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Help Restore the S-Boat World Naval Ships Forums Archive

Help Restore the S-Boat

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Hi Our group [URL="http://www.theresearchsquad.com"]The Research Squad[/URL] are helping the [URL="http://www.wheatcroftcollection.com"]Wheatcroft Collection[/URL] in their restoration of the last surviving German WW2 S-Boat [URL="http://www.s130.co.uk"]S130[/URL]. The owner Kevin Wheatcroft, has the second largest private collection of WW2 armour and other items in the world (Jaque Littlefield in California has the largest). Kevin intends to restore S130 to its original wartime design and to this end is actively trying to acquire as many original S-boat components as possible. As s130 was an interim series between the S38 and S100 designs - drawings and information on its layout are very hard to find. We are currently trying to source any original information (drawings, images, reports etc) or equipment from the S100 series that may still survive. We are working with researchers around the world including Dave Krackow of the [URL="http://www.prinzeugen.com"]Prinzeugen[/URL] website and the head librarians of the U.S Naval libraries. I am also trying to let as many people as possible know about the project via forums so that they can follow the progress of the restoration via the website. To this end I will be posting news of updates here on a regular basis whenever any significant action occurs on the project. The next update will include new video clips of the salvage of the armoured bridge from one of the donor wrecks. If anyone has any information they feel may help please drop me an email - credit will be given either via the site or in any publication that might result from the project. Regards Brian Balkwill [IMG]http://www.s130.co.uk/images/day0/day0_011.jpg[/IMG]

You are welcome Brian. Your information is gratefully received here. It's a most worthwhile venture and I wish it every success.

Welcome Brian A very worthwhile project. S 130 has been mentioned on this forum before. See my post (no. 12) in the E Boat thread at.... [url]http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1515&highlight=EBoats[/url] Regards.....John

I have produced a database covering Coastal Forces which I have extended to cover the E Boats. The following is my entry for S 130 S_130 Schlichtingwerft, Travemunde 21.10.1943 Wartime Activities 10/43 4th Flotilla 20-1/1/44 S 87, S 99, S 117, S 130 and S 150 of the Fourth Flotilla lay 23 LMB Mines off Orfordness 9th Flotilla Based in Cherbourg 27-8/2/44 S 84, S 112, S 130, S 136, S 139, S 142, S 143, S 144, S 145 and S 146 of the Fifth and Ninth S-Flotillas attack a CW-Convoy off the south coast of England without success. S 142 and S 136 are damaged in collision 18-9/4/44 S 130, S 144, S 145, S 146, S 147, S 150 and S 167 of the Ninth S-Flotilla (KKpt. von Mirbach) lay 30 EMC-Mines east of the Isle of Wight. 19-20/4/44 S 100, S 112, S 138 and S 143.of the Fifth S-Flotilla and S 130, S 144, S 145, S 146, S 147, S 150 and S 167 of the Ninth S-Flotilla attack a CW-Convoy. They are engaged by the destroyers HMS Middleton and FFS La Combattante. S 144 runs aground near Calais 21-2/4/44 S 100, S 112, S 138, S 140 and S 143 of the Fifth. S-Flotilla and S 130, S 145, S 146, S 150 and S 167 of the Ninth. S-Flotilla, from Cherbourg, attack a WP-Convoy between Dungeness and Hastings. In actions with the destroyers HMS Volunteer and HMS Middleton as well as MTB 214?, MGB 617 and MTB 235, S 167 and British boats are damaged 23-4/4/44 S 130, S 145, S 146, S 147, S 150, and S 167 of the Ninth. S-Flotilla are in action with the British destroyers HMS Berkeley, HMS Haldon, HMS Stevenstone and HMS Volunteer MGBs and MTBs. MTB 359 is damaged 27-8/4/44 S 100, S 130, S 136, S 138, S 140, S 142, S 143, S 145 and S 150 of the Fifth and Ninth S Boat Flotillas attack a force consisting of 8 American LST in Lyme Bay. The LSTs are returning from Exercise Tiger, an invasion exercise at Slapton Sands, and escorted by the corvette HMS Azalea and the destroyer HMS Saladin. S136 torpedoes and sinks the American Landing Ship LST 507 (1.407 tons). S 138 torpedoes and sinks the American Landing Ship LST 531 (1.650 tons). LST 289 is damaged by a torpedo fired by a boat from Ninth S Boat Flotilla. HMS Onslow and HMS Saladin appear and pursue the S-Boats. 197 seamen and 552 embarked troops are killed 6/6/44 c0500, S 130, S 144, S 145, S 146, S 150, and S 167 of the Ninth S Boat Flotilla sortie from Cherbourg in response to reports of shipping entering the Seine Bay. On reaching Cape Barfleur, Ninth S Boat Flotilla sights the invasion fleet filling the horizon. Ninth S Boat Flotilla fires torpedoes from maximum range and returns to base 6-7/6/44. S 136, S 138, S 140, S 142, S 100 and S 139 of the Fifth S Boat Flottilla (KKpt. Klug) (S 84 is left behind with machinery problems) and S 130, S 144, S 145, S 146, S 150, S 167 and S 168 of the Ninth S Boat Flottilla (KKpt. von Mirbach) sortie from Cherbourg. On the outward leg, off Cap Barfleur, S 139 and later S 140 are lost after striking mines previously laid by the British 64th MTB Flottilla (LCdr. Wilkie). c0130 S 142, S 100, S 150 and S 168 break through the lines of defending coastal forces. Three spreads of torpedoes are fired and sink LST 715 as well as 1 LCT off St. Vaast. On the return leg, the other Boats are fought off by the Frigate HMS Stayner (LCdr. Hall), MTB 448 and MTB 478. In the action, the S Boats fire all their remaining torpedoes. MTB 448 (Senior Officer) and MTB 478 are on patrol off Barfleur when they are vectored inshore by HMS Stayner. MTB 448 and MTB 478 find two boats lying stopped. The boats give a correct response when challenged but the SO is not convinced and closes to make a visual identification. At 50 yards, the boats are identified as E Boats and gunfire ensues. MTB 448 and MTB 478 inflict damage on the E Boats which make smoke and break off to the north east. MTB 448 and MTB 478 pursue the E Boats into a known minefield 9-10/6/44. S 84, S 100, S 136, S 138 and S 142 of the Fifth S Boat Flottilla and S 130, S 144, S 146, S 150 and S 167 of the Ninth S Boat Flottills are fought off by US destroyers on the ‘Dixie’ Patrol. 10-1/6/44 At 2300, S 84, S 100, S 112, S 136, S 138 and S 142 of the Fifth S Boat Flotilla (Kptlt. Johannsen) and S 130, S 144, S 146, S 150 and S 167 of the Ninth S Boat Flotilla sortie from Cherbourg. The Ninth S Boat Flotilla breaks through the protective screen in a short action with SGB Grey Wolf and Grey Goose to sink the US Tug Partridge and LST 496 and torpedo LST 538. S 130 is heavily damaged by a fighter bomber off Cherbourg 23-4/6/44 S 130, S 145 and S 168, depart Cherbourg, under fire from American tanks whilst passing the Gare Maritime, and proceed to Alderney after refuelling at St Malo. 25-6/6/44 S 130, S 145 and S 168, attempt to break through the invasion fleet to reach Le Havre. S145 suffers steering gear problems and turns back. 0107 Whilst close to the south coast of England, S130 and S168, pass under the bows of HMS Tanatside too close for her guns to bear. S 130 and S168 reach Dieppe. S 130 proceeds eastward for repairs. 16-7/9/44 9 S Flotilla and 10 S Flotilla (Total of Nine Boats) sortie from Ijmuiden in three groups on a minelaying operation off Cromer and to attack a convoy. One group returns to harbour after a boat developed a rudder problem. The remaining boats lay their mines but are driven off by a destroyer and aircraft. 10/44 During the first week of October, the Ninth S Boat Flotilla (S 130, S 167, S 168, S 175, S 206 and S 207) assemble in Rotterdam. 22-3/12/44 The Eighth S Boat Flotilla (KKpt. Zymalkowski) (5 Boats), the Sixth S Boat Flotilla (Kptlt. Matzen) (S 212, S211, S 222, S 223, S 704, S 705), the Ninth S Boat Flotilla (KKpt. Frhr von Mirbach) (S 130, S 167, S 168, S 175 and S 207), the Tenth S Boat Flotilla (Kptlt. Bludau) (S 185 and S 192). A total of 58 LMB and 15 UMB Mines are laid on the convoy route between the Thames and Antwerp In an action with the destroyer HMS Walpole, the frigates HMS Curzon and HMS Torrington and the corvette HMS Kittiwake both boats of the Tenth S Boat Flotilla are lost. 22-3/1/45 The Ninth S Boat Flotilla (KKpt. von Mirbach) (S 206, S 168, S 130 and S 175) attack a convoy north of Dunkirk. S 168 and S 176 sink the British vessel Halo (2365 BRT) in position 51.12n 02.24e. The Flottilla is attacked by the frigates HMS Seymour and HMS Stayner and 4 MTBs. The Sixth S Boat Flotilla (Kptlt. Matzen) and the Fourth S Boat Flotilla (KKpt. Fimmen) weichen the action of the Ninth S Boat Flotilla and beleiben without Fadberührung. 5/45 Den Helder, Holland 8/5/45 S 130, S 168, S 175, S 206, S 207 and S 214 are seized by British forces at Rotterdam Post War Fate 7/45 Transferred to Wilhelmshaven, Germany and handed over to the Royal Navy = FPB 5030 1952 "British Baltic Fishery Protection Service". Used by the British Secret Intelligence Service MI 6 to ferry spies and agents into Eastern Europe. 7/3/57 Recommissioned in West German Navy = UW10 Unterwasserwaffenschule, training in mines and torpedoes = EF 8, =Y840 2003 At British Military Power Boat Trust, Marchwood, England for potential restoration By the way I am coxswain of the Medusa (HDML 1387) which was launched on the same day as S 130 was commissioned and is also undergoing a refit before retrurning to sea this year.

I have seen no information on S130 for some time now. Can anyone provide an update on the status of the project?

[QUOTE=Pusser509;10076423]I have seen no information on S130 for some time now. Can anyone provide an update on the status of the project?[/QUOTE] GM Don, S130 is being rebuilt at a Boatyard in Millbrook, Cornwall [but this you probably already know]. We in Plymouth are following it's progress and you can get a complete update on the project by going to their Website - just enter S130 and follow the guides. A long slow job [the rebuild that is] but coming along. I am hoping to get over there shortly to view the progress and will update after an eyeball. Regards Dave H

Thanks dave. I tried the website seveal times and was diverted to a page that sells web domain names. That had me concerned, as well as the fact that there was no update anywhere I could find on the web since about 2009. I trust it is all going well and look forward to your update.

No problem Don, I am away from my homebase until the morrow but I will check the website for any change of logging when I get home. Dave H

Former S-boat sometime during 1950s, possibly Channel Islands.
Attachments :

[QUOTE=Pusser509;10076534]Thanks dave. I tried the website seveal times and was diverted to a page that sells web domain names. That had me concerned, as well as the fact that there was no update anywhere I could find on the web since about 2009. I trust it is all going well and look forward to your update.[/QUOTE] Hi Don, Back as promised after a bit more digging here in the current home of S130. I visited the site of the restoration this week only to find it all locked up and nobody saying anything about the project. Enquiries at the boatyard office proved negative with noone wanting to discuss the project or the project manager. I then telephoned the project manager's wife who informed me that he was no longer concerned with the project and that no work had been done on S130 since mid 2012. I am now pursuing another avenue to get an update from the Wheatcroft Foundation who own the boat. Back to digging ....... watch this space. Dave H

Thanks Dave. I'll be watching for an update. Perhaps my concern wasn't unfounded.

[QUOTE=Dave Hutson;10081772]Hi Don, Back as promised after a bit more digging here in the current home of S130. I visited the site of the restoration this week only to find it all locked up and nobody saying anything about the project. Enquiries at the boatyard office proved negative with noone wanting to discuss the project or the project manager. I then telephoned the project manager's wife who informed me that he was no longer concerned with the project and that no work had been done on S130 since mid 2012. I am now pursuing another avenue to get an update from the Wheatcroft Foundation who own the boat. Back to digging ....... watch this space. Dave H[/QUOTE] Hi Don, See my PM to you Dave H

[QUOTE=Pusser509;10081789]Thanks Dave. I'll be watching for an update. Perhaps my concern wasn't unfounded.[/QUOTE] Dave: Will also be watching this thread with great interest. It would be a tragedy if this vessel were allowed to deteriorate/disappear as have so many of her contemporaries from both sides of the conflict. If the owners can't/won't continue with the project, I wonder whether the German Navy might be interested either in helping out financially or buying her outright.

Tim, All is not lost - at the moment saying too much would violate a contact's confidentiality agreement. So as said before "Watch this space", when I know, you will be next. Sorry to be clandestine about this but wasn't that one of S130's roles in another life ;) Dave H

[QUOTE=Dave Hutson;10081956]Tim, All is not lost - at the moment saying too much would violate a contact's confidentiality agreement. So as said before "Watch this space", when I know, you will be next. [B]Sorry to be clandestine about this[/B] but wasn't that one of S130's roles in another life ;) Dave H[/QUOTE] Understand completely Dave ... and very much appreciate your efforts to keep us up to date concerning this project.

[QUOTE=Dave Hutson;10081956]Tim, All is not lost - at the moment saying too much would violate a contact's confidentiality agreement. So as said before "Watch this space", [B]when I know, you will be next.[/B] Sorry to be clandestine about this but wasn't that one of S130's roles in another life ;) Dave H[/QUOTE] Hello Dave: Just wondering whether you might have any updated information on the progress of this restoration project? Have wandered around the internet, but find that most of the many entries are quite dated and can't seem to find anything more current that the summer of 2012. Don't mean to pester you ... but am very interested in this project and am hoping that it hasn't gone off the proverbial rails, as have so many other such endeavours!

[QUOTE=Scatari;10102700]Hello Dave: Just wondering whether you might have any updated information on the progress of this restoration project? Have wandered around the internet, but find that most of the many entries are quite dated and can't seem to find anything more current that the summer of 2012. Don't mean to pester you ... but am very interested in this project and am hoping that it hasn't gone off the proverbial rails, as have so many other such endeavours![/QUOTE] Hi Tim, Nothing new at this time. I haven't heard from my contact recently - he lives on the threshold of the project site and has promised to contact me as soon as there is any movement. I will however have a word but I don't anticipate any change until the spring. Be in touch. Dave H

[QUOTE=Dave Hutson;10102708]Hi Tim, [B]Nothing new at this time[/B]. Dave H[/QUOTE] Thanks for this Dave - have my fingers firmly crossed that things will go well. It would be a shame to lose this wonderful piece of history. Cheers!

Hi Tim [and others interested in the S130 Restoration project] As promised I have got the latest on the project to restore the S130. Kevin Wheatcroft of the Wheatcroft Collection owns the boat and funding has been slow resulting in work stopping in 2013 pending further financial securement. Yesterday Mr Wheatcroft appeared on Local Television at the site with a US Veteran who was at Operation Tiger on Slapton Sands practising D-Day landings when the E Boat Raid [of which S130 was one] took place. He said then that the boat would be completed and my contact spoke to him afterwards when he explained that the funding had dried up in 2013 and he has been looking for other backers , he went on to say that failure to secure backing would not stop the project because he would finance it personally in 2016. So , all is not lost , it will just take longer . Having seen the work thusfar on TV and at my last visit to the site I am sure that the final result will be worth waiting for ........... the craftsmanship and skill of the Chippy's involved is first class plus. Dave H

[QUOTE=Dave Hutson;10135265]Hi Tim [and others interested in the S130 Restoration project] As promised I have got the latest on the project to restore the S130. Dave H[/QUOTE] Great news Dave - many thanks for the update.

Good news. Thanks.

i think if he/they were to give us and the wider world a rebuilding log with lots of pictures he would almost certainly get another trickle of funds, even trying crowd-funding, that would help defray some of the horrendous cost of rebuilding any old boat? tim

Hi Tim , Agreed , Try googling "WHEATCROFT cOLLECTION" , he has a big website and S130 has it's own. I have crowd visited twice over the past four years. As you say the money involved is vast . [Last estimate £5M] . Getting original parts has been a worldwide search , The engines are already there from a Zorba Class P Boat and all the wood is sourced from Finland and that ain't cheap. Just watching the guy shaping the new prow and transom was like watching an artist at work. Dave H

Thanks Dave, i know i work on a completely different scale but all my stuff with the veterans, Victory Day, films and so on is sponsored by kind and enthusiastic supporters so i fully appreciate the problems, and delays.

Well , here we are two and a half years on and no progress on the rebuild , until today . I contacted my source at the Boatyard and he said that nothing has been done since I last reported /visited the site. Now today he has received information that KEVIN WHEATCROFT is in discussions with another Shipwright to get the project kickstarted and progress. In the interim he has been gathering authentic kit to go into the vessel. Two parts of which I saw being prcurred on a TV Programme , namely , the Toilet Pan which was originally fitted in Adolf Hitler's Yacht [found in a Garage somewhere in the USA] and a Gun , complete and unfired which was put together and test fired before being accepted by Wheatcroft. He is also in negotiations for a berth for S130 when the restoration is complete. Watch this space ;) Dave H

Great News Dave , only just wrinkled you out , and been reading this sad trail , but something we are both used to eh . I'll look at the website now ..thanks Dave

Blimey Dave , what a restoration project :eek:.....more akin to a rebuild never mind a restoration ...... Bet this got the adrenalin pumping Dave eh .... Any further news pending please mate

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