ROYAL NAVY SOUTH ATLANTIC COMMAND - ROYAL NAVY M
38)ML 1076 (MOTOR LAUNCH)
Image by A. I.
ML 1076 was a 72-foot Harbour Defence Motor Launch (HDML) manufactured by McLean in Renfrew, Scotland, for the Royal Navy. Initially assigned to the 108th Motor Launch Flotilla, it was shipped to West Africa and based out of the crucial strategic hub of Freetown, Sierra Leone
Throughout the war, ML 1076 operated alongside other light coastal forces to secure the local sea lanes. Its historical operational log details the following primary roles at Freetown:
Convoy Escort Duties:Protecting Allied merchant shipping moving along the West African coast. For instance, in January 1943, ML 1076 paired with ML 1077 to successfully escort the SS Pinzon into Freetown. Shortly after, it escorted the SS Empire Limba from Bathurst (modern-day Banjul, Gambia) safely into Freetown Harbour.
Active Anti-Submarine Hunts: Striking back against Axis U-boat threats in the Atlantic. In April 1943, ML 1076 was deployed from Freetown as part of a dedicated multi-ship submarine hunting pack alongside the French flower-class corvette La Malouine and fellow motor launches.
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Exercises: Serving as an active training asset to maintain the readiness of the fleet. In June 1943, ML 1076 conducted joint anti-submarine warfare drills off Freetown alongside aircraft and French submarines like the Argo.
Harbour Security and Sentry Patrols: Utilizing its payload of depth charges, sonar (ASDIC), and light armaments (typically a 3-pounder main gun and anti-aircraft machine guns) to protect the Freetown anchorage against underwater or surface infiltration.
ML 1076 remained active in the region until the end of hostilities and was ultimately listed for disposal at Freetown in January 1946.
