A/S Robert Eaglesham - MTB service Mar '43 to July '45

[Rebsar22]

Hi,

I am currently researching my family's war details from WW2 in advance of publishing the memoirs next year. I've only recently discovered that my Uncle Bobby Eaglesham served with the Motor Torpedo Boat element of Coastal Forces - he kept it really quiet from his family after the war, during which time (virtually until he passed away) he was driving the Council Bus from Girvan to Ayr and back, ironically along the Coast Road.

I wonder if anyone on this forum might recall any of their own family talking about Bobby - a long shot, I know! But perhaps more realistically it would be great if anyone could provide pictures that might have Bobby in them based upon the Boat details listed below, details such as photo's of the actual boats themselves, perhaps some crew pictures from Vis, anything like that would be great. I would, of course, seek permission to use any details in the book itself.

I have a few pictures from Bobby's service that might be of interest to the general Forum, which I will publish in due course. In broad outline, Bobby's details were as follows:

Service number - JX 364 620

Service History

1. First Operational Posting: MTB 638 (March-31 May 1943)
MTB 638: (Fairmile D-class "Dog Boat")
Base: HMS Hannibal (initially Algiers, later Taranto, Italy)
Flotilla: 24th MTB Flotilla
MTB 638 Details:
• Type: Fairmile D-class Motor Torpedo Boat/Motor Gun Boat
• Construction: Built by A. M. Dickie & Sons, Bangor, Wales
• Launched: December 14, 1942
• Displacement: 102 tons
• Length: 115 feet
• Crew: 30 men
• Armament:
o 1 x 6-pounder gun
o 2 x 20mm Oerlikon AA guns (twin mount)
o 4 x .5-inch machine guns (2 twin mounts)
o 4 x .303-inch machine guns (2 twin mounts)
o 4 x 21-inch torpedo tubes
o Depth charges
• Engines: Four 4,800 hp Packard engines
• Speed: 30+ knots
Operations (March-April 1943): 372
Note: MTB 638 survived the war but was lost on January 30, 1946, when she foundered while on passage from Malta to Alexandria - well after Uncle Bobby had left the vessel.

2. Second Operational Posting: MTB 372 (June 1943 - July 1944)

Vessel: MTB 372 (American-built Higgins 78-foot MTB)
Period: June 1, 1943 to July 24, 1944 (13 months)
Flotilla: 7th MTB Flotilla Bases: HMS Vega (depot ship), Bastia (Corsica), Vis (Yugoslavia)
This was Uncle Bobby's longest and most significant posting.

Key Operations Bobby Participated In while with MTB 372:
Ligurian Sea Operations (June 1943 - May 1944):
• Attacks on German F-lighter convoys off the Italian coast
• Operations in the Gulf of Genoa
• Attacks on convoys near La Spezia, Leghorn, and Vada Rocks
• Support for Allied advance up the Italian peninsula

First Use of Mark VIII Torpedoes (May 9-10, 1944):
Bobby was aboard MTB 372 during the historic first operational use of the revolutionary Mark VIII Two-Star torpedoes with magnetic pistols.

The Gulf of Genoa "Massacre" (May 27-28, 1944):
While MTB 372 was not directly mentioned in this specific action, the 7th MTB Flotilla achieved one of its greatest successes this night, sinking 4 enemy vessels (3 F-lighters and 1 transport) in two separate attacks.

Operation Brassard - Elba Landing (June 17, 1944): The 7th MTB Flotilla supported the Allied landing on Elba, providing patrol coverage and interdiction of German evacuation attempts.

Adriatic Operations (June-July 1944): By mid-1944, the 7th MTB Flotilla expanded operations into the Adriatic Sea, operating from the island of Vis. MTB 372 participated in:

• Patrol operations between Dalmatian islands
• Attacks on German E-boats (S-boats)
• Interdiction of German evacuation and supply convoys
• Support for Yugoslav Partisan operations

Final Action - July 23-24, 1944:
Bobby survived the sinking of MTB 372 off Cape Lovište, Croatia. During a fierce gun battle with German S-boats, MTB 372 was hit by German gunfire, caught fire, and collided with MTB 81. The burning vessel had to be abandoned in a sinking condition. The following day, British aircraft reportedly finished off the damaged vessel to prevent salvage.

3. Third Operational Posting: MTB 287 (July 1944 - April 1945)

Vessel: MTB 287 (Herreshoff 70-foot MTB, ex-British PT 29)
Period: July 24, 1944 to April 20, 1945 (9 months)
Flotilla: Various flotillas in the Adriatic Bases: Ist Island, Vis, and other Adriatic bases
MTB 287 Details:
• Type: Herreshoff 70-foot MTB
• Origin: Built under license in the United States as British PT 29
• Transfer: Transferred to Royal Navy under Lend-Lease agreement
• Laid down: December 23, 1941
• Launched: February 26, 1943
• Commissioned: March 18, 1943
• Armament:
o 2 x 21-inch torpedo tubes
o 20mm Oerlikon guns
o .50 caliber machine guns
• Engines: Three Packard engines
• Speed: 40+ knots
Operations with MTB 287 (July 1944 - April 1945):
Uncle Bobby transferred to MTB 287 immediately after surviving the sinking of MTB 372.

Action of November 1, 1944:
This was one of the most significant actions MTB 287 participated in during Uncle Bobby's service.

On November 1, 1944, MTB 287 was part of a major Royal Navy operation in the Kvarner Gulf:
British Force:
• HMS Avon Vale (Hunt-class destroyer)
• HMS Wheatland (Hunt-class destroyer)
• MTB 295, MTB 287, MTB 274
• MGB 642, MGB 638, MGB 633
• ML 494
• Commanded by Lieutenant Commander Morgan Morgan-Giles
Mission: The force departed Ist Island base at 17:00 to intercept German naval forces and land South African coast watchers on Rab Island.
Enemy Force:
• Destroyer TA20 (ex-Italian Audace)
• Corvettes UJ 202 and UJ 208 (ex-Italian Gabbiano-class)
• Fast minesweeper R 187
• Escorting a convoy of 19 landing craft from Šibenik to Fiume
The Battle (20:15 - 22:30):
• The MTBs first sighted two corvettes sailing south
• British destroyers engaged at 20:20, quickly disabling both corvettes
• UJ 208 sank at 20:30
• UJ 202 sank at 21:00
• At 22:30, destroyer TA20 was picked up on radar
• First salvo hit TA20's bridge, killing all officers including the flotilla commander
• TA20 sank close to Pag Island
Results:
• 3 German warships sunk (1 destroyer, 2 corvettes)
• 220+ German casualties
• No British casualties or vessels lost
• 90 German survivors rescued by British forces
• One of the most decisive small-ship actions of the Adriatic campaign
Awards:
• Lieutenant Hugh Corbett (Wheatland) - Distinguished Service Order
• Lieutenant Ivan Hall (Avon Vale) - Distinguished Service Cross
Adriatic Operations Continue (November 1944 - April 1945): After this action, MTB 287 continued intensive operations in the Adriatic:
• Patrol operations in the Kvarner Gulf
• Attacks on German coastal convoys
• Support for Yugoslav Partisan operations
• Interdiction of German evacuation attempts as the war drew to a close

Loss of MTB 287 – November 24, 1944:
According to multiple sources, MTB 287 and MTB 371 were "wrecked off Levrera Island, Croatia" on November 24, 1944 -
:
• MTB 287 was grounded (not sunk) off Levron/Levrera Island, Croatia
• The boat was abandoned and scuttled by gunfire from accompanying MGBs to prevent capture
• Secret equipment was removed before scuttling


Any other information (or confirmation of the information listed above) would be gratefully received, as would any pictures of the three boats that Uncle Bobby served on.

Pictures to follow...

[Admin]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

There is a thread on the subject of MTB 638 which has a photo of the crew and a thread on the subject of MTB 295 which features a photo of MTB 287.

I will contact you by email if you don't mind about your photographs and also about materials on MTB 638 I hold.

[NOTE: As of 12/07/2026 the photographs in the thread on MTB 295 do not currently display out of the box as they are embedded using a third-party service which no longer permits UK based users to access the service. We are working on a solution to the issue but in the meantime if you have a VPN and set it to a European country you can view the images]

Regards
Admin

[Rebsar22]

Hi,

Many thanks for the response, and apology for my tardy replay.

Yes, please contact me by email re MTB 638, any additional information would be very gratefully received, and I hope that the photographs I have may prove useful for others who are conduction similar research - I've found it difficult to post them on this means?

Thanks again,

Dougie Eaglesham

[John110547]

Hi
Below is some info on MTB 638 (16/3/43 to 30/5/44), MTB 372 (30/9/43 to 24/7/44) & MTB 287 (9/44). Please note that some of the commissioned MTBs mentioned below were built & operated as MGBs.

I hope the information is helpful.

Best regards
John

MTB 638 (16/3/43 to 30/5/43)
• MTBs 638, 633, 634, 636, 637, 639, 640 (32nd MTB Flotilla) on 16 March 1943 with 31st ML Flotilla & two Royal Navy trawlers departed Milford Haven for Gibraltar.
• MTBs 638, 633, 634, 636, 637, 639, 640 (32nd MTB Flotilla) from 17 to 22 March 1943 were en route to Gibraltar with the 31st ML Flotilla & two Royal Navy trawlers.
• MTBs 638, 633, 634, 636, 637, 639, 640 (32nd MTB Flotilla) on 23 March 1943 arrived at Gibraltar with the 31st ML Flotilla & two Royal Navy trawlers.
• MTBs 638, 634 & MGB 643 on 14 April 1943 departed Bona on the first patrol towards Bizerte & along the Tunisian coast. The MTBs/MGB found a stranded cargo ship, which MTB 634 torpedoed & followed up with a gun attack. Later, they sighted two U-boats side by side on the surface near Cape Zehib. MTB 634 fired two torpedoes as they chased the diving submarines, as nearby MGB 643 & MTB 638 attacked two support vessels with guns & depth charges, sinking both vessels. However, they did lose contact with the two submarines. Later, the MTBs/MGB bombarded the coastal defences east of Ras-el-Dakara.
• MTBs 638, 634 & MGB 643 on 15 April 1943 at 00.25hrs were off Cap Bon & observed a large vessel using a lamp to signal a coastguard station. At 00.55, MTB 634 fired one torpedo at the large vessel, which missed & exploded on the beach. MTB 634 then fired a second torpedo which hit & broke the ship back. The MTBs & MGB then attacked the vessel with gunfire before withdrawing. The MTBs & MGB then checked out a report that two U-boats were heading eastwards. MTB 638 unsuccessfully attacked the U-boats with torpedoes before MTB 634 & MGB 643 attacked with gunfire & depth charges, but both U-boats escaped. MTBs & MGB then sighted some large torpedo boats about half a mile away & went to engage. MGB 643 attempted to depth charge the boats, but the torpedo boats withdrew at high speed. MTBs & MGB then disengaged & returned to Bona.
• MTBs 638, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 639, 640 (32nd MTB Flotilla) on 25 April 1943 at Sousse, Tunisia.
• MTBs 638, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 640 (32nd MTB Flotilla) on 9 July 1943 took part in Operation Husky (Sicilian Campaign); other Light Coastal Forces vessels involved in Operation Husky came from the 3rd ML Flotilla, 31st ML Flotilla, 113th ML Flotilla, 139th ML Flotilla, 140th ML Flotilla, 141st ML Flotilla, 142nd ML Flotilla, 7th MTB Flotilla, 10th MTB Flotilla, 20th MTB Flotilla, 24th MTB Flotilla, 33rd MTB Flotilla, 19th MGB Flotilla & 20th MGB Flotilla. The primary mission of Light Coastal Forces was the protection of convoys to the various operational areas from ports in North Africa & Malta. Once their primary mission was completed, their secondary mission was to deny the enemy access to the operational areas, anchorages & shipping. Note: On 21 December 1943, the following awards were Gazetted for their service during Operation Husky landings: MTB 633, Lt Joy & ACMtMech Hollis were Mentioned in Dispatches.
• MTBs 638, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 640 (32nd MTB Flotilla) on 7 September 1943 departed Bizerte for Ventotene Island with convoy TG 80.3, as part of a diversion group in Operation Avalanche (invasion of Salerno). Other vessels in this convoy included the USN destroyer USS KNIGHT, two boats from the 3rd ML Flotilla, five boats from the 31st ML Flotilla, four USN submarine chasers & 10 air/sea rescue craft.
• MTBs 638, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 640 (32nd MTB Flotilla) on 8 September 1943 arrived at Ventotene Island with the diversion group, convoy TG 80.3 & commenced diversion operations.
• MTBs 638, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 640 (32nd MTB Flotilla) on 9 September 1943 arrived at Ventotene Island with the diversion group, convoy TG 80.3. The USN destroyer USS KNIGHT embarked eighty-seven German & Italian POWs before the convoy departed for Salerno.
• MTBs 638, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 640 (32nd MTB Flotilla) on 10 September 1943 arrived at Salerno Bay with convoy TG 80.3.
• MTBs 638 & 634 in December 1943 were transferred from the 32nd MTB Flotilla to the 57th MTB/MGB Flotilla.
• MTBs 638, 634, 654, 670 with MGBs 659, 660, 662 on 1 January 1944 formed the new 57th MTB/MGB Flotilla based at Komiza, Croatia.
• MTBs 638 & 634 (57th MTB/MGB Flotilla) on 30 May 1944 were at Komiza preparing to take part in Operation Flounced, an attack on Brač Island, Yugoslavia. Other Coastal Forces vessels involved in this operation included boats from the 57th MTB/MGB Flotilla (MTBs 634 & 638), the 60th MTB/MGB Flotilla (MTBs 656, 667 & MGBs 643, 645, 646, 647), the 61st MTB/MGB Flotilla (MTBs 635 & 637) & the two MLs on Special Service Duty (MLs 361 & 841). Other Royal Navy vessels included two destroyers, eight LCIs, five LCAs, & one LCT, whilst the Partisans (NOVJ) Navy provided four armed ships (BBs 03, 08, 11, 12), six patrol boats (PCs 02, 41, 56, 57, 71, 78), twenty-seven coasters, five LCVs, two launches & one motorboat. At this time, Brač Island was held by two reinforced battalions of the 738th Jägerregiment of Generalleutnant Josef Kübler's 118th Jägerdivision, less one reinforced company, which was holding the eastern part of Hvar Island. The strongest German positions were those in the central part of the island, to the southeast of Nerezisc & in the eastern part of the island in the area of Selca & Sumartin. There were also smaller German forces in the area of Supetra & on Vidova Gora, the highest peak on the island, in addition to seven gun batteries, totalling twenty-four guns between Split & Baska Voda. The attacking forces would comprise partisan (NOVJ) troops from the 26th 'Dalmatia' Division (1st, 11th & 12th Brigades), two Battalions from the 3rd Overseas Brigade, one anti-tank detachment & one 75mm mountain gun battery, totalling over 1,300 men & women. Also, British Commandos from the 2nd Special Service Brigade (No. 2 Commando, No. 9 Commando, No. 40 Royal Marine Commando & No. 43 Royal Marine Commando), a total of 400 men & 100 men from the US 10th Mountain Division.

MTB 372 (30/9/43 to 24/7/44)
• MTB 372 was one of one hundred-six Motor Torpedo Boats (MTBs 258 to 326 + 363 to 378 + 396 to 411 + 419 to 423) that the US Government agreed to supply under the Lean-Lease Agreement to Britain, which eight boatbuilders would build & On 22 July 1942, the Royal Navy ordered twelve Vosper-designed Motor Torpedo Boats via the USN with Annapolis Yacht Yard, Annapolis, Maryland, who would build these boats under license. The boat's length was 72ft 6ins, the beam was 19ft 3ins, the draught was 2ft 9ins (fwd)/ 5ft 6ins (aft) & its displacement was 47 tons. It was powered by three Packard V12 M2500 1,500bhp petrol engines, achieving a speed of 40 knots & armed with one twin 0.5"/62(12.7mm) Vickers Mk III Machine Gun, two twin 0.303"/78(7.7mm) Lewis Mk III Machine Guns, two 21" Mk X Torpedoes & two Mk XIII Depth Charges. This boat, designated BPT 62, was laid down on 20 February 1943 & launched on 17 May 1943. On completion, the boat was shipped directly from the USA to Malta, where it was commissioned MTB 372 on 30 September 1943 & assigned to the 20th MTB Flotilla based at Brindisi with a crew of two officers & eleven other ranks.
• MTBs 372 & 295 (20th MTB Flotilla) on 1 December 1943 were undergoing repairs.
• MTBs 372 & 295 (20th MTB Flotilla) on 2 December 1943 were undergoing repairs.
• MTBs 372, 287, 289, 290, 295, 296, 297, 298, 371, 373, 374 (20th MTB Flotilla) in early 1944 were rearmed with 1 x 2 & 1 x 1 20mm/70(0.79") Oerlikon Mk II Cannon + 1 x 2 .5"/62(12.7mm) Vickers Mk III MG.
• MTBs 372, 287, 289, 290, 295, 296, 297, 298, 371, 373, 374 (20th MTB Flotilla) on 1 January 1944 were at Ancona.
• MTBs 372, 287, 289, 290, 295, 296, 297, 298, 371, 373, 374 (20th MTB Flotilla) on 30 May 1944 were at Komiza.
• MTBs 372, 084, 298 on 21 June 1944 were patrolling off Ancona when they attacked two Flok Lighters. MTB 084 & 298 fired their torpedoes & missed. MTB 372 broke down, forcing the MTBs to withdraw.
• MTBs 372, 297 (20th MTB Flotilla) with MTB 081 (24th MTB Flotilla) on 23 July 1944 departed Bari on night patrol along the Peljesac peninsula.
• MTBs 372, 297 (20th MTB Flotilla) with MTB 081 (24th MTB Flotilla) on 24 July 1944 were near Cape Lovisce, Peljesac, when they intercepted a five-vessel convoy with its escort. The convoy consisted of the coaster SAN ANTONIO, two artillery lighters (MALs 6 & 7), two landing boats (Is 46 & 309), escorted by five S-boats from the 7th S-boat Flotilla (Ss 151, 154, 155, 156, 157). The MTBs attacked the convoy with four torpedoes, forcing S 154 to veer to evade the torpedoes & ram S 155; both boats were badly damaged. During the ensuing battle, MTB 372 was hit by gunfire that hit the engine room & stopped the engines, causing the boat to stop suddenly. MTB 081, following close astern of MTB 372, was unable to stop & collided with MTB 372. The engine room of MTB 372 was on fire & the flames spread across the boat as MTB 081 came alongside MTB 372 to rescue the crew, including the stoker who had been wounded in the engine room (He died from his wounds on 27 July 1944); one crew member who had been thrown into the sea & swam ashore & was rescued by the local partisans. MTBs 297 & 081 departed the area, with MTB 372 burning fiercely & MTB 081 having lost 1-crew member. MTB 372's burnt-out wreckage had failed to sink, so the following day, a British Spitfire was sent from Vis & sank MTB 372's wreckage.

MTB 287 (Nov 1944)
• MTBs 287, 295, 374 (20th MTB Flotilla), MTB 633 & MGB 642 (56th MTB/MGB Flotilla), MTB 638 & MGB 662 (57th MTB/MGB Flotilla) & ML 494 on 1 November 1944 at 17.00hrs departed to take part in Operation Exterminate with the destroyers HMS WHEATLAND & AVONDALE. The operation was to land a South African shore watching party on the north side of Pag Island. During this operation, MTBs 287, 295, 374 patrolled the west side of Pag, while MTBs 633, 638 & MGBs 642, 662 patrolled between Premuda & Asinello. ML 494 stayed with the destroyers. At 19.50hrs, MTBs 287, 295, 374 sighted two German corvettes UJ 202 & 208 (ex-Italian Navy corvettes MELPOMENE & SPRINGGARDA), with R 187 heading southerly towards the RN destroyers. At 20.20hrs, the destroyers engaged the German ships & at 20.30hrs, both UJ 202 & 208 had sunk; the two British destroyers then commenced rescuing the German survivors. This rescue was suspended when the German torpedo boat TA20 (ex-Italian destroyer AUDACE) from the 2nd G-Flotilla was picked up on the radar. The destroyers opened fire & sank TA20 at 22.30hrs, close to Peg Island. Only ninety German sailors survived these two actions from a total complement of over three hundred thirty for the German ships. R 187 escaped the battle but did not report the battle or the sinkings because they had been ordered to maintain radio silence.
• MTBs 287, 298, 371 (20th MTB Flotilla) on 24 November 1944 were returning to Vis from patrol in thick fog when MTBs 287 & 371 ran aground on a beach on Zeca Island. MTB 298 was dispatched to get help & MGBs 642, 643, 658 were dispatched from Mulat Island to assist the two stranded MTBs. However, all efforts by the MGBs to tow the two MTBs off the beach failed & then the MGBs attempted a high-speed pass, which was designed to create a wash to help lift the boats off the beach, but this only succeeded in pushing both boats further up the beach. It was then decided that both MTBs should be abandoned & their secret equipment & stores were removed before MTBs 287 & 371 were set on fire by gunfire from the MGBs. MTB 298 & MGBs 642, 643, 658 departed the area with the crews, equipment & stores from MTBs 287 & 371 once both boats were completely burnt out.

[Rebsar22]

Hi John, thanks so much for this incredibly detailed information, which will really help to provide additional authenticity for my Uncle Bobby's war time story.

I'm a former army man (for my sins!), but I have nothing but admiration for what the guys who served within the Coastal Forces did during the war.

Bobby never spoke in detail about his service, but he did mention a story that I thought was a little too left-field to be accurate. He suggested that Douglas Fairbanks Junior (late American Actor) had had some type of connection with one of the flotillas that Bobby had served in - have you or anyone else heard of that connection?

Thanks again mate,

Dougie

[Rebsar22]

Hi John,

Do your sources indicate where MTB 372 was laid up for repair on 02nd December 1943? Was it berthed at Bari Harbour at the time of the German bomber raid?

Cheers,

Dougie

[John110547]

Hi Dougie

Yes, Douglas Fairbanks Junior could have met some of the boat crews from the 32nd MTB Flotilla in September 1943, when Lieutenant Commander Fairbanks was on the staff of the Naval Task Force Group Commander and took part in the landings on the Island of Ventotene, which the 32nd MTB Flotilla took part in.

For his part in the landing on the Island of Ventotene, Lieutenant Commander Fairbanks was awarded the Silver Star. Please note that some websites indicate that Douglas Fairbanks Junior was awarded the Silver Star while commanding a PTB, but there is no evidence he ever commanded a PTB.

The Silver Star citation states that he was awarded the Silver Star for exceptional courage and fearless leadership when he led a landing party ashore and established an important picket position whilst under enemy rifle fire.

Hope this helps

Best regards
John

[John110547]

Hi Dougie

Yes, MTBs 372 & 295 were undergoing repairs at Bari.

Please note that boats from the 20th, 24th, 33rd MTB Flotillas, ML 25th ML Flotilla & ML 124th ML Flotilla on 2 December 1943 were in a packed Bari Harbour, Italy, when in the afternoon, a single Messerschmitt ME-210 flew over the harbour at 23,000 feet & reported that the harbour was crowded with 30-plus unloading ships.

At 19.30hrs, a hundred & five German Junkers Ju 88 bombers flew east to the Adriatic, then turned & approached Bari to the west. The first wave of bombers dropped Duppel (thin strips of tin foil) to confuse the Allied radar & parachute flares to light up the harbour as the rest of the German bombers flew low over the sea to avoid radar & surprise the Allied shipping in the harbour.

The German bombers sunk twenty-five ships (ARDITO, AUBE, Italian auxiliary cruiser BARLETTA, BOLLSTA, DEVON COAST, FORT ATHABASCA, FORT LAJOIE, FROSINONE, GENESPESCA II, INAFFONDABILE, JOHN BASCOM, JOHN HARVEY, JOHN L. MOTLEY, JOSEPH WHEELER, LARS KRUSE, LOM, LUCIANO ORLANDO, LWOW, Italian armed motorboat MB 10, NORLOM, PORTO PISANO, PUCK, SAMUEL J. TILDEN, TESTBANK, VOLODDA), three ships were so badly damaged were deemed to be a total loss (CASSALA, CORFU, GOGGIAM) & twelve others were damaged (ARGO, BRITTANY COAST, CRISTA, DAGO, GRACE ABBOTT, the destroyers HMS BICESTER & ZETLAND, the coastal forces depot ship HMS VIENNA, JOHN M. SCHOFIELD, LYMAN ABBOTT, ODYSSEUS, VEST).

During the bombing raid, the USN liberty ship JOHN HARVEY, which carried arms & ammunition, including 2,000 M47A1 mustard gas bombs on its deck, caught fire, suddenly blew up, disappearing in a mighty fireball, casting pieces of the ship & its deadly cargo of mustard gas all over the harbour. The explosion caused liquid sulphur mustard to spill into the water, mixing with oil from the sunken ships, creating a cloud of sulphur mustard vapour that had a garlic odour & now combined with a burning oil fume, blew over the harbour & city. Nearly all crewmen of John Harvey perished in the sinking, which prevented the rescuers from knowing the real nature of the danger of the cloud.

The MTBs & MLs, even though only partly crewed & some were damaged, crept around the harbour, picking up seamen from the acrid, fumed water & saving stranded seamen from burning ships & sea walls. Some of the crew of MTB 081 found a Liberty ship, which they were told was full of bombs & ammunition, between two blazing vessels, one of which was a tanker;

• MTB 081 got a line from the ship & we towed it clear & to safety.
• MTB 243 went alongside the burning ships & rescued about 50 survivors of various nationalities.
• MTB 297 was ordered to torpedo a blazing cargo ship just outside the harbour & which was drifting towards the shore.

However, within a day, symptoms of mustard poisoning, including burns & blindness, started to appear. The raid's outcome was that the Allies lost over 95,00 tons of shipping & 31,000 tons of cargo. There were over 1,000 military & merchant marine casualties; over 800 had to be admitted to local hospitals, 628 of them suffering from mustard gas injuries, of whom 69 died within two weeks. Bari port was closed for three weeks & was only fully opened in February 1944.

The Coastal Forces boats were also damaged in the raid, including
• MTBs 086 & 296, both of which took three months to complete repairs.
• MTBs 287 & 289, both of which took two months to complete repairs.
• MTBs 242 & 290, both of which took five weeks to complete repairs.
• MTB 243 took three weeks to complete repairs.
• MTBs 081, 297, 298, 649 were only slightly damaged.

Note: The following awards were Gazetted for their service during the action;
• MTB 081, TLt Strong & TSubLt Cruise were Mentioned in Dispatches;
• MTB 243, TSubLt Collins was awarded the MBE (Member of the British Empire) & Seaman Bickmore was awarded the British Empire Medal.
• MTB 298, TLt Woods was Mentioned in Dispatches.
• MTB 649, TLt Hughes was Mentioned in Dispatches.
• ML 240, TLt Friend was Mentioned in Dispatches.
• HDML 1273, TLt King was Mentioned in Dispatches.

Best regards
John

[Rebsar22]

Many thanks again, John, for some great information. I should never have doubted my Uncle Bobby about DF Junior - he was never one for tall stories...but it's a great illustration of how war can bring together the most unlikeliest of folk.

Thanks also for the confirmation of my Uncle's connection to the Bari Harbour disaster. By any standards it must have been quite horrific to witness, especially given the link to the mustard gas leakage from the John Harvey. Strange, though, about how such a disaster (i.e. the chemical spill and subsequent injuries) could lead to the development of Chemo-therapy treatments for cancer.

Many thanks again, John - this is really useful detail.

Dougie