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Seafight on 15 March 1944 in the Channel, MTB versus Vorpostenboote

Discussion in 'Britain at Sea!' started by CNOCK, Jul 1, 2021.

  1. CNOCK

    CNOCK Member

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    Hello,

    does anyone knows more about British MTB,/MGB boats engaged against 18. Vorposten Flotilla on 15 March 1944 at. 20.40 hrs in the Channel near Cap Gris Nez.

    regards,

    Cnock
     
  2. ltdan

    ltdan Active Member

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    14- 3-1944
    On 14. 2200 h fdl. (enemy) S-boats off Graveines attacked 2 groups of the 36th MS Flottile and sank leader boat M3630 by torpedo shot.
    In renewed attack 2353 hrs, 1 S-boat was sunk in abrupt own defensive fire*, 1 more probably sunk.
    The departing S-boats came into battle contact with 18 Vp flotilla NE-ward Griz Nez shortly after midnight and suffered substantial losses. Details are still pending

    *MTB 417, lost with all hands (19)

    15- 3-1944
    Battle summary reports of S-boat skirmish on 14/3 evening see Fs. (Radio message) 0307, 0510, and 2153.
    18th VpFlottille had battle contact with several fdl. S-boats off Blanc Nez from 2040 to 2105 hrs. 4 opponents were sunk. Own losses were minor.


    16- 3-1944
    During the engagement of the 18th Vp flotilla, which encountered 10 fdl. S-boats on march from Calais to Boulogne 2040 h in AN 7991, 4 enemy boats were destroyed with safety. On own side only minor personnel losses occurred. Brief report 18th Vp flotilla
    see Fs 0040, short report BSW see Fs. 0110.
    Ob.d.M. recognized excellent performance of the 18.Vp flotilla under leadership of Kptlt. Behrends and the 36th MV Flotilla for the destruction of a total of 8 fdl. S-boats by telex: "Gut Gemacht" .(Well done)



    German part of text tranlated from here:
    Warsailors.com :: Ship Forum :: Re: Fate of German minesweeper M10?
    (There´s also the report from British side)

    M3630: https://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?74981
    MTB 417: https://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?243529
     
  3. RichTO90

    RichTO90 Well-Known Member

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    In der Nacht vom 14./15.3. greifen brit. MTB vor Gravelines 2 Rotten der dt. 36. M-Flottille (KKpt. Grosse) an und versenken das Führerboot M 3630 mit Torpedo. MTB 417 sinkt im Abwehrfeuer. Der ablaufende brit. Verband stößt nordostwärts Griz Nez auf Boote der 18. V-Flottille (KKpt. Boit).

    In der Nacht vom 15./16.3. versuchen die 5. S-Flottille (KKpt. Klug) mit S 100, S 143, S 141, S 139, S 84 und S 140 und die 9. S-Flottille mit S 144, S 145, S 146 und S 150 (Kptlt. von Mirbach) nördlich von Land´s End den brit. Konvoi WP.492 anzugreifen. Der Konvoi wird durch die Korvetten Azalea und Primrose gesichert. Die S-Boote werden beim Anmarsch durch die brit. Luftaufklärung geortet. Der Kreuzer Bellona läuft mit den Zerstörern Ashanti und Tartar aus und nimmt eine Deckungsposition ein, die »Hunt«-Zerstörer Melbreak und Brissenden, zwei Minensucher und Gruppen von MTBs werden gegen die dt. Boote angesetzt. Bei den Gefechten wird S 143 (OStrM Grüger) getroffen, der Kommandant wird getötet.

    Seekrieg 1944, März
     
  4. CNOCK

    CNOCK Member

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    Gentlemen,

    thanks You for the anwers!

    Ob.d.M. recognized excellent performance of the 18.Vp flotilla under leadership of Kptlt. Behrends and the 36th MV Flotilla for the destruction of a total of 8 fdl. S-boats by telex: "Gut Gemacht" .(Well done)


    I doubt that the British lost 4 or even 8 MTB vessels? Reports shows evidence 18 Vp. Fl. and 36. M.S. fired at the same ships. Somebody knows more?

    regards,

    Cnock
     

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