Royal Navy Class MTBs and MGBs 1939-1945: The Unsung Heroes of the Seas

In the midst of World War II, the Royal Navy Class Motor Torpedo Boats (MTBs) and Motor Gun Boats (MGBs) emerged as the unsung heroes of the seas. This article delves into the details of these remarkable vessels, their role in the war, and the brave men who crewed them.

: The Need for Speed and Stealth

As the war escalated, the naval battleground expanded beyond traditional naval vessels. The Germans, in particular, had developed fast-moving and heavily armed E-boats that wreaked havoc on allied shipping lines. To counter this threat, the Royal Navy designed a new class of boats, the MTBs and MGBs, which could navigate shallow waters and swiftly engage the enemy.

Technical Specifications: Unmatched Capabilities

The Royal Navy MTBs and MGBs were lightweight, wooden boats designed for speed, agility, and firepower. They typically ranged from 60 to 70 feet in length and were powered by powerful engines, ensuring they could outrun enemy vessels if necessary.

Dog Boats at War: Royal Navy D Class MTBs and MGBs 1939-1945

by Matthew P. Canepa(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6404 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	331 pages

FREE

Equipped with torpedoes, cannons, and machine guns, these boats were capable of taking on larger enemy warships. Their low profile and advanced stealth technologies made it easier for them to approach undetected, allowing them to carry out surprise attacks on German convoys, patrols, and even surface vessels.

Crew: Fearless and Skilled

The men who crewed these vessels were a special breed. They underwent rigorous training to master the art of close-quarter combat, navigation, and torpedo operations. Operating in extremely dangerous conditions, these courageous sailors often found themselves outnumbered and outgunned but remained undeterred in their mission to disrupt the enemy's maritime operations.

Actions in Battle: Tales of Bravery

The MTBs and MGBs were involved in numerous daring actions throughout the war. One notable engagement was the Battle of St. Nazaire in 1942, where a group of British MTBs executed a daring raid on the heavily fortified port, disabling the German warship Tirpitz.

Another remarkable operation was the Channel Dash in 1942, where MTBs launched surprise attacks on the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau, hindering their escape from the French coast.

Legacy and Recognition

Despite their critical roles in the war, the bravery and contributions of the MTB and MGB crews often went unrecognized. These unsung heroes played a vital part in naval operations and their actions ultimately helped secure victory for the Allies.

The Royal Navy Class MTBs and MGBs of 1939-1945 proved to be formidable assets in the fight against German naval superiority. These small but mighty vessels and their skilled crews showcased exceptional bravery and dedication in the face of danger, earning them a rightful place in history as unsung heroes of the seas.

As we remember the sacrifices made by the sailors who manned these boats, let us recognize the immense impact they had in turning the tides of war and ensuring a safer world for future generations.

Dog Boats at War: Royal Navy D Class MTBs and MGBs 1939-1945

by Matthew P. Canepa(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6404 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	331 pages

FREE

Built of plywood and measuring 115 feet long, powered by four supercharged petrol engines and armed to the teeth with heavy weapons, the 'D' Class Motor Gun Boats (MGBs) and Motor Torpedo Boats (MTBs) were better known as Dog Boats and played havoc with enemy shipping in home and foreign waters. During three years of war they engaged the enemy on more than 350 occasions, sinking and damaging many ships. Dog Boats at War is the authoritative account of operations by the Royal Navy's 'D' Class MGBs and MTBs in the Second World War in Home, Mediterranean and Norwegian waters. As well as drawing on official records - both British and German - the author has contacted several hundred Dog Boat veterans whose eye witness accounts add drama to the unfolding story.