RNZN Fairmile Bs and HDMLs [Archive] - World Naval Ships Forums

kookaburra

15-05-2009, 11:11

I'm very much indebted to Fairmile B enthusiast, Association member and model-maker RogerP for sending me the first three photos here, HMNZS Mako, P3551, the first of them originally from the album of former crew and Association member, the late Howard Whittaker.

Roger himself took the photos of Mako as she is now, seen here at Melbourne's Docklands, just a few weeks ago I think. She is based in Geelong I understand.

The RNZN operated 12 Fairmile Bs during WW11, Q400 to Q411, originally intended as anti-submarine vessels, but employed in two groups in the Solomons in 1944. The boats were sold between 1946 and 1947, although a couple were later re-acquired, Q411 becoming Kahu, P3571, and Q409 becoming first Iris Moana, P 3570, and then Maori.

The New Zealand Navy also had 16 HDMLs, Q1183-Q1194, and Q1348-Q1351, which were laid up in 1945 with 10 retained, and later re-equipped with new Foden diesel engines, lattice masts and radar. Two were converted to survey launches while the others served variously as fishery protection and volunteer reserve training vessels.

Some views, with Rogers photos, a few added from books, and enlargement and repairs on several earlier posts: last, great shot, is twice repeated but Q404 should be represented here.

harry.gibbon

16-05-2009, 22:48

Kookaburra I just love viewing these vessels.. especially in their intended shape.

I am having the same enjoyment viewing the Brave boats and the Gay boats of the RN.

Many thanks for the thread.

Little h

RogerP

17-05-2009, 00:13

Just a couple of wee corrections to "Kookaburra's" initial post. I think I added a small amount of confusion by sending him quite a number of different links on different subjects, sorry Jeff.

Anyway, the late Howard Whittaker served in the RAN on HDML 1321, one of the Aussie built 80 footers.

The second and third pics of "Mako" are the ones taken by me over a year ago when she was moored at Williamstown. He is correct in saying she is now in Geelong.

As an aside to this thread I have contacted two friends who one served on "Mako" during the 1960s and the other gent, his dad was a young Subbie on ML 404. Hopefully Martyn and John will contribute.

Roger P.

kookaburra

17-05-2009, 06:28

Thanks for the clarification Roger, and sorry I mis-read where Howard Whittaker did his service. I really appreciated all the info, very interesting, but realize now that I had a few too many balls in the air when making that post.

kookaburra

07-06-2009, 00:15

Several more for the devoted HDML followers:

astraltrader

07-06-2009, 17:19

Interesting pictures Jeff, but I am a little confused as pictures 1 and 3 both seem to be of P3566?

harry.gibbon

07-06-2009, 18:37

Pic #3 is 3556 Terry

Little h

astraltrader

08-06-2009, 18:22

Ooops - silly me! Thanks guys!

kookaburra

04-08-2009, 10:07

Several more RNZN : Q411, P3554 Maroro; P3555 Tamure; and P3566 [not 3556] Mako.

Muppet79

28-08-2009, 03:35

P3551 is being auctioned this week
Here is the link http://www.graysonline.com/Sale.aspx?id=54256
She looks in good nick

Muppet79

03-09-2009, 09:19

P3551 was sold for $110,100 AUD I wish i had some spare cash

Robert McDougall

02-10-2009, 09:07

Ok when I was a kid in the sea cadets in Wellington I did a couple of trips onboard 72ft ML. One being Parore originally Olphert, but still the local rocky boat. These boats were ok sea boats, crossing the Cook Strait you cast iron guts. Being small boats they lack amenities like showers and a washing machine, bring out the dhoby bucket. A friend at work said his brother served onboard on of these boats as a radio operator. After spending such long hours in a confined compartment he was glad to get drafted off it, to put it mildly.

Dale Raby

28-11-2009, 10:58

Hi

My name is Dale Raby and am the new servant to the Mako,I see via this website (and being aboard) there is still quite a few people interested in her, so thought that I would give an update. She is now in SE Qld and ran beautifully from Geelong Victoria. Now in warm water so will be looking out for borers and have just taken her out of the water for maintenance. She did have a small hole in her aft that we are repairing, unfortunately it looks as though fresh water got in, though older shipwrights are attending to her and will get her back good as new, overall she is in great nick and a credit to her former owners.

Regards Dale

astraltrader

28-11-2009, 11:51

Thanks for that update about her Dale.

How about a few good photos to see her in her current glory?? :)

Dale Raby

30-11-2009, 01:03

Yes no problem, am givng her a good sanding and re-paint at the moment so will post when done

Regards Dale

RogerP

01-12-2009, 00:12

Hello Dale,

Congratulations on being 'Mako's' new owner. I and several Fairmile Association members (I'm a supporting member) had the very great privilege to visit over her and I know David and Amanda the previous owners. They were sad to let go of her, but happy knowing you are keen to maintain her history.

On my last visit to her Easter this year I noticed some photo's I hadn't seen previously including one which fairly clearly shows the machine gun mounting for'ard of the charthouse. David may have contacted you about this and I thought I would ask as well -- may I have a copy of that photo if possible?

My thing is the research and modelling of Allied Light Coastal Forces craft and HDML 1183 is on my list. The guns are interesting, I haven't seen that particular style previously.

Thankyou,
Roger Pearson.
Bendigo, Victoria.
debrogerp@hotmail.com
03 54478693.

Bee

06-12-2009, 13:40

Hi Dale,
Congratulations....you have some very envious forum members here :).

It might interest you that my late Dad served mostly on Faimile Bs, especially HMML 357, (during WWII Coastal Forces 1942-46), as a Radio Operator. I have put some of his stories on a thread titled "Aegean Memories". My Dad always referred to 357 as an MGB but we believe that she was an ML. (Even their soccer ball in one of his photos has HMML 357 written on it.)
Recently we have been in contact with a young man (new forum member) whose parents own the boat yard (in St Osyth) in which 357 still resides. He has told me that she is currently for sale....although I have no idea how much they are asking for her. I'm hoping that when his work permits...he'll make contact again, as his Aunt and Uncle are due to visit Perth, W.A. soon and are going to bring us some recent photos (if we can arrange to meet up.)

It's a small world, (and a great forum), isn't it?

Regards,
Bee
p.s. I know HMML 357 wasn't a NZ vessel....but she was still a Fairmile B...so I thought you might be interested. :)

Dale Raby

07-12-2009, 00:59

Hi

Roger will get that picture am flatout at present, we are fixing a small hole on starboard side and have had to take the shaft out to chase it to fix it properly, also we are sanding and painting her again, so with that and work......Will be on hols though over xmas and will be hopefully out and about on her for 3 weeks, so I will attend to this then

Regards Dale

Hi Bee

thanks and yes I was interested and am in any of these boats still going, it would be great to see what condition it is in. Yes I do like the forum it is great

Regards Dale

Bee

07-12-2009, 17:00

Hi again Dale,

Here's the link to what she (ML 357) was looking like (as a houseboat) in St Osyth, in 2007.

http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/Fairmile-B_ML357.html

Regards,
Bee

RogerP

10-12-2009, 23:04

Thanks Dale,

I look forward to further contact.

Roger.

Dale Raby

14-12-2009, 00:58

Hi
thanks for the link Bee, think I am lucky with the condition of the Mako comparitively speaking!
Hi Roger, Bee, all
have had to take out the stern tube? Not sure on correct term. It was quite a task though had to be done to chase some rot that had come through a hole in her starboard. I dont think it has ever come out since she was built but to fix properly had no choice. If any body can tell me different then I would appreciate it. Anyway, am now able to look at replacing timbers and get her back in with new paint( have pretty well taken her back to timber) and antifoul and back in water by xmas. As I mentioned earlier, once I get some time I will post some pics,

Regards Dale

Bee

14-12-2009, 10:34

Dale,

We'll be looking forward to seeing the Mako makeover pics. after Christmas then :)

Hope everything goes well in the meantime.

Regards,
Bee

Woodbutcher

26-12-2009, 08:29

Regarding Kookaburra's original pictures of the HDMLs, the 2nd from right also shows the Old HMS/HMNZS Philomel as host ship to the MLs, secured to the Training jetty, out from the dry dock. The photo caption does mention this, but no mention of the HMS/HMNZS prefix, and probably goes unnoticed as the thread is about the MLs etc. She sure looks unloved with all the Sheds on her upper deck, but her rounded stern still looks 'Ship Shaped and Bristol Fashion", if somewhat unusual.

Geoff Brebner

07-01-2010, 19:11

Hi all,a pic from the 1960's of MAKO escorting Chilean barquentine ESMERELDA on one of her visits to NZ.My late brother in law served aboard MAKO as sparker in the 1950's.He also served in cruiser BELLONA,and did a year in Loch-class TAUPO in the Korean war.He always said his time in the ML was the best. Regards to all,Geoff.

RogerP

08-01-2010, 01:03

Hi Geoff,

I have a Kiwi friend who also served on the "Mako" during his RNZNVR service in the 50s and 60s and I'm thinking they probably served together. I tried calling Martyn Robey (lives in Lower Hutt, Wellington) just now and left a message for him to check out the forum so hopefully he will do so.

Geoff Brebner

08-01-2010, 07:49

Hi all,here are another couple of Mako from the 1950's.Actual dates unknown to me,both from late 1950's.Possibly Fishery Protection Squadron review,steaming past Devonport Naval Base,Auckland.Mako was probably the best-known of the MLs,and certainly the most photographed.
Regards to all,Geoff.

Geoff Brebner

08-01-2010, 09:57

Sorry about the quality of this image.In her original wartime configuration as Q1183.On coastal patrol,fully armed,1944.

Regards to all,Geoff.

tomar9

22-01-2010, 20:50

Greetings all.
I'm very pleased to find this site, and particularly to see the thread about Fairmiles and HDML's.

I spent 3 years on Mako in the early 60's and have good memories of her.
I recently caught up with a former shipmate of mine who was also on Mako at the same time as me. He was also on Paea.
I spent a small amout of time on Tarapunga when I was ships co on board Lachlan
Incidentally, Mako was always P3551.: not Tarapunga or other ML's
I have some photo's of Mako which I will upload sometime soon.

Regards

tomar9

23-01-2010, 00:09

Hi Geoff.
With regards to the 2 shots of Mako that you have in your reply, they were from the 1950's, as the Fishery Protection ML's were painted black on the hulls about 1958/9.(I think, but am open to argument) They were definitely black in 1960. This led to the useage of the name "Black Boats" being used for the Fisheries fleet.
In the first instance, there were only Mako and Paea in the fleet.
Others were gradually added during the 60's, particularly after HMNZS Tamaki was moved from Motuihi Island to Narrow Neck, and the need for the "Tamaki Taxi's" ended.

Regards

tomar9

28-01-2010, 21:34

The image shown is that of HMNZS Mako leading HMNZS Paea out of Auckland Harbour. 1960

Geoff Brebner

08-02-2010, 05:44

Maybe it could be a little confusing with simular pennant numbers e.g.P3556 Takapu and P3566 Tarapunga.Interestingly,the two boats carrying these numbers worked as a pair for most of their naval careers,and at one time,to lessen the risk of communication errors,for a time, the suffix A and B were added after the numbers.The pennant number allotted to a vessel usually remained with the ship,irrespective of any name change,and were only re-used when that vessel was deleted.When new steel ships were replacing the ageing ML's from 1979,the first ones to be replaced were Takapu and Tarapunga,the two inshore survey ML's.By this time some of the boats had already been sold out of service,so these two boats were renamed Kahawai (II) and Mako(II),freeing up the names for the two new ships,which incidentally had new numbers,Takapu A07 and Tarapunga A08.The naming of the ML's followed a theme,with the Fishery Squadron and RNZNVR boats painted black and having Maori fish names e.g.Mako=shark,and the two survey boats with all-white liveries,and Maori seabird names Takapu=Gannet and Tarapunga=Black-backed gull.For a time in the 1970's Paea was painted white and assisted with hydrographic work.I think at least 8 of the ML's still exist.
Regards to all,Geoff.

tomar9

10-02-2010, 21:38

Hi Geoff,
Actually, Tarapunga is a Red-billed Gull, not a black-backed one.

Regards

Geoff Brebner

10-02-2010, 23:15

Hi Geoff,
Actually, Tarapunga is a Red-billed Gull, not a black-backed one.

Regards

Hi Tomar,goodonya mate! I had since found out my mistake,but was too lazy to do anything about it.Didn't think anybody would notice....
Regards,Geoff.

Geoff Brebner

06-03-2010, 03:43

Hi there,here are some images of the later inshore survey ships Takapu(2) and Tarapunga(2) that replaced the two HDMLs of the same names.The 2nd image is of the old and new Takapu in Milford Sound 1990's.She is in commercial use as a charter vessel.The last two images,previously posted in this thread,MLQ1187 being unloaded at Auckland from the USA in 1944,and in her later form as P3556 Takapu.Tarapunga(1) also still survives as a private launch.

Regards,Geoff.

Old Salt

13-04-2010, 11:14

Several more for the devoted HDML followers:

I am somewhat intrigued by the first photo :HMNZS Mako(ex Tarapunga ) 1983 with the pennant number P3566.

When I left the RNZN in 1977 Mako was P3551 painted black and Tarapunga was white P3566. The latter was a survey ML , had no lattice mast or radar .. i.e. identical to HMNZS Takapu shown in photo 3.

Can someone please enlighten me as to what was the story post 1977.??

Much obliged

Geoff Brebner

17-04-2010, 23:36

Hi Brian,'tis a bit confusing,to be sure.Basically,the two survey MLs Tarapunga and Takapu were replaced in 1980 by two new WECO-built steel Moa-class IPCs which were given the same names.The two "White-Boat"MLs were repainted black,fitted with lattice masts and radar,and renamed,becoming Kahawai 2 and Mako 2,whilst still retaining their original pennant numbers P3556 & P3566.The original Mako P3551 and Kahawai P3553 had previously been sold out of service early 1970's.Hope this clarifies things.Best regards,Geoff.

Old Salt

18-04-2010, 04:45

Geoff Brebner

18-04-2010, 10:44

We still have two of the original twelve NZ-built Fairmile B's here in New Zealand.One,Q406, reposes inland, refurbished as an up-market motel unit in a theme park.She had spent most of her previous life as Motunui an Auckland ferry.The other boat,Q411 is still afloat in a dilapidated condition on Auckland Harbour where she has swung on a mooring for many years,waiting for the conversion to a motor yacht that was never completed.Previous to being sold by the RNZN in 1965, she was named Kahu and used as a harbour transport.Damn,can't find pic of 406,in the meantime here are a couple of Kahu,as she was and as she now is.Regards to all,Geoff.

Old Salt

19-04-2010, 03:06

Geoff Brebner

20-04-2010, 04:29

RogerP

20-04-2010, 06:35

Hello Geoff,

Is there any chance you might be able to let us all know where these craft are located now?

Geoff Brebner

20-04-2010, 07:52

Hi there Roger,once again I state I am open to correction,so here goes.I only loosely keep finger on pulse ,so some of this may be out of date.Launches in last posting-Paea P3552 Auckland good condition.
Tamure P3555 Ditto
Kuparu P3563 Was Auckland but believe now near Helensville in
poor condition.
Manga P3567 Helensville ditto possibly same owner.
Koura P3564 Paeroa, Wellington owner, immobile,poor condition.
Haku P3565 Auckland ? Converted to ketch-rigged yacht r/n
Black Watch.
Parore P3562 S. Island,Picton or Nelson Then there are-
Takapu P3566 Port Chalmers Very good order,commercial use.
Tarapunga P3556 Nelson? supposedly good order.
In addition there are two launches sold in 1945-46--Q1189 to private ownership,named Alert,still in South Island
And Q1351 was sold to become Tauranga ferry Aotearoa,later
to Auckland to become ferry Pakatoa.Possibly now in Bay of
Islands,North Auckland.Both of these two launches were
extensively rebuilt for commercial use.So that gives us more than I thought,but bear in mind some of the more shaky ones may now be derelict.I know Manga and Kuparu were reported to be in poor condition.Hard to believe about Kuparu,because the Devonport Dockyard gave her a massive refit before deciding to sell her early 2000's. She was to be a museum exhibit at the Navy Museum.Hope this helps,regards,Geoff.

Geoff Brebner

20-04-2010, 10:07

Hello all,of course I forgot to mention Mako P3551 now residing in sunny Queensland.So that makes a possible twelve out of sixteen of these very reseliant little ships still surviving in various states of repair.Not bad considering they were only built to last for a relatively short period.In 1948 the launches were all reclassified as Seaward Defence (SDML),and in 1950 as part of the (I think)NATO renumbering of Allied warships,they were given new pennant numbers P3551-P3567 and from 1955 were given names.Whilst in naval service,some of the boats had name changes,but always retained the original pennant number.One launch in RNZNVR service Ngapona P3561 was broken up in 1958 after being severely damaged in a grounding.Launch Q1186,sold to private owners in 1946,was converted to a pleasure craft and was last heard of in Sydney in 1960.That leaves Maroro P3554 last heard of in Fiji,wrecked in 1982 and Kahawai P3553 sold out of service in 1976 and broken up and burnt in 1998.Here is a photo of her to finish on.Regards,Geoff.

Geoff Brebner

20-04-2010, 23:36

Geoff Brebner

21-04-2010, 00:14

Whilst still with Fairmile ferry conversions,here are two more Waiheke ferries Iris Moana ex ML409 and Ngaroma ex ML402 (underway) at Auckland's ferry terminal 1980's.Both ships were sold to Singapore between 1987 and 1992.I assume Ngaroma still survives,but Iris Moana,on a voyage to Shri Lanka was captured and subsequently sunk by the Tamill Tiger separatists.The NZ Herald article is from1992 Regards,Geoff.

Footnote-The Kahu previously featured,also belonged to the same ferry company.Bought from the Navy in 1965,she was kept in undercover storage until sold to a private buyer in the 1980's

Old Salt

21-04-2010, 04:19

Geoff Brebner

21-04-2010, 20:31

Hello Geoff,

Is there any chance you might be able to let us all know where these craft are located now?

Hi Roger,PM sent.Regards,Geoff.

RogerP

22-04-2010, 07:17

Hi Geoff,

Thankyou so much for your info and PM, all very much appreciated.

Old Salt

10-05-2010, 00:59

I took this photo of the four Fisheries MLs at Russell, Bay of Islands for the Waitangi Day celebrations 1970.

From left : HMNZS Kahawai, Maroro, Haku and Mako

john peake

11-05-2010, 06:29

my father Harry Peake served on Q 404 in the Solomon Islands in 1944.
here are some pictures.
cheers
john peake

Old Salt

11-05-2010, 10:51

my father Harry Peake served on Q 404 in the Solomon Islands in 1944.
here are some pictures.
cheers
john peake

John

Welcome to the forum and thank you so much for posting those excellent photos. Such gems are a rareity these days.

Brian

Geoff Brebner

12-05-2010, 00:33

RogerP

13-05-2010, 22:24

Thankyou to all :D:D,

Who have joined and contributed to this thread and made it very interesting reading indeed. It is great to see the possibility of so many of these 'little ships' still with us and in some cases still in very good condition.

Geoff Brebner

13-05-2010, 23:03

And with an Admiral aboard? :confused: The mind boggles ! :rolleyes:

john peake

14-05-2010, 04:29

can anyone tell me what timber was used in the hulls of the US built HDMLs. I am aware the Tasmanian built ships were double diagonal huon pine but don't know about the S.A. or US built ships. The British used mahogany I think, ...but they all seemed to last extremely well.
cheers
john peake

Geoff Brebner

14-05-2010, 08:44

Hello John,re the Kiwi boats,I believe they were all double-diagonal planked in Oregon Pine (Douglas Fir).Over the years,the Devonport Dockyard replaced the outer skin on most (all?) of the boats that the Navy kept with fore-and-aft kauri planking,with calico between. Originally,the decks were of laid planks,these were replaced with 1" marine plywood,with fibreglass sheathing.Most of the heavy hull timbers were of Oregon,with the bridge structure and wheelhouse planked in plywood.Unlike their larger sisters the B-type Faimiles which were all copper and bronze fastened,the planking on the HDML's was fastened with mild steel galvanised bolts.
Best regards,Geoff.

john peake

17-05-2010, 05:25

thanks Geoff,
most interesting.

since I asked I learned the AUST HDMLs built in the US were also of Douglas fir so now need to find out about the SA and Canadian ships.
cheers
john

Scratch

17-05-2010, 10:33

Great photo (no 54), Geoff. Do you have any info as to when, where and the ships involved?
Thanks
Tony

Bee

17-05-2010, 11:36

Hi Geoff,

I like that photo at #54 here too. I just checked out the Admiral's flags...and that's a Rear Admiral flag isn't it?

I know that the Fairmile B 357 that my father served on, in WWII had a Vice Admiral Turner onboard for a week whilst they traversed the Corinth Canal. (and thus they flew an Admiral's flag too.)
It's something that remained vividly in my father's memory for the rest of his life, as he greatly respected Admiral Turner.

For anyone one who may be interested, there is more about Vice Admiral Turner on this forum (including an obituary found by our great forum member, Simon, "Harley", post #9.) :

http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4155&highlight=Vice+Admiral+Turner

including pictures of him...both on ML 357 and in later life (when his great Grandson joined the forum and kindly provided some more photos and information.)

Regards,
Bee

Geoff Brebner

17-05-2010, 11:46

Hello John and Tony.John,re Canadian boats,there were no HDMLs built in Canada,there were many of the Fairmile B however.And Tony,I was led to believe the outside boat is Haku P3565,with Tamure P3555.I am sure the pennant both boats are flying is the Fishery pennant.It would be pre June 1968,note the "old"White Ensign.And taking guess at Marlborough Sounds.And hello to you Bee,nice to have your company!
Regards,Geoff.

john peake

25-05-2010, 07:21

G'day All,
Fairmiles WW2: found another couple of pix which are reasonably sharp.
cheers
john

john peake

26-05-2010, 06:02

g'day All,
oops..photos didnt attach... I have resized and trying again.

note the absence of forward Rolls 40 mm gun. these were removed in anticipation of replacement Bofors 40mm in transit. however, they were not available . I suspect this was due to heavy US Navy demand for Bofors with the waves of Kamikaze attacks. So the 81st flotilla MLs recd 20 Oerlikons instead.
Also interesting that the NZ MLs were repainted on arrival in the theatre with US standard patrol boat colours which can be seen in the earlier photos.

cheers
john

astraltrader

26-05-2010, 09:51

Great pictures John - especially the first one ML Q409 which I have not seen before. Very many thanks for posting them.

Boy Robinson

11-06-2010, 04:34

Grandfather served on one with no 1192 what type was that?.

Geoff Brebner

11-06-2010, 07:35

Hello Boy,here is a 1960's photo of P3554 Maroro, originally ML Q1192 Regards,Geoff.

Boy Robinson

11-06-2010, 09:36

Hi Geoff, thanks heaps for the photo. If that photo is from the 60 's then that makes it pretty old.

paea3552

14-06-2010, 08:26

Hil all. Well Paea is alive and kicking and cruising around Auckland. Keith and I bought her from Picton with a great crew of six up the East Coast on a 6 day incredible trip. The adventure of a lifetime for someone like me that's never done anything like that. 50 knott winds through Cook Strait.... and without the heavy radar ... you know.. they don't actually rock that much!!!!
That was about 18 months ago and she's she's been living in Auckland and we use her as much as we can, which is quite a bit. She's still painted grey with big black numbers.... she's due to come out of the water to have a hull paint and anti-foul shortly....
We had three weeks cruising her at Christmas around Waiheke Island which was great and Easter at Kawau was just excellent. She attracts heaps of attention and kids just love her. We are very used to the sound of boats of all shapes and sizes circling us when we're at anchor!
Keith and I crew her by ourselves - have I learnt heaps about flaking chain, winching anchors and grabbing mooring buoys!!!! And we're pretty good, just the two of us, getting alongside a wharf or another boat!!!!!!!
Any photos or stories of her we'd love to hear as I'm compiling as much data as we can get. I've been gathering a bit of old navy stuff - plates, books, we've even got a couple of uniforms and a cap... and she's pretty much as she was.
We had the pleasure of taking out some of the 'Ngapona Old Salts' earlier this year- their comment that made me laugh was they said they all used to fit better in the forehead cabin than they do now!!!!
That said.. she's a great boat - we have an absolute ball with her and we'd welcome anything you can tell us about our Paea.
Heather & Keith
Sorry.. tried adding a photo and I'm not quite sure how to.... hmmm.. will try later.

astraltrader

14-06-2010, 17:36

Keith have a look at the PM [Private Message] I have sent you.

paea3552

15-06-2010, 20:00

So does anyone know which boats they are in Geoffs post a few back - the picture with the two boats on a lean with a distinct lack of water.......(wondering if one is ours.. Paea!).

Geoff Brebner

15-06-2010, 20:56

Hello Heather and Keith,welcome.Re the pic of the stranded MLs,I made contact with the man from whom that intriguing photo came from.He,ex Navy man Gerry Wright is publishing a book about the "Black Boats" and all will be revealed in the book,toward the end of this year.I for one,am eagerly awaiting the book launch. Best regards,Geoff Brebner. PS-Sending you PM.

paea3552

17-06-2010, 01:06

We have been in touch with Gerry already.... you reminded me I need to send him a piccy of our boat as she is now.......

Geoff Brebner

27-06-2010, 01:25

Heather and Keith. PM sent.

Old Salt

06-07-2010, 10:40

HMNZS Kuparu Grounding 1969

Late in 1969 I was C.O. in Mako and we had just finished a refit. We sailed with Kuparu, she had the dockyard staff onboard for her pre-refit trials and on completion they were to transfer to Mako for our post-refit trials.

Kuparu had a Lt. Cdr. RNZNVR onboard so for us it was 'follow that boat'.

As we neared the Motuihe Channel Kuparu was heading well inside the buoy and straight towards the reef extending from the western side of Motuihe Island. We called on the radio, flashed morse 'U' on the Aldis and sounded 'U' on the horn. ('U= you are standing into danger) . No response.

Kuparu came to an abrupt halt. ! I closed and shouted "Do you need my help " The reply was negative. As her pennant numbers were sinking below the waterline I sent an Immediate signal informimg Commodore Auckland and requesting urgent salvage assistance. Whilst waiting we tried a very gentle tow, but soon realised that it was only the rocks keeping her afloat. The cavalry soon arrived in numbers and Mako spent the entire day and evening ferrying stores, personnel and meals from the Naval Base.

Kuparu was eased off at High Water about 1400 and beached on a sandy shore round the corner. Work proceeded on her until the next High Water about 0200 the following day. Kuparu was securely tied alongside Mako and we very slowly made our way to the Naval Base, securing her tightly to the jetty. Once lifted out of the water in daylight the vast extent of the damage was seen A huge chunk had been ripped from the hull and a major repair job was required.

A different day in an ML's day, one hopefully not to be repeated.

Brian

Geoff Brebner

07-07-2010, 04:08

Hello all,I am posting these pics of Paea on behalf of Heather and Keith,proud owners of her.

peter brough

13-07-2010, 08:28

Hello all,here are a couple of reasonably recent shots of Tarapunga P3566 in private ownership at Picton in the South Island.Obviously under refit,she looks to be in excellent condition.Regards to all,Geoff.

I was the last Coxswain on Tarapunga when she was a survey ML. It is great to see that she still looks so good.
Hope that you have some more pictures.

All the best

Bruffy.

peter brough

13-07-2010, 08:41

So does anyone know which boats they are in Geoffs post a few back - the picture with the two boats on a lean with a distinct lack of water.......(wondering if one is ours.. Paea!).

I believe it was Haku and Maroro. The late Pat Huxtable showed me that photo before. He was a stoker on Maroro at the time.
I`m not quite sure but I think he said it was taken in Dusky and yes the Admiral was onboard.

Bruffy.

Scratch

13-07-2010, 10:33

There is a good summary of the history of the HDMLs here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coastal_Forces_of_the_Royal_New_Zealand_Navy#RNZN_ Harbour_Defence_Launches

(My father commanded Q1189 and 1192 in 1944/45 and was last Senior Officer 125th Flotilla. I served in Manga for a short period in 1966.)

astraltrader

13-07-2010, 13:38

Bruffy - you were not to know but we do not allow posts to be made in capitals so if you could please alter back to normal type for your next post it would be greatly appreciated. :)

paea3552

21-07-2010, 06:53

Thanks for that. Phew. Glad it wasn't ours!!!!

Geoff Brebner

21-07-2010, 11:16

I believe it was Haku and Maroro. The late Pat Huxtable showed me that photo before. He was a stoker on Maroro at the time.
I`m not quite sure but I think he said it was taken in Dusky and yes the Admiral was onboard.

Bruffy.

Apparently,the incident was in 1965 at Revolver Bay, which is in Preservation Inlet,Fiordland,at the extreme SW corner of the South Island.Regards to all,Geoff.

Old Salt

02-08-2010, 19:34

I have just found these plans of an HDML.

(Smart observers will see the base of a mast : apparently they were going to sail some from UK to Canada ... but never did ...(thank goodness !!)

Brian

whalecatcher

02-08-2010, 22:04

Old Salt writes:

I have just found these plans of an HDML. (Smart observers will see the base of a mast : apparently they were going to sail some from UK to Canada ... but never did ...(thank goodness !!)

This just the regular mast found in all HDs. Used for flag signals. The examples I served in had no sails or foremast. According to John Lambert *Allied Coastal Forces* Vol I, eight boats were fitted with an extra mast forward of the wheelhouse with the intention of getting them to the West Indies in 1942. Whether this was ever attempted I don't know. Using sail and power together is easier said than done. The following post dated July 21, describes the frustration experienced aboard another small vessel that was fitted with sail. I had hoped that someone with sail-experience (ORIOLE for example) might respond, but so far nothing.

Whalecatcher

The photo of RECLAIM shows two sails set, and since both are filled, it is clear they are exerting some propulsive effect. In 1945, I logged 6000 miles in a series of 61 foot Admiralty Motor Fishing Vessels, which were fitted with sails besides a diesel engine. These chaps were built in Cape Town and were intended for use as harbour service craft in the Far East Theatre. Since shipping opportunities from the Cape were few and far between, they were went out as deck-cargo to ports like Trincolmalee, from Durban, which lies on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa, but the 1000 mile passage from Cape Town to Durban was made on their own bottoms. We made eight knots with the engine and made substantial use of the three sails to steady the boats when at sea. Sheeted in tight they worked very effectively as air-brakes and ameliorated heavy rolling. However, I was completely frustrated in my efforts to make any effective use of the canvas in increasing their speed. This is trickier than it sounds, and really can only be managed if one can choose the course to suit the wind-conditions. In our case, the route and course was fixed. Once round Cape Aghulas, we headed East to Port Elizabeth and then North-East to Durban. For the most part, any auxiliary powered vessel will be under sail or under power, but rarely in a position to use both simultaneously. Heading into the wind nder power, it is best if the sails are taken in because they just add to wind-resistance, and the same thing is true in a calm, because the relative wind is dead ahead and of the same speed as that generated by the engine. If the true wind is on the quarter or from astern, it is sometimes possible to set the sails and make use of it. The vessel will be sailing close-hauled, sheets well in, even though the true wind is somewhat aft. The relative wind will be abeam or even from a point or so forward of the beam. A square-rigged vessel, which at best can sail about five points off the wind, would never be able to use her canvas along with an engine. It may be that other subscribers to the forum had better luck than I did. Perhaps someone with experience aboard HMCS ORIOLE or some other training ship had better luck than I, in making effective use of canvas and power.
[This post had attached photos of RECLAIM and an MFV] Search "Slowest Ship"]

Geoff Brebner

05-09-2010, 12:59

Hello all,here is an update on our surviving Kiwi MLs.Last week I went to the small town of Helensville which is about 50 or so k's NW of Auckland on the southern end of the Kaipara Harbour.The Kaipara is on the west (Tasman Sea) side of the North Island,and is the largest tidal harbour in the Southern Hemisphere.Twas here I found P3563 Kuparu the last of the MLs to be in commission.Her owner also owned Manga,but has since broken her up.Time didn't permit me much time there,but I took these few snaps.She(with Koura),would be the most original of the launches remaining.She does need a bit of work,but with a bit of TLC she would "scrub up" very nicely. She is for sale NZ$70,000.If I was a bit younger I would be very tempted. (dream on old boy!). Regards to all,Geoff.

Alan Miles

06-09-2010, 10:41

Served on Mako and put her on the rocks at Whakatane 1961 I think.
The shore markers were not bolted down :-))

A very good sea boat built in Canada.. Went the length of NZ in her.

Geoff Brebner

07-09-2010, 11:20

Served on Mako and put her on the rocks at Whakatane 1961 I think.
The shore markers were not bolted down :-))

A very good sea boat built in Canada.. Went the length of NZ in her.

The sixteen New Zealand HDMLS's were all built West Coast USA,Mako being built in San Francisco.Despite popular belief,no HDML's were built in Canada.The Canadians did however,build a large number of the Fairmile B. Regards,Geoff.

peter brough

10-09-2010, 09:11

Hi all,here is the elusive pic of Motunui ex ML406 that I referred to in post#38.This is how she looked as a Waiheke Island, (Auckland)ferry in 1960's.She was later (1980's)fitted with original Fairmile wheelhouse from Kahu Regards to all,Geoff.

Hallo geoff,motunui allways had that wheelhouse she just had another built on the front of it.
She is now at waitomo as a floating motel called waitomotanic i think the name of the place she is at is billy blacks or something like that,they also have a railcar and a bristol frieghter there as part of the motel.
I know it sounds crazy, but I have been told that it is quite well done,

bruffy

peter.robb

10-09-2010, 15:25

Sorry to but in,but,have you seen the website hmsmedusa .org It's about the
HDMLs built for the RN,RAN,RNZN and the SANF.Hope this is of some help.
peter.

Geoff Brebner

10-09-2010, 21:48

Hi there Bruffy,have sent you PM.Regards,Geoff.

Old Salt

31-10-2010, 20:44

I have just come across reference to a book about the Fairmile Flotilla from one who was there.

Just in case you have not already heard of it :

http://www.nzshipmarine.com/pubs/detail.aspx?id=15

Brian

Geoff Brebner

10-12-2010, 09:07

Hello all,here are some shots I took yesterday 9th December of Paea and her proud owners Keith and Heather.Regards to all,Geoff

Old Salt

05-01-2011, 07:12

ML Dits (Stories) RNZN

An ex-colleague in the RNZN, Gerry Wright, has written several books about RNZN ships and those who sailed in them, also about NZ personnel serving in the RN during WW2.

His latest book, "ML Dits" was released on 15 December . This contains stories ( 'Dits' in naval terms) collected from many who served over the 40 years of the MLs. Including myself.

I look forward to getting a copy and posting in this forum some of the treasures I know to be included.

john peake

04-10-2011, 03:53

Hi all,I could possibly stand corrected here.Out of the original sixteen launches,ten still exist,and in most cases are still reasonably seaworthy.Here are seven of the survivors-Paea,Tamure,Kuparu,Koura,Haku,Parore,Manga. Paea and Kuparu were the last two in commission,they were retired from RNZN service in 1989.More pics to come later.Regards to all,Geoff.

Geoff, thanks for this info and pix, as I have since learnt that KUPARU ( still surviving at helensville) is 1348 in which my father served in local waters in 1944 before being posted to Fairmiles in the Solomons.
I am now chasing a wartime pix of her.

rgds

John Peake