MTB 376 and 422 under LT Blomfield 13-14 Sept 1944

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   Dear all, 
I'm looking at more information on MTB 376 and 422 which served under LT. Blomfield, Coastal command in the Corsica/Genoa area in summer 1944. 

They were part of a joint USN, RN attack on a converted German uboot chaser UJ2216 in the Genoa (Italy) area on September 13-14 night 1944. 

I have the after action report from the UJ2216 commander, and am looking at more info and sources from the attacking side and also some general information on these type of MTB (vosper and higgins). 

Of course any general information on operations by the British coastal force in this area is appreciated, as well as any info on joint operations with US PT RON 15 and PT RON 29. 

Background of my request is that I'm a technical diver who has dives a couple of times on the UJ sunk. It's atypical of most of the converted UBoot chasers of that area in that is was a converted de Rotschild yacht. It sits on it's keel at 62m depth, bow area fully intact with double AA 20mm guns pointing upward. Stern area (were the torpedo from one of the MTBs or the PT hit) is destroyed and the 88mm gun is gone. Lot's of shell casings left and some depth charges. All in all diving on it stirred my imagination. ;-)

Thanks for your support. 

Best regards,

Beester 

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beester Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 21 June 2016 Location: Belgium Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote beester Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: MTB 376 and 422 under LT Blomfield 13-14 Sept 1944 Posted: 21 June 2016 at 3:10pm
	Dear all, I'm looking at more information on MTB 376 and 422 which served under LT. Blomfield, Coastal command in the Corsica/Genoa area in summer 1944. They were part of a joint USN, RN attack on a converted German uboot chaser UJ2216 in the Genoa (Italy) area on September 13-14 night 1944. I have the after action report from the UJ2216 commander, and am looking at more info and sources from the attacking side and also some general information on these type of MTB (vosper and higgins). Of course any general information on operations by the British coastal force in this area is appreciated, as well as any info on joint operations with US PT RON 15 and PT RON 29. Background of my request is that I'm a technical diver who has dives a couple of times on the UJ sunk. It's atypical of most of the converted UBoot chasers of that area in that is was a converted de Rotschild yacht. It sits on it's keel at 62m depth, bow area fully intact with double AA 20mm guns pointing upward. Stern area (were the torpedo from one of the MTBs or the PT hit) is destroyed and the 88mm gun is gone. Lot's of shell casings left and some depth charges. All in all diving on it stirred my imagination. ;-) Thanks for your support. Best regards, Beester

Pioneer Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Pioneer Joined: 07 December 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 675	Post Options Post Reply Quote Pioneer Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 21 June 2016 at 4:17pm
	From the Veterans website databases. MTB 376 Vosper 71' 0½" Motor Torpedo Boat Builder's Yard: Annapolis Yacht Yard, Maryland Completion: 19th November 1943 Loss or Disposal: 15th October 1945 Notes: MTB 376 was built under licence in the United States as British PT 66, and was transferred to the Royal Navy under lend-lease in December 1943, and survived the war to be returned to the United States Navy on 18 October 1945. This boat was later transferred to the Marina Militare in 1947 MTB 422 Higgins 81' Motor Torpedo Boat Builder's Yard: Higgins, USA Completion: 29th December 1942 Loss or Disposal: 16th October 1945 Notes: MTB 422 was originally under construction for the USSR but was transferred under Lend-Lease from the United States in April 1943. MGB 422 was returned to the United States Navy on 16 October 1945.
	Pioneer - Forum Moderator

johnk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 March 2006 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1355	Post Options Post Reply Quote johnk Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 June 2016 at 2:26pm
	Hi there, Just spotted this post a short absence due to technical problems, very interesting indeed, fascinating to read about the details of the event and of the vessel in it current state, all the best. Johnk

Bill Taylor Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 04 October 2016 Location: West Wales Status: Offline Points: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote Bill Taylor Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 October 2016 at 9:55am
	My father (also William Taylor) was the PO Motor Mechanic on MTB 422 throughout its service with the RN. He picked up the boat for its running-up trials in Chesapeake Bay and then served throughout the Med for the rest of the war. The flotilla was transported from the USA on freighter(s) and was intended for service in the Pacific via Suez. However the destruction of many MTBs in the bombing of Malta lad to the flotilla being reassigned for service in the Mediterranean - basically keeping abreast of the 8th Army. MTB 422 was credited with 12 kills and my Dad was mentioned in despatches. As an 11-year old in 1957, when on holiday in Italy, he took me to La Spezia where he showed me where 422 had torpedoed a German destroyer in the harbour entrance. I have a lot of digitalised photographs and a few newspaper cuttings. My Dad died back in 1983
	Bill Taylor