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41<font class=headline><font size=+3><CENTER>BUTE'S WAR - PHOTO GALLERIES</font></font size></center>
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70<font size=+2><center>&bull; <b>Historical Photos Gallery</b> &bull;<br><br>&bull; <a href="/gallery2.shtml"><b>Commemorations Gallery (1)</a> &bull;<br><br>&bull; <a href="/gallery3.shtml"><b>Commemorations Gallery (2)</b></a> &bull;<br><br>&bull; <a href="http://www.pbase.com/zak355/vday" target="_blank"><b>Zak's &quot;Bute Remembers&quot; Gallery</b></a> &bull;</font size>
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73<Font size=+1.5><b><center><marquee behavior="scroll" direction="left" scrollamount="8">The images in this HISTORICAL PHOTOS GALLERY graphically portray the unique role played by the Isle of Bute during World War II.  &nbsp; &nbsp; Bute's involvement ranged from being the H.Q. (in Port Bannatyne) for the 12th Submarine Flotilla (X-craft), &nbsp;&nbsp;to serving as the home base (in Rothesay Bay) for the navy's depot ship "HMS Cyclops" that was key in the training of Britain's submariners, &nbsp;&nbsp;to the training of Commandos in preparation for D-Day landings, &nbsp;&nbsp;to performing a vital salvage and repair role for vessels damaged in the Western Approaches, &nbsp;&nbsp;and to accommodating thousands of evacuee children from the Greater Glasgow area.</marquee></font size></b></center>
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76<font class=subhead><center>Click on small photo to see full-size image</font></center><br>
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85<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/gallery/mapkeylocations.pdf"><B> Map showing selected key military locations on and around the Isle of Bute during World War II</B></A><br>The  <a name="map"></a>map gives a good indication of the many and varied military activities in which the Isle of Bute was involved. Despite its diminutive size, Bute's wartime engagement played a crucial role in Britain's overall war effort - in particular Rothesay being the home-base for the depot ship <I>"HMS Cyclops"</i> (7th Submarine Flotilla), and Port Bannatyne being the HQ for the 12th Submarine (X-Craft) Flotilla based in <i>HMS "Varbel"</i> (the luxury 88-bedroomed Kyles Hydro Hotel that was requisitioned by the Admiralty for this purpose), from where the heroic and audacious raid on Germany's pride-of-fleet battleship <i>Tirpitz</i> was masterminded and executed <i>("Operation Source")</i>.
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90<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/evacship.jpg"><B>Children evacuated from the Greater Glasgow area</B></A><BR>Young evacuees wondering <i>"Why have we been sent away so far from home?"</i> Even before Prime Minister Chamberlain's declaration of a state of war, 876 children plus teachers and helpers had arrived in Rothesay on the "Jeanie Deans"; and later that afternoon the "Jeanie Deans" brought another 650 children. Then on the Sunday, just an hour after war was formally declared, two paddle steamers landed another 1600 children at Rothesay pier". As a prime holiday resort in those pre-war days Rothesay had many accommodation establishments, and also many 'spare rooms' in family homes being let out seasonally. This meant that there was under-utilised accommodation capacity, all of which eased pressure on space-availability, and facilitated the overall billeting process.</TD></TR>
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93<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/evacdrbuch.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/evacdrbuch-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
94<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/evacdrbuch.jpg"><B>Evacuees with Dr Buchanan</B></A><BR>Six happy evacuee children from <i>Townhead</i> after a month with Bute's local GP, Dr Buchanan. <br>"From the outset it was obvious that the influx of over two thousand school age children was going to present gigantic problems for the education authorities.  There was a tremendous reorganization of classes and it was 11th September before all the schools were reopened.   The Glasgow schools <i>Townhead</i> and <i>St. David's</i> brought almost all their pupils.  Although they were taught by their own teachers the chief difficulty lay in finding sufficient classroom accommodation.   The <i>Strain Hall</i> and the <i>Village Hall</i> in Port Bannatyne between them coped with most of St. David's children. Several local teachers had joined the Forces, but others came out of retirement to help.  Most of the younger children only went to school for half a day - locals in the morning and others after lunch." <font size=-2><i>("Bute's War" by Jess Sandeman</i> page 6)</font size></TD></TR>
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98<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/georgecert.jpg"><B>H.M. King George's Certificate sent to all children</B></A><BR>Certificates awarded to children by H.M. King George VI at the end of the War.
99<br><br>"TODAY, AS WE CELEBRATE VICTORY, I send this personal message to you and all other boys and girls.  For you have shared in the hardships and dangers of a total war and you have shared no less in the triumph of the Allied Nations......" <i><font size=-2>(click the image for the full text of King George's message)</i></font size></TD></TR>
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103<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/mobcanteen.jpg"><B>Bute Mobile Canteen</B></A><BR>Bute's WVS Mobile Canteen, operated by local women volunteers, moved around Bute feeding the hungry commandos. The Isle of Bute served as an ideal location for Commando training and amphibious landings practice. In particular, French Canadians along with 9th (Scottish
103) Commando used Bute's beaches and Inchmarnock (see<a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>) to train with tank landing craft in preparation for D-Day. Canadian Commandos were known for the friendship and generosity shown towards the children on the Island (handing out bubble gum, etc.)</TD></TR>
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107<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/homeguard1.jpg""><B>Bute Home Guard </B></A><BR>Bute's Home Guard, the real Dad's Army, spent many long hours night after night on hillsides or the moors doing their bit for the Island's security and protection.  Although their contribution was trivialised in the TV series "Dad's Army" they really did a splendid job (even if they sometimes incurred the resentment of the odd local resident who had been 'caught' transgressing the strict black-out restrictions).</TD></TR>
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112<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/homeguard2.jpg"><B>Bute Home Guard marching along Victoria Street, Rothesay</B></A><BR>Bute's Home Guard, the real Dad's Army, marching down Victoria Street in Rothesay.  Members of the Home Guard spent many long hours night after night on hillsides or the moors doing their bit for the Island's security and protection.  Although their contribution was trivialised in the TV series "Dad's Army" they really did a splendid job (even if they sometimes incurred the resentment of the odd local resident who had been 'caught' transgressing the strict black-out restrictions).</TD></TR>
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116<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/cancombadge.jpg"><B>Canadian Commando Badge</B></A><BR>Given its seclusion/remoteness, its topographical variety, and its many sandy beaches, the Isle of Bute served as an ideal location for Commando training and amphibious landings practice. In particular, French Canadians along with 9th (Scottish) Commando used Bute's beaches and Inchmarnock (see <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>) to train with tank landing craft in preparation for D-Day. The image shows the badge of the Canadian Commandos who trained on and around Bute.</TD></TR>
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121<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/polishofficers.jpg"><B>Polish officers located on Bute</B></A> <i><a href="http://www.butemuseum.org.uk/archives/" target="_blank"><i><font size=-2>(Photo source)</a></i></font size><BR></i>In 1940 Polish officers were re-located to Bute and were billeted in local hotels including <i>inter alia</i> "Craigmore", "Craignethan", "Madras", "Ardyne", "Esplanade", "Grand Marine", "Royal" and "Victoria". With the permission of the Commander-in-chief of the Polish Army and British authorities, families of officers were allowed to join them. The relatives of the officers were treated as foreign subjects, and since the Isle of Bute was located in a protected zone, special permission was required to enter the town of Rothesay.  Officers were given English lessons. In spring 1942 many were again re-assigned elswhere. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Officer_Concentration_Station_Rothsay" target="_blank"> &nbsp<u><i><font size=-2>Article source</a></u> (adapted). </i></font size>  See also Rothesay Polish Concert Programme<A HREF="http://www.bute-at-war.org/vimage.shtml?/gallery/concertprogramme.jpg"> <u><i>HERE</u></i></a>. See also graves on Bute of members of the Polish forces<A HREF="http://www.buteman.co.uk/news/polish-rothesay-war-grave-appeal-success-1-3266157"> <u><i>HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR>
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126<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/certqueen.jpg"><B>Certificate from H.M. Queen Elizabeth II</B></A><BR>Certificate of thanks and appreciation from H.M. Queen Elizabeth II sent to those who had evacuees and /or military or other personnel billeted with them during the War. The full signed message can be seen by clicking the image.</TD></TR>
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130<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/entertain1.jpg"><B>A searchlight battery near Kingarth</B></A><BR>A searchlight Battery was located on an elevated site near Kingarth where an army unit was based in nissan huts erected in the field opposite Kingarth Tileries. From this vantage point the searchlight beam, powered by diesel generators, could sweep across the Firth of Clyde, to the Cumbraes, and beyond. A glance at the <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a> shows the wide arc of vision that Kingarth would have commanded. <i><font size=-2>(stock photo)</i></font size></TD></TR>
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135<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/antisubmarinenet1.jpg"><B>Anti-submarine net across the Clyde Estuary at Dunoon</B></A><BR>A boom defence office was located on Rothesay Pier, and this office liaised with the Gourock boom control centre that operated the mile-and-a-half-long boom across the Clyde between Cloch Lighthouse and Dunoon. The boom, costing &pound;1,000,000, and serviced night and day by eight boom defence ships, was completely replaced six times during the war. It made impregnable the Clyde anchorage, sheltering at times some of the greatest concentrations of shipping the world has ever seen.</TD></TR>
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140<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/decoyvillage.jpg"><B>Concrete bunker controlling Decoy Village on Bute</B></A><BR> At the north end of the Isle of Bute (see <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>) a decoy village was constructed and maintained by the Royal Navy. The village (controlled from a concrete bunker as shown in the image) was illuminated at night (using generators) in an attempt to confuse enemy bombers, and hopefully to draw them away from Greenock or Clydebank. No bombs fell on Rhubodach, although a German plane returning from the Greenock blitz jettisoned 2 bombs near the Greenan Loch. The bunker site is very difficult to find at present, as it became heavily overgrown (being in a very remote/uninhabited part of the Island). More information <a href="https://www.visitbute.com/ww2-bunker/" target="_blank"> &nbsp<u>HERE</u></a> and <a href="http://www.secretscotland.org.uk/index.php/Secrets/StarfishDecoy" target="_blank"> &nbsp <u>HERE</TD></TR>
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144<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/antigliderdefence.jpg"><B>Anti-glider deterrent posts along the extensive flat sandy beach fringing Scalpsie Bay</B></A><BR>Situated on Bute's west coast towards the south and in quite a remote location, see <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>, Scalpsie Bay's extensive flat beach (see image below) was thought to be a potential landing site for a German invasion.  These timber posts originally up to 5-6m in height, and embedded in thick concrete bases, were sunk into the sand along the length of the beach, and extending right down to spring tide low-water mark.  The wooden posts supported a criss-cross grid of wires designed to disrupt and immobilise attempted beach seizures by enemy paratroops delivered by gliders. Still visible in some places today (now only remnant stumps as seen in the photograph), these posts are a reminder of the anti-glider defences erected in response to the perceived enemy threat.   More details <a href="http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/300814/details/bute+scalpsie+bay+aircraft+immobilisation+posts/" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR>
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149<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/scalpsiebeach2.jpg"><B>The extensive flat sandy beach fringing Scalpsie Bay was thought to pose a potential threat from landing enemy gliders</B></A><BR>This photograph shows Scalpsie Bay's extensive flat beach (on Bute's west coast towards the south and in quite a remote location, see <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>) that was thought to be a potential landing site for a German invasion.  Hence the erection of the 5-6m high timber posts used to support a criss-cross grid of wires designed to impede/immobilise attempted beach seizures by enemy paratroops delivered by gliders. <i>See previous gallery image</i>.</TD></TR>
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154<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/entertain1.jpg"><B>Entertainment - Rothesay Pavilion</B></A><BR>Concert organized by crew members from <i>"HMS Cyclops"</i>, and <i>"HMS Titania"</i> in the Rothesay <a href="#Pavilion"> <u>Pavilion</u></a> 1942. The Pavilion had been opened in 1938 and boasted several dressing rooms and state-of-the-art lighting. In addition to stage shows, Rothesay Pavilion was the venue for many 'big band' dances, Scottish Country Dancing, and other entertainment events.</TD></TR>
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158<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/cinema.jpg"><B>Entertainment - Rothesay's  "Winter Garden"</B></A><BR>Regular entertainment was also arranged in Rothesay's <a href="#Winter Garden"><u>Winter Garden</u></a>. There was a constantly changing programme of locally produced variety shows, and also performances by visiting artistes. The detailed story of Rothesay's Winter Garden / Isle of Bute Discovery Centre and be accessed <a href="http://www.bute-at-war.org/gallery/wintergdn.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR>
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162<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/cinema.jpg"><B>Entertainment - Rothesay's Cinemas</b></A><BR>
163For most of the War Bute had three cinemas - <i>"The Regal", "The Palace", </i> and <i>"The Ritz"</i>. Generally, two shows were held nightly. Sunday night shows were reserved for Forces only. The image depicts a Programme and Tickets for a concert held in <i>"The Regal"</i> cinema in 1942 in aid of the Polish Relief Fund, and featuring two Polish musicians.
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169<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/gatheringmoss.jpg"><B>Gathering sphagnum moss</B></A><BR>Red Cross volunteers, in addition to helping out in hospitals and with ambulance-work too, were actively involved in gathering sphagnum moss. The moss was carefully cleaned prior to being packed and sent to Glasgow where it was used in the preparation of wound dressings. The medical use of sphagnum moss had been long-known. <a href="http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/bbs/activities/field%20bryology/FB110/FB110_Ayres_Sphagnum.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>MORE HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR>  
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173<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/growmorefood.jpg"><B>Grow more food</B></A><BR>By 1938, Britain imported two-thirds of its total food supplies. With the threat of an impending war, all available shipping space was needed for the war effort. Accordingly, Britain was facing the possibility of food shortages at best and starvation at worse. In August 1939, the Government launched a nationwide campaign to grow more food. The number of allotments was vastly extended, and instead of flower gardens, people were urged to grow vegetables, even in front gardens!</TD></TR>
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177<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/rations.jpg"><B>Rations</B></A><BR>One week's ration for one person. FOOD ESSENTIALS: Milk 3 pints; Tea 2 -4 oz (50-110 g); Sugar 8 oz (225 g) ; Meat, rationed by price rather than by weight (the cheaper the cut the more available);  Spam (imported from the U.S.A.) easy on points, but a great stand-by:  costing between 1/- and 2/- (5-10p); Bacon & Ham 1-4 oz (25-110g); Lard 2 oz  (50 g); Butter 2 oz (50 g); Margarine, approximately 5 oz (130 g); Cheese 1-8 oz (25-225g); Eggs, often just 1 egg per fortnight; Dried egg and dried milk powder  -  also imported, were in frequent use.  <font size=-2><i>(Courtesy: Jean Donald)</i></font size></TD></TR>
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181<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/hmscyclopsbay.jpg"><B><i>"HMS Cyclops"</i> in Rothesay Bay</B></A><BR><i>HMS Cyclops</i> (commissioned in 1907, scrapped July 1947, 2x4" guns, displacement 11,300 tons), served as the depot ship for the Royal Navy's 7th Submarine Flotilla, and was home-based in Rothesay (1940-46). It also accommodated allied submariners who had escaped from Poland, Holland and Norway. Wrens worked on board mostly performing administrative duties. Cooks and stewards on Cyclops were Maltese. The Earl of Dumfries (heir to the 4th Marquess of Bute) was a cypher officer aboard Cyclops.  An account of life on <i>"Cyclops"</i><a href="http://www.mundy-pca.co.uk/ww2-rjm-navy/html/pp1cyclops.htm" target="_blank"> <i><u>HERE</u></i></a>.  &nbsp &nbsp <b><i>More photos of HMS Cyclops</b></i> <A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/Cyclops&subM1.jpg" target="_blank" <a><u>HERE</u></A> and <A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/Cyclops in regalia.jpg" target="_blank" <a><u>HERE</u></A></TD></TR>
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185<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/cyclopswsubs.jpg"><B><i>"HMS Cyclops"</i> with submarines alongside</B></A><BR>From 1940-46 Rothesay's seascape was dominated by the presence of <i>"HMS Cyclops"</i> (affectionately known locally as "Cyclebox"), and <i>"looking after her submarines like a mother hen with her chicks nestled around her"</i>. <i>Cyclops</i> and the submarine flotilla constituted Britain's primary training facility for submariner training, and it is maintained that up to 95% of all British submariners trained in the 7th Submarine Flotilla home-based in Rothesay Bay. <i>Cyclops</i> and designated submarines would from time to time venture out into the Atlantic on various operational missions and/or on assigned open-sea training exercises. An account of life on <i>"Cyclops"</i><a href="http://www.mundy-pca.co.uk/ww2-rjm-navy/html/pp1cyclops.htm" target="_blank"> <i><u>HERE</u></i></a>. &nbsp &nbsp <b><i>More photos of HMS Cyclops</b></i> <A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/Cyclops&subM1.jpg" target="_blank" <a><u>HERE</u></A> and <A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/Cyclops in regalia.jpg" target="_blank" <a><u>HERE</u></A></TD></TR>
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189<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/cyclopssubn72.jpg"><B>Stern section of the depot ship <i>"HMS Cyclops"</i> in Rothesay Bay with Submarine N72. <a href="http://www.mundy-pca.co.uk/ww2-rjm-navy/html/hms_cyclops_3.html" target="_blank"> <i><font size=-2>(Photo source)</a></i></font size></B></A><BR>Depot ships were commonly a conversion of other ships like other warships, or even passenger liners. <i>"Cyclops"</i> had gone into reserve for refit and conversion in 1920, served in Malta, and was re-deployed to Rothesay in early 1940 as depot ship for the 7th Submarine Flotilla. In addition to providing c
189abin accommodation, sick bay facilities, messes, stores, etc., <i>"Cyclops"</i> was equipped with workshops for carrying out repairs and maintenance (carpenters, blacksmiths, coppersmiths, foundrys, etc.) to provide support for all the vessels assigned to it. An account of life on <i>"Cyclops"</i><a href="http://www.mundy-pca.co.uk/ww2-rjm-navy/html/pp1cyclops.htm" target="_blank"> <i><u>HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR>
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194<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/rothesaywrens.jpg"><B>Rothesay Wrens row out for duties on HMS <i>"Cyclops"</I></B></A><BR>Wren/s stands for a member of the Women's Royal Naval Services - WRNS (with an 'e' inserted for the sake of euphony). Wrens performed vital tasks on HMS <i>"Cyclops"</i>. Initially, two local girls, members of the WRNS, performed confidential office work on board, and soon they were joined by another four and eventually several more Wrens. Wrens also performed various duties at <i>"HMS Varbel"</i> in Port Bannatyne. An account of life on <i>"Cyclops"</i><a href="http://www.mundy-pca.co.uk/ww2-rjm-navy/html/pp1cyclops.htm" target="_blank"> <i><u>HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR>
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199<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/kinggeorge.jpg"><B>H.M. King George meeting Charioteers (men operating 'human torpedoes').</B></A><BR>H.M. King George VI meeting charioteers many of whom had trained to operate as 'human torpedoes' in the waters of Loch Striven. Photograph of Charioteer craft underway in Rothesay Bay / Loch Striven <A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/chariotcraft.jpg"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a>. &nbsp Watch original wartime footage of Charioteers (and X-craft) exercising <a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060020170" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR>
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203<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/chariotcraft.jpg"><B>A Chariot Craft (human torpedo) exercising in Rothesay Bay / Loch Striven. <a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205186959" target="_blank"> <i><font size=-2>(Photo source)</a></i></font size></B></A><BR>Chariot craft (human torpedoes) were depolyed to attack maritime targets that would otherwise be inaccessible to conventional submarines. More info. on these craft can be found <a href="http://www.divingheritage.com/torpedo.htm" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE.</u></i></a> The photograph (courtesy the <a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk" target="_blank">Imperial War Museum)</a> shows a 2-man chariot underway in Rothesay Bay / Loch Striven. Watch original wartime footage of Charioteers (and X-craft) exercising <a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060020170" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR>
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207<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/kyleshydro.jpg"><B>The Kyles Hydropathic Hotel (<i>"HMS Varbel"</i>) located in Port Bannatyne<a href="http://www.butesonsanddaughters.co.uk/kyleshydro.shtml" target="_blank"> <i><font size=-2>(Photo source)</a></i></font size></B></A><BR>The Kyles Hydro Hotel in Port Bannatyne (see <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>) - a luxury 88-bedroomed hotel with opulent interior and boasting tennis courts, putting greens, and small swimming pool - was requisitioned by the Royal Navy to become shore-based <i>"H.M.S. Varbel"</i> (named after Commanders Varley and Bell who designed the X-Craft prototype). It served as the Head Quarters for all Midget Submarine (X-craft) operations, including the heroic and audacious attack on the mighty German battleship <i>Tirpitz</i>. Photo shows the view from the Port Bannatyne pier looking up towards the former hotel. </TD></TR>
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210<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/varbell2.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/varbell2-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
211<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/varbell2.jpg"><B>Kyles Hydro (<i>"HMS Varbel"</i>) - Aerial View <a href="http://www.butesonsanddaughters.co.uk/kyleshydro.shtml" target="_blank"> <i><font size=-2>(Photo source)</a></i></font size></B></A><BR>A more detailed view of the Hyles Hydro Hotel, requistioned by the Admiralty and known as "H.M.S. Varbel" during the war years. Sadly, after the war and with the departure of the military, this 'iconic' building was unable to revert to its former grandeur as a viable hotel and fell into disrepair, and its physical fabric deteriorated to such an extent that it became derelict and was ultimately demolished. Additional information on the Kyles Hydropathic Hotel <
211a href="/gallery/kyleshydro.pdf"><u><i>here</i></u></a>. </TD></TR>
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214<A HREF="/gallery/kyleshydrobay.pdf"><IMG SRC="/gallery/kyleshydrobay-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
215<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/gallery/kyleshydrobay.pdf"><B>Kyles Hydro Hotel (<i>"HMS Varbel"</i>) - An aerial view, as well as one taken from the Bay</b></a><BR>Here are more details on the Kyles Hydro Hotel, requistioned by the Admiralty and known as <i>"H.M.S. Varbel"</i> during the war years. These two photographs <i>(click image on the left)</i> give a good sense of the setting in which <i>"HMS Varbel"</i>, was located  -  commanding a panoramic view overlooking Port Bannatyne itself, with Kames Bay to its left, and Loch Striven and <i>"HMS Varbel II"</i> at <a href="#Ardtaraig"><u>Ardtaraig</u></a> to the North. More information about the history of this iconic building is provided in this file. <br>Additional information on the Kyles Hydropathic Hotel <a href="/gallery/kyleshydro.pdf"><u><i>here</i></u></a>.</TD></TR>
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220<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/hmsvarbelsite.jpg"><B>"<i>HMS Varbel"</i> 's location in Port Bannatyne (after its demolition in the 1970's) <a href="
221https://www.google.com/maps/@55.8598675,-5.076137,610m/data=!3m1!1e3" target="_blank"> <i><font size=-2>(Photo source)</I></font size></B></A><BR>After the war and with the departure of the military, the Kyles Hydro Hotel (<i>"HMS Varbel"</i>) was unable to revert to its former 'iconic' grandeur as a viable luxury hotel and fell into disrepair, and its physical fabric deteriorated to such an extent that it became derelict and was ultimately demolished in the 1970's.  H.M.S. Varbel's Bell, and its Shield, are now preserved for posterity in the Bute Museum in Rothesay. </TD></TR>
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226<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/varbell.jpg"><B>"<i>HMS Varbel"</i> 's Bell</B></A><BR>Named after Navy Engineers, Commanders Varley and Bell, this special bell originally belonged to <i>"The Politician"</i>, the whisky-laden ship lost off Eriskay in February 1941. The details of the salvage of the bell are unclear.  The tale inspired the Compton MacKenzie's novel <i>"Whisky Galore"</i>. "<i>HMS Varbel"</i> 's bell remained in the Kyles Hydro Hotel for a while after the navy left, but following the Hotel's falling into disrepair, it was relocated and is now housed in the Bute Museum.</TD></TR>
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229<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/varbelshield.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/varbelshield-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
230<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/varbell.jpg"><B><i>"HMS Varbel"</i> 's Shield</B></A><BR>This is the <i>"HMS Varbel"</i>'s shield that was prominently displayed post-war in the marble foyer in <i>"HMS Varbel"</i> (the renamed Kyles Hydro Hotel which was requisitioned by the Admiralty to serve as the land-base HQ for all X-Craft operations).  For a while after the navy left, and following the Hotel's falling into disrepair, it was relocated and is now housed in the Bute Museum.</TD></TR>
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234<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/ardtaraig.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/ardtarig-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
235<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><a name="Ardtaraig"><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/ardtaraig.jpg"><B>Ardtaraig - <i>"HMS Varbel II"</i> secondary shore naval base for 12th Submarine (X-Craft) Flotilla</B></A><BR>Ardtaraig House</a>, located at the head of Loch Striven (see <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>), became a secondary (shore) naval base for the 12th Submarine Flotilla (midget submarines / X-craft) and bacame known as <i>"HMS Varbel II"</i>. Ardtaraig had been requisitioned by the Admiralty for this purpose. The primary base (an on-shore base and the Flotilla HQ) was situated in what was previously the <a href="/gallery/kyleshydro.pdf" target="_blank"><u> Kyles Hydro Hotel</a></u> in Port Bannatyne on the Isle of Bute just to the south and was known as <i>"HMS Varbel"</i>. <br><a href="/gallery/bouncebomb.pdf" target="_blank"><u>Bouncing ('Highball') Bomb tests in Loch Striven</u></a> (includes a map showing the location of Ardtaraig House on the shore of Loch Striven and in relation to the Isle of Bute). </TD></TR>
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239<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/ardtaraigairphoto1.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/ardtaraigairphoto1-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
240<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><a name="Ardtaraig"><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/ardtaraigairphoto.jpg"><B>Ardtaraig House - <i>"HMS Varbel II"</i> present-day air photo showing location</B></A><BR>Ardtaraig House</a>, located at the head of Loch Striven (see <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>), became a secondary (shore) naval base for the 12th Submarine Flotilla (midget submarines / X-craft) and bacame known as <i>"HMS Varbel II"</i>. Ardtaraig had been requisitioned by the Admiralty for this purpose. The primary base (an on-shore base and the Flotilla HQ) was situated in what was previously the <a href="/gallery/kyleshydro.pdf" target="_blank"><u> Kyles Hydro Hotel</a></u> in Port Bannatyne on the Isle of Bute just to the south and was known as <i>"HMS Varbel"</i>. <br><a href="/gallery/bouncebomb.pdf" target="_blank"><u>Bouncing ('Highball') Bomb tests in Loch Striven</u></a> (includes a map showing the location of Ardtaraig House on the shore of Loch Striven and in relation to the Isle of Bute). </TD></TR>
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243<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/landarmylass.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/landarmylass-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
244<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/landarmylass.jpg"><B>Land Army Lass</B></A><BR>
244One of Bute's Land Army Girls. As the prospect of war became increasingly likely, the government wanted to increase the amount of food grown within Britain. In order to grow more food, additional help was needed on the farms and so the government started the Women's Land Army in June 1939. At first it asked for volunteers. This was supplemented by conscription, so that by 1944 it had over 80,000 members. The WLA lasted until its official disbandment on 21 October 1949. <i><font size=-2>(Narative Source: Wikipedia)</i></font size> &nbsp; More on the Women's Land Army during WW2 <a href="http://www.womenslandarmy.co.uk/world-war-two" target="_blank"><u><i>Here</u></i></a>.</TD></TR>
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248<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/imperialtransportkb.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/imperialtransportkb-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
249<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/imperialtransportkb.jpg"><B>Severely damaged oil tanker <i>"Imperial Transport"</i> in Kilchattan Bay</B></A><BR>The <i>"Imperial Transport"</i> - only the stern half of the ship made it back to Kilchattan Bay (see <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>). The vessel had been the victim of a German torpedo attack in the Atlantic, in which she was broken in two with the bow section sinking quickly. The explosion had also blown away the bridge, yet she limped back into Kilchattan bay where she anchored opposite the St Blane's Hotel. A new bow section was subsequently fabricated and fitted in Port Glasgow in 1941, and the vessel returned to service. View an archive <i>Pathe News</i> video clip recounting the saga <a href="http://www.britishpathe.com/video/half-a-ship-saved" target="_blank"> &nbsp <u><i>HERE</i></u></TD></TR>  
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252<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/pavilion.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/pavilion-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
253<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><a name="Pavilion"></a><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/pavilion.jpg"><B>Rothesay Pavilion (photo circa late 1940s)</B></A><BR>Opened in 1938, and overlooking Rothesay's Victorian-constructed esplanade, this iconic building (a classic example of International-Style Modernism, and built in the era of the 'Big Band Sound') can currently seat up to 1250 people (cinema-style), or accommodate up to 850 people for a dance. However, during the dark and gloomy days of World War II nearly every Saturday night this building resounded to a 1000+ pairs of pounding feet - locals and troops finding some relief from the stresses and strains of wartime living. It is a Category "A" listed building, and is rivalled as a seaside pavilion in this style only by the recently restored Bexhill Pavilion. A comprehensive description of Rothesay Pavilion, past and present, can be accessed <a href="http://www.bute-at-war.org/gallery/pavilion.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR>
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256<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/pbcenotaph.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/pbcenotaph-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
257<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/pbcenotaph.jpg"><B>Port Bannatyne Cenotaph</B></A><BR>Port Bannatyne War Memorial - to the memory of 39 X-craft (midget) submariners lost on active service. More details <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/snippet/5602" target="_blank"> &nbsp <u>HERE</u></a> and <a href="http://www.geolocation.ws/v/E/2558364/port-bannatyne-war-memorial/en" target="_blank"> &nbsp <u>HERE </TD></TR>
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260<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/northbutegraves.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/northbutegraves-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
261<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/northbutegraves.jpg"><B>North Bute Cemetery (Croc an Raer)</B></A><BR>North Bute Cemetery is the final resting place for 21 bodies (or bits of bodies) of seamen killed when the whale oil ship <i>"SS Coronda"</I> was torpedoed off Barra Head in September 1940. The attack exploded the stern gun magazine above which the crew accommodation was located. 7 of the  headstones mark where three coffins were laid in each grave. There are 30 merchant seamen buried at Croc an Raer - all killed in attacks on merchant vessels which were brought to Port Bannatyne for salvage during the World War II. </TD></TR>
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264<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/floatdock1.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/floatdock1-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
265<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/floatdock1.jpg"><B>Floating dock at Port Bannatyne</B></A><BR> Local boatyards and a floating dock in Port Bannatyne were used for ship repairs (from salvage operations) and the construction of harbour defence vessels. The floating dock was also used for the servicing/maintenance of Midget Submarines, and probably for their concealment and for security at certain times, and for putting the final critial preparatory touches to the craft immediately prior to their deployment on their top-secret missions. Several Admiralty Floating Docks (AFD) were at times based in Kames Bay - AFD 7 1941/43, AFD 20 1943/44, AFD 19 1956/1957. An account of life in Port Bannatyne <a href="http://www.butesonsanddaughters.co.uk/mcdonald.shtml" target="_blank"> <i><u>HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR>  
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268<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/sandemetrio.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/sandemetrio-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
269<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/sandemetrio.jpg"><B>The saga of the tanker <i>"San Demetrio"</i></B></A><BR>German battleship Admiral Scheer shelled and badly damaged this vessel in early November 1940 while she was on the famous <i>Jarvis Bay</i> convoy. Initially abandoning the ship due to a raging fire, the crew later re-boarded it, extinguished the fire, and successfully brought the vessel into Rothesay Bay on 11th November without a bridge, charts or navigational aids, and only half an emergency steering wheel. This episode became the subject of the post-war movie <i>"San Demetrio - London"</i>. A more detailed account of the events surrounding the <i>"San Demetrio"</i> can be found <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_San_Demetrio" target="_blank"> &nbsp <u><i>HERE</i></u></TD></TR>  
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272<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/sceptrevolatile.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/sceptrevolatile-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
273<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/sceptrevolatile.jpg"><B><i>"HMS Sceptre"</i> in Rothesay Bay</B></A><BR>
273There were jubilant scenes during VE and VJ celebrations in Rothesay and elsewhere on the island. <i>"HMS Sceptre"</i> (left) and <i>"HMS Volatile"</i> (right) were alongside their Rothesay home-based depot ship HMS Cyclops instead of the usual 6-8 submarines    -   all indicative of the rundown to the end of hostilities. Note the 'Jolly Roger' flying from <i>HMS Sceptre</i>'s conning tower.</TD></TR>
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276<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/sinbad.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/sinbad-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
277<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/sinbad.jpg"><B>Eric Morley and <i>Sinbad the Sailor</i></B></A><BR>Eric Morley, who ended up organizing Miss World Competitions, started in Rothesay during the War organizing concerts and pantomimes.  One such pantomime was <i>Sinbad the Sailor</i> with an all-services cast.  It played to a packed house at the Pavilion for 2 nights at Christmas 1944, and was repeated in the New Year at the Winter Garden.  He was not only active in the entertainment world but did a lot of work for the War Savings Committee, and was greatly missed when on promotion he left the island. The image depicts the bill for <i>"Sinbad the Sailor"</i>.</TD></TR>
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281<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/51sthighlanddiv.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/51sthighlanddiv-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
282<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/terrarmy.jpg"><B>Bute Territorial Army<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/465770786433361253/" target="_blank"> <i><font size=-2>(Photo source)</a></i></font size></A></B></A><BR>The local army group (Bute Territorial Army) was mobilized on 1st September 1939, left the island in October, and as 202 Anti-Tank Battery went across to France.  Many of them, assigned to the Royal Artillery 51st Highland Division, were either killed or taken prisoner at St Valery en Caux, June 1940. Photo shows survivors of the 51st Highland Division being marched away. It was very sad for a small place like Bute to lose so many young men. <a href="http://neilmclellanstory.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"> &nbsp<u><i>Story of a survivor </u></i></a> </TD></TR>
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285<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/marchmap.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/marchmap-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
286<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/marchmap.jpg"><B>Bute Territorial Army - March Map</B></A><BR>The Bute Battery (St Valery). Upon their return P.O.W.s told of how they were forced to march hundreds of miles across Europe to their prison camps. The map shows a section of a rare book depicting some of the route followed on this horrendous march. The book was presented to Bute Museum by the family of the late Major John Hicks. <a href="http://neilmclellanstory.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"> &nbsp<u><i>Story of a survivor </u></i></a> </TD></TR>
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289<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/gayqueen.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/gayqueen-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
290<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/gayqueen.jpg"><B>The <i>"Gay Queen"</i></B></A><BR>The "Gay Queen", a popular pleasure craft operating from the slip opposite the Rothesay Pavilion, was requisitioned by the Admiralty and sent to <A HREF="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scapa_Flow"><B><i>Scapa Flow</a></b></i> a strategic stretch of water among several islands forming the Orkney Isles, northern Scotland. The launch's 3-times-a-day cruises (prior to being requisitioned), were an attraction that was sorely missed.</TD></TR>
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292<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
293<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/jdeanspleasure.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/jdeanspleasure-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
294<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/jdeanspleasure.jpg"><B>The <i>"Jeani Deans"</i></B></A><BR>At the outbreak of war, the <i>"Jeanie Deans"</i> was the longest and fastest leisure paddle steamer on the Firth of Clyde. It was she that brought the first wave of evacuees from Glasgow to Bute. She was one of 9 steamers that 'went to war', some as minesweepers, others as troop ships.  Returning to her peacetime duties, she lau
294nched the popular 'Round Bute' cruise in the 1950s.
295After the 1964 summer cruising season the <i>"Jeanie Deans"</i> was withdrawn from Clyde service, and sold for further cruising on the River Thames.</TD></TR>
296
297<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
298<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/jdeanscamo.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/jdeanscamo-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
299<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/jdeanscamo.jpg"><B>The <i>"Jeani Deans"</i> in camouflage</B></A><BR>Doubtless because of her sailing prowess, the <i>"Jeanie Deans"</i> paddle steamer was requisitioned to become a minesweeper in the 11th Flotilla based at Portsmouth. Returning to her peacetime duties, she launched the popular 'Round Bute' cruise in the 1950s.
300After the 1964 cruising season the <i>"Jeanie Deans"</i> was withdrawnfrom Clyde service, and sold for further cruising on the River Thames.</TD></TR>
301 
302
303<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
304<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/wintergarden.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/wintergarden-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
305<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><B><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/wintergarden.jpg"><b>Rothesay's Winter Gardens</B></A><BR></b>Rothesay's <a name="Winter Garden">Winter Garden</a>, now the <i>Isle of Bute Discovery Centre</i>, was also requisitioned and used for a time as a general kitchen and mess for all troops. It was also used to present stage shows - contributing to the entertainment that was provided for war-weary Bute residents, evacuees, and all military personnel. The detailed story of Rothesay's Winter Garden / Isle of Bute Discovery Centre can be accessed <a href="http://www.bute-at-war.org/gallery/wintergdn.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR>
306<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
307
308
309<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
310<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/wintergarden1.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/wintergarden1-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
311<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><B><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/wintergarden1.jpg"><b>Rothesay's Winter Gardens - Exterior</B></A><BR></b>Rothesay's <a name="Winter Garden">Winter Garden</a>, now the <i>Isle of Bute Discovery Centre</i>, was also requisitioned and used for a time as a general kitchen and mess for all troops. It was also used to present stage shows - contributing to the entertainment that was provided for war-weary Bute residents, evacuees, and all military personnel. The detailed story of Rothesay's Winter Garden / Isle of Bute Discovery Centre can be accessed <a href="http://www.bute-at-war.org/gallery/wintergdn.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a></TD></TR> 
312<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
313
314<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/midgetsdock.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/midgetsdock-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
315<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/midgetsdock.jpg"><B>Midgets (X-Craft) in Floating Dock</B></A><BR>Six Midget Submarines (X-Craft) in Port Bannatyne's floating dock being checked over before the <a href="http://www.bute-at-war.org/gallery/tirpitzfacts.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>Tirpitz</i></u></a> raid. Comprehensive links to further information regarding the audacious and heroic raid by midget submarines (X-craft) on the <a href="http://www.bute-at-war.org/gallery/tirpitzfacts.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>Tirpitz</i></u></a> can be accessed <a href="/links.shtml" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</i></u></a></TD></TR>
316
317
318<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
319<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/xcraftofficers.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/xcraftofficers-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
320<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/xcraftstriven.jpg"><b>Five X-Craft Commanding Officers who trained on and around the Isle of Bute.</b><a href="https://navynews.co.uk/archive/news/item/8975" target="_blank"> <i><font size=-2>(Photo source)</a></i></font size><BR> Left to right, Lt. T.L Martin RN (X-9), Lt. K.R. Hudspeth RANVR (X-10), Lt. B.M. MacFarlane RNVR (X-8), <b>Lt. Godfrey Place RN (X-7)</b>, <b>Lt. Donald Cameron RNR (X-6)</b>.  &nbsp <u>X-5, X-6, X-7 were involved in the Tirpitz raid ("Operation Source")</u>. Not in the photograph is <b>Lt. 'Henty' Henty-Creer RNVR (X-5)</b>.  Lieutenants Cameron and Place were awarded VCs.  Lt. Henty-Creer along with his whole crew, were lost when tragically X-5 disappeared without trace in the vacinity of the Tirpitz. Read the chilling accounts of this story of unsurpassed heroism <a href="/links.shtml" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</a>. </TD></TR>
321
322
323<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
324<A HREF="/gallery/tirpitzraidvcs.pdf"><IMG SRC="/gallery/tirpitzraidvcs-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
325<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/gallery/tirpitzraidvcs.pdf"><b>Text of the Victoria Cross Awards to X-6 & X-7 Commanders Lt. Donald Cameron and Lt. Godfrey Place.</b></a><br> This is the text of HM King George VI's citation in respect of the selfless gallantry displayed by Lt. Donald Cameron and Lt. Godfrey Place for their part in "Operation Source" (masterminded at the on-shore naval base <i>HMS "Varbel"</i> in Port Bannatyne) that resulted in the crippling of the Tirpitz - pride of the German naval fleet. Because it is not known whether or not Lt Henty-Creer (Commander of X-5 which disappeared without trace) dropped either of his two charges, he was sadly not awarded a post humous VC, but was merely <i>"mentioned in despatches"</i>. Read the gripping and chilling accounts of this story of unsurpassed heroism, including the mystery of the fate of X-5. <a href="/links.shtml" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</a>. </TD></TR>
326
327<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
328<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/xcraftstriven.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/xcraftstriven-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
329<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/xcraftstriven.jpg"><B>X-Craft exercising in Loch Striven</B></A><BR>An X-Craft (Midget Submarine) exercising in Loch Striven (see <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>) which offered perfect protection. At the head of Loch Striven was "Ardtaraig" which became a secondary (shore) naval base known as <i>"HMS Varbel II"</i>. Watch original wartime footage of X-craft and Charioteers exercising <a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060020170" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a><br>More video of X-craft in operation <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE7HQkUy6QE"_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a>
330<br> 
331A comprehensive list of links dealing with midget submarines, and particularly the audacious raid on the <a href="http://www.bute-at-war.org/gallery/tirpitzfacts.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>Tirpitz</i></u></a> <a href="/links.shtml"> &nbsp&nbsp<u>HERE</u></a>. </TD></TR>
332
333<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
334<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/xe8inlochstriven.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/xe8inlochstriven-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
335<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/xe8inlochstriven.jpg"><B>X-Craft XE8 on the surface in Loch Striven</B><a href=http://pixdaus.com/royal-navy-x-craft-midget-submarine-c-1943-navy-submarine/items/view/302545/" target="_blank"> <i><font size=-2>(Photo source)</a></i></font size></A></A><BR>X-Craft XE8 (Midget Submarine) exercising in Loch Striven (see <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>) which offered a realistic physical environment in which to undertake submariner training. At the head of Loch Striven was "Ardtaraig" which became a secondary (shore) naval base known as <i>"HMS Varbel II"</i>. Watch original wartime footage of X-craft and Charioteers exercising <a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060020170" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a><br>More video of X-craft in operation <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE7HQkUy6QE"_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a>
336<br> 
337A comprehensive list of links dealing with midget submarines, and particularly the audacious raid on the <a href="http://www.bute-at-war.org/gallery/tirpitzfacts.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>Tirpitz</i></u></a> <a href="/links.shtml"> &nbsp&nbsp<u>HERE</u></a>. </TD></TR>
338
339<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
340<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/insidesub.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/insidesub-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
341<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/insidesub.jpg"><B>Inside an X-Craft</B>
341<a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205187467" target="_blank"> <i><font size=-2>(Photo source)</a></i></font size></A><BR>Inside an X-Craft (midget submarine). Sub Lieutenant K C J Robinson, RNVR, of Crosby, Liverpool, Commanding Officer of the vessel operating the periscope whilst sailing in Rothesay Bay.<a href="http://www.submarine-museum.co.uk/what-we-have/our-submarines/hms-x24" target="_blank"><br><u>A description of Britain's only remaining example of an X-craft that saw service during World War 2</u></a>
342<br>
343A comprehensive list of links dealing with midget submarines, and particularly the audacious raid on the <a href="http://www.bute-at-war.org/gallery/tirpitzfacts.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>Tirpitz</i></u></a> <a href="/links.shtml"> &nbsp&nbsp<u>HERE</u></a></TD></TR>
344
345<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
346<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/xcraftcloseup.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/xcraftcloseup-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
347<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/xcraftkames.jpg"><B>Close-up of X-Craft (Midget submarine) exercising in waters around the Isle of Bute</B></A><BR>An X-Craft (Midget Submarine) exercising in waters around Bute.  Only a job for brave young volunteers. Watch original wartime footage of X-craft and Charioteers exercising <a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060020170" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a><a href="http://www.submarine-museum.co.uk/what-we-have/our-submarines/hms-x24" target="_blank"><br><u></a>  More video of X-craft in operation <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE7HQkUy6QE"_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a><a href="http://www.submarine-museum.co.uk/what-we-have/our-submarines/hms-x24" target="_blank"><br><u>A description of Britain's only remaining example of an X-craft that saw service during World War 2</u></a>
348<br>
349</u>A comprehensive list of links dealing with midget submarines, and particularly the audacious raid on the <a href="http://www.bute-at-war.org/gallery/tirpitzfacts.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>Tirpitz</i></u></a> <a href="/links.shtml"> &nbsp&nbsp<u>HERE</u></a></TD></TR>
350
351
352<TR><TD width="100" align="center" valign=top class=gallerypic>
353<A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/xcraftkames.jpg"><IMG SRC="/gallery/xcraftkames-tb.jpg"></A></TD>
354<TD align="left" valign="top" width=90% class=gallery><A HREF="/vimage.shtml?/gallery/xcraftkames.jpg"><B>An X-Craft (Midget submarine) <i>"HMS Extant"</i> exercising in Kames Bay</B></A><BR>An X-Craft (Midget Submarine), <i>"HMS Extant"</i> exercising in the protected waters of Kames Bay, just a little bit north of Port Bannatyne (see <a href="#map"> <u>map</u></a>).  Only a job for brave young volunteers. Watch original wartime footage of X-craft and Charioteers exercising <a href="http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/1060020170" target="_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a><a href="http://www.submarine-museum.co.uk/what-we-have/our-submarines/hms-x24" target="_blank"><br><u></a>  More video of X-craft in operation <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE7HQkUy6QE"_blank"><i><u>HERE</u></i></a><a href="http://www.submarine-museum.co.uk/what-we-have/our-submarines/hms-x24" target="_blank"><br><u>A description of Britain's only remaining example of an X-craft that saw service during World War 2</u></a>
355<br>
356</u>A comprehensive list of links dealing with midget submarines, and particularly the audacious raid on the <a href="http://www.bute-at-war.org/gallery/tirpitzfacts.pdf" target="_blank"><i><u>Tirpitz</i></u></a> <a href="/links.shtml"> &nbsp&nbsp<u>HERE</u></a></TD></TR>
357
358</TABLE>   
359<br>
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