MGB 60

MGB 60 was originally ordered as VTB33 by the French but was taken over by the Navy in July 1940 whilst still under construction. The Royal Navy made some modifications to add stiffening and commissioned the vessel as MASB60 (Motor Anti Submarine Boat) on 13 November 1940. In January 1941 she was re-designated MGB 60.

She was originally allocated to the 4th MASB Flotilla but when re-designated joined the 6th MGB flotilla which formed up at Fowey in February 1941. The senior officer was Lt Peter Howes in MGB61. MGB 60s CO was Lt Dicky Richards and in MGB 64 Lt Robert Hichens.

On 6 March 1941, the 6th flotilla sailed for its operational base at Felixstowe (HMS Beehive) from where they soon saw action. On 17/18 April MGB 60, 59 and 64 were in action against E Boats off the East Coast.

On 18 August MGB 60 sustained fore damage while at HMS Beehive and was out of action until November. Back in service, on the night of 21/22 April 1942 with 58, 64 and 67 she was up against E Boats off Ostend. Further actions followed on 6/7 June and on 2/3 October in conjunction with 77, 78 and 81 of the 8th flotilla now commanded by Lt Hichens.

MGB 60 underwent hull repairs at Brightlingsea in the Spring of 1943 during which she was fitted with a Type 286PU radar. Further repairs were carried out in June.

By late 1943 the boat was nearing the end of its operational life and in December was used for target towing at Portsmouth. By March 44 after further repair at Oulton Broad she was target towing out of Harwich and Lowestoft.

She was finally paid off in August 1944 and on 9 September slipped to have her three Rolls Royce Merlins removed. She was laid up in Oulton Broad and was still there in July 1945. In May 1946 she was purchased by Mr and Mrs Squire and converted to a houseboat, "Nordwind". Very shortly after she moved to Sun Wharf at Woodbridge where she remained for the next 42 years.

In Jan 98 she was acquired by the Trust and moved to Newson's Yard Oulton Broad where she was undergoing restoration until a fire at the yard resulted in her total loss.