Fairmile ML Q112 - For Posterity's Sake

Q112

Fairmile Motor Launch

Fairmile ML Q112

Source: Flickr photo collection of Don Gorham

Laid down: 21 Apr 1943

Launched: 18 Sep 1943

Delivered to the RCN: 25 Oct 1943

Removed from service: 16 Jul 1945

Transferred to the RCMP Marine Division:

Fate: Grounded/Lost: Sep 1958

Built by Taylor and Sons, J.J., Toronto, Ont., she was delivered to the RCN on 25 Oct 1943. 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 Feb 1944 and Jan 1945, Q112 was listed as part of the 82nd ML Flotilla. Q112 is believed to have rescued some of the survivors from the British tanker Athel Viking, a part of Convoy BX-141 January 1945.

On 03 Feb 1945 Venture GR.V #2266 of 145 Sqn (British) crashed near the convoy it was escorting in the Atlantic just off Halifax. Sgt J.M. McColman, Sgt J.M. Northgrave RCAF (USA), F/O R.E. O'Connell and F/O J.M. Smith missing. ML Q112 and HMCS NAPANEE closed the downed aircraft to search for survivors, but none were found. The following are statements of the witnesses to the crash and the events immediately thereafter:

1) Lt Wallace Duggan, RCNVR, CO Q112; 2) Lt Herbert Dow, RCNVR, Q112; 3) AB RDIII Gerald Merette, RCNVR, Q112; 4) L/Ck E.I. Seigrig, RCNVR, Q112; 5) Lt George Powell, RCNVR, CO HMCS NAPANEE; 6) B. DesCotes, RCNVR, HMCS NAPANEE; and 7) AB Graeme Ferrier, HMCS NAPANEE

After the war Q112 became RCMP vessel FORT WALSH. International call sign CGMR and pendant MP33. In Sep 1958, the FORT WALSH was caught in a hurricane of Nova Scotia. The Captain rank her aground on the sore of Scatterie Island rather than have her sink. His crew were able to get ashore and shelter in the light house till the storm passed. Fort Walsh remained on the rocks slowly broken down by the sea.

Photos and Documents Ship's Company Photos

Commanding Officers

Lt R.C. Denny, RCNVR - 25 Oct 1943 - 18 Apr 1944

Lt Guy Rene Brassard, RCNVR - 19 Apr 1944 - 28 Dec 1944

Lt R.M. Greene, RCNVR - 29 Dec 1944 - 05 Jan 1945

Lt Wallace Rowe Duggan, RCNVR - 06 Jan 1945 - 22 Feb 1945

Lt John Ernest Mayrick Jones, RCNVR - 23 Feb 1945 - 20 Mar 1945

Lt Wallace Rowe Duggan, RCNVR - 21 Mar 1945 - 16 Jul 1945

In memory of those who have crossed the bar

They shall not be forgotten

Former Crew Members

Bailey, John Harvard, Lt, RCNVR - 05 Feb 1944

Daniels, "Buzzy"

Duggan, W. Rowe, A/Lt, RCNVR - 29 Apr 1944

Forbes, Kenneth John, Lt, RCNVR - 20 Apr 1945

Photos and Documents

	ML Q112 From the collection of François Messier, AB, RCNVR Courtesy of Denis Messier
	ML Q112 in Antigonish Bay From the collection of Roy T. Cardy / Photographer: Roy T. Cardy Courtesy of Dennis Cardy
	ML Q112 in Antigonish Bay Buzzy Daniels on the right - other sailor unknown From the collection of Roy T. Cardy / Photographer: Roy T. Cardy Courtesy of Dennis Cardy
	Leave pass for Roy T. Cardy while drafted to Q112 - Dated: 17 Jun 1944 From the collection of Roy T. Cardy Courtesy of Dennis Cardy
	RCMP Vessel Fort Walsh MP33 (former ML Q112) Source: Flickr photo collection of Don Gorham
	Q112 Shipmates From the collection of Roy T. Cardy / Photographer: Roy T. Cardy Courtesy of Dennis Cardy
	Q112 Shipmates From the collection of Roy T. Cardy / Photographer: Roy T. Cardy Courtesy of Dennis Cardy

HOME PAGE SHIP INDEX CONTACT