StugeronSteve
New member
Got hold of a copy of this, now out of print, book. Fascinating accounts of the actions fought by the boats of the Coastal Forces, during the second world war.
Most of the guys commanding these MTBs/MGBs were yachtsman volunteers and the bravery displayed by them, and their crews, was incredible. Some of the scraps make Partrick O'Brian's "Jack Aubrey" look shy! We often discuss self sufficiency on this forum, but how about bringing a boat back from France going astern, because the stem had been shot away and she was taking on too much water going ahead.
There is a typical tale of one skipper who, faced with a quiet night at sea, decided to explore the Channel Islands anchorages, that he had enjoyed before the war. And in so doing came across a German patrol, which he engaged and fought with great effect, despite their superior strength, until his boat became disabled and sunk.
The copy that I'm reading was a lucky find in a second hand book shop, but I suppose there may still be a chance of copies in libraries.
Most of the guys commanding these MTBs/MGBs were yachtsman volunteers and the bravery displayed by them, and their crews, was incredible. Some of the scraps make Partrick O'Brian's "Jack Aubrey" look shy! We often discuss self sufficiency on this forum, but how about bringing a boat back from France going astern, because the stem had been shot away and she was taking on too much water going ahead.
There is a typical tale of one skipper who, faced with a quiet night at sea, decided to explore the Channel Islands anchorages, that he had enjoyed before the war. And in so doing came across a German patrol, which he engaged and fought with great effect, despite their superior strength, until his boat became disabled and sunk.
The copy that I'm reading was a lucky find in a second hand book shop, but I suppose there may still be a chance of copies in libraries.