Houseboat Mtb234
My aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Arthur Dowsett, moved to Lower Swanwick in 1958 when my uncle retired after working for many years as a signalman for BR. They bought a houseboat, a converted motor torpedo boat, mtb234, which at that time was moored at Swanwick Shore, a little way along from Moody's Boatyard. I spent some time staying with them during school holidays and from Jan 1968 until June 1970 I lived with them while studying at Southampton University. It was cold in winter and hot in summer, but was a fascinating place to live and a real experience! By the time I left in 1970, there were only 2 houseboats left, whereas in 1958 there had been a whole row of them moored along the foreshore. The boat itself had quite a history to it, having been the flagship of the fleet that sailed out of Lowestoft during the Second World WAr in the charge of Commander Peter Dickens DSO, MBE, DSC who wrote the book 'Night Action - MTB Flotilla at War'. He actually visited my aunt and uncle in 1975 and presented them with a signed copy of the book - which I now proudly possess. I have tried in vain to find out what happened to mtb234 when my aunt sold it around 1980, but to no avail. Perhaps somebody out there knows. She always claimed it was sold for preservation, but I can find no evidence of this.
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RE: RE: Houseboat Mtb234
My mate John Dowsett lived on Mtb 234 when we were kids, he went to Australia in 1962 with his new wife. We had some great times on this boat during our teens especially during the summer months when we spent a lot of time swimming, fishing etc. I joined up in 1961. The last time I went onboard this boat was in April 1963 when I spoke to Mrs Dowsett and she told me that John had adopted two twins. After this date I lost touch. I understand that when the boat was sold they moved back to Worthing. Mr and Mrs Dowsett were a very nice couple who would always try and help out if you had a problem. The only other guys that used to come down from Worthing was a Paul and a youg lad from Stevenage but unfortunatly I have no forwarding address or contact.
Comment from Graham Nutbourne on Monday, 19th April 2010.
RE: RE: Houseboat Mtb234
Very interested in Graham's recollections. I last saw my cousin John in 1965 or 1966 when he was living in a mobile home nearby and worked for a local bakery. I think he moved to Australia shortly afterwards. My Uncle Arthur died before the Houseboat was sold, and after it was sold my Aunty Dolly went into a care home, somewhere near East Grinstead I believe. They moved to the houseboat from Worthing in 1958 when my Uncle retired. He was signalman at Worthing station. The young boy from Stevenage that I remember was also a John, though I can't for the life of me remember his surname.
Comment from Roger Pols on Tuesday, 20th April 2010.
RE: RE: Houseboat Mtb234
What a blast from the past! Roger, it was wonderful to read your Swanwick memory as you know I lived on this houseboat with my parents. The Mtb234 was purchased at goverment auction by a Mr and Mrs Bailey, they converted it into a houseboat which my parents Arthur and Dorothy Dowsett then bought. The Baileys moved to Bursledon. I have great childhood memories of this boat and the area. When my parents got the boat the bows were turned out to sea, this was changed when we got her up on stocks for cleaning. I believe Mtb234 was sold to the Royal Naval Museum, Portsmouth, although after reading your memory I am now trying to find out where she has ended up. I have emailed the museum, so I hope they can give me some more information. I moved to Australia with my wife Maureen in 66, we have one son Michael 37 years old, and 3 grandkids. I would love to get in contact. Call John Dowsett 0397496025 or email: maureen.john@bigpond.com.au
Comment from Susan Michael on Sunday, 6th June 2010.
RE: RE: Houseboat Mtb234
In reply to comments and memories from Graham Nutbourne, or Nutty as you were known to me... It was great to see your name up on screen old friend, just to clear up a few things, Maureen (my wife) and I moved to Australia in 1966, we adopted a son (just 1) in 1972 and now have 3 grandchildren.W I would love to catch up, please contact me on 0397496025 or email: maureen.john@bigpond.com.au. PS. John from Stevenage was John Price but again better known as Little John.
Comment from Susan Michael on Sunday, 6th June 2010.
RE: RE: Houseboat Mtb234
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news to all the people who enjoyed times on MTB 234 but from what I remember my father telling me it's rather sad. Coastal Forces Veterans Association purchased MTB 234 around 1980 with a view to restoration, but she was allowed to deteriorate whilst the search for funds for the mammoth task was made (MTB 102 was restored by a film company at a cost of well in excess of £100,000) The end came I believe in Gosport??? at the hand of Peter Dickens??? when he had to set fire to what was left of her. The state of her was now beyond realistic restoration. A very sad day for the handful that were present. Ian Haynes Son of Stanley Frederick Haynes Signalman MTB 234
Comment from Ian Haynes on Monday, 24th October 2011.