Motor Gun Boat (MGB 320)

4/11/2013

I saw the above vessel on 28 October 2013 in Bembridge on the Isle Of Wight.

Although she is now a houseboat she was originally ordered on 27 August 1940 and commissioned on 23 August 1941 as Fairmile C Class Motor Gun Boat MGB 320.

Built by William Osborne Ltd of Littlehampton, England she was part of 12th Flotilla.

Powered by 3 Hall-Scott Defender Petrol Engines (2700 bhp) she had a maximum speed of 26.5 Knots and range of 500nm at 12 kts. Her overall length was 33.53m with a 5.31m beam and 1.73m draft.

Originally she had a crew of 16 personnel and was armed with 2 Pdr Guns, 20mm Oerlikon AA Guns and 4 No. depth Charges.

7 Comments

R.J. Van Westrenen

8/12/2014 08:44:24 am

The MGS 320 is of certain fame as it is de boat that was used during the war to bring secret agents to the Netherlands as depicted in the movie Soldier of Orange. Sad to see it in this state. Ref. inpersuit of life by Erik Hazelhoff

Gary

21/3/2017 07:31:46 am

At least she is still afloat unlike it's neighbour MTB 24

Pauline L van Till link

3/10/2017 08:22:52 am

Could you find out if the present owner has any pictures of this MGB in the original state?

Gary

3/10/2017 12:59:47 pm

Sorry, I live in London and just spotted this vessel on a visit to the island a couple of years ago.

Richard Evans

4/1/2021 11:25:21 pm

I am so happy to see that this MGB is still afloat (to a fashion) my Uncle (now sadly passed away) served as ab Officer on this vessel after having risen through the ranks on HMS Rodney. His name was Maurice William Evans. I am currently researching his naval career.

Iain

26/4/2021 07:56:44 am

I do have a photo of her from 41/42, as my old man was CO for the Dutch escapades

Richard Evans

26/4/2021 09:51:31 am

Would you mind sharing the photo Iain and any others from your father's service? My Uncle took command as Lieutenant of MGB 320 in 1943 (having previously served as Junior Officer on MGB's 608 and 609). On the 320 he took part in attacks on German shipping off the Dutch Coast and in 1944 took part in the invasion of Europe. During and after the invasion activities, MGB 320 was badly damaged and was paid off. My uncle was mentioned in Despatches for action during this time and he was subsequently appointed in command of MTB 796 where he continued to work in the North Sea on protection patrols and attacks on German shipping. I am fascinated with the actions of the Coastal Command as their part in the war is too often overlooked.

Motor Gun Boat (MGB 320)

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