Hong Kong Flotilla
(1949-59)
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Design and Construction
HMS Medusa was built in 1943 by Newman, R.A., & Co., Ltd., in Poole, Dorset, as HDML 1387. Constructed to an Admiralty design, HDMLs were 72 feet long and made of wood. Designed for anti-submarine warfare and coastal patrol duties, these vessels could operate in shallow waters and had a top speed of 12 knots.
HDML 1387 was later renamed HMS Medusa in 1944 after her role in Operation Neptune. Her hull and engines remain largely original, and she is fitted with a number of authentic wartime instruments and features.
Slipway at RA Newman. with Poole bridge in the background
HMS Medusa (P296)
A surviving veteran of the Hong Kong Flotilla and the D-Day landings
HMS Medusa at sea in current condition
Overview
HMS Medusa (P296) is a unique survivor of a storied era in Royal Navy history. As one of the last operational harbour defence motor launches (HDMLs), she not only played a pivotal role in the D-Day landings but also served with distinction in the Hong Kong Flotilla after the war. Painstakingly restored and maintained by the Medusa Trust, she now serves as a living museum and flagship of Britain’s maritime heritage.
ML1383, Medusa’s partner for Omaha
Wartime Service and D-Day
HMS Medusa played a crucial role on D-Day (June 6, 1944) as part of the navigation flotilla. She was tasked with leading American landing craft to Utah Beach by marking a safe channel through mined waters. This was a highly dangerous mission that demanded both precision and bravery.
Her crew navigated under cover of darkness using early radar and dead reckoning, establishing her position within 300 yards of her target. For this role, she was one of the few HDMLs directly involved in the initial assault phase of Operation Overlord.
The new seas the Medusa as part of the Hong Kong Flotilla
Postwar Service in the
Hong Kong Flotilla
After the war, HMS Medusa was deployed to the Far East and served with the Hong Kong Flotilla. Here, she performed harbour defence, anti-piracy patrols, and support duties. As British forces maintained naval presence in the region, vessels like Medusa were vital in securing waterways and coastal interests.
Her time in the flotilla is a proud chapter in her long career, linking her to the broader story of the Royal Navy’s role in East Asia post-WWII.
April 2008: Inner diagonal planking on stbd side complete and horizontal inter-layer being fitted.
Restoration and Preservation
In 1968, Medusa was rescued from near-oblivion and underwent a comprehensive restoration led by the Medusa Trust. Over the decades, she has been restored to wartime configuration, retaining her original engines, layout, and much of her equipment.
She is now a fully operational historic vessel and is maintained as a national treasure. Visitors can explore her during maritime festivals, and she often participates in commemorative events including D-Day anniversaries.
Current Role and Legacy
HMS Medusa is not just a museum ship—she is a functioning tribute to naval service. As part of the National Historic Fleet, she is frequently seen at events such as the D-Day commemorations in Normandy and maritime festivals across the UK.
Her connection to the Hong Kong Flotilla endures through exhibitions, collaborations with historians, and her continued representation of Royal Navy history abroad. She is a testament to the skill, courage, and legacy of those who served aboard HDMLs.
The Medusa is a spectical today
Wartime Service and D-Day
Hong Kong Fotillia Association is supported by the Medusa Trust.
To learn more, visit www.hmsmedusa.org.uk
To support the ongoing preservation of HMS Medusa or book a visit, follow the link above or contact us directly.
Honor the legacy. Preserve the history.