ML108,
MTB753, MTB695...
Leslie John Sprigg.
Leading Telegraphist.
Leslie John Sprigg (Sparks) MiD, founder of this
website in 2004, sadly passed away on
15th January 2016
aged 95 years. Beloved husband, father, father in law,
grandfather, great grandfather and friend, he will be
sadly missed. This website will continue in his
memory.
EMAIL
MTB
603.. Arthur Royston “Roy”
Cherry.
Able Seaman Arthur
Royston “Roy” Cherry DSM. Served as Radar operator on
MTB603 under Lt Lightoller DSC died 23 September 2012
aged 91 years. Bob Osborne, His executor. Who has
photographs etc and a tape of Roy talking about his
service.
EMAIL
MTB 681...
My half brother Frank
William Withers was sunk on MTB 681. He passed away a
couple of years ago. I would be pleased to hear from
any shipmates.
EMAIL
HMS Cotswold...
I'm looking for any
information about the Hunt class destroyer HMS
Cotswold from 1940 - 1942. It was hit by a mine off
the English East Coast on 20/21 April 1942. My uncle,
Roy Synnuck, was a stoker on this ship and suffered
horrific injuries, from which he died. If anyone has
any photos or knew Roy I would appreciate any
information that I could pass on to Roy's brother to
complete our family knowledge.
EMAIL
George Dobbin...
I am
trying to find out information relating to my father's
wartime service on MTB's during the war. My father was
George Dobbin, who passed away in June of last year.
He spent several years on MTBs based in the English
Channel. If anyone served with my father or knows
where I can find out more about which MTBs he served
on I would be grateful to hear from them.
EMAIL
LST-157..
Looking for anyone who
served on the LST-157 in 1942,1943 or 1944. Please
Contact
EMAIL
with any information.
LST-157... My
father John Nappi Seaman First class, was on LST 157
during the Battle of Normandy, Omaha beach, First
Wave. He drove a landing craft. Tried to Email but
mail was returned.
EMAIL
HMS Greenwich, Charles
Johnson..
Anyone having any information about Charles Joseph
Johnson - Merchant Navy man from Australia - badge on
uniform sleeve "Torpedo" regiment, could have been a
stoker. Served 1940 - 1941 on HMS Greenwich. (He had a
head injury and his appendix out while serving.)
EMAIL
MTB695, MTB675..
My father, Clifford
Edwards was a Petty Officer on MTB695 until 31/4/44
then on MTB675 t0 25/5/45. I would like to know where
this ship was during these dates. We know they were
involved in D Day and we know he ended up in Sydney
Aust. Can anyone help? Thanks very much, greatly
appreciated. Ruth Hopkins.
EMAIL
MTB760, 66th Flotilla..
My father CPO Stephen Waller. men in despatches.
served in this flotilla (66th.) Minesweeping. on board
MTB760 Is there any info on the deployment of this
flotilla ?
EMAIL
MTBs off Africa..
Eric Lanceley was my uncle
and a mechanic in MTBs in WW2. He served in Takoradi
on what was then the Gold Coast and at Trincomallee,
Ceylon. We think that he was also at Capetown. He
ended up as a CPO if family rumour is right. I have
found nothing about MTBs off Africa and in the Indian
Ocean and would like to know more. Did they sail right
round Africa? Any info would be welcomed. Ian Sant .
EMAIL
John Kenneth Spencer
MGB85 / MTB458...
Looking for any of my father's old
shipmates who served with him on these two boats. His
name is John Kenneth Spencer and he will be 87 in May.
EMAIL
ML172..
Looking for anyone whom
served on ML172.
EMAIL
MTB
494.. Bert Markham.
MiD passed away on the
6th. Dec 2009, age 92 . Bert was the last survivor
from MTB 494 which was rammed and sunk by German
E-Boat S 176 on the 7th. April 1945. MTB494 Website
Here
TB18..
ARTHUR REEVE..
I would like to hear from anyone who was related to
any of the crew on TB18. I'd particularly like to get
any
photographs of TB18 or the crew or details of the
actions TB18 took part in the 1st WW. Mike Reeve
EMAIL
ML291.. My
father Charles Vincent Noble served aboard ML291
during WW2 and I believe they were based in Newhaven.
Does anyone have any photographs or messages that I
could use in further research. Michael Noble.
EMAIL
MTB
83, MTB 245, MTB 292..
I am seeking information
about my great uncle's naval career - Douglas (Duggie)
Hunt - who served on MTBs 83, 245 and 392. Due to
family split I didn't meet Douglas but now researching
out family tree have learnt a little of his war
service. Unfortunately he passed away last year so
missed the opportunity to meet him and hear some
stories. Any information would be much appreciated.
Richard Hunt.
EMAIL
Edwin
John Morgan..
My Uncle Edwin John Morgan, from Cove, Farnborough,
Hampshire (8/7/26 - 29/8/07) served on board ML 182 at
HMS ‘Attack’ at Portland from July 1943, then ML 136
from 1st April 1944 at HMS ‘Hornet’ at Haslar,
Gosport.
On D-Day itself, he was involved in shepherding the
Assault Landing Craft to Gold Beach that were
discharged from larger ships in deep water – their job
was to escort them to shallower water, in areas that
had been swept for mines so they could discharge the
troops. ML 136 had begun to escort the (LCT’s) Landing
Craft Tanks before H-Hour – the first Assault on D-Day
set for 0725 hours and stayed near Gold Beach giving
protection with the ASDIC and Radar Dome from D-Day,
the 6th June 1944 until August 1944. ML 136 was giving
protection continually to the Stores and Equipment of
the Supply Line that was coming in to Normandy,
especially after the great storm damage. Her other
duties were those of patrolling all areas with radar
and anti-submarine, except in the American sectors.
Ted was then on ML135 in Ancona, Italy, Minesweeping
in the Med January 1945 – August 1946. As ML135 tied
up, my Uncle met Popski’s Private army carrying a
piano across a square to start a party. These men sold
the lads on everything from Berettas to alcohol. Also
the Coastal Forces base in Malta to September 1946.
I am putting together his life story which we began
writing down a few years before he passed away and
would appreciate any information – technical,
personal, historical, on his ships, naval bases,
geographical locations, theatres of war. Jan Coles.
EMAIL
|
|
Edwin John Morgan provided by Jan Coles
|
|
|
MGB
324, ML 878 HMS Minstrel..
I am trying to find out
about the wartime history of my late father Charles
Bradley who served on MGB 324 in 1944 ( which I
believe was part of the 14th MGB Flotilla ) also ML
878 and Stag (Motor Boat 38205) in 1945 and HMS
Minstrel M445 (Minesweeper Algerine class) in 1946. He
was also in Mayina in 1946. Any info, photos or advice
would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks
Pat Bradley
EMAIL
3rd
ML Flotilla..
James Henry Brooks. Served with 3rd ML Flotilla
1941-1945,possibly on ML462,Gordon Stead skipper? I
have some photos on convoy work/crew/ML's.
Sailed/served in Gibraltar, then onto Malta for most
of the war, he also used to talk about Libya, North
African coast and
Naples. Any information would be gratefully received.
Keep up the good work, great site. Alan
EMAIL
54th
MTB flotilla..
Hello. I am writing a local history book from the
Norwegian coast. Two men from the Batalden island
served on ML-boats (I think) operating in the Channel
during 2.nd WW. I found Leslies web site most
interesting. Do anyone know if there were Norwegian
crew members on English ML's or MTB's, or did the
Norwegian operate their own vessels. My two men were
in the channel area from start of nov. 1941 until they
later were sent to Shetland and joined the 54th
MTB-flotilla in Lerwick. Is there possible to trace my
men in some crew lists or other documents. I will be
most grateful for any information.
EMAIL
Vis re-union..
The final Veterans of
Vis re-union will assemble on the Island of Vis in
Komiza during the week beginning May 18th. Further
details by
EMAIL
Peter (Radar ) MGB 647
Arthur
Thomas Moxley, ML138..
My father Arthur Thomas
Moxley AB a Londoner was on ML138 during the war and
was awarded the DSM, He was based at Newhaven and is
still alive today living in Whitstable Kent. If there
are any old shipmates out there I can put them in
touch with him. Terry Moxley Canterbury Kent I enclose
a pic of his boat ML138 and would love to find more
pics of his boat for him..
EMAIL
|
|
ML138 provided by Terry Moxley
|
|
|
MGB
647.. Shipmates,
Having served aboard MGB
647 in the Adriatic and on the Island of Vis (Komiza)
would welcome the opportunity to exchange information
and photographs. Cheers Peter (Radar)
EMAIL
Frank
Withers ..
I
am trying to contact FRANK WITHERS who was on MTB681
the night of her sinking 9th June 1944. My father,
DENNIS GEORGE BODMAN, who was a gunner on this boat,
was injured during the sinking and was in the same
lifeboat as Frank when they were rescued. I would love
to hear from Frank, or anyone who knows him, as I am
trying to find more about my dad's time on MTB681 and
then, after sick leave, MTB729. Please email me at
EMAIL
Dennis
Bodman..
I am looking for any
information on my late father, DENNIS GEORGE BODMAN,
or the boats that he served on - MTB689, MTB441,
MTB693, MTB681, MTB729, MTB695, MTB467, MTB764, ML248,
ML895, ML834, ML1286 between Sept 1943 and December
1944. He was also based at HMS Amzari, Mayina, HMS
Highflyer and HMS Pembroke as Leading Seaman between
Jan 1945 and November 1946. I would love to hear from
anybody who may have served with him, or anyone that
can tell me more about Amzari, Mayina and Highflyer.
Keeping my fingers crossed! Please email me at
EMAIL
Robbie
Stewart.. My
late father Robert Stewart served for a time in
Coastal Forces , he was on one of the MTB's send out
to intercept the Brest Squadron when they forced the
channel and was part of the naval force which took the
raiders off the beach at Bruneval. I only have the
number of one ML he was on 249 , although I know he
served on several others. I only have one photograph
of my father on ML's 249 taken at Dartmouth possibly
in early 1943. Names of those in the photo.#"Bunts"
Green , Jock Moran, Stoker hayden, "Texans" Baisley ,
Percy baines, "Spewey" Pugh , Coxan Alex McKew , Bob
"Scous" Hill , Jim Revoles (?) , "Sub Asdic" Drew ,
Rocky Granger. If anyone has a photo of the boat or
knew my late father " Robbie" Stewart I would love to
hear from them.
EMAIL
James Davis..
My Father served with the RN in Gibraltar during World
War Two on a M T B his name was James Davis Has anyone
out there have information on what type of M T B or
any photos or who he served under.
EMAIL
Peter Henry DSM..
Died Sunday 26th October(2008) at Sunderland
Royal Hospital aged 85. Beloved Husband of Freda and
cherished by all the family. Peter served with Honour
in the costal forces during world war two and was
awarded the distinguished service medal.
All Through his life he was passionate about pigeon
racing and was known as part of 'Gippert and Henry'.
Everyone is welcome at a service which will be held at
2pm on Thursday 30th October, prior to a cremation at
Sunderland crematorium at 3pm. Flowers welcome or a
donation to the coastal forces veteran association if
desired.
2nd MTB
Flotilla...
Acting Stoker P.O. Stephen [Buddy] Hide of MTB 07 was
one of the sixty eight men who succeeded in the escape
on Christmas Day 1941. The Flotilla was scuttled off
the coast at Nano China in Mirs Bay and the party then
travelled overland 2880 miles to Rangoon in Burma. The
story so far can be found at:
http://www.mwadui.com/HongKong/index_hk.htm
John
Walter McNicholas...
My granddad served on mtbs during the second world war
but cannot find any info his name is John Walter
McNicholas. I believe he was in a pool of sailors. I
also think he served under sir Walter Scott ,and also
sailed on gray goose. Many thanks Andrew.
EMAIL
Geoffrey
Evan Ford, ML272, ML103...
My father Geoffrey
Evan Ford joined RNVR in London before 2nd WW ( either
1937 or 39), he was in ML 272 and I believe ML 103. I
know he went to Gold Coast and Bombay in ML's and In
1944/45 he was based at HMS Sanderling, Paisley, near
Glasgow. (Now Glasgow Airport) Would anyone remember
him or could give me any information on what
activities these ML's got up to? He also was involved
in the Sea Cadets in Walthamstow area London. Please
email. Thank you.
EMAIL
ML196..
Hornet ML196, I am trying to find out more
about the history of my grandfathers naval
career, especially the reason he was awarded
the DSM. His details are; Alfred Leonard
Downey J109308 he served on MTB 10 and was
involved in the escape from Hong Kong with
Admiral Chan Chak Christmas 1941. I have his
service record and it says he was awarded the
DSM 14th June 1945 and he was then serving on
Hornet ML196. Any information gratefully
received. Christian Storr.
EMAIL
MGB 21, MGB 122, MTB 441, MTB 78.
Charles John Mercer (M.I.D.),
..
Able Seaman Charles John Mercer (M.I.D.),
C.J.X.354439
Orlikon 22mm Gunner. Coastal Forces Veterans
Association. Membership No. 375, Served on
board:
MGB 21, MGB 122, MTB 441, MTB 78. Was on
board
HMS Ark Royal when the Japanese surrendered in
the South Pacific.