WW2 Forum - View Single Post

Antipodean Andy · 04-01-2008, 03:04 AM

Not something I had considered as used by the Mediterranean fleet but makes sense given the shallow draft. Noted reference in AR's Lt Cdr "Fuzz" Fyson DSC RIP

Insect class gunboat - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
At the start of World War II, three vessels, HMS Cricket, Gnat and Ladybird, were transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet's Inshore Squadron. They joined the monitor HMS Terror and provided bombardment support for the 8th Army. Their shallow draught allowed them to act also as supply and landing vessels, able to close in to beaches.

In June 1943, HMS Aphis took part in the bombardment of Pantellaria (Operation Corkscrew).

Several lost in the Far East as well including one impressed into Japanese service but sunk by a mine on the Yangtze in 1945.

Wouldn't have wanted to be crew on HMS Cockchafer...imagine having that on your hat!

04-01-2008, 03:04 AM	#1 (permalink)
Antipodean Andy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Outer reaches, Melbourne, Victoria Posts: 4,054 You're Top Poster: #2 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 7	Insect Class Gunboats Not something I had considered as used by the Mediterranean fleet but makes sense given the shallow draft. Noted reference in AR's Lt Cdr "Fuzz" Fyson DSC RIP Insect class gunboat - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia At the start of World War II, three vessels, HMS Cricket, Gnat and Ladybird, were transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet's Inshore Squadron. They joined the monitor HMS Terror and provided bombardment support for the 8th Army. Their shallow draught allowed them to act also as supply and landing vessels, able to close in to beaches. In June 1943, HMS Aphis took part in the bombardment of Pantellaria (Operation Corkscrew). Several lost in the Far East as well including one impressed into Japanese service but sunk by a mine on the Yangtze in 1945. Wouldn't have wanted to be crew on HMS Cockchafer...imagine having that on your hat! __________________ http://www.454-459squadrons.org.au/. http://www.awm.gov.au/index.asp Aircraft from No. 60 Squadron levelling out for the "run in" to make a mast-head attack on a Japanese coaster off Akyab. Courtesy AWM.