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[raflaunches]

Whilst I’ve been stuck in self isolation it’s given me time to research local WW2 history of my village. On my village war memorial there is a name which doesn’t normally match the local men’s ranks and military service- most are Army as you would expect but one name sticks out as it is a Royal Navy -Lieutenant Commander Donald Davidson. The name stuck in my mind as I’ve just read a book with the same name and rank involved with a relatively unknown raid against Japanese Forces in Singapore! Checking records and war memorial information Lt Cmdr Davidson on my local war memorial was the captain of the infamous MV Krait. He took part in Operation Jaywick and the follow up raid where he was killed trying to out run the Japanese soldier sent to hunt them down.
He was the son of the vicar of my village during the war and I’ve got some footage coming from Australia that shows him and his fellow Jaywick members being interviewed post first operation where he states where he is from. A brave man that I only recently discovered and I intend to honour him and his team by building a MV Krait to commemorate those brave actions.

[radiojoe]

Interesting story Nick, and will make a very interesting build I for one look forward to following your progress with this unusual boat.


Joe

[tonyH]

Wasn't it in Model Boats about a year ago?

[raflaunches]

Hi Tony


It was but it’s only recently that I put the two names together again after reading The Mighty Krait and attending the Remembrance Sunday service on the village green.

[ballastanksian]

Worth a reading again!


I like subjects that have some history behind them and smaller vessels especially. The Battleships and Carriers usually get all the attention as they are figureheads for a nation's propaganda and pride, but some small ships did great things far beyond their tonnage, look at Campelltown, and others.


Thinking about your issues with getting models to and from work, build carry cases for them when you build the cradles, as then you can fit all the cosy foam etc to protect them once the critical stages begin.

[canabus]

Hi All
A model of the boat at Wagga Wagga army training Base.


Canabus

[raflaunches]

Hi Canabus


That is a fantastic model of the Krait. Thank you for sharing the pictures- you can see how this vessel did so much damage as she is so in-assuming- you’d never guess what she was carrying!

[tonyH]

Nick, did you get your 'Q' ship kit?

[raflaunches]

Hi Tony


I did- the Atlantis kit is amazing and I managed to get a copy of the plans from John Haynes too. I never realised how big these ships were and I read that they always say that the engagements were between David and Goliath style battles but when you look at how big Atlantis was compared to a British light cruiser you soon realise that apart from armour they can be pretty much evenly matched for firepower!

[tonyH]

Aye, the dummy/camo aspect is quite fascinating in all it's format, from Krait to Atlantis BUT the active lives of the vessels tended to be rather short once the word got out.
I'm looking forward to both builds.
Cheers
Tony

[raflaunches]

Hi Tony


I’ve just read up on both vessels- Krait I think was an exception as she was only used once- whilst Atlantis tried to hide her true identity many times but was discovered by HMS Devonshire refuelling some U-Boats. They tried to hide that fact by transmitting a Q or R distress call but the Devonshire didn’t believe them and opened fire. The book recommended by John Haynes is a must- Under Ten Flags- fantastic story of a gentleman raider.

[ballastanksian]

I read a book on her (probably the same one!) It suggests the guns, being older cruiser guns were quite worn out by the end of her long long tour of duty and so were unlikely to embarrass a British Cruiser, but would deffo deal out crushing fire on any freighter she came across. I look forward to your build of this big model. A fellow Yeovil member was going to build Atlantis but didn't fancy the cost of the parts.