Rescue for D-Day and Dunkirk boats

[Drew5233]

Seems HSL 102 and MTB 102 are different boats:

I have recently exchanged emails with Richard Basey who is the Vice Commodore of The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships.

His comments on the news article:

Thanks for your email. We are aware of the exploits of MTB102. We have our own book on the subject which includes the first hand account of Dunkirk by Lt CWS Dreyer. She brought home Capt Tennant and General Alexander and was present at the final blocking of Dunkirk with Rear Adm. Wake-Walker on board.
The recent article in the Sunday Times quoting HSL102 at Dunkirk is untrue. RAF records show that the HSL was undergoing a refit at that time and could not possibly be there. The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships of which I am the present Vice Commodore, does not recognise the HSL as being a Dunkirk ship.
RAF records show HSL120 present on the last day only although several seaplane tenders took part, did heroic work and were lost in the course of the evacuation.

Richard Basey, Chairman MTB102 Trust.

[Gibbo]

BBC News 24 had a report on HSL 102 and MGB 81 today. Part of it is available on the BBC website. The TV version was longer, but the website one includes the film of the boats at sea and the interviews with veterans.

BBC News - World War II motorboats restored

There's more on the Portsmouth Dockyard's website. The BBC website, but not the Dockyard one, has HSL 102 as being at Dunkirk. The boats have been acquired for the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust thanks to a grant of £580,000 from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and contributions from other funds and private individuals. They are moored at the Gunwharf Quays Marina in Portsmouth.

Last Operational World War II Motor Boats Saved For The Nation: News from the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

[Drew5233]

I wonder if this is a case of the owners being economical with the truth. I noticed it was only the news that mentioned that HLS 102 was at Dunkirk and not the owner/skipper who only mentioned rescuing downed pilots from the channel.

A

[Drew5233]

Thought I'd link the thread below to this thread:

http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/general...ue-launch.html

[Gibbo]

I reckon that the BBC has just assumed that HSL 102 and MTB 102 are the same boat.

[James Daly]

I have some pictures of these; they are berthed at Gunwharf Quays 1/2 mile away from where I work. The other day they were out steaming around the harbour - quite a sight. Its a shame there aren't a few more Coastal Craft surviving - especially the Fairmile Dog Boats, it would be great to have one of them somewhere.

I'll upload the pics when I get home this evening.

[Gibbo]

I just heard the BBC News report again, and the reporter clearly said that boats LIKE HSL 102 served at Dunkirk.

[Drew5233]

Hi Martin,

I still think I'd go along with Vice Commodore Richard Basey on this that she wasn't there unless someone can come up with some documented evidence?

Just looked through my book on all things water related at Dunkirk whos source is the Naval Historical Branch of the Ministry of Defence:

Appendix A

List of ships which took part in Operation Dynamo and numbers of troops transported.

Note: The following list of ships which took part in Operation Dynamo has been compiled after critical examination of every source of available information. It differs from the final list of British Ships, M.020721 of 25th October 1940 accompanying V. A. Dover's report on Operation Dynamo M.01183 of 18th June 1940, in 320 entries.

I've gone through the list of possible candidates and HSL 102 is not listed.

Regards
Andy

[Gibbo]

Sorry Andy, I mustn't have phrased my postings very well. I was agreeing that HSL 102 was NOT at Dunkirk. Some parts of the media have obviously mixed her up with MTB 102, which was at Dunkirk. The BBC website got it wrong but the News 24 reporter got it right. She didn't say that HSL 102 was at Dunkirk. She said that other, similar boats were there.