Zeebrugge - Coastal Motor Boats

[paul_adam]

I am researching Edward Humphreys, an Able Seaman, who was at Zeebrugge on one of the Coastal Motor Boats. All I know (not from his service record) is that he said he was stationed at Dunkirk, and so was not a volunteer. From what I can gather (the despatch in the Gazette), there were six CMBs from Dunkirk used in the raid, being numbers 2, 4, 10 and 12 (40 feet), and 19 and 20 (55 feet). I understand they had quite small crews (five or so men in all).

Does anyone know if there are crew lists available anywhere for the CMBs?

Many thanks, Paul

[melliget]

Paul.

I don't whether there are crew lists for the CMBs anywhere. I'm doubtful, seeing as they were such small vessels. I did a quick search through ADM 53 (ships' logs) for 1918 and could only find mention of TORPEDO BOATS and PATROL BOATS. None of the patrol boats had letters after the number, which some of the CMBs did.

According to "THE BLOCKING OF ZEEBRUGGE" by Captain A.F.B. Carpenter, V.C., R.N. (1922), the CMBs you mention, plus 29A and 34A, were involved in the simultaneous Ostende part of the operation, not Zeebrugge. The book lists the following CMBs as being part of the inshore forces at Zeebrugge:

No's 5, 7, 15, 16A, 17A, 21B, 22B, 23B, 24A, 25BD, 26B, 27A, 28A, 30B, 32A and 35A.

The book is freely available online here:

http://www.archive.o...age/n9/mode/2up

The Appendix, which lists all the vessels involved, is here:

http://www.archive.o...ge/284/mode/2up

You may also be interested in another free online book on the raid:

APRIL 23: MAY 10, 1918

The Dispatches of

Vice-Admiral Sir Roger Keyes, K.C.B., K.C.V.O.

http://www.archive.o...age/n5/mode/2up

CMBs have 3 references in Index:

C.M.B.s, Report on, 169, 185, 196

http://www.archive.o...ge/168/mode/2up

http://www.archive.o...ge/184/mode/2up

http://www.archive.o...ge/196/mode/2up

A Percy Humphreys is mentioned, unfortunately not Edward.

This site has a useful resource on battle honours:

http://www.naval-history.net/WW1NavyBritishBattleHonours.htm

Was there little information in his service record or have you not downloaded it?

regards,

Martin

[paul_adam]

Thank you for all this information Martin, in particular the links to further reading. I have checked the despatch and CMBs 10, 12 and 19 are mentioned in the Ostende operations, so I imagine the references to his taking part in the ‘Zeebrugge Raid’ were a generalization. I have downloaded his papers – copy attached – nothing too revealing that I can see.

I am researching Kent Cricket Club players service during WWI, and Edward Humphreys was one of those men. The Club committee minutes are the source of the information about him taking part in Zeebrugge, being stationed at Dunkirk and his comment that no one at Dunkirk was actually asked to volunteer. I assume from that he meant their part in the operation was part of their usual activities, and they were not given a choice.

Thanks again, Paul

[horatio2]

The old cruiser HMS ARROGANT was the depot ship for motor boats at Dover from October 1917 until March 1919.

[paul_adam]

Thanks Horatio – I guess the men stationed at Dunkirk would have remained attached to HMS Arrogant. As I understand it, the advanced base was established at Dunkirk at the end of 1916 – four CMBs in all. With no prepared base, they berthed alongside a steel barge that the men lived on during winter.

[paul_adam]

I have been in touch with the Naval Historical Branch at Portsmouth, and they confirm no crew lists for the CMBs, so unlikely I will pin down which one Humphreys was serving on. However knowing those at Dunkirk were employed at Ostend does mean I have some understanding of his involvement in the raid. Many thanks for the help. Paul

[mooza12]

Hi Paul. I read your post with great excitement. My brother is currently restoring CMB9. she was responsible for the sinking of a
German Destroyer. CMB 4 is thought to be the only one in existence but this vessel will hopefully be ready to hit the water again in around 2 weeks time when she will take part in WW1 centenary celebrations. CMB9 was converted to a top secret Distance Control Boat (Dcb1) around 1918. I was doing research yesterday and saw this post. I had found the following clip which led us to actually find the crew of our boat!! It doesn't mention your relation but I hope it might point you in the right direction. If you - or anyone else - would like to follow us, we have a facebook page - CMB9/DCB1. Thank you

http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=DOM19190510.2.40

[paul_adam]

Hi, and a big thanks for the information. I will look out for news of CMB 4 with interest. If you do subsequently find any more information on the CMBs based at Dunkirk I would love to hear from you. Good luck with the launch!

Paul

[mooza12]

CMB 9 Paul!! yes I will and thank you

[paul_adam]

Got it - and am following your facebook page. Some interesting photoraphs on there and that fantastic video clip too.

[Guest]

On 27/05/2013 at 21:07, paul_adam said:

I am researching Edward Humphreys, an Able Seaman, who was at Zeebrugge on one of the Coastal Motor Boats. All I know (not from his service record) is that he said he was stationed at Dunkirk, and so was not a volunteer. From what I can gather (the despatch in the Gazette), there were six CMBs from Dunkirk used in the raid, being numbers 2, 4, 10 and 12 (40 feet), and 19 and 20 (55 feet). I understand they had quite small crews (five or so men in all).

Does anyone know if there are crew lists available anywhere for the CMBs?

Many thanks, Paul