Known as the Canadian Fairmile B’s, these famous motor launches, totalling 88 built in Canada, of which six were built at Midland Boat Works, served the coastal forces of the Royal Canadian Navy by carrying out anti-sub patrols, rescues and port defence.
They were known by a number of names, "Q - Boats, Little Ships and Holy Rollers," among others.The last descriptor because of their pitching in high seas.
These “Coastal Motor Launches “ were built of double mahogany and an eight-inch oak keel.
The Canadian hulls were narrower, had a greater draught and operated two knots faster than their British counterparts. They had a crew of two or three officers and 14 sailors. Much has been written about these 'Little Fighting Ships.'
One of the unique features of these craft was that they could be stripped and re-configured as a minesweeper, minelayer, navigation leader, coastal raider, patrol boat or rescue launch. Versatile. Each vessel was also equipped with sonar, radar and wireless telegraphy.
Memories of the Fairmiles, their construction and deployment, intimately tied to Midland, the Wagg, McCullough and Patchell families and the Midland Boat Works reminds us of Midland’s important role in the war effort.
René Hackstetter, July 23, 2021.
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