Fairmile ML Q081 - For Posterity's Sake

Q081

Fairmile Motor Launch

Fairmile ML Q081

RCN Photo # 3274

Courtesy of the Comox RCAF Museum

Click on the above photo to view a larger image

Laid down: 24 Aug 1941

Launched: 01 May 1942

Delivered to the RCN: 27 May 1942

Removed from service: 21 Jun 1945

Fate: Destroyed by fire in 1948

Built by Honey Harbour Nav Co. Ltd., Midland, Ont., she was delivered to the RCN on 17 May 27 1942. While she flew the White Ensign, she was not commissioned into the RCN but instead was listed as a tender to HMCS SAMBRO, the depot ship for escorts (tenders were not commissioned vessels). Q081 was a "B" Type ML, Displacement: 79 tons, Length: 112 ft, Beam: 7.9 ft, Draught: 4.9 ft, Speed: 20kts, Complement: 3 officers, 14 men, Armament: 3-20mm.

In Mar 1944, Q081 was listed as part of the 79th ML Flotilla. Her CO, Lt Stairs was listed as the SO of the 79th ML Flotilla in Apr 1944. Removed from service on 21 Jun 1945, she was sold in 1947 to Louis Levin, Montreal, Quebec. Renamed Esso Taparita, she was destroyed by fire in 1948.

Commanding Officers

Lt Frank Kinnear Ellis, RCNVR - 21 Apr 1942 - 23 Nov 1942

Lt J.M. Todd, RCNVR - 24 Nov 1942 - 31 May 1943

Lt Roy Campbell Denny, RCNVR - 01 Jun 1943 - 08 Jun 1943

Lt J.J. McLaughlin, RCNVR - 19 Aug 1943 - 05 Oct 1943

Lt G.C. Brain, RCNVR - 06 Oct 1943 - 20 Apr 1944

Lt Arthur Drysdale Stairs, RCNVR - 21 Apr 1944 - 26 Nov 1944

Lt W.J. King, RCNVR - 27 Nov 1944 - 14 Jan 1945

Lt Arthur Drysdale Stairs, RCNVR - 23 Apr 1945 - 21 Jun 1945

In memory of those who have crossed the bar