What Does the Future Hold for HM MASB 27?

telling the story of Coastal Forces and showing Future generations what it was like to fight the Battle of the Narrow Seas During WW2.

HM MASB 27 Portsmouth
The Surviving Veteran being piped into Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in June 2019.
MASB 27 Interior restored to wartime standard
Commissioned in 1941, HM MASB 27 has served under three reigning British monarchs, the portraits of whom are displayed below deck.
HM MASB 27 on the River Orne
HM MASB 27 moored on the banks of the River Orne in Normandy.
MASB 27 Interior Captain's Cabin
HM MASB 27’s respectfully restored Captain’s cabin.
HM MASB 27 John Phipps and Royal Navy veteran Jack Quinn
John Phipps MBE and Royal Navy veteran Jack Quinn on the deck of The Surviving Veteran.
MASB 27 Interior Crew Quarters
The crew quarters restored to wartime condition.
HM MASB 27 in Normandy
The Surviving Veteran moored in Ranville for the commemorations of the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
HM MASB 27 in the Solent at Portsmouth June 2019
The Surviving Veteran travelling at speed in the Solent.
Royal Navy veteran Jack Quinn on MASB 27
Royal Navy veteran Jack Quinn in the wheelhouse of HM MASB 27.

The Surviving Veteran

HM MASB 27 is to be “The Surviving Veteran” in tribute to the wartime Coastal Forces and those who protected the British Isles when under threat of invasion.

Since restoration was completed, she has taken part in the 75th anniversary commemorations of D-Day, visited the Channel Islands to join in their liberation anniversary and was showcased at the Goodwood Revival in September 2024 as part of their 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day. An elegant shape, at 63 feet HM MASB 27 certainly heads wherever she goes and it’s wonderful to share her with members of the public.

The Surviving Veteran Trust now looks forward to new opportunities to inspire future generations and keep the stories of World War 2 alive.

Continued maintenance and care

The Surviving Veteran Trust is responsible for the upkeep of HM MASB 27 as a priceless piece of British engineering history. At 84 years old at the time of writing, she is in need of continued vigilant care to ensure she can perform her duty on behalf of the WW2 veterans who nicknamed her “The Surviving Veteran.”

It is still hoped that a permanent home can be made for her at the historic naval base in Portsmouth, where she can be saved for the nation in the long term. Alongside her fellow Coastal Forces veterans such as MGB 81 and HSL 102, ongoing care can be assured and MASB 27 can be publicly displayed in a strategical coastal setting with opportunities to take part in operations at sea.

What Does the future hold?

Time will tell, but thanks to D-Day Revisited The Surviving Veteran has been saved and returned to sea-going condition. 

The aim of the restoration was to make this wartime gunboat alive once again. Instead of a static relic in a museum, John Phipps always held onto the costly determination for HM MASB 27 to be once again a powerful gunboat skimming the water at 30 plus knots.

The Trust hopes to involve The Surviving Veteran in future Second World War commemorations, make her available to maritime enthusiasts and offer young cadets the opportunity to learn seamanship on a respectfully restored WW2 veteran craft.

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.

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