2nd ML Flotilla

Motor Launches (ML), Harbour Defence Motor Launches (HDML) & Rescue Motor Launches (RML)
copley
Seaman
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Apr 27, 2009 10:52 pm

2nd ML Flotilla

Postby copley » Mon Apr 27, 2009 11:09 pm

hi
i am trying to find out as much as i can about ml 120 based at gosport which was part of the 2nd ML Flotilla and this flotilla was fitted with torpedo tubes in 1941 and kept their tubes just in case the germans invaded.
the information i am trying to find out is who served on this boat in 1942 and what operations did the boat do, my grandfather was a motor mach on this launch during this time and he nick name was a askey but hes real name was les copley, so if anyone out their that either served on ml 120 or even knows my grandfather please do get in touch and i will tell you everything i know.
i have built a remote control model of ml 120 and you can see it on the video of your agm meeting in lowestoft from 1992-3
thanks

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

Re: 2nd ML Flotilla

Postby Pioneer » Tue Apr 28, 2009 7:54 am

Hello 'copley', welcome aboard.
I shall make some enquires elsewhere regarding ML 120 and see whether any Branch members know any of her crew.(there is a Branch meeting on 17th May but I have e-mail and telephone contact with a few). As you have made a model of her I would guess that you know most of her build history etc - but just in case: Built 1940 by Aldous Successors at Brightlingsea. Survived the War and sold off in 1946 to become private yacht/houseboat "Onetwenty"
Keep 'popping aboard' - someone may know more.

copley
Seaman
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Apr 27, 2009 10:52 pm

Re: 2nd ML Flotilla

Postby copley » Wed Apr 29, 2009 12:06 am

hi
thanks for the reply, i would like to add something that is my grandfather was a founder member of the C.F.V.A in lowestoft and when he died back in 1991 the association was there giving him a sort of naval funeral which was very nice to see.
my grandfather told me many stories but only a few is a bit hard to believe that is why i am trying to find out more what he did on ml120 because he was very good at keeping things to himself even telling a little whit lie at times and i have found out that the medals he recieved 1 was missing and that was for special operations which he kept to himself untill he died but i would like to know what operation he did and where was he on D-DAY which he would never tell me or my mother.
i look forward to any information

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

Re: 2nd ML Flotilla

Postby Brian Holmes » Tue Jun 02, 2009 4:15 pm

From my database

ML 120 Aldous Successors Ltd, Brightlingsea 8/10/40

For services when attacked by dive bombers (Gazette Date - 27/12/40)
MID Tel Jack Swan C/J101252

Birthday Honours 1943
MID TLt Edward Kerfoot Jones RNVR
DSM Tel Laurence Lightwood C/WRX125

Known Crew
TLt Edward Kerfoot Jones RNVR
TSLt A E Lee RNVR (Commanding Officer)
Tel Laurence Lightwood C/WRX125
Tel Jack Swan C/J101252

Wartime Activities
Attacked by dive bombers (Gazette Date - 27/12/40)
Temporarily equipped with two 21â?

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

Re: 2nd ML Flotilla

Postby Pioneer » Wed Jun 03, 2009 9:27 am

Than you Brian for the info - much appreciated.
Regards

cdsc123
Sub Lieutenant
Posts: 76
Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:38 pm

Re: 2nd ML Flotilla

Postby cdsc123 » Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:06 pm

ML 120
ml-120.jpg
ML 120

Simon Temple
Seaman
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:00 pm

Re: 2nd ML Flotilla

Postby Simon Temple » Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:05 pm

My Grandfather is/was Laurence Lightwood, sadly he passed away a few years ago. He never spoke much of his war experience, so any information would be greatly received, especially the reason behind his award of the DSM.
Simon

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

Re: 2nd ML Flotilla

Postby Pioneer » Thu Jul 08, 2010 9:23 am

The award for a Laurence Lightwood Telegraphist C/WRX 125 was Gazetted on the 28 May 1943 (page 28 of 60)
page 2444. This entry does not give any details for what the award was made.

toffeeman9
Seaman
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2021 1:11 am

Re: 2nd ML Flotilla

Postby toffeeman9 » Wed Jan 05, 2022 12:25 am

Simon

Re your post DSM to your Grandfather (back in 2010) : (if you already are not aware?) it was a Birthday Honours award 2 June 1943, however he was presented his DSM by HM George VI at Buckingham Palace on 6 February 1945 (reference Seedies Roll)


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