MGB 81

‘The Spitfires of the Sea’

Commonly known as ‘the Spitfires of the Sea’, the inspiration for the more famous PT boats of the United States Navy and the most successful ‘short’ boat of World War II, these 71’ 6” armoured speedboats were built by the British Powerboat Company from 1942 to counter the impact of the all-powerful E-boats of the German Navy which, following the German occupation of Holland, Belgium and France, were attacking at random Allied shipping in the English Channel and North Sea.

Capable of speeds up to 42 knots, these vessels played a vital role in the defence of this nation during World War II, operating in the most dangerous situations and often under cover of darkness.

The bravery of those who crewed these vessels is exemplified by the Commander of the flotilla to which MGB belonged, Lieutenant Commander ‘Hitch’ Hitchens DSO DSC, who became the 20th Century’s most highly decorated Officer.