HMS SGB4 Grey Fox.

Hello Jen,

Welcome aboard the forum, have not heard of Grey Fox only Grey Goose which was Sir Peter Scots vessel, now on the River Medway, converted to a houseboat for the owner of the yard. You have come to the right place I hope for info, more knowledgable people I am sure will help when they see your post, best of luck,

JohnK

Hello ‘jenn’

Yes indeed - Welcome aboard.

Not knowing your grandfathers name I can only guess that he may be Lt Peter Edward Mason DSC MiD?

This Gentleman was Commanding Officer of HMS Grey Fox and awarded the DSC for action in the Channel (1943) and it would appear that the M i D award was made during ‘Operation Neptune’ (the Naval constituent of ‘Overlord’ – the D Day landings).

SGB 4 (Grey Fox) is mentioned several times in Peter Scott’s book ‘The Battle of the Narrow Sea’s’

The Executive Officer at that time (jimmy the one) is listed as being

(Lt SANF(V)). (Bob) Gaunt DSC – (later Commander RN).

This gentleman (Cdr Gaunt DSC) has been the subject of a recorded interview - a copy of which may still be available from the Coastal Forces Heritage Trust (see links page).

Running for (140 mins) – it gives a story of his childhood in South Africa – (RNVR SA  Seaman) - gunner Winchester Castle - UK Officer training - - temporary CO MTB 254 - convoy action off Le Havre - XO Grey Fox – sweeping oyster mines off French coast - subsequent RN career, culminating as CO HMS Leopard.

This recording was priced at £15.00 but may well be a little dearer now – (if still available).

An interesting story is based around the un-named SGB. I shall try and find the 'link' but it was to have been 'Grey Cat' (owing to the ships mascot) but the cat was  'lost overboard' - a Seaman almost drowning in a vain bid to rescue it - and of course the boat was to eventually to be lost.

Hi Jenn

Grey Fox bristled with armament; she had a 2-pdr Pom-Pom right on the bow instead of the more usual single 20mm Oerlikon, in addition to another 2-pdr on the foredeck and a 3" gun aft, plus 20mm Oerlikons aft of the funnel and right aft, 2 twin 0.5" Vickers abreast of the wheelhouse, 2 twin .303" Vickers abreast of the bridge and 2 21" torpedo tubes. I'll bet that lot kept your grandad busy!

Photo and info courtesy of "Untold stories of small boats at war" ISBN 1-85821-176-X. No mention of her in texts however. Recommend "The Battle Of The Narrow Seas" as advised by Pioneer.      

Indeed cracking shot of Grey Fox, Grey Goose much changed now, but very prominent on the Medway shoreline, although I believe owner not keen on visitors to it!

Johnk

This text is from wlb-Stuttgart website, Translation is by Google;