MASB 27 was purchased by D-Day Revisited in April 2016 and moved by road to a new location at Hawarden Airfield, just outside Chester.
MASB 27 on exercise along the British coast during WWII
After months of research, our ‘spare-time’ restoration project began in November 2016. The boat was little more than a hull full of debris, with several internal bulkheads and a small area of original decking. The restoration to complete wartime seaworthy condition was aimed at practical completion by early 2019. Lifting into the water was planned for Spring 2019. Subject to satisfactory commissioning and sea trials, the first mission was to attend the 75th Anniversary of D-Day in June 2019.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE:
1940
Ordered by the Admiralty in a batch numbered 22 to 32, MA/SB 27 was laid down by the British Power Boat Company Ltd. in 1940 as a 63 feet long Motor Anti-Submarine Boat.
1941
Commissioned into the Royal Navy.
1941-1945
Wartime service.
September 1945
De-commissioned, disarmed and offered for sale.
November 1945
Purchased by Lt Commander (retd) John Humphrey YORATH November 1945. Converted to houseboat, engines and fuel tanks removed; in static private family use on UK south coast in the Chichester area.
Early 1980s
Sold by Yorath family to Russian power boat enthusiast. The boat was stripped of superstructure for conversion to motor yacht.
Mid 1980s
Repossessed by Hamble Yacht Services in financial default.
1988
Purchased by Jonathan Eastland. A freelance journalist & historian, Mr Eastland further converted MASB 27 into a houseboat and lived aboard in the Hamble River area for many years.
2012
Sold to Owen Childs with a view to restoration. The boat moved by road to Watchet Harbour in Somerset.
April 2016
Sold to D-Day Revisited for restoration. The boat was transported by road from Somerset to D-Day Revisited HQ at Hawarden Airfield near Chester.
November 2016
Restoration to original wartime condition commenced.
HISTORY
The story began 100 years ago on 20th September 1916, when Hubert Scott-Paine incorporated the Supermarine Aviation Company Ltd. in Southampton. Scotty’s passion was flying boats and in 1917 a new draughtsman was taken on: Reginald Joseph Mitchell, who of course went on to achieve immortality as the creator of the Spitfire.
Although Supermarine developed world beating flying boats, winning the coveted Schneider Trophy, Scotty’s new passion was for fast motor boats. Later in wartime, these boats became known as the “Spitfires of the Sea”. Built of strong but lightweight construction, powered by huge engines, the MTBs, MGBs, MA/SBs and HSLs raced through high seas at speeds often in excess of 40 knots.
Built by the British Power Boat Company Ltd., MASB 22 was part of the same batch ordered by the Admiralty in 1940
In this restoration, to save a unique MASB is to save a piece of British engineering history. During research of this period in the 1920s & 30s, iconic names regularly appear. Just as Henry Royce went ahead with his Merlin engine under the enterprising title of PV-12 (private venture/12 cylinders) so Scott-Paine similarly set about spending his own money on a new gunboat identified as PV-70 (private venture/70 feet).
What followed was the building of MTBs (Motor Torpedo Boats), MGBs (Motor Gunboats) and MASBs which were fitted with the latest ASDIC equipment for protection of estuaries and coastal waters. As the RAF became interested in Air-Sea Rescue boats, they sent Aircraftsman T.E. Shaw to work on development; better known as Lawrence of Arabia.
In 1939 just as Poland was being invaded, Scott-Paine left for America where he met with President Roosevelt who promptly committed $5 million for U.S. industry to adopt these advanced designs which became known as PT (Patrol Torpedo) Boats. It was PT-109 whose skipper was John F. Kennedy, later to become the 35th President of the USA.
Having begun hostilities in 1939 with only three flotillas of 18 MTBs, by 1944 Royal Navy Coastal Forces numbered 3,000 officers and 22,000 ratings. Altogether there were 2,000 of these “little ships” which fought over 900 actions and sank 400 enemy vessels. Official records of gunboat deployments are incomplete, and of course personal recollections are sometimes unreliable in their detail. Research on MASB 27 will continue; for the time being we know for sure that she played her part and served the Nation well.
WARTIME SERVICE
Research into MASB 27’s wartime activities uncovers the story of British enterprise, engineering ingenuity, determination and courage. This was a time when Britannia ruled the waves, but was to be supremely tested.
As the War progressed, the expected threat from enemy U-boats acting in coastal waters did not materialise. No longer required for protection of ports and estuaries, most MASBs were converted to MGBs or redeployed to Air Sea Rescue.
From early February to 9th July 1942 Lt. John Alexander Cecil Findlay was commanding officer of MASB 27. Son of Sir Mansfeldt de Cardonnel Findlay GBE KCMG CB, Lt. John Findlay joined 27 from MASB 25 which he had commanded for the previous six months. Subsequently Lt. Findlay transferred to the 7th MGB Flotilla operating from Lowestoft and was later promoted to Lieutenant Commander and awarded the DSO.
After working up in HMS St Christopher during Summer of 1941, it is clear that MA/SB 27 was then mainly based in Falmouth. As well as documented air/sea rescue duties, crew recollections tell of crossings between Cornwall and Brittany on clandestine operations. Typically under direction of the Special Operations Executive, such deployments would drop agents into France, and recover others. Crewman Ernest Barnard recalled night crossings to the French coast, quietly waiting offshore and then rowing a small boat to the beach to drop off and/or collect various personnel. Ernie told of picking up RAF officers escaping from threat of captivity, assisted by members of the French Resistance.
The crew of MASB 27 in Falmouth 1943
Ernie related memories of taking parties of frogmen over to France to deal with underwater obstructions close to the beaches. Due to wartime secrecy it’s unlikely that junior ratings would always know their positions exactly, nor the precise nature of the gunboat’s task. Ernie believed these missions were undertaken by MASB 27 off the Normandy coast in advance support of the D-Day invasion.
The photograph (above) includes AB Ernest Barnard standing centre behind the seated C.O. The wartime crew of an MASB would be typically 8 ratings of various ranks and two officers. The Commanding Officer would most likely be RNVR, a lieutenant or even sub-lieutenant.
A B Gunner Ernest Barnard in the turret of his twin 0.50 cal Vickers Machine Gun on MASB 27
Ernest Barnard served on board from November 1942 to October 1944. He was an Able Seaman (gunner), usually operating the .50 calibre Vickers heavy machine gun in its rotating turret. In late 1944 Ernie was posted to Egypt where he served on ML 873.
D-Day Revisited is grateful to Mike (Ernie’s son) who visited the gunboat immediately prior to its anniversary Channel crossing in June 2019. Mike has shared treasured family photographs which include the 1943 crew grouping.
Mike Barnard was born at the end of 1943. Below is the telegram received at HMS Forte (Falmouth). It can be seen clearly that Ernie’s address is MA/SB 27. When received at the Base, the gunboat was deployed at sea so the news was sent by radio; when received the C.O. made the happy announcement on the boat’s loudspeaker.
Air-sea rescue operations were undertaken from the Falmouth base, often in partnership with MASB 28. These would include action off the coast of Devon and Cornwall, including the Scilly Isles. One incident logged by the Commanding Officer details a particular rescue of the crew of a downed US Army Air Force B17 Flying Fortress. It is related the aircraft had sunk, but with all surviving crewmen clinging to a severed wing. One can only imagine the elation prompted by sight of a fast approaching RN rescue gunboat, the difference between life and a cold, watery death. The USAAF showed its gratitude by inviting MASB 27 crew members to the airfield for (we assume) a round of drinks!
After the gunboat was commissioned in June 1941 and we see from the service record provided by Leading Seaman, William Etchells, that he was on board during the working up at Fort William (HMS St Christopher) later that month. Most gunboats and crew were trained at St Christopher. It seems that 27 was in Scotland for a month before returning south to HMS Hornet which was by then the primary south coast base for Coastal Forces. This record (above) indicates further training in and around Portsmouth, then deployment to HMS Forte (Falmouth) in late 1941.
During his two years on board 27, William met his wife-to-be. Many Coastal Forces boats were based in that sheltered harbour, with all its associated rivers and creeks. A local launch by the name of “MOYANNA” was operated by a group of WRNS to make deliveries of mail and provisions around the various moorings. It was on such a crossing that William had a chance meeting with one of the young WRNS, Avis Jane. They subsequently married as can be seen on the service record which shows MASB 27 as ‘address’.
For ‘D-Day Revisited’, the historical significance of MASB 27 is its support of the Normandy Landings which commenced on 6th June 1944. Although official records do not place 27 among vessels directly involved with the beach assault, all Royal Navy resources based along the Channel coast would be engaged in useful contribution.
LIFE AFTER WWII
After its war service, like many timber gunboats, MA/SB 27 was sold off to become a houseboat. All armaments were removed. The three 24 litre Napier engines were taken out. In many cases, gunboat engines had been supplied by Packard under the Lend-Lease Agreement with the United States and were duly returned after hostilities.
The Jaffe family spent many happy times on board MASB 27 after the war
Many of these boats were scrapped in 1945; some used as targets for gunnery practice. The story shows that 27 narrowly survived the scrap yard in 1945 and again in 1986/87. Alongside this, she survived war service; perhaps we have a lucky boat.
After the death of John Yorath in 1980, his family sold the boat to a Russian enthusiast whose ambitious plan was to convert 27 into a luxury motor launch. Work was commenced by Hamble Yacht Services, removing the military superstructure and changing much of the interior layout. The new owner ran out of money, leaving the boat to be repossessed to settle debts. The aging gunboat was then offered for sale, now in a deteriorated condition. After a couple of years, journalist Jonathan Eastland made what he called a ‘reluctant purchase’ with potential for a restoration. For the time being he converted 27 to a habitable houseboat and that was how it remained for twenty years.
MASB 27 being moved from Hamble in Hampshire to Watchet in Somerset in 2013
Acknowledging that restoration plans were beyond his capability, Mr. Eastland sold the boat to Owen Childs who moved it to Watchet Harbour. Although some work was carried out towards a restoration, once again the project was judged too daunting and costly so in 2016 ‘D-Day Revisited’ purchased what remained of MA/SB 27 for a total restoration. At 75 years old, the good news is that 27 has a sound hull. Originally built in double and triple diagonal Honduras mahogany, the structure survived remarkably well.
Thanks to the Jaffe family, Mike Barnard and Richard Etchells for kindly allowing us to use their photographs here to tell the fascinating story of MASB 27.
RESTORATION PLAN
Rather than create a static museum piece, the plan was set to restore MASB 27 to its wartime condition, hopefully to last many more years. The hull was refurbished externally and internally. A new superstructure and deck were fitted to match the original, using historic MoD plans and 1940s photographs.
Original Napier Sea Lion engines were W12 in geometry, with a swept volume of 24 litres. Each could produce 550 horsepower for short periods, more comfortably 500 HP in maintained cruise. Three of these engines had been used in 27 – giving a total maximum output of 1,650 HP. To replicate this, Cummins provided three straight six turbodiesel marine engines from their Darlington factory, each mapped to that same 550 HP.
Weapons were sourced to match the original Vickers and Lewis guns, although of course de-activated replicas. A rear deck mounted Oerlikon ‘Pom-Pom’ had been included in a later wartime re-fit but does not feature in the restored specification. The plan was always for MASB 27 to once again become a proper seaworthy vessel.
Restoration work was carried out within the secure estate at Hawarden Airfield near Chester, repairing patches of hull damage caused by wet rot. New mahogany boarding was used to match original timbers, and most of the original hull structure has been saved, treated and improved for extended life. Extracted timbers were reworked where possible to recycle into the gunboat, maintaining as much originality as possible.
The wheelhouse superstructure was made approximately three inches higher in order to include an access door which did feature in the wartime design. This adjustment provided safe and convenient access for elderly veterans and other visitors. The wheelhouse itself was made approximately 16 inches (400mm) longer so that visitors could have more space. Although this strays from precise authenticity, the change overcomes an original design flaw.
MASB 27 reached a practical completion in April 2019, having suffered a number of delays and setbacks as one can expect with such a project. The completed boat was lifted out of its makeshift Hawarden ‘boatyard’ on Thursday 2nd May.
After transport by road to the Hamble Point Marina near Southampton, the completed gunboat was lifted into the ‘oggin’. Sitting comfortably in exactly the correct line, she was pulled by rope into a working-up berth nearby. Within a few hours, two wing engines were started, with the third (middle) engine running the following morning.
The next few weeks were taken up as a mass of jobs were tackled: installing the mast and anchoring system, commissioning all electrics, plumbing, navigation equipment, etc.
After a couple of weeks of such preparations, all was ready for sea trials. With a volunteer crew made up of Royal Navy and other senior military, MASB 27 took on fuel and was navigated out into the Solent, then across towards the Isle of Wight at speed.
Upon completion of sea trials, on Sunday 2nd June our fully restored gunboat was motored around to the Portsmouth Historic Naval Base to join the Memorial Flotilla. With Piper on foredeck, 27 berthed at the newly completed Memorial Jetty alongside restored WW2 gunboat, MGB 81. Here she was viewed by British and American D-Day Veterans gathering for the crossing to Normandy for commemoration and celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Invasion. We were delighted to welcome on board Mike Barnard and his family. Son of wartime crew member, Ernest (Able Seaman/Gunner), Mike enjoyed a nostalgic tour of 27.
JUNE 2019: THE CHANNEL CROSSING
The following morning, our flotilla set out into the Solent, settling on station to join the Brittany Ferries “Normandie” service departing at 1445. With around 100 D-Day veterans on board, everything was in readiness for a grand tribute as the loaded vessel left its berth. As the ferry passed HM Naval Base and the new Fleet Carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, four P2000 patrol boats edged out to lead the way, with HMS Medusa, MGB 81, HSL 102 and MASB 27 falling in immediately behind, followed by a collection of a dozen Dunkirk ‘Little Ships’. The stern-most positioning of HMS St Albans completed the tribute as the entire flotilla slowly made its way past the Spinnaker Tower and out to sea.
It seemed to the delight of crowds watching from on board, passing Spithead the three WW2 gunboats accelerated past the ferry on its starboard quarter. After slowing down to attach gun covers, in close company of MGB 81 and HSL 102, on MASB 27 we set course for Ouistreham and increased speed to 26 knots. The sea was pretty bouncy for the first 20 miles, with 102 occasionally going out of sight in clouds of spray as it bumped its way through heavy swell. On 27 we experienced some ‘bumping’ but it was not uncomfortable. D handles fixed around the wheelhouse interior were put to good use!
The sea began to settle and became quite calm by the time we entered the lea of Cherbourg’s peninsula. For the last 10 miles it seemed we were skidding over a sheet of glass…. perfect conditions and a treat to be on board. 102 had a couple of brief problems with one engine, but this caused marginal delay as she slowed occasionally to clear the fault. Otherwise, the 3 old ladies looked like sprightly and very business-like gunboats – powering across the sea in exact repeat of those long-ago nights when they took the same route to misbehave along that enemy-occupied coastline
Our view was mainly of the Motor Gun Boat, MGB 81, at perfect angle, doing an untroubled 30 knots together as we approached the Ouistreham channel. Once into the harbour, we idled engines to await opening of the lock gate into the Orne Canal. It was at this point that, naturally, our ‘Subby’ slipped down to the galley to switch on the kettle for a nice cup of tea; what else should the Royal Navy do when arriving in France? With electrics in full use, the main fuse blew; we lost everything, including transmission control. So, there followed a troubling few minutes as we quickly took a line from HSL 102 to keep us from drifting. There was calm management of both boats as our engineers quickly focused attention on finding a fix. Port authority representatives dealt smoothly with entry procedures, and our electrics were soon reconnected. In line astern, the 3 boats idled up the Orne Canal to Pegasus Bridge. Still light, it was a quiet and quite idyllic scene as the three gunboats headed for berth alongside the historic bridge, scene of the first British assault in the early hours of D-Day. Once there, we had to ask a couple of pipers to take a rest as we couldn’t hear mooring instructions with that racket going on!
So – we got there. Not only under her own power for the first time since 1945, but MASB 27 had crossed to Normandy for the first time since making valuable contribution to that historic D-Day beach invasion which led to the liberation of Europe. Full of energy, our restored gunboat stormed across at speed, under the White Ensign again – back on duty.
RESTORATION – COSTS & PLANS
The primary engineering cost was the purchase of three Cummins turbo-diesel engines, including marine accessories and transmissions. At 550 HP each, Cummins was able to supply these new engines mapped to match the horsepower of original Napier Sea Lion engines. Including purchase of the boat itself, initial restoration costs totalled approximately £500,000, a lower than expected figure due to donated, skilled labour. Happily the covered working area at Hawarden airfield was provided free of charge by Colin Butt of CCB Property Partnership LLP. Specialist engineering skills were available on the BAe/AIRBUS Estate from the primary company supporting ‘D-Day Revisited’, with free-of-charge utilities and office facilities.
MASB 27 is to be the “Surviving Veteran”: a tribute to the wartime Coastal Forces and those who protected the British Isles when under threat of invasion. As a finished vessel there will be opportunity for young cadets to learn seamanship on a veteran craft. Although planned to be based in Portsmouth, at or near the historic naval dockyard after its return Channel crossing to Normandy in June 2019, MASB 27 underwent various repairs and improvements in Port Hamble and Gosport. This included re-setting the mahogany deck covering and replacement of the hull coating below the water line. Damage resulted from an error made during the restoration, unfortunately exacerbated by the enforced neglect caused by pandemic disruptions during 2020 & 2021.
GRP sheathing was applied to the hull under the waterline during the second half of 2022; this strengthened the structure and provided a long-lasting waterproof seal. The gunboat was returned to Hawarden in Autumn of 2023 where a new timber deck was fitted. During engine and transmission servicing, opportunity was taken to carry out a facelift which included fresh painting and the installation of new stainless steel railings to match the wartime design.
Although every effort has been made to restore this historic gunboat faithfully to its 1941 design, it’s inevitable that modern requirements must be taken into account. Accordingly, MASB 27 is fitted with Raymarine radio, radar and satellite navigation. Ironically, the wheelhouse interior includes the original wartime barometer, ship’s clock and a radio transmitter/ receiver used in wartime Coastal Forces.
THE FUTURE OF HM MASB 27
The only significant fundraising activity was carried out at the Goodwood Revival in September 2016. This raised £75,000, less costs, all directed to the restoration project. The obvious shortfall was discussed with the chartered accountants representing ‘D-Day Revisited’. An important consideration was to recognise the responsibility to all those who donated through Goodwood and to the veterans themselves, to ensure the project would be taken to a proper conclusion. To this end, a sponsoring company agreed to meet all costs through to completion and took a 1st Charge on the restored gunboat.
This funding support secured competent completion without the need for cutting corners in terms of quality. Proceeds generated by deployment of MASB 27, and/or its ultimate disposal, is hoped to settle the 1st Charge which is being duly recorded.
Completion was indeed on time for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Subsequently there was a keen ambition to take part in the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Channel Islands. Although arranged for VE Day 2020, this plan was unfortunately scuppered by the pandemic. Subject to ongoing reliability, there exists an ambitious aim in due course for a part re-run of the “Millin-Montgomery Voyage” performed (with a relay of various boats) during May/June 2014 in commemoration and celebration of the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day and an opportunity for the restored gunboat to be celebrated and shared with the public. D-Day Revisited was thrilled to be invited by the Duke of Richmond & Gordon to present MASB 27 at the Goodwood Revival 6th-8th September.
There was a steady stream of interested visitors queuing up for a tour of the gunboat’s WWII themed interior led by D-Day Revisited Chairman John Phipps and Royal Navy Rear Admiral Rex Cox CB. Visitors included the Hoskyns family and one very special guest, Georgina Hoskyns daughter of wartime CO of 27, John Alexander Cecil Findlay (JAC Findlay). She recounted her memories of a variety of Coastal Forces Gunboats being decommissioned after VE Day had been declared.
Another family visitor was Matt Barnard, grandson of late WWII gunner and MASB 27 veteran, Ernie Barnard.
Tosh MacDonald was invited to be the main piper at the D-DAY 80 anniversary “moment” on the race course that Sunday afternoon, but treated us to a prelude on the deck of the MASB beforehand. This was quite a spectacle with views extending out across the Goodwood site!
For the future the permanent destination of MASB 27 is expected to be most likely at the historic naval base in Portsmouth. It is hoped the gunboat will be saved for the Nation in the long term. In this way ongoing care can be assured, with opportunities to take part in operations at sea during which the gunboat can be publicly displayed.
It is further hoped the gunboat can spend some time in the North of England and in Scotland so that regional balance may be provided. After all, this gunboat was ‘worked-up’ in 1941 on Loch Linnhe at the Coastal Forces training centre, HMS St Christopher.
The future: time will tell but the gunboat has been saved and returned to sea-going condition. The aim of our restoration was to make this wartime gunboat alive once again. Instead of a static relic in a museum, we held onto costly determination for MASB 27 to be once again a powerful gunboat skimming the water at 30 plus knots. As the “Surviving Veteran”, 27 is charged with telling the story of Coastal Forces and showing new generations what it was like to fight the Battle of the Narrow Seas.