PRESERVING OUR ROYAL NAVY HERITAGE

the Surviving Veteran Trust

Working to ensure the survival of HM Motor Anti-Submarine Boat 27 to inspire and educate future generations.

Our Mission

To Raise £1m to Ensure HM MASB 27 Is Saved For The Nation As A Unique Example Of Our Maritime History

Three Key Objectives

01.

Keeping the Stories Alive

When careful restoration of HM MASB 27
was completed in May 2019,
Normandy veteran John Dennett BEM
nicknamed her “The Surviving Veteran”.
Now 100, John hopes she will continue to
tell the story of WW2 for years to come.

Read The History

02.

Securing A Veteran Legacy

As Patron of the Trust, it is John’s wish that HM MASB 27 should be maintained in a sea-going condition, and returned to HM Service to take part in anniversary commemorations and remembrance events at home and overseas.

Future Plans

03.

Inspiring Future Generations

Based at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard,
the Trust hopes HM MASB 27 will provide an immersive experience; exciting, educating and inspiring future generations with an opportunity to travel back in time to life in WW2.

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the history

Discover the Journey of HM MASB 27

The Surviving Veteran Trust is dedicated to preserving HM MASB 27 as a unique example of 20th Century maritime history.

Her story is a fascinating one. From her urgent commissioning into the Royal Navy in 1941, through wartime service, followed by years as a happy houseboat and twice being rescued from the scrap yard, to where she is today… respectfully restored and once again in service of the Nation.

WATCH FULL VIDEO

Join Us in Making a Difference

Help preserve MASB 27 for future generations.

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Visual Journey

“The Surviving Veteran”
HM MASB 27
Then & Now

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Three Ways You Can Support The Trust:

Spread The Word

The more people know about “The Surviving Veteran” the better, so please share this link with friends, family and colleagues you think might be interested in the project!

Practical Support

We are looking for mechanically minded people with maritime experience based near the Hampshire coast to volunteer their time to care and maintain to HM MASB 27.

Make A Donation

We have a huge mountain to climb raising £1m to secure this one of a kind WW2 Royal Navy veteran vessel for the nation. All donations to support the cause are very much appreciated!

What They Say

Hear from Our Supporters and Enthusiasts

The restoration of MASB 27 is a remarkable achievement. Nicknamed “The Surviving Veteran” by the D-Day veterans, she now stands as a fitting tribute to the bravery of all Royal Navy sailors during World War II.

Rear Admiral (Retd.) Rex Cox CB

Rear Admiral (Retd.) Rex Cox CB with Royal Navy D-Day Veterans John Dennett BEM and Jack Quinn at The National Memorial Arboretum

Seeing the boat brings back so many happy childhood memories for me. The attention to detail in the restoration is astounding; she’s been brought back to life and I’ll never forget watching her go back into the water in 2019!

Felicity Jaffe (daughter of owner 1945-1980)

felicity jaffe on board her father's houseboat restored MASB 27

Felicity Jaffe on board “The Surviving Veteran”

Watching John Phipps’ progress as he restored MASB 27 was incredible. He took a battered old hull and turned her into a seaworthy veteran gunboat that can carry on telling our story at commemorations and anniversaries for years to come!

Royal Navy Veteran John Dennett BEM

john dennett bem the surviving veteran trust patron

John Dennett BEM at the Goodwood Revival with D-Day Revisited

Join Us

Help Preserve Our Naval History for Future Generations

Your support can ensure that HM MASB 27 thrives and educates for years to come.