River Hamble c1955, Swanwick
River Hamble c1955, Swanwick Ref: S637007
Memories of River Hamble c1955, Swanwick
I Lived on Mtb234, by John Dowsett
My parents bought this boat from a Mr and Mrs Bailey who had purchased it at Government auction and converted it into a houseboat. The Baileys later moved to Bursledon. When Dad and Mum got the boat the bows were turned to the sea, this was changed when she was put up on stocks for cleaning and now faces the shore. My life as a young lad revolved around this boat and the River Hamble, I have nothing but fond memories of adventures and fun, and often think of all my family and friends. I believe she was sold for preservation in 1980. I moved to Australia in 1966 with my wife Maureen, I would love to find out where my old home now lies.
Swanwick & local memories
Read and share memories of Swanwick and Hampshire inspired by Frith photos.
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 -... Read more
