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MTB 259

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Joined: 07 December 2004
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    Posted: 13 July 2008 at 4:43pm

MTB 259 (CO – Lt R Allen RNVR) was an Elco built boat for the USN previously numbered PT 10.

She, together with MTB 260 made an early record (Feb 1942) for the passage up the Suez Canal of 3hr 25min – (this trip normally taking over 12Hrs) – having been given the authority to break the Canal’s speed limit of 8knts.

This ‘record’ was quickly broken by following MTB’s (261-265) with 261 (CO Lt Anderson RN) holding the absolute record of 2 hrs 18 mins This record still standing, it is believed, to this day.

Based at HMS Mosquito AlexandrIa and forming part of the 10th Flotilla, 259 had a short, but busy career, briefly described in L C Reynolds and H F Coopers excellent book ”Mediterranean MTB’s at War” ISBN 0 7509 2274 5.

Early June 1942 – five boats of the 10th Flotilla were to be towed across to Malta by Merchant Ships forming part of Convoy MW 11 – 259 was one of those selected. This movement was part of ‘Operation Vigorous’ (relief for the beleaguered Malta) the towed craft were weighed down with supplies and spares etc –  but the idea was that they would be slipped from the Tow if the convoy was attacked.

On the first night the weather deteriorated to such an extent that the Tows were slipped to avoid damage to the lightly constructed Hulls – 259 was awash and sinking – her crew being rescued by 268. There is no record of any fatality to the crew of 259 – but – on the 13th June A/B Wm Kitson was reported as Drowned – washed overboard – his base simply being recognised as HMS Mosquito. MTB 259 did not make it to Malta and neither did any of the towed craft – they returned to Alexandria.

 

Source: Mediterranean MTB’s at War

-             Don Kindell US Researcher (from Admiralty sources)    



Edited by Pioneer - 13 July 2008 at 4:46pm
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