The late Young Jack Powles relates the routines of Broads Flotilla personel while on waterborne patrols ~
Normally the day started with a debriefing once the officers had arrived, of course log books were filled in but any unusual sightings of people on or near the river were noted as well as any airplane noises.
Licenses were issued to anybody legally allowed to be afloat such as eel catchers and the like but in any case the boat crews got to know who should and who should not be afloat.
One night a gun punt was spotted skulking about Horsey Mere and the suspect was hauled alongside and quizzed. The suspect said that he was just out for a row and climbed ashore and disappeared, the petty officer in charge decided to tow the punt back to Wroxham where it was for a time used about the yard until the well to do owner of Horsey Hall found out and raised merry hell where upon the punt had to be returned to him.
The evening patrols departed HMS IOLANTHE about 7pm once the Lewis guns had been mounted on the motor cruisers bows, their orders could take them anywhere, Barton, Horsey, Dilham, or a bit closer to home, Coltishall. Once the patrol boat arrived at the destination food and drink was served out and they started out for home about 5am where on arrival the crews turned in for a couple of hours.
If though reports were received concerning enemy paratroopers then extra patrols were turned out and no sleep was the order of the day.
Motor Launch SLIM JIM II, No B501, built 1926 by HC Banham, Horning. Berthed at Granary Dyke, Hoveton St John. Said to be part of the HMS IOLANTHE fleet of patrol craft.
Photos: IWM Admiralty Official Collections, Andrew Nicholson ©
Nigel and Sara Royall
No comments:
Post a Comment