I am not quite that old !
Origin of Mobile Naval Defence Organization was X
Organization, later MNBDO nucleus formed at Fort
Cumberland, Eastney in 1923 for the manhandling
and landing of guns over various obstacles by use
of experimental methods.
MNBDO Group was the term applied to Royal at a
Mobile Naval Base. Command was under an RN Capt.
Units dealt with sea patrols, booms and mines with an
underwater section.
MNBDO 1. was approved on the 12/9/1939. There were
78 officers and 2,150 other ranks. By 1940 there were
202 officers and 4,089 other ranks. Majority of men and
some officers were HO. (Hostilities only.) In February 1941
they sailed to South Africa and then to Tahal camp in Egypt.
They then went to Crete and under German para attack
operated as infantry.Casualties were 1,200 mainly POWs'.
In 1942 they had been brought back to strength and some
MNBDO were sent to Ceylon. MNBDO 1. was in the Med and
the Canal Zone. In 1943 they left for Columbo (Ceylon) to
undertake training for operations in Burma. In the Spring
of 1944 they returned to the UK. Personnel were remustered
for LC, Cdo and other duties. HQ was disbanded in September
1944.
Chas.
sent to
