MASB

The latest news on MASB27

June 2025

MASB 27 is now back in the water where she belongs. Click here for video

She was relaunched on Friday 25th April after spending the winter months on blocks at the Endeavour Marina in Gosport. All the launching procedures went smoothly and thanks go to marina crew for their care in lifting and settling this elderly wooden vessel, originally commission in 1941. After a quick check to confirm no leaks, straps were removed. All three engines started without fuss and the gunboat was moved by the crew to a nearby pontoon berth. The following day we were pleased to welcome aboard skipper, Rex Cox, who took command to motor across to the Portsmouth Royal Navy Base where MASB 27 was berthed once again at the Memorial Jetty alongside HSL 102 and MGB 81. With the Base open to the Public on Saturday 10th May for VE Day anniversary celebrations, 27 was eagerly ready for a sea trial. Skipper Rex Cox was joined by usual crew members, with John Phipps and a guest as additional crew. In front of many onlookers who were keenly taking in the spectacle, both MASB 27 and MGB 81 left the pontoon. 81 had several WW2 veterans on board, enjoying the glorious weather. Meanwhile MASB 27 - dubbed 'The Surviving Veteran' - ran out to Spithead. Just like watching cattle let out into the fields after wintering under cover, 27 clearly enjoyed being back at sea as the skipper ran up to an untroubled 22 knots. All found to be in good order, MASB 27 returned to the Jetty and was on show for the rest of the day.

September 2019

MASB completed in excess of 200 sea miles in June. This was the first time under her own power since 1945 with an historic voyage to Normandy in replication of the crossing in support of the US 1st Army assault on Omaha Beach 75 years ago.
Click here to see more detail

April 2019

As we near the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, we are getting close to completion of our two ambitious projects: the D-Day 75 Tribute Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the launch of our restored Motor Anti-Submarine Boat: HM MASB 27. Subject to intense finishing works being carried out in Chester, the 63 feet long gunboat will be launched at Hamble Marina on 2nd May. Again, subject to proving sea trials, our aim is to make the sea crossing to Normandy - the first return of this celebrated gunboat since its historic action off Omaha Beach on 6th June 1944.

Our own Normandy pilgrimage begins in Portsmouth on Saturday 1st June, including approximately 40 D-Day veterans.

Below are social media links which include two short videos.

D-Day 75 Tribute Garden
Web site:  https://d-dayrevisited.co.uk/projects/d-day-75-garden/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DDayRevisited/status/1115886043721609216
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DDayRevisitedOfficial/videos/377534762842960/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BwEUayBHsP8/
Vimeo SQUARE (60 seconds): https://vimeo.com/328662020
Vimeo WIDE (75 seconds): https://vimeo.com/329526317

MASB 27
Volume on if you’d like some drama!  
https://d-dayrevisited.co.uk/news/2019-masb-27-coming-soon/

We’ve put this out on our social media if you’re able to share:
Web site:  https://d-dayrevisited.co.uk/projects/masb-27-restoration/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DDayRevisitedOfficial/videos/575431116302249/