Name MASB 27

MASB 27 was built as a coastal defence gunboat in 1941 by the British Power Boat Company at Hythe. She is of double diagonal construction in Honduras mahogany.

She served in the Second World War as a Motor Anti-Submarine Boat, deployed also on air-sea rescue duties as well as clandestine operations off the Brittany coast. Prior to D-Day she was used for reconnaissance along the Normandy coastline, especially to take sand samples to check on beach load-bearing capacity. Recollections from wartime crew members tell of support to frogmen operations to destroy underwater defences off the Normandy landing beaches prior to D-Day, then deployment in support of the US Army assault on Omaha Beach. Research is ongoing to secure evidence from official records.”

In the immediate post-war period MASB 27 was converted to a houseboat which was moored at Itchenor near Chichester. After a change of ownership in the 1980s the vessel underwent further conversion for use as a houseboat moored at Swanwick.

Restoration to wartime condition was completed in May 2019 when the gunboat was launched at the Hamble Point Marina. Restoration included a new wheelhouse to original design, new decks, stern gear, engines and a major refit below decks. New replica weaponry completed the effort.

After sea trials on the Solent under her own power for the first time since 1945, MASB 27 completed a successful crossing to Normandy on 3rd June 2019 and joined ceremonies to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. A short visit was made to St Peter Port in Guernsey en route back to Hamble Point. Neglect followed as a result of pandemic lock-down restrictions and in July 2021 MASB 27 was moved to Endeavour Marina in Gosport for hull repairs and improvements. On completion and in good order, in early August 2022 the gunboat was motored across to take a berth at the Portsmouth Naval Base.”

In 2021 MASB 27 was moved to Endeavour Marina in Gosport for hull repairs and improvements. Subject to permissions, it is hoped the gunboat will visit Guernsey for liberation celebrations in May 2022 after which she is expected to be berthed at the Portsmouth Naval Base Memorial Jetty.