Fathomer and Robin Knox Johnston

[RogerFentem]

I read an article about Robin Knox Johnston's 1969 achievement. On his return he was accompanied by the Isles of Scilly steamer with the Press on board and by "MTB HMS Fathomer" as the article said. This latter had his parents on board. I am interested in Fathomer but I can find nothing more about her. Do you know anything - was she an MTB, if so of which design, short or Dog, what was her Penant? Any snippet of information would be appreciated.

[Admin]

Hello Roger

Bit of a mystery I'm afraid. I managed to have a look at a copy of Jane's Fighting Ships for 1969–70 but there is no HMS Fathomer for any navy. The Royal Navy by that date only had the two Fast Patrol Boats, Brave Borderer and Brave Swordsmen, plus two of the old Dark Class still retained, Dark Gladiator and Dark Hero. The boat in question could presumably have been anything, and if it was a Fairmile of some description, then its identity is not readily apparent. It might have been registered with Lloyd's?

Sorry not to be of any further assistance

Admin