MTB 245 - Who is Bill?

Motor Torpedo Boats (MTB)
MattR
Seaman
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 4:19 pm

MTB 245 - Who is Bill?

Postby MattR » Thu Jul 02, 2020 6:28 pm

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
Seaman
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 4:19 pm

Re: MTB 245 - Who is Bill?

Postby MattR » Thu Jul 02, 2020 8:27 pm

Hopefully I have been successful in adding an image.
BB471882-A112-463E-B473-275FD57C0FA5.jpeg

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

Re: MTB 245 - Who is Bill?

Postby Peter » Fri Jul 03, 2020 9:23 am

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
Site Admin
Posts: 501
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:40 pm

Re: MTB 245 - Who is Bill?

Postby Admin » Fri Jul 03, 2020 10:31 am

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
Seaman
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 4:19 pm

Re: MTB 245 - Who is Bill?

Postby MattR » Fri Jul 03, 2020 1:43 pm

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
Seaman
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 4:19 pm

Re: MTB 245 - Who is Bill?

Postby MattR » Fri Jul 10, 2020 2:40 pm

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!
Attachments
07C6342A-7F68-4FCA-B662-90A1B3DBF21A.jpeg

reinaart
Sub Lieutenant
Posts: 98
Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2014 9:49 am

Re: MTB 245 - Who is Bill?

Postby reinaart » Sat Jul 11, 2020 9:14 am

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

Regards,

Arjan


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