MTB 245 - Who is Bill?

[MattR]

Hoping you may be able to help.
I am researching a WW2 No19 shell case that has been turned into a presentation gift with a small engraving on the side.
The engraving simply says:

H.K.C
H.M.M.T.B. 245. August 1944
Greetings Bill

This site has provided a lot of information about MTB 245 which I am most grateful for. I am wondering if anyone may be able to signpost me to further records that could help identify both ‘Bill’ & ‘HKC’?
All suggestions gratefully received.
With thanks.

[MattR]

Hopefully I have been successful in adding an image.

[Peter]

Hi Mattr I hope that you are successful in your appeal for "Bill" having served aboard MTB 243 during her service in the Mediterranean and to see her sadly used as a target it is with great interest to see what happened to MTB 245 Cheers Peter

[Admin]

Hello MattR

I've had a look through the resources I hold but haven't managed to turn up anything. H.K.C. could conceivably have been anyone unconnected with Coastal Forces, and there's no match for a Bill or William amongst those few known members of 245's crew. An interesting item none the less.

Admin

[MattR]

Thank you both for your replies, very much appreciated. I’m certain it relates to the documented Channel & Normandy ops and likely a member of crew during that time but as you say remains anonymous at the moment.
Members Pioneer & Brian Holmes have posts from 2009 that shed light on crew & history of the craft. Excited to read that at least some of it may still survive as a houseboat in Hampshire.

[MattR]

This could be Bill...maybe?
Certainly he’s the only William connected with 245 of that time that I can find on record.
Ladies & gentlemen...I give you TSLt William Herbert Heal Coates!

[reinaart]

Nice to see you have found the answer to your main question !

Regards,

Arjan