London Branch February 2014

We had better luck this year with the January meeting – ice and snow last year forced us to cancel, but thankfully, no trouble this time. Apologies were received from Ken Gadsdon, John Williamson, Ted Else and Peter Webster, all of whom anticipated attending, but circumstances dictated otherwise.

Following the Branch AGM – this happens at the January meeting – the Secretary reviewed the agenda used at the meeting to question whether we might, with advantage, treat the AGM in a slightly different way so that both AGM and Branch business would be incorporated into one short meeting. Not exactly in keeping with the text books, of course, but more in keeping with the times when, as now, a small group of shipmates and friends meet again. There were no objections – we can try it next year. No separate minutes would be required – contrary to present practice – since the newsletter will carry the information afterwards, saving time and another piece of paper.

The Secretary had received a very nice thank you note from the Parents and Supporters’ Association (PASA) of the Sea Cadets thanking the Branch for the annual donation that was sent to them recently. They said that they enjoyed doing a buffet for us last year during the summer, and did we want them to do it again? The meeting thought yes, and our normal meeting date for July, falling on the 20th this time, will be booked for the purpose.

History of the 24th MTB Flotilla

Peter Bickmore said that he still had in his possession a few copies of a booklet – A History of the 24th MTB Flotilla – originally serialised by member H.F. Cooper and published in the early issues of the CFVA Newsletter and which later formed part of the book under the title of Mediterranean MTBs by H.F. Cooper and Len Reynolds, published in 1998. Proceeds from the sale of the book, at that time, were very kindly donated to the CFVA. Peter wondered whether the few copies that he still had of the history might be of interest to current members, in spite of the gap between the present time and the original publication. This proved to be no problem and several booklets were taken at the meeting by members who were present.

The booklet covers the period when the 24th operated from Newhaven in the early part of 1943, after which the eight MTBs were subsequently transported as deck cargo to the Mediterranean, with subsequent involvement in the assault on Sicily, actions in the Straights of Messina, and the Italian invasion. During the latter, five boats of the 24th Flotilla were moored within a recently captured Italian harbour of Bari, when the Germans launched an air raid to destroy the mass of merchant ships loaded with supplies for the Allied forces that were there. Two complete convoys were in the harbour and took the force of the raid. With time, as the Allied forces on land advanced north into Italy, the Coastal Forces main area of patrol and attack was switched to the Dalmatian islands, operating from Komiza on the island of Vis. The booklet gives extensive coverage to this period. There were few dull moments.

Normandy Landings Commemoration

Following on, Bernie Coot said that the BBC were planning a TV documentary to commemorate the Normandy landings and this would be screened nearer the anniversary date. BBC representatives were present at a meeting held on the Belfast recently to gather information that may be suitable for inclusion in the programme. We may be fortunate in seeing some reference to the parts played by Coastal Forces boats and personnel in the operation.

Branch Subscriptions

The collection of Branch subscriptions for 2014 has been very satisfactory, following reminders sent with the last newsletter. No significant decrease in membership has been experienced – we are only one short on the number of Coastal Forces members previously listed, and this must surely be considered a very good outcome and worthy of a word of thanks. Circumstances may prevent members being able to attend, but it doesn't stop them from wanting to remain members.

Best wishes to all,

Secretary