MTB 614 Newman

Discussion in 'The War at Sea' started by Paul BThomas, Jan 14, 2021.

  1. Paul BThomas

    Paul BThomas New Member

    I am trying to find out about a relative who served in Motor Torpedo Boat 614 and possibly other boats as well (Minesweepers?)
    His name is Richard Hrafn Newman (He was of Icelandic descent). His niece is still alive in Sevenoaks and very curious to know more.
    Thanks so much
    Paul
     
  2. Temujin

    Temujin Member

    Links with info

    MTB 614 -

    And a book that has more information, may be available at a library

    ‘Dog Boats at War’ – Leonard Reynolds – ISBN 0 7509 1817 9
     
    Tricky Dicky likes this.
  3. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    Suggest you obtain his service records from the MOD - forms are here Request records of deceased service personnel

    They may be necessary to know what ships he was on and when - for example he may have been involved in this action
    Wednesday, 29 March 1944
    MTB.614, surface action
    ARMSTRONG, Thomas, Ordinary Seaman, D/JX 305810, killed
    FULLER, Edmund J, Leading Motor Mechanic, P/MX 502206, killed
    KELLY, James, Able Seaman, D/JX 253402, MPK
    SHAW, Harry, Act/Chief Motor Mechanic 4c, P/MX 98243, killed


    For the service records you will need to include a copy of his death certificate and its details are
    England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007
    Name: Richard Hrafn Newman
    Death Age: 75
    Birth Date: 27 Sep 1913
    Registration Date: Jul 1989
    Registration District: Plymouth
    Inferred County: Devon
    Volume: 21
    Page: 1590

    He also appears on Ancestry in this database - UK, Navy Lists, 1888-1970 - so presumably an Officer

    TD
     
  4. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

    1943 The Gazette - DSC Award

    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36154/supplement/3889/data.pdf
    ADMIRALTY.
    Whitehall.
    3LSt August, 1943.
    The KING has been graciously pleased to
    approve the following awards:
    For great bravery and undaunted devotion
    to duty:
    The Distinguished Service Cross
    Temporary Lieutenant Richard Hrafn
    Newman, R.N.V.R.

    https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/35788/supplement/4991/data.pdf
    Mention in Despatches.
    Temporary Lieutenant Richard Hrafn Newman,
    R.N.V.R.

    TD
     

    Attached Files:

  5. Apparently the awards were received while commanding ML 229. See WW II Awards for RN Minesweeping

    R.H. Newman was first a Temporary Sub-Lieutenant R.N.V.R. (seniority 29 November 1940), then in January 1942 was promoted to Temporary Lieutenant R.N.V.R. with seniority 29 November 1941.

    Here are the various pages in the Navy Lists referring to his assignments:
    Search British Military lists - National Library of Scotland

    A list of some of his assignments:

    ML 229 (In Command from 17 Jul 1942 to 19 Sep 43)
    Bee (Oct 43)
    MTB 614 (In Command from 5 Nov 43 to Dec 44)
    Aggressive (Jan - Apr 45)

    Michel
     

    Attached Files:

  6. Paul BThomas

    Paul BThomas New Member

    Thanks to you all for so much information.
    I didn't know he served in a different boat ML 229.
    Nor about his awards.
    Incidentally, he had three brothers who all served. One in Merchant Navy, one in tanks in Burma and one in 7th Blackwatch at Alamein 9(killed there)
    Paul
     

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