National Maritime Museum of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland April 2019
The Republic of Ireland acquired between 1940-3 six motor torpedo boats named M1-M6 built by Thornycroft, Hampton on the Thames, England. The M4-6 were larger as the M1-3. Originally were the M1 and M2 built for Estonia respectively Latvia but the outbreak of the Second World War prevented the delivery. With a displacement of 32/40 tons and as dimensions 21,95 x 5,00 x 1,15 metres. The machinery consisted of 4 petrol-fuelled Thornycroft Ry/L2 engines (other sources reported 2 engines) allowing with 2.300/ 2.600 nhp a speed of 33-36 knots. Their crews numbered 11-12 men. Originally armed with 2x1-53,3cm torpedo tubes, 4 depth charges and a Hotchkiss machine gun, later replaced by 1-2cm Madsen anti aircraft gun or 2x1-12.7mm/0.50” cal 62 machine guns. The M1 was delivered in January 1940, the M2 in June followed by the M3 in August. All were discared in 1948. Hull made of double diagonal mahogany strips on a closely spaced frame of timber.
No comments:
Post a Comment