Friday 8th May 2026, 5.30pm

Live Event at The Flavel Dartmouth – Naval & Secret Forces in Dartmouth 1939-45

After the fall of France, Coastal Forces were a critical part of our defences, protecting convoys coming from America from the threat of German S boats and submarines.  Hear about the flotillas of fast, heavily armed, small boats (less than 100 ft long), that they used to combat the feared German Schnell “fast” boats. The 7^th Motor Launch Flotilla were a key part of the famed raid on St Nazaire in 1942 and deserve to be better known.  A clandestine unit, the 15th Flotilla, operated secretly from 1942-45 taking secret agents to Brittany and returning with escaped POWs. The 23rd Flotilla manned by Free French Navy, were based in Kingswear, some of whom married local women after the war.  Harbour Defence Launch Units and Harbour Boom vessels protected the harbour night and day throughout the war, ensuring submarines could not enter unseen. All units were professionally supported by the WRNS, trained to take on tasks that would release men for the frontline. Dartmouth was one of only 10 bases along the South Coast, operated by Coastal Forces at HMS Cicala, formerly the Royal Dart Hotel.  

Friday 8th May 2026, 5.30pm

Tickets £15 (to include a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink after the screening)