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The three boats, HM MTB-697, HM MTB-633 and HM MGB-658 departed Rab Island, Yugoslavia at about 2030 hrs. Apr. 16, 1945 for a patrol in the Adriatic Sea, the patrol was uneventful until 0230 on April 17, 1945 when MTB-697 detonated a mine off Krk Island. The tremendous explosion destroyed everything behind the bridge and set the petrol tanks on fire. What remained of the forward section of the boat remained afloat, but was soon ablaze. Most of the crew died in the explosion, but the commanding officer, Lt. Dennis Booth, R.N.V.R. and two ratings survived, the ratings were both badly injured and picked up out of the water by one of the other boats. The rescue was made under difficult circumstances, but was none the less effected by the men of MTB-633 and MGB-658. Even in the face of the fire on the water, ammunition from the sinking MTB exploding around them, mines which could be seen (and those that couldn't) and the ever present threat of shelling from the shore, they searched in the dark until they were sure no living men were remaining. |
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Roll of Honour |
In memory of those who lost their lives in HM MTB-697 "As long as we embrace them in our memory, their spirit will always be with us" |
Name |
Rate |
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Beddoes, John I. |
Able Seaman |
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Clarke, Dennis G. |
Stoker 1st Class |
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Clarke, James T. |
Stoker 2nd Class |
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Colthurst, John H. |
Motor Mechanic |
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Constable, Kenneth G. |
Able Seaman |
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Dickens, Arthur |
Leading Stoker |
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Fennell, Frank E. |
Able Seaman |
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Peabody, Leonard R. |
Stoker 1st Class |
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Price, Clifford |
Able Seaman |
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Richardson, Brian T. |
Chief Motor Mechanic |
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