Welcome to Town Hall Talks: Harry Tate’s Navy or Churchill’s Pirates!
Join us for a lively talk about the fascinating history of Royal Naval Patrol Service, (Harry Tate’s Navy or Churchill’s Pirates) during WW2. Learn about the contrasting strategies employed by the Patrol Service and how they shaped the outcome of the war.
This event will be held online, so you can participate from the comfort of your own home. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to delve into the world of naval history and Lowestoft!
About the speaker:
Leo Whisstock is National Secretary of the Royal Naval Patrol Service Association. (www.rnpsa.co.uk) He is also chair of Lowestoft War Memorial Museum and the Royal Naval Patrol Service Museum.
Further information:
The talk will be about the Royal Naval Patrol Service which had its headquarters in Lowestoft during WW2. It was often referred to as Harry Tate’s Navy or Churchill’s Pirates. The Patrol Service only existed from late 1938 to July 1946 and was responsible for minesweeping and anti submarine work, escort duties and auxiliary patrols in all waters of the world. Most of its 6,000 ships were commandeered fishing vessels and private launches which were manned by 66,000 men. Losses of both men and ships were high due to the dangerous nature of their work. The Patrol Service did not have the glamour of the large capital ships and not a lot was known about them especially as they were mainly old coal burning fishing trawlers and the Navy crews were not always in full Navy uniform but the large capital ships would not go anywhere unless the Patrol Service had been there just before them to clear the mines. The Patrol Service suffered to highest losses of any branch of the Royal Navy and was the most decorated branch in the Royal Navy. The presence of the Patrol Service in Lowestoft made the town a prime target for the enemy and as a result had more than its fair share of bombing and attacks.
(Leo Whisstock.)