Introduction
In the annals of naval warfare, the Coastal Motor Boats (CMBs) of the Royal Navy during World War I stand out as a remarkable example of innovation, courage, and effectiveness. These small, fast, and highly maneuverable vessels, often referred to as the "hornets of the sea," played a crucial role in the Baltic and Caspian Sea regions, launching daring torpedo attacks against enemy ships while evading detection and defenses. This article delves into the history of the CMBs, exploring their development, design, and the brave crews who operated them, to provide a comprehensive understanding of their significance in the context of World War I and beyond.
The Birth of the CMB: A Collaborative Effort
The development of the Coastal Motor Boat was a collaborative effort born from the vision and expertise of junior naval officers and the renowned Thornycroft company. Bill Bremner, Geoffrey Hampden, and Eric Anson, all serving in the Royal Navy, recognized the potential of fast launches, similar to those that had competed in pre-war competitions like the International Harmsworth Trophy, as a new class of fighting boat. They joined forces with John Thornycroft, whose Basingstoke company had a proven track record in constructing high-performance boats, to bring their vision to life.
The primary challenge in designing the CMB was developing a system that could effectively deploy torpedoes from these small, high-speed vessels. The team‘s innovative solution was to launch the torpedoes tail-first from the stern of the boat, which would then quickly turn to avoid the torpedo‘s path. This unique approach, combined with the CMBs‘ lightweight wooden construction and powerful engines, resulted in a fleet of nimble and deadly vessels that could deliver a powerful punch despite their size.
CMB Classes and Armament: Versatility in Design
As the CMB concept proved its worth, the Royal Navy developed a range of boat sizes to suit different mission requirements. The initial 40-foot boats, completed in August 1916 at Platt‘s Eyot on the Thames, carried a single 18-inch torpedo and were powered by petrol engines. These boats were later joined by larger 55-foot variants, armed with either two torpedoes or a combination of a torpedo and four depth charges, providing greater firepower and versatility.
In addition to the torpedo-carrying CMBs, the Royal Navy also developed 70-foot boats specifically designed for mine-laying operations. These specialized CMBs further showcased the adaptability of the design and the Navy‘s commitment to expanding the roles and capabilities of these small but potent vessels.
While torpedoes were the primary armament of the CMBs, they were also typically equipped with a few Lewis machine guns for self-defense. However, the boats‘ main means of survival was their incredible speed and ability to launch surprise attacks under the cover of darkness, relying on the skill and bravery of their crews to evade enemy fire and defenses.
Courage and Valor: The Crews of the CMBs
The success of the Coastal Motor Boats was due in no small part to the exceptional courage and skill of the sailors who crewed them. These brave men, often operating in the face of great adversity and danger, were the heart and soul of the CMB fleet. As the number and diversity of CMBs grew throughout the war, the crews consistently demonstrated their unwavering determination and resourcefulness in executing their missions.
Training and preparation were critical factors in ensuring the effectiveness of CMB crews. The sailors underwent rigorous instruction in boat handling, torpedo deployment, and night navigation, honing their skills to operate these high-speed vessels in challenging conditions. The close-knit nature of the crews, often operating in small teams, fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and trust that proved invaluable in the heat of battle.
The bravery of CMB crews was exemplified in numerous engagements throughout the war. One of the most notable actions occurred on the night of June 17, 1919, when Lieutenant Augustus Agar, commanding CMB4, single-handedly torpedoed and sank the Russian cruiser Oleg in Kronstadt harbor. Agar‘s daring raid, which required him to navigate through minefields, searchlights, and heavy defenses, earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor awarded for valor in the face of the enemy.
| Engagement | Date | CMB Involved | Commander | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sinking of the Oleg | June 17, 1919 | CMB4 | Lt. Augustus Agar | Russian cruiser Oleg sunk |
| Kronstadt Raid | August 18, 1919 | CMB79A, CMB31BD, CMB88 | Lt. William Bremner, Lt. Tommy Dobson, Lt. Gordon Steele | Significant damage to Russian fleet, 3 CMBs lost |
The Kronstadt raid on August 18, 1919, further showcased the valor of CMB crews. Led by Lieutenant Tommy Dobson aboard CMB31BD and involving eight boats in total, the raid targeted the Russian fleet in the heavily defended Kronstadt harbor. The CMBs attacked at high speed in two waves under the cover of darkness, with three boats, including William Hamilton Bremner‘s CMB79A, engaging the enemy at close quarters. Despite the loss of three boats and numerous casualties, the raid inflicted significant damage on the Russian fleet and resulted in the awarding of two more Victoria Crosses to Dobson and Lieutenant Gordon Steele of CMB88.
Innovation and Adaptation: The Development of Distance Control Boats
The success of the Coastal Motor Boats not only demonstrated their effectiveness in combat but also spurred further innovation in naval warfare. One of the most significant developments to emerge from the CMB concept was the creation of Distance Control Boats (DCBs), unmanned, remote-controlled vessels designed to be packed with explosives and guided by aircraft.
The development of DCBs was a collaborative effort between the Royal Navy and the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). In 1917, trials were conducted using the RFC‘s "Aerial Target" drone aircraft to remotely control unmanned boats. This technology was then adapted to the CMB design, with three 40-foot boats (Nos. 3, 9, and 13) being converted into DCBs.
The potential of DCBs was quickly recognized, as they offered a means of delivering a powerful explosive payload to enemy targets without risking the lives of a crew. The boats were controlled using the RFC‘s wireless control system, with "mother" aircraft guiding them to their targets. Successful tests conducted in 1918 demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of this innovative approach to naval warfare.
The development of DCBs, along with the growing use of wireless-controlled aircraft, highlighted the increasing importance of technology in modern warfare. A 1920 Admiralty review identified these innovations as significant threats to the Royal Navy‘s capital ships, acknowledging the vulnerability of larger vessels to small, fast-moving craft and the growing influence of air power in naval operations.
The CMBs in the Baltic and Caspian Seas: Adapting to New Threats
In the aftermath of World War I, the Coastal Motor Boats continued to play a vital role in protecting British interests and combating new threats. With the Russian Civil War raging and the rise of Bolshevism threatening the stability of the Baltic states and the Caspian Sea region, CMBs were once again called upon to serve on the front lines.
In 1919, CMBs were deployed to the Baltic Sea and the Caspian Sea to support the newly independent Baltic states and counter Bolshevik aggression. The boats were transported by rail to these regions, where they faced challenging operating conditions and heavily defended enemy positions.
The CMBs‘ operations in the Baltic Sea were particularly significant, as they played a key role in supporting British and allied forces in the region. In addition to engaging Bolshevik naval forces, the boats were also involved in clandestine missions, such as the attempted extraction of the MI6 operative Paul Dukes (codename ST-25) from Petrograd.
| Region | Year | CMBs Deployed | Notable Missions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltic Sea | 1919 | CMB4, CMB7, CMB79A, CMB31BD, CMB88 | Sinking of the Oleg, Kronstadt Raid, Operation Red Trek |
| Caspian Sea | 1919 | Unknown | Supporting allied forces, engaging Bolshevik naval forces |
The bravery and skill of CMB crews were once again on display during these post-war operations. In recognition of their actions during Operation Red Trek, a British fleet deployment in support of the Baltic states, three CMB crew members were awarded the Victoria Cross. These included Lieutenant Augustus Agar, who had previously earned the Victoria Cross for sinking the Oleg, and Lieutenants Gordon Steele and William Bremner, who had distinguished themselves during the Kronstadt raid.
The Victoria Cross recipients among the CMB crews represented a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. Augustus Agar, born in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1890, had a long and distinguished naval career, later serving as the captain of the heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire during World War II. Gordon Steele, born in 1891, also had a lengthy naval career, retiring as a Commander in 1957. William Bremner, born in 1894, later transitioned into intelligence work with MI6, serving through the Cold War era.
The Legacy of the CMBs: Impact and Preservation
The impact of the Coastal Motor Boats on naval warfare extended far beyond their service during World War I and the immediate post-war period. The success of these small, fast vessels in engaging larger, more heavily armed ships highlighted the potential of torpedo boats and other fast attack craft in modern naval combat. The CMBs‘ effectiveness in coastal operations and their ability to navigate shallow, confined waters also demonstrated the value of specialized, purpose-built vessels in certain tactical scenarios.
The development of the DCBs from the CMB design was another significant legacy of these innovative boats. The use of unmanned, remote-controlled vessels packed with explosives foreshadowed the development of modern guided missiles and the increasing integration of air power and naval warfare. The DCBs also highlighted the growing importance of technology in military operations and the need for navies to adapt to new threats and opportunities presented by advances in science and engineering.
In addition to their technological and tactical impact, the Coastal Motor Boats left a lasting legacy through the stories of the brave men who crewed them. The exploits of Augustus Agar, William Bremner, Tommy Dobson, Gordon Steele, and countless other CMB sailors continue to inspire and educate new generations of naval personnel and historians. Their courage, skill, and determination in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the human spirit and the enduring values of the Royal Navy.
Efforts to preserve and restore surviving CMBs have helped to ensure that the legacy of these remarkable vessels and their crews lives on. One notable example is CMB9, which was returned to the water in the 1970s after a 40-year absence, thanks to the dedication of its owners, Robert and Terri Morley. Since its restoration, CMB9 has participated in numerous events, including the Queen‘s Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012, serving as a tangible reminder of the CMBs‘ place in British naval history.
Other CMBs, such as CMB4, have been preserved as static displays in museums, allowing visitors to appreciate the unique design and construction of these boats firsthand. The Imperial War Museum in Duxford, England, is home to CMB4, where it serves as an educational tool and a tribute to the skill and ingenuity of its designers and builders.
Conclusion
The Coastal Motor Boats of the Royal Navy, affectionately known as the "hornets of the sea," played a crucial role in World War I and the years that followed. These small, fast, and highly maneuverable vessels proved their worth in the Baltic and Caspian Sea regions, launching daring torpedo attacks against enemy ships and contributing to the Allied victory.
The development of the CMBs was a testament to the vision and collaboration of junior naval officers and the Thornycroft company, who worked together to create a new class of fighting boat that could deliver a powerful punch despite its size. The boats‘ lightweight wooden construction, powerful engines, and innovative torpedo-launching system made them a formidable force in coastal operations and confined waters.
The success of the CMBs was due in no small part to the exceptional courage and skill of the sailors who crewed them. These brave men, often operating in the face of great adversity and danger, consistently demonstrated their unwavering determination and resourcefulness in executing their missions. The awarding of multiple Victoria Crosses to CMB crew members, including Augustus Agar, Gordon Steele, and William Bremner, is a testament to their valor and sacrifice.
The impact of the CMBs on naval warfare extended beyond their immediate service, influencing the development of fast attack craft, torpedo boats, and remote-controlled vessels. The creation of Distance Control Boats from the CMB design highlighted the growing importance of technology in military operations and foreshadowed the integration of air power and naval warfare.
Efforts to preserve and restore surviving CMBs have helped to ensure that the legacy of these remarkable vessels and their crews endures. As educational tools, museum exhibits, and participants in modern-day events, the CMBs continue to inspire and inform new generations about the courage, innovation, and determination that defined the Royal Navy during World War I and beyond.
In conclusion, the Coastal Motor Boats of the Royal Navy represent a unique and significant chapter in the history of naval warfare. Their impact on tactics, technology, and human endurance continues to resonate more than a century after their debut, cementing their place as true "hornets of the sea" and a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of the sailors who designed, built, and crewed them.
