Hello all, new member seeking info ;

On MTB 417 - would this boat be a CLASS or a boat ??

All knowledge I have is she was a `Vosper' craft.

Where do I get info / photo etc ??

What books to consult ???

All help much appreciated,   Sadsac

Hello 'sadsac'

Welcome aboard shipmate, you have landed at the right place.

Your number -MTB 417 - identifies a particular vessel but it was not a 'Vosper' built craft. She was a British Power Boat built vessel (very distinctive difference). Ordered on 12/02/42, completed on 08/09/42 she was lost to enemy gunfire off Calais on the 16/03/44. Her first Commanding Officer was Lt R.M.Barge RNVR, her last CO was Lt T Hughes RNVR who was killed in the action.

The differences in the 'type' of craft mentioned here can be seen elsewhere on this site.

Hello Pioneer, many thanks for your reply.  I am still a little puzzled ; Lenton & Colledge give 417 as BPB, BUT as VOSPER craft they include a 417 as an ex-American PT boat ???  Am sure that you are correct - I will inform my enquirer & ask where he got his VOSPER info from.

Let you know outcome.

Again Ta'  Sadsac

Hello again 'sadsac'

You may be refering to the American 'Vosper' type built by the Annopolis Yacht Yard as boat 417. Launched on the 16/2/1944- completed 18/3/1944 then to Russia during August '44. She was 'striken' from the books and destroyed in 1954.

There is some confusion regarding the RN numbering sequences especially when certain MTB's were converted from MGB's etc.

(Source: J Lambert Al Ross "Allied Coastal Forces of WW2" Vol 2)

Pioneer, thanks for all the info you have given - great stuff & much appreciated.  Must now look round for photo of ACTUAL boat - have not seen one, only `similar too' types.

Regards  Sadsac