657, 678, 663

Motor Gunboats (MGB) & Steam Gunboats (SGB)
lebrom
Seaman
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Apr 16, 2017 11:46 am

657, 678, 663

Postby lebrom » Sun Apr 16, 2017 12:35 pm

Hello
I am researching my father's war service. Gordon Bromage- he was a stoker on 657,678,663- plus others temporarily. I know her served with the Canadian 'muskateers', and was sunk twice in the Med
If anyone can help with information I would be very grateful.

Brian Holmes
Commander
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed May 06, 2009 3:26 pm
Location: Portsmouth

Re: 657, 678, 663

Postby Brian Holmes » Sun Apr 16, 2017 9:20 pm

MGB_657 Woodnut & Co Ltd, St Helens, Isle of Wight 9/2/43

For actions in the Adriatic and off the west coast of Italy 1/44
DSC Lt John Douglas Maitland RCNVR
MID POMtrMch Thomas Gardner C/MX76083
DSM AB Robert William Charter C/JX354767
MID AB Richard Albert Ratcliffe P/JX366821

For Operation Gun - an operation off the west coast of Italy 27/3/44
MID Lt John Douglas Maitland RCNVR
DSM PO Harry Robert Pharoah Burton D/JX137199
DSM AB James Speirs Armit D/SSX35800

For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44
DSC* Lt John Douglas Maitland RCNVR
DSM POMtrMch Thomas Gardner C/MX76083
MID AB John Joseph Chislett P/JX369737
DSM AB William Charles Wray C/JX373851
MID Sto1 Dennis Colegate P/KX158666

For attacks on enemy shipping in the Tyrrhenian Sea
CdeG TALtCdr John Douglas Maitland RCNVR

Known Crew
TALtCdr John Douglas Maitland RCNVR TSLt 1st MGB Flotilla Based on the Humber MGB 69 5/3/41 TLt 5/10/40 5th MGB Flotilla Commanding Officer MGB 14 5/11/41 20th MGB Flotilla 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona Commanding Officer MGB 657 21/12/42 – 12/9/44 For actions in the Adriatic and off the west coast of Italy 1/44 DSC For Operation Gun - an operation off the west coast of Italy 27/3/44 MID For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44 DSC* For attacks on enemy shipping in the Tyrrhenian Sea CdeG Senior Officer 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla – 1944 HMS Fabius (Taranto) 1944
TSLt Neil McLay Mills RNVR TMid 33rd MTB Flotilla MTB 656 14/12/42 TASLt 29/7/43 57th MTB/MGB Flotilla MGB 659 TSLt 29/1/44 For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44 MID First Lieutenant MGB 657 23/2/44 – 12/9/44 HMS Gregale (Malta) MTB 375 13/3/45
TSLt Arthur Stephen Rendell RCNVR TSLt 20th MGB Flotilla First Lieutenant MGB 657 28/12/42 TLt 10/11/43 57th MTB/MGB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona Commanding Officer MTB 670 30/2/44 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona Commanding Officer MTB 633 31/5/44 HMCS Stadacona (Halifax NS) 7/5/45 Died in Vancouver, British Columbia 19/7/93
TASLt T I M Walker-Munro RNVR TASLt 30/7/43 HMS Gregale MGB 657 2/1/44 – 31/5/44 TSLt 30/1/44 ML 280 19/10/44
TSLt L F Battle RNVR TSLt 1/4/44 MGB 657 31/5/44 – 12/9/44 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla MGB 658 29/10/44 HMS Whaddon (Hunt Class Destroyer)
ChMtrMch Thomas Gardner C/MX76083 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MTB 657 For actions in the Adriatic and off the west coast of Italy 1/44 MID For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44 DSM Killed in action 12/9/44 aged 22 when MTB 657 hits a mine. Foster-son of James and Margaret Gardner, of Stand, Lanarkshire
PO Harry Robert Pharoah Burton D/JX137199 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla MTB 657 For Operation Gun - an operation off the west coast of Italy 27/3/44 DSM
LMtrMch George William Mitchell P/MX89569 LMtrMch HMS Hornet 5/11/41 MGB 501 3/42, MTB 635 15/9/42, MGB 657 12/7/43, POMtrMch MTB 421
AB James Speirs Armit D/SSX35800 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MTB 657 For Operation Gun - an operation off the west coast of Italy 27/3/44 DSM 57th MTB/MGB Flotilla MTB 637 Killed in action 12/9/44 aged 21. Son of James and Maud Armit, of Balby, Yorkshire
AB Robert William Charter C/JX354767 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MTB 657 For actions in the Adriatic and off the west coast of Italy 1/44 DSM
AB John Joseph Chislett P/JX369737 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MTB 657 Killed in action 12/9/44 aged 20 when MTB 657 hits a mine. Son of Patrick and Esther Chislett. For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44 MID
AB William Leonard Hales P/JX 365846 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla MTB 657 Killed in action 12/9/44 aged 20 when MTB 657 hits a mine Son of William and Hilda Maud Hales, of East Ham. Essex. Buried in Ancona War Cemetery grave II. E. 2
AB Richard Albert Ratcliffe P/JX366821 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MTB 657 For actions in the Adriatic and off the west coast of Italy 1/44 MID 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla MGB 658 For sinking a German destroyer in the Adriatic 12/4/45 MID
AB William Charles Wray C/JX373851 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla MTB 657 For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44 DSM
Ord Herbert Thomas Kirkup P/JX 369879 20th MGB Flotilla MTB 657 Killed in action 10/7/43 aged 19. Son of Edwin Thomas Kirkup and Maud Amelia Kirkup, of Blackfriars, London
Ord Michael John Joseph Reed-Lethbridge P/JX 368196 20th MGB Flotilla MGB 657 Died 1/8/43 cause unknown Son of Stanley and Mary Reed-Lethbridge, of Durrington, Wiltshire
Sto1 Dennis Colegate P/KX158666 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla MTB 657 For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44 MID

War Activities
20th MGB Flotilla
MGB 657, MGB 658, MGB 659, MGB 660, MGB 661, MGB 662, MGB 663, MGB 674
Mediterranean
30/4/43 Convoy departs Milford Haven for the Mediterranean with MTB 670, MTB 667, MTB 654 and MTB 655 and MGB 648, MGB 657, MGB 658 and MGB 663. ML 240.
3/5/43 The convoy is approached and circled, out of range, by a German Condor reconaisance aircraft. At one point the aircraft comes within range and is engaged
4/5/43 At 0100, convoy bound for Gibraltar is attacked by U 439 and U 659 in a surface gun action. MGB 658 runs down the tracer bearing. MGB 657 is hit and set on fire amidships. MGB 657 turns head to sea and the fire is extinguished by waves. MTB 654, MTB 667 and MTB 670 attempt a search for the attackers. U 439 and U 659 collide and both boats sink. MTB 667 picks up two German survivors. MTB 654 picks up a further ten survivors. Convoy then proceeds to Gibraltar
10/7/43 Operation Husky Invasion of Sicily
20th MGB Flotilla
MGB 657, MGB 658, MGB 659, MGB 660, MGB 662
10/7/43 Near missed by a bomb. Four men are wounded and are transferred to the hospital ship Talamba.
26-27/7/43 MGB 657, MGB 658 and MGB 659, bombard the railway station and sidings at Taormina, Sicily.
56th MGB/MTB Flotilla
MGB 657, MGB 658, MGB 663, (MGB 642) MTB 655, MTB 633, MTB 640, MTB 649
Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona
MGB 657 and MGB 663 take the surrender of the Galita Islands off Tunisia.
Based on Maddalena
21/1/44 Operation Lurcher
1700 MGB 657, MGB 658, MGB 663, MTB 640, MTB 655 and MTB 659 depart Bastia to create a diversion at Civitavecchia in support of the landings at Anzio twenty miles to the south.
2109 The vessels are on patrol between Giglio Island and Giannutri Island.
2341 The vessels rendezvous with USN PTs 203, 209, 211 and 217, form two columns and head for the ‘release’ point off Civitavecchia.
0147 PT 209 reports Radar contacts on the port bow at 2800 yds. The USN vessels continue with the diversion whilst MGB 657, MGB 658, MGB 663, MTB 640, MTB 655 and MTB 659 turn to close the Radar contacts. The cruiser HMS Dido commences a bombardment firing over the force. MGB 657 reports two Radar contacts at 1500 and 1700 yds.
0207 The contacts are identified as a Flak Lighter escorted by two E Boats heading southeast at 7 kts.
0211 The targets are engaged and repeatedly hit by gunfire from all six boats.
0213 The boats turn onto a reciprocal northwest course and make a second run. The Flak Lighter is again hit, one E Boat is set on fire and stopped and the other E Boat makes off.
0216 The boats turn onto a reciprocal southeast course and make a third run. The Flak Lighter is now also on fire.
0222 MTB 655 disengages to the west due to action damage. The remaining boats close the Flak Lighter and engage with gunfire. Shore batteries open up on the boats but they evade and retire towards MTB 655.
0240 The Flak Lighter explodes and sinks.
22/1/44 Operation Shingle Landings at Anzio
56th MGB/MTB Flotilla
MGB 657, MGB 658, MGB 663, MTB 640, MTB 655 and MTB 659
22/1/44 At 1745, MGBs 657, 659 and 663 depart Bastia for a patrol north of Civitavecchia arriving on patrol at 2125.
2327 MGB 657 reports a possible Radar contact on the starboard bow at 4200 yds.
2331 MGB 663 reports a Radar contact correlating with the first contact.
2341 There are three or four confirmed contacts and MGBs 657, 659 and 663 change course to intercept.
2347 Targets are in sight at around 700 yds.
2349 A convoy of six Flak Lighters and at least four E Boats is identified.
2351 MGBs 657, 659 and 663 alter to port to engage the last Flak Lighter in the starboard column now at a range of 400yds. The leading ship of the starboard column flashes a challenge and is now identified as a small destroyer. MGBs 657, 659 and 663 engage the Flak Lighter at 100 yds and set it on fire. An E Boat cuts through the starboard column, is engaged by MGBs 659 and 663 is set on fire and suffers an internal explosion. MGBs 657, 659 and 663 shift target to the suspected destroyer and the Flak Lighter astern of her. MGB 659 is hit and pulls out of the line with one engine and her 2 pdr gun out of action. MGBs 657, 659 and 663 then break off the action.
27/3/44 Operation Gun An operation off the west coast of Italy
MGB 657, MGB 660 and MGB 662
24-25/4/44 Operation Newt - LCGs 14, 19 and 20, MGB 657, MGB 660 and MGB 662, MTB 633, MTB 640 and MTB 655 with USN PT 202, PT 209, PT 211, PT 212, PT 213, PT 216 and PT 218 depart from Bastia. The LCGs depart at 1500, the MGBs and MTBs depart at 1800 and the PTs at 1830. At 2000, the force forms up and sets off at 7kts. Also at 2000, Flak Lighters F-515, F-423 and F-621 with the tug Tebessa depart Livorno for San Stefano with supplies. Also in the area are ‘Armed Flak Lighters’ (Gunboats) F-350, F-589 and F-610 in one group and patrol vessels M7607 and Vp 7013 in another group.
2125 PT 202, PT 212 and PT 213 are detached to the Vada Rocks area.,
2205 PT 202, PT 212 and PT 213 report a southbound convoy.
2207 PT 218 reports a Radar contact off Piombino Point and this is assessed as an escort group about to rendezvous with the convoy.
2300 The force turns north in an unsuccessful attempt to get between the two contacts.
2320 The force turns south and, shortly afterwards the ‘escort group’ turns west making interception inevitable. At 0005, the force opens fire. Starshell illuminates two Flak Lighters.
0008 A tug and three more Flak Lighters are encountered. The tug is hit repeatedly and sinks. One Flak Lighter explodes and a second is set on fire before later blowing up. A third Flak Lighter is sunk. MGB 657, MGB 660 and MGB 662 close the beach and encouter and engage an undamaged and apparently abandoned Flak Lighter which is set on fire and explodes. MGB 657, MGB 660 and MGB 662 recover twelve survivors including Dutchmen from the tug crew. The force is now closing on the ‘escort group’ and fires starshell. The Germans fire a recognition signal and the force waits for two minutes whilst closing before opening fire. Flak Lighters F-350 and F-610 are repeatedly hit by gunfire. On F-610, ammunition starts to explode and the crew abandon ship. F-589 is hit by gunfire putting two guns out of action and starting a fire amonst ammunition that the crew extinguishes. F-589 attemps to escape behind a smokescreen. MTB 633, MTB 640 and MTB 655 are tasked with destroying F-589 and lose contact with the force. F-589 is severely damaged and is beached south of San Vicenzo.
0120 PT 202, PT 212 and PT 213 encounter a third group that opens fire on them before thet are in a firing position. PT 202 fires a five star recognition signal and the Germans cease fire. The boats attack with torpedoes causing a Flak Lighter to explode and sink before gunfire from the other two lighters forces the boats to retire behind a smokescreen. The force then breaks off to return to Bastia.
0400 Bastia reports an enemy force, on the return route, off Capraia.
0440 The scouting force reports being in an attacking position and then makes an unsuccessful torpedo attack on German Torpedo Boats TA 23, TA 26 and TA 29.
56th MTB/MGB Flotilla
8 - 9/44 Actions in the Adriatic
17-8/8/44 c2300 MGB 657, MGB 658 andMGB 663 are on patrol. MGB 657 detects a convoy on Radar. The convoy closes to around 300 yds with MGBs 657, 658 and 663 lying invisible close to a cliff. MGB 663 fires starshell and the boats close to attack. Two large armed trawlers return fire. An I Boat is sunk. MGBs 657 and 658 are damaged. MGB 658 extinguishes a fire on deck. MGB has been hit in the engine room by a 37mm shell and three engines are stopped.
c2359 MGBs 657, 658 and 663 make a second attack. c0035 MGBs 657, 658 and 663 make a third attack. The schooner Dora catches fire and blows up. Schooner Jota turns towards the cliffs. The convoy has scattered.
0150 Schooner Jota is found and is set on fire.
0250 A tanker barge is found and sunk.
0325 Schooner Jota explodes.
0400 MGBs 657, 658 and 663 are engaged from the shore and retire. Schooners Jota and Dora and I48 have been sunk. Tanker barge Peter is burnt out and is sunk by RAF Hurricanes the following day. Tanker Barge Helga and I68 are damaged but hide close inshore before reaching Korkula eventually.
Attacks on enemy shipping in the Tyrrhenian Sea
11-12/9/44 Mined in Mediterranean around sixty miles north of Ancona. The stern is blown off aft of the petrol space and five men were killed. MGB 657 is towed back to base by MGB 658 and MTB 633 and declared a Constructive Total Loss.
12/44 Broken up

Brian Holmes
Commander
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed May 06, 2009 3:26 pm
Location: Portsmouth

Re: 657, 678, 663

Postby Brian Holmes » Sun Apr 16, 2017 9:26 pm

MTB_678 Boat Construction Co Ltd, Barracks Ope, Falmouth 7/43

For Operation Hostile - minelaying off the northwest coast of France (Gazette Date - 29/2/44)
MID TSLt Kenneth Frederick Creasey RNVR
MID AB Robert Crosby C/JX184833

Wind up of the war in Europe (Gazette Date - 11/12/45)
MID Tlt Henry Maxwell Lewis RNVR

Known Crew
TLt Henry Maxwell Lewis RNVR 18th MGB Flotilla Based at Portsmouth and then Newhaven MGB 611 3/8/42 21st MGB Flotilla Based on Dartmouth MTB 677 12/4/43 TLt 14/5/43 First Lieutenant MTB 518 14/5/43 50th MTB Flotilla Commanding Officer MTB 678 11/44 Wind up of the war in Europe MID HMS Gregale (Malta)
TSLt Kenneth Frederick Creasey RNVR 52nd MTB Flotilla Based on Plymouth MTB 678 For Operation Hostile - minelaying off the northwest coast of France MID Operation Neptune - Invasion of Normandy
TSLt R E Rudge RNVR TMid 21st MGB Flotilla Based on Dartmouth MTB 677 22/4/43 TASLt 21/5/43 MTB 518 21/5/43 TSLt 21/11/43 52nd MTB Flotilla MTB 678 5/7/44
TSLt A L MacLeod RNVR 50th MTB Flotilla Based at Great Yarmouth, Dover, Newhaven, Ostend MTB 678 15/11/44 TSLt 19/11/44 HMS Orlando (Greenock)
AB Robert Crosby C/JX184833 52nd MTB Flotilla Based on Plymouth MTB 678 For Operation Hostile - minelaying off the northwest coast of France (Gazette Date - 29/2/44) MID

Wartime Activities
Completed as MGB 678
21st MGB Flotilla
MGB 664, MGB 673, MGB 676, MGB 677, MGB 678, MGB 679
Based on Dartmouth
10/43 Redesignated MTB 678
52nd MTB Flotilla
Based on Plymouth
MTB 664, MTB 673, MTB 676, MTB 677, MTB 678, MTB 679 later MTB 619, MTB 620, MTB 720, MTB 713, MTB 717, MTB 719, MTB 672, MTB 716, (MTB 755, MTB 721, MTB 704 were allocated)
Operation Hostile
Minelaying off the northwest coast of France (Gazette Date - 29/2/44)
6/44 Operation Neptune - Invasion of Normandy
52nd MTB Flotilla
Based on Plymouth
MTB 664, MTB 672, MTB 673, MTB 676, MTB 677, MTB 678, MTB 679, MTB 713, MTB 716, MTB 717, MTB 719 and MTB 720
11/44 50th MTB Flotilla
MTB 603, MTB 604, MTB 605, MTB 606, MTB 607, MTB 609, MTB 610, MTB 612 later MTB 673, MTB 676, MTB 677, MTB 678, MTB 734, MTB 751, MTB 756
Based at Great Yarmouth, Dover, Newhaven, Ostend

Post War Fate
6/12/45 Royal Air Force Long Range Rescue Craft (LRRC) 026
18/3/46 Returned to the Admiralty at Calshot

Brian Holmes
Commander
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed May 06, 2009 3:26 pm
Location: Portsmouth

Re: 657, 678, 663

Postby Brian Holmes » Sun Apr 16, 2017 9:31 pm

MGB_663 William Osbourne Ltd, Littlehampton 8/3/43
663.jpg
663.jpg (98.23 KiB) Viewed 38146 times
For actions in the Adriatic and off the coast of Italy 1/44
MID TLt Thomas Ellis Ladner RCNVR
MID CMtrMch Herbert Booth P/MX117021
DSM LSea Basil Leonard Makri Nash C/JX154490

For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44
DSC* TLt Thomas Ellis Ladner RCNVR
MID TSLt Derrick Brown RNVR
DSM* TPO Laurie Sanders Nicholl D/JX134503
MID ALSea Jeffrey Brian Billingham C/JX317831
DSM AB David Henry Pain P/JX384824
MID AB James Rowley P/JX369763

For the destruction of a force of enemy vessels in the Mediterranean 18/8/44
MID TLt Thomas Ellis Ladner RCNVR
MID AB John Aspinall C/JX373872
MID AB Royston Alfred Rowland C/JX359687

New Year Honours 1945
DSC TLt Thomas Ellis Ladner RCNVR

Known Crew
TLt William Roy Darracott RNVR SLt 11/9/42 HMS Midge (Great Yarmouth) 57th MTB/MGB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona First Lieutenant MGB 662 28/5/43 For actions off the west coast of Italy and Dalmatia 6/44 DSC TLt 1/6/44 For operations in the Adriatic and the Aegean (Gazette Date - 5/12/44) DSC* 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Commanding Officer MGB 663 1944 HMS Gregale (Malta) 1945 HMS Waxwing (RN camp, Townhill, Dunfermline, Fife) 27/11/45. Born in Dorchester 1921 and died 25/9/2008

TLt Thomas Ellis Ladner RCNVR HMCS Yorck 1940 HMS King Alfred 6/40 TASLt 24/7/40 HMS Forfar (Armed Merchant Cruiser) -12/40 HMS Hornet, 15/3/41 5th MGB Flotilla Commanding Officer MGB 19 HMS Hornet for small craft 26/1/42 Commanding Officer MGB 75 1/42 For a successful attack on an enemy tanker off Alderney 14/7/42 MID TLt 24/7/42 For an attack on an enemy convoy in the Nore area 14/9/42 MID Temporary command of a Fairmile C MGB 2/43 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona Commanding Officer MGB 663 22/2/43 For actions in the Adriatic and off the coast of Italy 1/44 MID For the destruction of a force of enemy vessels in the Mediterranean 18/8/44 MID For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44 DSC* New Year Honours 1945 DSC Staff Officer Operations for the Captain of Coastal Forces at Malta
Resumed his law degree and joined his father who was a founding partner in one of Vancouver's largest law firms, Ladner/Downs (Partner, 1945-1993). Queen's Council (1964).
Member of the Board: Police Commissioners, Vancouver 1960-64; Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation; The Hamber Found.; Public Mem. of Counc., Inst. of Chartered Accountants of B.C. 1989-93. Born 8/12/16 in Vancouver and died there 23/6/06
TLt Derrick Brown RNVR TASLt 14/2/43 56th MTB/MGB Flotilla MGB 663 1/3/43 Commanding Officer 10/11/44 - 22/3/45 For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44 MID (Wounded when the boat was sunk) TLt 1/12/44 56th MTB/MGB Flotilla Commanding Officer MTB 655 1945
TLt Barry George Syrett RNVR TSLt 5th MGB Flotilla 22/4/42 20th MGB Flotilla MGB 663 20/2/43 TLt 13/1/44 20th MGB Flotilla MTB 371 28th MTB Flotilla Commanding Officer MTB 411 12/1/45 For a torpedo attack on an enemy convoy in the Mediterranean 9/4/45 MID
TLt R L Campbell RNZNVR TSLt 9/10/42 HMS Mosquito (Alexandria) 20th MGB Flotilla MGB 663 4/8/43 TLt 9/10/43
CMtrMch Herbert Booth P/MX117021 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MGB 663 For actions in the Adriatic and off the coast of Italy 1/44 MID
PO Laurie Sanders Nicholl D/JX134503 AB 6th MGB Flotilla MGB 67 For an action with E Boats in the Nore area 19/11/41 MID LSea 8th MGB Flotilla Based at Felixstowe MGB 75 For an action with E Boats off Cherbourg 1/8/42 DSM PO 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MGB 663 For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44 DSM* 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla MTB 655 Missing in action 22/3/45 Age 31 when MTB 655 is lost on a mine. Husband of Veronica C. Nicoll, of West Ardsley, Yorkshire
PO Patrick John O’Hare D/JX153903 HMS Revenge (battleship) HMS Repulse (battlecruiser) HMS St Christopher standing by, MTB 663 MTB 648 passage to Gibraltar, Bone and Bizerta MTB 642 57th MTB/MGB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MGB 659 For actions off the west coast of Italy and Dalmatia 6/44 MID For operations in the Adriatic and Aegean DSM
LSea Basil Leonard Makri Nash C/JX154490 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MGB 663 For actions in the Adriatic and off the coast of Italy 1/44 DSM
ALSea Jeffrey Brian Billingham C/JX317831 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla MGB 663 For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44 MID
LMtrMch Reginald George Sykes P/MX 634490, Missing Presumed Killed 10/10/44 Son of George Harry and Daisy Isabel Sykes, of Chiswick, Middlesex
LSto George Edward Thackray C/KX 136197 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MGB 663 Killed in action 10/10/44.Age 21 when MGB 663 is sunk by mine off Maestra Point Northern Adriatic Son of Joseph and Elizebeth Thackray, of Leeds, Yorkshire
AB John Aspinall C/JX373872 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MGB 663 For the destruction of a force of enemy vessels in the Mediterranean 18/8/44 MID
AB David Henry Pain P/JX384824 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MGB 663 For actions in the Adriatic 8 - 9/44 DSM
AB Royston Alfred Rowland C/JX359687 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MGB 663 For the destruction of a force of enemy vessels in the Mediterranean 18/8/44 MID
AB James Rowley P/JX369763 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona MGB 663 Missing Presumed Killed 10/10/44 aged 20 when MGB 663 is sunk by mine off Maestra Point Northern Adriatic Son of Edwin and Martha Rowley, of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent

War Activities
20th MGB Flotilla
MGB 657, MGB 658, MGB 659, MGB 660, MGB 661, MGB 662, MGB 663, MGB 674
Mediterranean
30/4/43 Convoy departs Milford Haven for the Mediterranean with MTB 670, MTB 667, MTB 654 and MTB 655 and MGB 648, MGB 657, MGB 658 and MGB 663. ML 240.
3/5/43 The convoy is approached and circled, out of range, by a German Condor reconaisance aircraft. At one point the aircraft comes within range and is engaged
4/5/43 At 0100, convoy bound for Gibraltar is attacked by U 439 and U 659 in a surface gun action. MGB 658 runs down the tracer bearing. MGB 657 is hit and set on fire amidships. MTB 654, MTB 667 and MTB 670 attempt a search for the attackers. U 439 and U 659 collide and both boats sink. MTB 667 picks up two German survivors. MTB 654 picks up a further ten survivors. Convoy then proceeds to Gibraltar
56th MGB/MTB Flotilla
MGBs 657 and 663 take the surrender of the Galita Islands off Tunisia.
6/6/43 At 2200, MTB 633 (Senior Officer), MGB 658 and MGB 663 depart Malta to patrol between Cape Passero and Cape Murro di Porco, Sicily. Cape Passero Lighthouse is lit.
MTB 633, MGB 658 and MGB 663 patrol approximately 3 miles off shore sweeping inshore with Radar for two hours with no contacts. A searchlight is observed sweeping out to sea to the north.
MTB 633, MGB 658 and MGB 663 stop and listen. Nothing is found.
At 0440, MTB 633, MGB 658 and MGB 663 depart the patrol area for Malta.
Based on Maddalena
19/12/43 MGB 659, MGB 663 and MTB 655 with PT 209 acting as Radar boat are on patrol in the Piombino Channel. They attempt to intercept destroyers near Elba with PT 209 giving range and bearing information. MTB 655 and PT 209 turn south to make a torpedo attack. MGB 659 and MGB 663 maintain course and close the destroyers engaging with gunfire. The destroyers turn northeast away from Bastia.
1/44 56th MGB/MTB Flotilla
MGB 657, MGB 658, MGB 663, (MGB 642) MTB 655, MTB 633, MTB 640, MTB 649
Based at Bastia, Brindisi, Komiza and Ancona
21/1/44 Operation Lurcher
1700 MGB 657, MGB 658, MGB 663, MTB 640, MTB 655 and MTB 659 depart Bastia to create a diversion at Civitavecchia in support of the landings at Anzio twenty miles to the south.
2109 The vessels are on patrol between Giglio Island and Giannutri Island.
2341 The vessels rendezvous with USN PTs 203, 209, 211 and 217, form two columns and head for the ‘release’ point off Civitavecchia.
0147 PT 209 reports Radar contacts on the port bow at 2800 yds. The USN vessels continue with the diversion whilst MGB 657, MGB 658, MGB 663, MTB 640, MTB 655 and MTB 659 turn to close the Radar contacts. The cruiser HMS Dido commences a bombardment firing over the force. MGB 657 reports two Radar contacts at 1500 and 1700 yds.
0207 The contacts are identified as a Flak Lighter escorted by two E Boats heading southeast at 7 kts.
0211 The targets are engaged and repeatedly hit by gunfire from all six boats.
0213 The boats turn onto a reciprocal northwest course and make a second run. The Flak Lighter is again hit, one E Boat is set on fire and stopped and the other E Boat makes off.
0216 The boats turn onto a reciprocal southeast course and make a third run. The Flak Lighter is now also on fire.
0222 MTB 655 disengages to the west due to action damage. The remaining boats close the Flak Lighter and engage with gunfire. Shore batteries open up on the boats but they evade and retire towards MTB 655.
0240 The Flak Lighter explodes and sinks.
22/1/44 Operation Shingle Landings at Anzio
56th MGB/MTB Flotilla
MGB 657, MGB 658, MGB 663, MTB 640, MTB 655 and MTB 659
22/1/44 At 1745, MGBs 657, 659 and 663 depart Bastia for a patrol north of Civitavecchia arriving on patrol at 2125. At
2327 MGB 657 reports a possible Radar contact on the starboard bow at 4200 yds.
2331 MGB 663 reports a Radar contact correlating with the first contact.
2341 There are three or four confirmed contacts and MGBs 657, 659 and 663 change course to intercept.
2347 Targets are in sight at around 700 yds. At 2349, a convoy of six Flak Lighters and at least four E Boats is identified.
2351 MGBs 657, 659 and 663 alter to port to engage the last Flak Lighter in the starboard column now at a range of 400yds. The leading ship of the starboard column flashes a challenge and is now identified as a small destroyer. MGBs 657, 659 and 663 engage the Flak Lighter at 100 yds and set it on fire. An E Boat cuts through the starboard column, is engaged by MGBs 659 and 663 is set on fire and suffers an internal explosion. MGBs 657, 659 and 663 shift target to the suspected destroyer and the Flak Lighter astern of her. MGB 659 is hit and pulls out of the line with one engine and her 2 pdr gun out of action. MGBs 657, 659 and 663 then break off the action.
1/44 Actions in the Adriatic and off the coast of Italy
17/6/44 MGBs 658 and 663 with MTBs 633 and 655 are on patrol in the Piombino Channel between Elba and the mainland. At 0100, three Radar contacts are reported close inshore. MGBs 658 and 663 with MTBs 633 and 655 close to attack and identify the contacts as a destroyer, a torpedo boat and a Flak Lighter standing off a small harbour. MGBs 658 and 663 with MTBs 633 and 655 open fire and MTB 655 fires torpedoes. German forces return fire. MGB 658 is damaged by gunfire. Her steering is jammed when the wireless aerials and other rigging are brought down and wrap themseves around the wheel. In MGB 658, three men are killed and five are wounded including the temporary commanding officer and the coxswain.
56th MTB/MGB Flotilla
8 - 9/44 Actions in the Adriatic
17-8/8/44 c2300 MGBs 657, 658 and 663 are on patrol. MGB 657 detects a convoy on Radar. The convoy closes to around 300 yds with MGBs 657, 658 and 663 lying invisible close to a cliff. MGB 663 fires starshell and the boats close to attack. Two large armed trawlers return fire. An I Boat is sunk. MGBs 657 and 658 are damaged. MGB 658 extinguishes a fire on deck. MGB has been hit in the engine room by a 37mm shell and three engines are stopped.
c2359 MGBs 657, 658 and 663 make a second attack.
c0035 MGBs 657, 658 and 663 make a third attack. The schooner Dora catches fire and blows up. Schooner Jota turns towards the cliffs. The convoy has scattered.
0150 Schooner Jota is found and is set on fire.
0250 A tanker barge is found and sunk.
0325 Schooner Jota explodes.
0400 MGBs 657, 658 and 663 are engaged from the shore and retire. Schooners Jota and Dora and I48 have been sunk. Tanker barge Peter is burnt out and is sunk by RAF Hurricanes the following day. Tanker Barge Helga and I68 are damaged but hide close inshore before reaching Korkula eventually
18-9/8/44 MGBs 643, 659 and 663 intercept a group of E Boats in the Miljet Channel. The German vessels are S30, S33, S57, S58 and S60 escorting a group of I Boats searching for survivors of the previopus night’s action. S57 is hit by at least twenty 40mm rounds, is severely damaged and is scuttled to avoid capture.
9-10/10/44 MGB 663 and MTB 649 have a fruitless patrol near Venice. MGB 663 is sunk by mine off Maestra Point Northern Adriatic when returning from a patrol off Venice. Three men are killed and eight men wounded.

Mark_E
Leading Seaman
Posts: 26
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2016 3:05 pm

Re: 657, 678, 663

Postby Mark_E » Tue Apr 18, 2017 5:06 pm

Sorry for this being off topic, but Brian where do you get the 'known crew' information from?

Thanks, Mark

Peter
Able Seaman Radar
Posts: 130
Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:41 pm

Re: 657, 678, 663

Postby Peter » Wed Apr 19, 2017 11:37 am

Hi lebrom
There is much information within the book "Dog Boats at War" by Lt LC Rover Reynolds of which would be of great interest in your quest for information of your Grandad Gordons war service published by Sutton Publishing Co isbn 0-7509-1817-9
attached a page detailing the loss of 657 & 663 .
I served in the Adriatic aboard MGB 647 , I recall and remember the Coastal Forces war in the Adriatic
Cheers
Peter

Peter
Able Seaman Radar
Posts: 130
Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:41 pm

Re: 657, 678, 663

Postby Peter » Wed Apr 19, 2017 4:38 pm

Hi lebrom
Sorry fogot to add attachment
Peter
Attachments
MTB 657   MTB663.jpg

Brian Holmes
Commander
Posts: 245
Joined: Wed May 06, 2009 3:26 pm
Location: Portsmouth

Re: 657, 678, 663

Postby Brian Holmes » Wed Apr 19, 2017 8:06 pm

The simple answer is that I have access to copies of The Navy List and Seedies List which details all Coastal Forces decorations plus around thirty years of investigation.

Mark_E
Leading Seaman
Posts: 26
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2016 3:05 pm

Re: 657, 678, 663

Postby Mark_E » Thu Apr 20, 2017 1:07 pm

Thanks Brian

lebrom
Seaman
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Apr 16, 2017 11:46 am

Re: 657, 678, 663

Postby lebrom » Sun Sep 11, 2022 4:43 pm

Thank you very much to Brian Holmes- apologies it is so belated

Pioneer
Moderator
Posts: 347
Joined: Sun Oct 19, 2008 12:48 pm

Re: 657, 678, 663

Postby Pioneer » Mon Sep 12, 2022 10:45 am

Sadly, Brian crossed the bar some time ago.
viewtopic.php?t=680


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