The 2nd MTB Flotilla

Lt Tommy M Parsons H.K.R.N.V.R. [MTB 27]

Lt Parsons was the third CO of MTB 27, the first being Lt Collingwood RN who tranfered to MTB 11, followed by Lt Kilbee who then took command of MTB 08 in April 1940.

MTB 27 was scuttled along with the remaing boats of the 2nd MTB Flotilla at Nan'ao in Mirs Bay China on 26th December 1941

MTB 27 was fitted with experimental exhaust mufflers and was known as the silent boat.

.Kweiyang 26th January 1942

Some of the Officers enjoying a day out in Kweiyang with their female hosts including Dr Lim's 15 year old daughter Effie in the tartan kilt. Sub-Lt's Gee & Legge were both brought up in Shanghai and spoke Mandarin.

The officers left to right are Sub-Lt Gee [MTB 07], Sub-Lt Brewer [MTB 09], Sub-Lt Legge [MTB 11], Lt Parsons [MTB 27], & Lt Alexander Kennedy of MTB 09, the author of the privately published book "Hong Kong Full Circle 1939-1945".

Photo from Alick Kennedy's collection ©

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MTB 27, a Thornycroft 55 foot ex Kuamintong CMB Kuai 20 completed 10th September 1938 loaded with depth charges and torpedos getting an XDO inspection in February 1940 with Lt Kilbee as her C/O..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MTB 27 underway with Lt Kilbee in command in March 1940.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MTB 27 alongside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MTB 27 alongside loaded with depth charges in liu of torpedos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on Tommy Parsons click here.

 

 

 

 

Caudae Spiculum Cave
(Beware the sting in the tail)