€The 2nd MTB Flotilla

Lt Cuthbert John Collingwood DSO R.N. MiD [MTB 11]

C J was C/O of MTB 27 from 21st October 1939 until he took over as C/O of MTB 11 until it was scuttled along with the remainig boats of the 2nd MTB flotilla at Nan'ao on the Dapeng Pensinsula in Mirs Bay on 26th December 1941

Lt Collingwood was 2nd in command of the 2nd MTB Flotilla under Lt-Cmdr Gandy of MTB 10

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Collingwood was Mentioned in Despatches for distinguished services during the defence of Hong Kong. v

MTB 11 on Flotilla patrol in formation

Fore more information on Cuthbert Collingwood click here.

C.J. on the Lewis guns & MTB 11 on patrol; Photos from C.J. Collingwood's & Al Downey's collection ©

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lt C J Collingwood RN in 1940

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MTB 11 being worked up at HMS Vernon after completion in July 1938 & laying depth charges on exercise in 1940.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lt C J Collingwood and crew in 1940

Photo from Lt Collingwood's collection ©

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loading the torpedos. Each BPB MTB carried two on overhead rails in the engine room. The torpedos faced foreward and were launched through ports in the stern into the flip over gantry rails. The direction of the boat was the direction of the torpedo, so once launched the boat had to veer off to allow the torpedo free way.

Photos from Lt Collingwood's collection ©

 

 

 

Lt Collingwood, Sub-Lt Brewer, Warrant Officer Wright, & Lt Ashby with ratings. A/B Ed Brazel MN is front row right.

 

Photo from Ron Ashby's collection ©

 

 

CJ kept an account of the escape and is survived by his widow Kay, son Nigel , & three daughters.