Fairmile ML Q053 - For Posterity's Sake

Q053

Fairmile Motor Launch

Fairmile ML Q053

From the collection of Arthur Penelton

Courtesy of Gary Penelton

Click on the above photo to view the full image

Laid down: 04 Feb 1941

Launched: 18 Oct 1941

Delivered to the RCN: 17 Nov 1941

Removed from service: 13 Jul 1945

Fate: Final disposition unknown

Q053 was delivered to the RCN on 17 Nov 1941. 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).

In Jun 1943, ML 053 distinguished herself by recovering, intact, two mines of a barrage laid by U-119 in the Halifax approaches. On 08 Jun 1943, Q053, following the minesweeper HMS BYMS 989, at 1815hrs, observed a floating mine. A tow line 90 yards long was attached to the mine and the mine was towed to Ketch Harbour. At 1930hrs the tow line was passed to a shore party and the mine was then hauled to the beach. At this point Lt George Henry Olaf Rundle, RCNR, assisted by OS John Gordon Lancien, RCNVR, removed the cover plate, the wiring was cut, & the detonator removed, at 2052hrs, once the mine was declared safe the shore party returned & removed the mine & detonator. In Jan 1944, Q053 was listed as part of the 71st ML Flotilla.

Photos and Documents

Commanding Officers

Lt C.L. Campbell, RCNVR - 17 Sep 1941 - 10 Mar 1942

Sub/Lt Stanley E. C. Garlick, RCNVR - 11 Mar 1942 - 11 May 1942

Lt Robert Permanter Baldwin, RCNVR - 12 May 1942 - 26 Feb 1943

Lt George MacDonald Schuthe, RCNVR - 27 Apr 1943 - 09 Jan 1944

Lt Wesley Pinkham Munsie, RCNVR - 26 Jan 1944 - 08 Jan 1945

Lt Harold Douglas MacFarland, RCNVR - 03 Apr 1945 - 13 Jul 1945

In memory of those who have crossed the bar