is sent to patrol the south west of the patrol area.
0445 MTB 254 sights three ships 5 miles to the eas and travelling northwards. Division 2 closes but is illuminated by starshell at 3 miles
0525 Shelling starts and is obviously from destroyer size vessels. The MTBs withdraw in the face of a strong enemy and the approaching dawn.
Operation Neptune Invasion of Normandy
23-4/8/44 The 15th V-Flotilla (KKpt. Rall) with 2 Trawlern, 1 U-Jäger, 16 KFKs, 2 R-Boats and 2 others under tow transfer from Le Havre to Dieppe. Off Cap d´Antifer and Fécamp they attacked firstly by the Frigate HMS Thornborough (Lt. Brown), the destroyer HMS Talybont (Lt. Holdsworth), MTB 695, MTB 694 and MTB 692 and later by the Frigate HMS Retalick (Lt. Brownrigg), the destroyer HMS Melbreak (Lt. Kirby) and MTB 212, MTB 208 and MTB 205. V 716 and R 229 are damaged R 219 is sunk by fighter bombers in the entrance to Dieppe Harbour in position 49 56N 001 04E.
24-5/8/44 The 8th Artillery carrier flotilla takes the nights supply missions to Le Havre. They are
By PT 250, PT 511 and PT 514
Then HMS Seymour, MTB 257, MTB 256, MTB 254 and MTB 252
By another group MTB 452, MTB 447 and MTB 453
Finally by HMS Talybont, HMS Retalick, MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210
MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453 attack the convoy previously attacked by MTB 254, MTB 256 and MTB 257. MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453 are beaten off but return, engage R Boats and severely damage two of them.
MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 also attack the convoy.
MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 attack the convoy previously attacked by MTB 254, MTB 256 and MTB 257 then MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453. MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 are initially beaten off by five TLCs armed with 88mm guns but return and fire six torpedoes. MTB 210 sinks a TLC.
S 91 is sunk by HMS Tallybont and HMS Retalick north of Fecamp. German report says heavily damaged and scuttled, in addition, M 3857 / Rotherbaum sunk. V 243 is damaged and AF 103 is lost on a mine.
12/44 For Disposal

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_206 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 23/6/42

Known Crew
TSLt Jack May RNVR First Lieutenant MTB 25 22/10/42. Commanding Officer MTB 202 1943, Commanding Officer MTB 361 2/9/43, Commanding Officer MTB 206 1944 and Commanding Officer MTB 494 1945. He was killed in action 7/4/45. Son of Charles Edward and Elsie May; husband of Margaret Emily May, of Barnehurst. B.A.(Lond.). Buried in Crayford (St. Paulinus) Churchyard Row 22. Grave 4
TLt R W Sanders RANVR joined RANVR, Port Adelaide 21/10/40 HMS Hornet 17/4/42 First Lieutenant MTB 93 06/42 First Lieutenant MTB 206 Commanding Officer MTB 252 15/11/43 HMS Mylodon (Combined Operations base, Lowestoft) 5/44 HMAS Torrens 14/12/45Born 2/4/17 in Adelaide
TSLt Frank Hippisley Buchanan RANVR (Commanding Officer MTB 206 1/6/43) First Lieutenant ML 426 5/45 Commanding Officer HMAS Faye C. Born 28/9/21 in East Malvern Victoria

Wartime Activities
13th MTB Flotilla
MTB 205, MTB 206, MTB 207, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210, MTB 211 and MTB 212
Based at Portland, Dover, Newhaven and Portsmouth
20-1/3/44 MTB 202, MTB 206, MTB 212 (Senior Officer) MTB 354, MTB 359 and MTB 362 attack 18 Vp.-Flotilla escorting Convoy Hecht“ Tanker Rekum (ex-brit. Was Shikari , (5540 BRT) which departed Boulogne at 2030 moving eastward.. MTB 206 and MTB 212 are beaten off by gunfire. MTB 212 suffers some damage.
MTB 354, MTB 359 and MTB 362 then attack the tanker and are also beaten off by gunfire.
Sighting reports from the MTBs allow shore batteries at Dover to engage the tanker which is hit and sinks off Calais
Operation Neptune Invasion of Normandy

Post War Fate

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_207 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 14/7/42

Known Crew
TLt Michael Wheldale Tunnicliffe RNVR Commanding Officer MTB 207. Appointed to HMS Loch Quoich 1/11/44

Wartime Activities
13th MTB Flotilla
MTB 205, MTB 206, MTB 207, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210, MTB 211 and MTB 212
Based at Portland, Dover, Newhaven and Portsmouth
3-4/11/43 MTB 207, MTB 211 (Senior Officer) and MTB 212 are lying in wait for two German destroyers off Cap d’Antifer having been directed by intelligence. MTB 211 is reduced to a maximum 18 kts because of an engine failure. As the destroyers approach, MTB 207 and MTB 211 are in a very good position but are spotted. The destroyers turn towards them and fire starshell. MTB 207 and MTB 211 make smoke and manage to evade.
Operation Neptune Invasion of Normandy
12/44 For Disposal

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_208 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 13/8/42

For a series of actions in the Channel (Gazette Date - 21/11/44)
DSM ACMtrMch Philip Dundas P/MX79030
MID ALSea Kenneth Arthur Charles Childs D/JX186892

For Operation Neptune - passage of troops and supplies during the assault on Normandy
DSM LSea Leonard Samuel Dagwell Stapley P/JX149109

Birthday Honours 1945
MID AB Henry Edward Hamill D/JX364976

Known Crew
TLt Peter John Liddell RNVR Commanding Officer MTB 208 1944. Commanding Officer MTB 386 18/10/44 Farmed in Cumberland, 1959-1976. Chairman, North West Water Authority, 1973-1978; Member, National Water Council, since 1973. Member: Cumberland River Board, 1954-1965; Cumberland River Authority, 1964-1974 (Vice-Chairman, 1967-1970, Chairman, 1970-1973); Chairman, Association of River Authorities, 1971-1974 (Vice-Chairman, 1969-1971; Chairman Fisheries Committee, 1966-1971); Member International Advisory Group, Internatational Salmon Foundation, NYC, 1970- (Chairman, 1970-1972); President: Institution of Fisheries Management, 1972- (Vice-President 1969-1972); River Eden and District Fisheries Association, 1970- (Chairman 1956-1970). Member Executive Committee: Central Council of Physical Recreation, 1968-1973; Salmon and Trout Association; Atlantic Salmon Res. Trust Ltd; Scottish Salmon Angling Federation Member, The Sports Council, 1969-1971; Chairman, Northern Sports Council, 1971-1974 (Deputy Chairman, 1967-1971); Vice-Chairman, Standing Conference of Northern Sport and Recreation, 1967-1971; Member: Fisheries Advisory Committee,
Water Resources Board, 1967-1971; Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council, 1971-1974; Water Committtee, Country Landowners Association, 1971-1975, and 1977-; British Committee, International Water Supply Association, 1971- (Chairman, 1974-); Water Space Amenity Commission; Council, Freshwater Biological Association (Honorary Treasurer, 1975-); Council, Estuarine and Brackish Water Sciences Assoc. Membre d'Honneur, Association Nationale de Défense des Rivières à Saumons, Paris. Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship, 1968. Mem. RIPA, MBIM. FZS, FIFM, FRSA. Visiting Fellow, University of Salford. Freeman: City of Newcastle upon Tyne, 1953; City of London, 1969.
Published: The Salmon Rivers of Eire : a report (1971); articles in various journals, yearbooks, etc DSC 1944 Born 2/6/21 and died 11/5/79 in Carlisle
ACMtrMch Philip Dundas P/MX79030
LSea Leonard Samuel Dagwell Stapley P/JX149109
ALSea Kenneth Arthur Charles Childs D/JX186892
AB Henry Edward Hamill D/JX364976

Wartime Activities
13th MTB Flotilla
MTB 205, MTB 206, MTB 207, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210, MTB 211 and MTB 212
Based at Portland, Dover, Newhaven and Portsmouth
23-4/5/44 MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 246 and MTB 247 are returning from escorting MLs on a minelaying operation when they are vectored to attack a patrol of five Torpedo Boats and three minesweepers. MTB 208 and MTB 209 make an unobserved approach and fire torpedoes. At least one torpedo from MTB 208 hits a torpedo boat which sinks. MTB 246 and MTB 247 attempt an attack but are beaten off by gunfire.
Operation Neptune Invasion of Normandy
18-9/8/44 HMS Melbreak, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210 and MTB 212 engage M Class Minesweepers from 36th M Flotilla escorted by boats from 14th R Boat Flotilla near Cap d’ Antifer. MTB 208 hits R218 with a torpedo from 600 yards. R218 is torpedoed and sunk.
23-4/8/44 The 15th V-Flotilla (KKpt. Rall) with 2 Trawlern, 1 U-Jäger, 16 KFKs, 2 R-Boats and 2 others under tow transfer from Le Havre to Dieppe. Off Cap d´Antifer and Fécamp they attacked firstly by the Frigate HMS Thornborough (Lt. Brown), the destroyer HMS Talybont (Lt. Holdsworth), MTB 695, MTB 694 and MTB 692 and later by the Frigate HMS Retalick (Lt. Brownrigg), the destroyer HMS Melbreak (Lt. Kirby) and MTB 212, MTB 208 and MTB 205. V 716 and R 229 are damaged R 219 is sunk by fighter bombers in the entrance to Dieppe Harbour in position 49 56N 001 04E.
26-7/8/44 HMS Retalick (Lt. Brownrigg) with MTB 208 and MTB 210, as well as HMS Middleton (Lt. Cox) with MTB 252, MTB 256, PT 520, PT 511 and PT 514 are in action with the Eighth Gunboat Flottilla and the Fourteenth R Boat Flottilla an. AF 13, AF 98 and AF 108 are sunk.
Series of actions in the Channel (Gazette Date - 21/11/44)
12/44 For Disposal

Post War Fate

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_209 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 9/9/42

For Operation Neptune - passage of troops and supplies during the assault on Normandy
DSC TSLt John Ferguson RANVR
MID TAPO Robert Reginald Copland P/JX276558

New Year Honours 1945
MID AB Joseph Middlemast D/JX156371

Known Crew
TSLt John Ferguson RANVR Joined RANVR 10/9/40 First Lieutenant MTB 44 12/4/42, Commanding Officer MTB 209 19/11/42 Commanding Officer ML 233 14/6/45 DSC 1944. Born 14/10/22 in Dunfermline, Scotland
TSLt G J F Innes RNVR Commanding Officer 14/11/42
TAPO Robert Reginald Copland P/JX276558
AB Joseph Middlemast D/JX156371

Wartime Activities
13th MTB Flotilla
MTB 205, MTB 206, MTB 207, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210, MTB 211 and MTB 212
Based at Portland, Dover, Newhaven and Portsmouth
23-4/5/44 MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 246 and MTB 247 are returning from escorting MLs on a minelaying operation when they are vectored to attack a patrol of five Torpedo Boats and three minesweepers. MTB 208 and MTB 209 make an unobserved approach and fire torpedoes. At least one torpedo from MTB 208 hits a torpedo boat which sinks. MTB 246 and MTB 247 attempt an attack but are beaten off by gunfire.
Operation Neptune Invasion of Normandy
18-9/8/44 HMS Melbreak, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210 and MTB 212 engage M Class Minesweepers from 36th M Flotilla escorted by boats from 14th R Boat Flotilla near Cap d’ Antifer. MTB 208 hits R218 with a torpedo from 600 yards. R218 is torpedoed and sunk.
24-5/8/44 The 8th Artillery carrier flotilla takes the nights supply missions to Le Havre. They are
By PT 250, PT 511 and PT 514
Then HMS Seymour, MTB 257, MTB 256, MTB 254 and MTB 252
By another group MTB 452, MTB 447 and MTB 453
Finally by HMS Talybont, HMS Retalick, MTB 205 , MTB 209 and MTB 210
MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453 attack the convoy previously attacked by MTB 254, MTB 256 and MTB 257. MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453 are beaten off but return, engage R Boats and severely damage two of them.
MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 also attack the convoy.
MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 attack the convoy previously attacked by MTB 254, MTB 256 and MTB 257 then MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453. MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 are initially beaten off by five TLCs armed with 88mm guns but return and fire six torpedoes. MTB 210 sinks a TLC.
S 91 is sunk by HMS Tallybont and HMS Retalick north of Fecamp. German report says heavily damaged and scuttled, in addition, M 3857 / Rotherbaum sunk. V 243 is damaged and AF 103 is lost on a mine.
12/44 For Disposal

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_210 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 21/10/42

For a series of actions in the Channel (Gazette Date - 21/11/44)
DSC TLt Percy Randall Everett RNVR (Commanding Officer)
DSM LMtrMch James Henry Arthur Carter P/MX636172
DSM ALSea Alan Wilfred Armitage C/SSX25010

Known Crew
T Lt Percy Randall Everett RNVR Commanding Officer MTB 210 DSC 1944 Born 11/3/21 and died 6/93 at Wycombe
LMtrMch James Henry Arthur Carter P/MX636172
ALSea Alan Wilfred Armitage C/SSX25010

Wartime Activities
13th MTB Flotilla
MTB 205, MTB 206, MTB 207, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210, MTB 211 and MTB 212
Based at Portland, Dover, Newhaven and Portsmouth
Based on Portsmouth
Operation Neptune Invasion of Normandy
18-9/8/44 HMS Melbreak, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210 and MTB 212 engage M Class Minesweepers from 36th M Flotilla escorted by boats from 14th R Boat Flotilla near Cap d’ Antifer. MTB 208 hits R218 with a torpedo from 600 yards. R218 is torpedoed and sunk.
24-5/8/44 The 8th Artillery carrier flotilla takes the nights supply missions to Le Havre. They are
By PT 250, PT 511 and PT 514
Then HMS Seymour, MTB 257, MTB 256, MTB 254 and MTB 252
By another group MTB 452, MTB 447 and MTB 453
Finally by HMS Talybont, HMS Retalick, MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210
MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453 attack the convoy previously attacked by MTB 254, MTB 256 and MTB 257. MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453 are beaten off but return, engage R Boats and severely damage two of them.
MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 also attack the convoy.
MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 attack the convoy previously attacked by MTB 254, MTB 256 and MTB 257 then MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453. MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 are initially beaten off by five TLCs armed with 88mm guns but return and fire six torpedoes. MTB 210 sinks a TLC.
S 91 is sunk by HMS Tallybont and HMS Retalick north of Fecamp. German report says heavily damaged and scuttled, in addition, M 3857 / Rotherbaum sunk. V 243 is damaged and AF 103 is lost on a mine.
26-7/8/44 HMS Retalick (Lt. Brownrigg) with MTB 208 and MTB 210, as well as HMS Middleton (Lt. Cox) with MTB 252, MTB 256, PT 520, PT 511 and PT 514 are in action with the Eighth Gunboat Flottilla and the Fourteenth R Boat Flottilla an. AF 13, AF 98 and AF 108 are sunk.
12/44 For Disposal

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_211 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 7/12/42

For a series of actions in the Channel (Gazette Date - 21/11/44)
MID Sto1 Alec Boast P/KX150201
MID Sto1 William Drummond P/KX155255

Birthday Honours 1945
DSC TLt Neill William Gilchrist Taylor RNVR (Commanding Officer)

Known Crew
TLt Mark Arnold-Forster RNVR (Senior Officer 13th MTB Flotilla 1943 -) Previously Commanding Officer MTB 219 then Senior Officer 5th MTB Flotilla
Lt Richard Lane Hogarth Killed in action Wednesday, 19 July 1944 aged 25 Son of William Robert and Esther Hogarth, of Churchill, Gloucestershire. Buried in Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery G.10. 26.
TLt Neil William Gilchrist Taylor RNVR Commanding Officer MTB 700 1944, Commanding Officer MTB 211 6/44 Commanding Officer MTB 703 18/9/44 MID 1944 and DSC 1945
AB James Mann P/JX 388419 Killed in action Wednesday, 19 July 1944 aged 19. Son of William James Mann and Lillian Maud Mann, of Verwood, Dorsetshire. Buried in Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery E. 66. 7.
Ord Joseph Edward White D/JX 707892 Died Thursday, 20 July 1944 of wounds received the previous day aged 19. Son of John Henry and Violet Olive White, of Heath Town, Wolverhampton. Buried in Haslar Royal Naval Cemetery. E. 66. ?
MtrMch Harry Parke P/MX 125577 Killed in action Wednesday, 19 July 1944 and buried at Haslar
Sto1 Alec Boast P/KX150201
Sto1 William Drummond P/KX155255

Wartime Activities
13th MTB Flotilla
MTB 205, MTB 206, MTB 207, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210, MTB 211 and MTB 212
Based at Portland, Dover, Newhaven and Portsmouth
7-8/9/43 MTB 211 (SO embarked), MTB 249 and MTB 255 are on patrol near Fecamp.
2243 MTB 211, MTB 249 and MTB 255 are 3 miles off St Valery and are moving to the west.
2251 A coastal searchlight comes on and after a short time illuminates a ship moving westward close to St Valery. MTB 211, MTB 249 and MTB 255 move to reach an attacking position inshore of the target track. Searchlight activity follows with a vague challenge (Letter L) and a red tracer. Starshell causes MTB 211, MTB 249 and MTB 255 to move westward to await moonset at 2340.
2344 MTB 211, MTB 249 and MTB 255 close the coast, sight five targets at 3000 yards identifying them as flak lighters and attack. MTB 211 and MTB 255 fire torpedoes. After 38 seconds there is a large explosion followed seven seconds later by another. Intelligence later confirms two enemy vessels as sunk. The enemy return fire as MTB 211 and MTB 255 disengage hitting MTB 255 and lightly wounding the Commanding Officer, First Lieutenant and Coxswain. MTB 249 attacks the third vessel in the line which is a large armed trawler which rapidly sinks.
10-1/9/43 MTB 211 (SO embarked), MTB 249 and MTB 255 make an unsuccessful attack off St Valery.
3-4/11/43 MTB 207, MTB 211 (Senior Officer) and MTB 212 are lying in wait for two German destroyers off Cap d’Antifer having been directed by intelligence. MTB 211 is reduced to a maximum 18 kts because of an engine failure. As the destroyers approach, MTB 207 and MTB 211 are in a very good position but are spotted. The destroyers turn towards them and fire starshell. MTB 207 and MTB 211 make smoke and manage to evade.
Operation Neptune Invasion of Normandy
19-20/7/44 Probable action (Four men dead)
Series of actions in the Channel (Gazette Date - 21/11/44)
12/44 For Disposal

[Brian Holmes]

MTB_212 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 21/12/42

For services during the German evacuation of Le Havre (Gazette Date - 14/11/44)
DSO TLt Mark Arnold-Forster RNVR

For a series of actions in the Channel (Gazette Date - 21/11/44)
DSM AB Alexander MacDonnell D/JX206807

For Operation Neptune - passage of troops and supplies during the assault on Normandy
DSC LtCdr Frederick Hamilton Dunlop

Known Crew
LtCdr Frederick Hamilton Dunlop
TSLt Mark Arnold Foster RNVR First Lieutenant MTB 45 19/9/41 Commanding Officer MTB 219 1942 Commanding Officer MTB 38 as Senior Officer 5th MTB Flotilla 24/8/42 – 21/6/43 and MTB 212 as SO 13th MTB Flotilla 1944 HMS Beehive 25/9/44 and HMS Aggressive 7/12/44. Post war he was a Journalist: 1946-1957 with The Manchester Guardian. In 1957 he left the Guardian to work for the Observer as a chief reporter and a defence correspondent. Shortly afterwards he became the deputy editor of the Independent Television News (ITV). From 1963 again with The Guardian.. Author of “The World at War” in 1973 and “The Siege of Berlin” in 1979 DSO 1944 DSC 1943 Two MIDs 1942 MID 1943 Born 16/4/20 in Swindon and died 25/12/81 From St. Ives, Cornwall. Son of William Edward (a painter) and Katherine (Laird) Arnold-Forster.
Married (13.01.1955) Valentine Mitchison; two daughters, three sons
AB Andrew Fraser J/X642099 HMS St Christopher (Coastal Forces training establishment, Fort William 28/4/44 HMS Hornet (Coastal Forces base, Gosport) 7/6/44 13th MTB Flotilla 29/6/44 MTB 212 1/7/44 HMS Hornet (Coastal Forces base, Gosport) 19/9/44 HMS Collingwood (training establishment, Fareham 13/10/44 Air/Sea Rescue 55th Flotilla 27/12/44 ML 869[attached to 3rd Commando Brigade, 14th Army, Burma] 2/3/45 HDML 1479 12/45 – 4/8/46 Born 4/12/45 and died 4/6/2006
AB Alexander MacDonnell D/JX206807

Wartime Activities
13th MTB Flotilla
MTB 205, MTB 206, MTB 207, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210, MTB 211 and MTB 212
Based at Portland, Dover, Newhaven and Portsmouth
3-4/11/43 MTB 207, MTB 211 (Senior Officer) and MTB 212 are lying in wait for two German destroyers off Cap d’Antifer having been directed by intelligence. MTB 211 is reduced to a maximum 18 kts because of an engine failure. As the destroyers approach, MTB 207 and MTB 211 are in a very good position but are spotted. The destroyers turn towards them and fire starshell. MTB 207 and MTB 211 make smoke and manage to evade.
20-1/3/44 MTB 202, MTB 206, MTB 212 (Senior Officer) MTB 354, MTB 359 and MTB 362 attack 18 Vp.-Flotilla escorting Convoy Hecht“ Tanker Rekum (ex-brit. Was Shikari , (5540 BRT) which departed Boulogne at 2030 moving eastward.. MTB 206 and MTB 212 are beaten off by gunfire. MTB 212 suffers some damage.
MTB 354, MTB 359 and MTB 362 then attack the tanker and are also beaten off by gunfire.
Sighting reports from the MTBs allow shore batteries at Dover to engage the tanker which is hit and sinks off Calais
Operation Neptune Invasion of Normandy
18-9/8/44 HMS Melbreak, MTB 208, MTB 209, MTB 210 and MTB 212 engage M Class Minesweepers from 36th M Flotilla escorted by boats from 14th R Boat Flotilla near Cap d’ Antifer. MTB 208 hits R218 with a torpedo from 600 yards. R218 is torpedoed and sunk.
23-4/8/44 The 15th V-Flotilla (KKpt. Rall) with 2 Trawlern, 1 U-Jäger, 16 KFKs, 2 R-Boats and 2 others under tow transfer from Le Havre to Dieppe. Off Cap d´Antifer and Fécamp they attacked firstly by the Frigate HMS Thornborough (Lt. Brown), the destroyer HMS Talybont (Lt. Holdsworth), MTB 695, MTB 694 and MTB 692 and later by the Frigate HMS Retalick (Lt. Brownrigg), the destroyer HMS Melbreak (Lt. Kirby) and MTB 212, MTB 208 and MTB 205. V 716 and R 229 are damaged R 219 is sunk by fighter bombers in the entrance to Dieppe Harbour in position 49 56N 001 04E.
Services during the German evacuation of Le Havre (Gazette Date - 14/11/44)
Series of actions in the Channel (Gazette Date - 21/11/44)
12/44 For Disposal

[cdsc123]

Your dad's boat MTB 212 as houseboat Blue Coral at Riverland Christchurch has appeared in an interesting photo here;

http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2012/05/chr ... ime-craft/

She is between ex ML 110 Corinthus and another short MTB. She was later (1961/2) towed to Littlehampton and was berthed in the basin alongside the footpath. She was shortened and it is widely believed that the remains currently there are of this vessel.

This her in 1987, courtesy of Phil Simons Houseboats book;

[cdsc123]

This is her in 2009, hopefully a few bits may still be there now. Also from Phil's book;

[MTB 208]

I am now the (proud) owner of MTB 208, and in the process of stabilising her condition. Much of the internal structure remains, but the hull was sheathed in concrete in the 70's. A shame to some extent, but also a plus as this means she still retains her shape, and is still very much afloat.

I would be keen to get hold of any information available on her, her sister ships in the 13th and those who served aboard.

I will be happy to show anyone interested around so please message me or give me a call.

James
07899 727070
james@arch897.com

[johnk]

Hi James,

Many thanks and glad to hear she is in indeed, proud hands, cemented sounds interesting, be great if you could post any pictures....all the best,

Johnk

[ruthlawrie]

Some more;

Think that is my father Alexander Anderson in picture mtb 203 hatch.jpg with his hat at back of head!

[CAM]

MTB_209 J S White, Cowes Isle of Wight 9/9/42

24-5/8/44 The 8th Artillery carrier flotilla takes the nights supply missions to Le Havre. They are
By PT 250, PT 511 and PT 514
Then HMS Seymour, MTB 257, MTB 256, MTB 254 and MTB 252
By another group MTB 452, MTB 447 and MTB 453
Finally by HMS Talybont, HMS Retalick, MTB 205 , MTB 209 and MTB 210
MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453 attack the convoy previously attacked by MTB 254, MTB 256 and MTB 257. MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453 are beaten off but return, engage R Boats and severely damage two of them.
MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 also attack the convoy.
MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 attack the convoy previously attacked by MTB 254, MTB 256 and MTB 257 then MTB 447, MTB 452 and MTB 453. MTB 205, MTB 209 and MTB 210 are initially beaten off by five TLCs armed with 88mm guns but return and fire six torpedoes. MTB 210 sinks a TLC.
S 91 is sunk by HMS Tallybont and HMS Retalick north of Fecamp. German report says heavily damaged and scuttled, in addition, M 3857 / Rotherbaum sunk. V 243 is damaged and AF 103 is lost on a mine.

What a chronology of attacks MTB and which hosted this fight? The Germans have a description of the death of this night the M-3857 and S-91, but the participation of the AF-barges is not mentioned anywhere.

[NinaB]

I am now the (proud) owner of MTB 208, and in the process of stabilising her condition. Much of the internal structure remains, but the hull was sheathed in concrete in the 70's. A shame to some extent, but also a plus as this means she still retains her shape, and is still very much afloat.

I would be keen to get hold of any information available on her, her sister ships in the 13th and those who served aboard.

I will be happy to show anyone interested around so please message me or give me a call.

James
07899 727070
james@arch897.com

Hi James,

I've been searching for ages and have just found out that my father was an engineer on MTB 208 during the war. I have photos of it in his old album. My father's name was Alec Spear. At the end of the war he was a chief Engineer and in 1951 my parents immigrated with us 3 girls to New Zealand. His first job in New Zealand was on the island of Rangitoto in Auckland looking after the diesel engines which supplied the electricity for the naval stores on the island, then as engineer for the RNZ Navy, Devonport, in charge of taking care of the naval ships. He once helped restore a Fairmile for someone who had bought it for private use.

Nina

[Bazthecarper]

Some more;

Think that is my father Alexander Anderson in picture mtb 203 hatch.jpg with his hat at back of head!

My Father Albert Robinson was Telegraphist on mtb 203 for a few months from June 1943 !