There have been many 55th flotillas over the years but the one in question here is the group of Fairmile “D” class motor torpedo boats built in the early 1940’s. The 55th was a feared flotilla distinctive by their mark, huge sharks teeth painted on the bow, and were instrumental in the protection of allied waters during World War Two.
After their duties were done there was no place for these fuel hungry vessels so they were sold off, many becoming houseboats. MTB 682, or “Lunasea” as we named her, was one such boat. Bought by our folks in 1980, she remained our home for over twenty years. Sadly she is no more, broken up on her berth, now replaced with the beautiful “Fische” a german minesweeper built in 1960. The 55th flotilla is the brainchild of brothers Jake and Toby Cole running the whole show from within their Minesweeper. One of the founding members of the Shoreham Electronic Alliance, they have been busy the last few years writing anything from chillout to gabba and back again, live gigs and the now famous ShorehamEA podcasts. We hope you enjoy!
In memory of these fine craft we give you “The 55th Flotilla”
“The coastal forces operating in the eastern task force area are doing fine work. MTBs have intercepted each night. It is largely due to them that the assault area has been enjoying immunity from surface attack. The 55th Flotilla, under Lt. Cdr. Bradford, have particularly distinguished themselves”
excerpt from “The Battle Of The Narrow Seas”
“That there is no glory to be had out of war that cannot be had out of some greater and more creative enterprise.” “The least and the most that any of us can do is to devote ourselves to finding a complete and lasting peace and then to maintaining it with all our energy.”
Quote from Lt. Cdr. Peter Scott M.B.E, D.S.C & bar,R.N.V.R (Royal Navy Volunteer Reserves).
