Who had the better boats?
Hi Everybody,
I find this discussion quite interesting although most of it is pure speculation and, in some cases, flag waving. I served in various classes of R.N boats in the 50's and 60's. We were seconded to the R.C.N. based in Halifax on an A boat and had several visits to places such as Brooklyn Yard, New London and Norfolk where we usually tied up alongside a Host boat. The U.S.crews were always very interested and, after being shown around, were almost unanimous that for comfort they preferred their boats but for operations they would prefer ours.
The hospitality we were shown was wonderful. Three of us, young(ish!) petty officers were trying to find our way out of Norfolk yard when a car drew up and we were invited to hop in. We were taken to the home of the Exec of our host boat, LtCdr Vincent Shirley Lunn, met his wife and were given a lovely dinner.
I hope he, or someone who knows him, will get in touch.
RR
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