Save MGB53
Donation protected
Over the past few years dozens of historically significant boats of WW2 have been neglected and destroyed to the extent that there are very few left. The last ones need preserving so that current and future generations can understand the role they played in defending our Islands at home and abroad.
MGB 53 was initially a purchased by the French as a Torpedo Boat (VTB 24) in February 1940.
26 May 1940 she went to Dunkirk to cover the evacuation of the BEF during this time on 30 May she sustained serious damage to her bow. requiring a return to the UK for repairs.
Following the French Surrender she was seized by the Royal Navy and put into British Service as a Motor Anti-Submarine Boat (MASB 53). Later being redesignated Motor Gunboat 53, withe the 4th MGB flotilla operating out of Fowey.
She was fitted with 3 Rolls Royce Merlin engines capable of powering her up to 39.5 Knots over a range of 400NM.
She was armed with 2x Twin Vickers Machine Guns, 2x Twin Lewis side turrets, 1x 20mm Oerlikon and 2 depth charges.
She was brought to Hythe multiple time for repairs indicating a very active service and incredibly she survives to this day... So far.
MGB 53 is the latest example of an important historical boat at risk of destruction. The money from this campaign will be used to safely transport, store and preserve the hull of this, last of it's kind, boat with a view to then securing the funds to fully restore her for use as a museum and educational cruiser.
Thank you very much for donating what you can. Please give us your thoughts too and be part of the community.
MGB 53 was initially a purchased by the French as a Torpedo Boat (VTB 24) in February 1940.
26 May 1940 she went to Dunkirk to cover the evacuation of the BEF during this time on 30 May she sustained serious damage to her bow. requiring a return to the UK for repairs.
Following the French Surrender she was seized by the Royal Navy and put into British Service as a Motor Anti-Submarine Boat (MASB 53). Later being redesignated Motor Gunboat 53, withe the 4th MGB flotilla operating out of Fowey.
She was fitted with 3 Rolls Royce Merlin engines capable of powering her up to 39.5 Knots over a range of 400NM.
She was armed with 2x Twin Vickers Machine Guns, 2x Twin Lewis side turrets, 1x 20mm Oerlikon and 2 depth charges.
She was brought to Hythe multiple time for repairs indicating a very active service and incredibly she survives to this day... So far.
MGB 53 is the latest example of an important historical boat at risk of destruction. The money from this campaign will be used to safely transport, store and preserve the hull of this, last of it's kind, boat with a view to then securing the funds to fully restore her for use as a museum and educational cruiser.
Thank you very much for donating what you can. Please give us your thoughts too and be part of the community.
Organizer
Peter Scott
Organizer
England
