H.M.S. GROWLER

Ship No 328



“Bustler Class” Rescue Tug.



Was an order for the supply of Ocean Going Diesel salvage tugs, all of the “Bustler Class” With Third of the class being the tug “H.M.S. Growler” (What a great name for a tug-boat)

They were required to carry out salvage and rescue work along with convoy escort duties.

Now the new book is out and if you click on the picture of the front cover you will be taken right to the book.

They were large and very powerful tugs put to good use during World War II and for long after as well.

She was 1,100 tons with a length overall of 190 feet and beam of 38 feet and six inches, with a draught of 19 feet.
Laid down 31 Jan 1942


Launched 10 Sep 1942

Commissioned 16 Mar 1943
HMS 'Growler', one of the 160 ocean-going tugs used during the D-Day campaign to move components of the Mulberry Harbours across to the Normandy beaches.

Growler was to go on and be re-named many times after the war, and she eventually ended up being named Martial some time in the mid 1980’s.

“Bustler Class Rescue Tugs”, were to have a crew of 42 men, and powered by Diesel engines with a single screw, producing 4,000 hp. giving a top speed of 16 knots.

They had an armament of 1 x 3” AA Gun, 1 x 2 pounder AA. Along with 2 x 20 mm AA guns and 4 machine guns, all for anti-aircraft defence.