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RAN Fairmile Bs and HDMLs in the Island Campaigns World Naval Ships Forums Archive

RAN Fairmile Bs and HDMLs in the Island Campaigns

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Like their RN, RCN and USN counterparts elsewhere, the 35 RAN Fairmile 'B' MLs and 28 harbour defence HDMLs had an intense but largely unheralded inshore war during the islands campaigns north of Australia during WW11. The Royal New Zealand Navy also operated 12 Fairmiles and 16 HDMLs, so there were some 90 of these boats from the two dominion navies largely deployed around the islands north of Australia. Whether it was supporting commando raids and coastwatchers, shooting up Japanese villages or just delivering troops and supplies, again this was war service up close and personal. They were involved in innumerable shoreline skirmishes and bombardments of Japanese troops. The 75-ton Fairmile Bs, 112ft long were quite heavily armed for their size, typically a 40mm bofors, two 20 mm Oerlikons, three MGs and depth charges ( i.e. more than the much larger postwar patrol boats). When landing troops for clandestine operations behind Japanese lines they were equipped with special mufflers. The RAN Fairmiles were built in Brisbane and Sydney. When one knows their hull lines quite a number can still be seen around the East Coast re-configured as leisure and service craft. In war service they had a complement of 16, including two officers. Just a few war service anecdotes. * In August 1943 Fairmiles [I]814[/I] and [I]815[/I], out of Darwin, were sent to rescue civilian refugees from occupied Timor. The maximum number to be carried was 70. When their boats came back from a night rendevous and supply drop, however, they were loaded with 87 - 69 males (47 Portugese, 18 Timorese and four Chinese), 12 women (one heavily pregnant), and six children. The boats managed to avoid Japanese sea and air patrols and made it safely back to Darwin. In 2005 [I]814[/I]'s skipper, Lt Marsden (Tony) Horden published a very well received book on the episode, [I]A Merciful Journey[/I]. He was himself later evacuated to Sydney with beriberi. *In September 1943 at Morobe, laying alongside the corvette HMAS [I]Shepparton[/I], ML[I]817[/I] was holed in 40 places during an attack by nine Japanese bombers and 27 fighters. * On August 13, 1944, off Biak, the sole RAN ML lost in action, ML[I]430[/I] was actually sunk by her sister boat, ML [I]819[/I], during operations against a Japanese submarine. Accidentally hit in the magazines, [I]430[/I] was set ablaze, and [I]819[/I] was in the process of dispensing of the burning boat when the submarine appeared, and was engaged, but managed to submerge and avoid the willing attacker. * On March9-10, 1945, ML825, Lt H. Venables RANVR, was bombed and strafed by a Japanese fighter aircaft 10 miles south west of Cape Orford, New Britain. The Fairmile sustained 15 shell hits and had three crew lightly wounded. The Japanese aircraft was shot down by its bridge Oerlikon and crashed inshore - her badly injured pilot being captured there eight days later. * Japanese surrender ceremonies were also conducted on several Fairmiles around the island coasts. some photos:
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Nice to hear some stories about the small vessels instead of huge piles of metal. Costal forces never seem to get the recognition they deserve.

"huge piles of metal"? Have you ducked for cover? :eek: I agree seriously. The small ships had an exciting and varied time and their story is so worth telling.

I certainly did not mean it in a derogatory sense but life must be a lot more exciting when you only have a couple of layers of marine ply rather than a couple of inches of steel between you and the incoming rounds. The short sharp actions of the coastal forces were a vital part of the war effort and one which is sadly overlooked by many.

[QUOTE=Blaydon;41987]Nice to hear some stories about the small vessels instead of huge piles of metal. Costal forces never seem to get the recognition they deserve.[/QUOTE] Thanks, I pick up what you're saying Kevin, and I agree - not necessarily more 'heroic,' but there was something more individualistic about the operations of these vessels wasn't there? There was a good film on one of them - 'The Ship That Died of Shame' (1955) with Richard Attenborough. You can see excerpts from it here: [url]http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3071[/url] The pics below are the New Zealand MLs - they served in the Solomons from 1944. Last pic is small but interesting conversion: RAN ML 823 converted to a Great Barrier Reef cruise vessel, 'Esmeralda' at Coffs Harbour in the 1960s.
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Thanks 'Kookaburra', :) For posting a thread about these largely unheard of 'little ships'. I can recommend two very good books put together by the Fairmile Association and they are "Fairmile Ships of the Royal Australian Navy vols 1 & 2". Anyone wanting copies should find them at Warbooks Australia Online ([url]www.warbooks.com.au[/url]). Yes Marsden's book is also a very good read. My wife Deb and I had the very great privilege to meet quite a few Fairmile veterans in Sydney last August at the Association's AGM (I am a 'supporting' member) which was quite a thrill given that these gents are now well into their eighties and won't be around for much longer. You mentioned Harry venables, CO of ML 825. While not an association member we did hear sadly of his passing late last year, he was only 95. I attend quarterly luncheons at the Williamstown (the Melb one) RSL with Victorian members and we have lost four gents I knew quite well in the last 18 months. One of my first models (1:144th scale) will be '825' as I was born on March 9, but six years after she downed the Zero. Another good read is "The Guns of Muschu" written by Don Dennis, the nephew of the only survivor of the Aust commado raid on Muschu Island. Op Copper took place in April 1945 and involved HDML 1321 as the insertion craft and was meant to collect the raiders after the raid. A couple of MLs were also involved. I could prattle on for weeks about costal forces, it is a VERY big interest of mine, especially things like Op Chariot which had five Aussies take part, only one of which is still with us. Watch this space for a movie!! If anybody wants to get in touch and talk about Aussie (or Brit and some US) coastal forces, then please do so. Roger Pearson. Bendigo, Victoria. [email]debrogerp@hotmail.com[/email] 03 54478693. "Roger's Little Ships" Allied Light Coastal Forces models in 144th, 72nd and 35th scales.

Roger, I got a big kick out of hearing from someone on the forum really 'connected' with these vessels, and that my scant text appears to have stood up to some expert scrutiny. Thank you too for the book guides - something I'm always looking out for, and I will follow those up, and also for that additional info. BTW, I'm delighted your post comes from Bendigo, undoubted 'Queen' of Australia's regional cities imho - maybe because I have lifetime connections with that area. Perhaps I can give you a call for a yarn when I'm going to be up that way again (weekender in Taradale -presently offered through council to bushfire victims, but no sign of that being taken up as yet). Anyway, I imagine all these pics are 'old hat' to you, but they can be nice to have on the computer screen, and in the event you are not scanning I'll add these few more. Thanks again. K.
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Thanks 'Kookaburra', Some photo's I have but there are some here I haven't and I ask your permission to download those which will be of use to me. Especially the port side shot of 1322 as one of her former crewmen has asked for a model of her. Since attending the Association AGM last year I have orders for seven 'B's and a HD (1322). One widow has asked for three models of her husband's ship (ML 429), one each for her three sons. Yes please give me a call ANY time and when you are in Taradale, perhaps either one of us could visit the other. I'm more than happy to 'show off' what I'm doing and now with the addition of etched railings these models are really coming along nicely. My next challenge is working out how to mount them, although I have an idea in mind, I just need to work out the best (and easiest) way to achieve it. Cheers, Roger.

Absolutely Roger, we'll touch base. Modelling is such a nice hobby, and please feel free to download and use any photos. I'll post any other good Fairmile pics I come across. Cheers K.

This is one of those stories that needed to be told! Thanks for the great posting. Regards Charles

My old boss at Chandris in Melbourne, Captain John Arlaud, was the skipper of a Fairmile D class (Dog) boat/ flotilla, and was - I have been told - the youngest Captain in the RN when he took command of his MTB in the Arakan ( is that the word??) campaign(s) along the coast of Burmah. I remember him saying that he had Aussie boats under his command. These boats did a great service in all theatres in which they were engaged, and especially in the Islands Ian

Read the above when researching HDMLs. I suggest you take a look at [url]http://www.hmsmedusa.org.uk/[/url] which is the site for the Medusa Trust which is preserving HDML 1387. The boat histories should be of interest. From the historian for the trust and Coxswain of HDML 1387 (Medusa)

Just to keep this thread in order, I did a quite heavy post on HMDL 1321 and the Guns of Muschu on the RAN Ship Of The Day thread, posts #123 and #124. And thanks to Roger Pearson for getting me started on that. The post's here.. [url]http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3756[/url] And adding just a few images here to make this post worthwhile in its own right. First pic, ML823, is a RAN official pic. The second boat, ML 825, is one which, on March 9-10 1945 was bombed and strafed by a Japanese fighter off Cape Orford, New Britain, and downed the attacking aircraft with her bridge Oerlikon.
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Hi all I appreciate I am probably a little late with this comment but I only just found this great website. My grandfather was the skipper of HDML 1321, Sub Lt Ernie Palmer. Unfortunately I never had the chance to meet him but my father has and is researching my grandfathers activities during the war and would welcome any suggestions on good places to look. For the record, on the subject about 1321, apparently my grandfather and the crew had customised it a fair bit from the original specs, especially with the armament. They had a 40mm up front, a 20mm down the back and a 35mm cannon "borrowed" from the U.S. air force mounted either side as well as the usual compliment of .30 and .50 cal machine guns

[QUOTE=dp74;55005]Hi all I appreciate I am probably a little late with this comment but I only just found this great website. My grandfather was the skipper of HDML 1321, Sub Lt Ernie Palmer. Unfortunately I never had the chance to meet him but my father has and is researching my grandfathers activities during the war and would welcome any suggestions on good places to look. For the record, on the subject about 1321, apparently my grandfather and the crew had customised it a fair bit from the original specs, especially with the armament. They had a 40mm up front, a 20mm down the back and a 35mm cannon "borrowed" from the U.S. air force mounted either side as well as the usual compliment of .30 and .50 cal machine guns[/QUOTE] Welcome to the forum dp74. Your grandfather was presented as a formidable character in Don Dennis's book 'The Guns of Muschu,' (see my previous post, and the posts #123, #124 in the RAN Ship of The Day thread). Regarding your Dad's research, I am sure he is familiar with both that book, and the two volume set of 'Fairmile Ships Of The Royal Australian Navy,' available in most military bookshops - I saw them at Hylands in Melbourne today. However, on the matter of going deeper through personal contact, the person your Dad,perhaps through you here, should touch base with is our resident Australian Fairmiles expert, RogerP (for Pearson), (see posts #8 and post #11 on this thread), and I've no hesitation in assuring you that a PM to Roger would ellicit a most generous, not to say overwhelming response. He is a member of the Fairmiles Association, and has many personal contacts, and traces the ships avidly. I am no expert at all on the Fairmiles and HDMLs, and he has been most generous and sharing to me. Roger checks in on the Forum only once a week, on Fridays, so don't be discouraged if a response seems slow coming at first. He has in fact spoken to me about your grandfather in reverential terms, and I know he would willingly assist your Dad's research. People don't always notice the PM messages alert, so - PM me if this doesn't seem to be working and I'll arrange a direct contact. Hope this helps, and again, welcome to the forum. K.

Thanks Kookaburra, I really appreciate it. I have passed the address of your website on to my dad and I will try to get hold of Roger later in the week

Good dp, I hope it helps your Dad's work. Meantime, POSTWAR: I came across these couple of images of HDML 1325, recommissioned in 1953 (as was HDML 1321) as a Seaward Defence Boat (SBD). 1321 was given the name [I]Rushcutter[/I] and served in Sydney as a reserve training vessel until laid up c1970 and declared for disposal in 1971. The rest I think you know from the Muschu book posts on Ship Of The Day, or elsewhere. 1325, unnamed, was first re-commissioned as a tender to HMAS [I]Melville[/I] depot in Darwin, then in the late 1950s moved to Fremantle as a reserve training vessel SBD to the HMAS [I]Leeuwin[/I] training establishment. At some point, laying unmanned in Fremantle she was stolen and taken to sea, but apprehended off Rottnest Island. From the photo below, 1325 was still on the active list in 1983.
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[QUOTE=dp74;55155]Thanks Kookaburra, I really appreciate it. I have passed the address of your website on to my dad and I will try to get hold of Roger later in the week[/QUOTE] Dave, I sent you a private message a few days ago with my contact details, as yet I haven't heard from you. Roger. [email]debrogerp@hotmail.com[/email]

Hello all, My dad able seaman Red Long was aboard ML 1321 with Ernie Palmer at Mushu and various other coastwatcher operations. He was a member of M special Unit after previously serving aboard HMAS Stella the hydrography unit. I have accumulated quite a lot of info if it is of any value to any one. Info is quite hard to come by in relation to SRD and AIB. Regards Alex Long

Alex and any others who may be interested, I've just sent you a personal message re '1321' as I've been looking into this unusual and almost unique (1327 had similar 'modifications') craft. Recently I have established contact with 'Bro' Palmer, Ernie's son and 'Bro's' son David as well as David Aiken, son of Robert. I'm also in conatct with Russell Smith, Ron Reynolds, John Sevenoaks and Russell Vasey (post war skipper) as well as Don Dennis, author of "The Guns of Muschu" and the man himself, the only survivor 'Mick" Dennis, still sounding quite spritely considering he will be 90 shortly. Then we have Geoff Black (ML 804 involved in the search post raid) who has self published "Against All Odds", another very good read about the raid, but also extends the story before 'Copper' with Mick's service with 2/5th Ind Coy and a little more indepth re after the raid and Geoff's book has photo's while Don's doesn't. I highly recommend reading both books and both are easy to obtain. I can also tell you that '1321' is still very much afloat, now named "MV Rushcutter" and located in Darwin since Nov last. My head is becoming a tad 'foggy', haven't been too well this week and am having trouble concentrating and shrinking photo's to a suitable size. I will attempt to fix this on Sunday, visitors tomorrow and out for tea tomorrow night. See I'm starting to waffle-on. Cheers for now, Roger.

Roger - please dont shrink them anymore than you have to!

OK, everyone who is interested in HDML 1321/MV Rushcutter, Here are just some pics and I hope I do this correctly -- Photo 1 should be '1321' in around 1944-5, probably somewhere on the New Guinea north coast. #2 should be a pic from the late (sadly) Howard Whittaker's album (as is #1) and shows him manning the stern mounted twin 50s. #3 shows "Rushcutter" in 2006. #4 shows the still fitted original diesel engines and #5 shows "Rushcutter" and HMAS Townsville nearby. Cheers, Roger.
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OK I'll try again to add the fifth photo. I'm a dummy, just realised the file was way tooooooooooooooooo big, fixed now. Take four!
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Well done Roger. Adding another to the pile: A caption says this is HMA ML 813, which was the first Fairmile built in Australia, and is apparently on trials here prior to commissioning. She has no hull number and appears to still be flying a red trials flag astern. ML813 was built by Lars Halvorsen Sons Pty Ltd in Sydney, and commissioned on November 16, 1942. She was sold in August 1947. Afraid I don't know her subsequent fate.
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Several more, which should have gone with the last post, but I had forgotten where I'd put these: SDB 1324 at Williamstown, and a couple more of SDB 1325 - which we've had previously - in Western Australia. NB: Also about to post another of the Kiwi Fairmiles in the NZ section.
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I have just relocated a book in the Chatswood, N.S.W. public library entitled; "A Merciful Journey, Recollections of a WW2 Patrol boat Man" by Leut. Marsden Horden, library catalog 940.545. Published by Melbourne University Press, 2005. ISBN 0 522 85165 7. On the cover is depicted an amaciated Leut. RANVR. in the streets of Sydney,just back from Northern waters,wearing white cap, khaki uniform , white Army jungle gaiters and boots. It is a remarkable first person account of his exploits in Fairmiles and HDMS. Also included are some remarkable photos.

[quote=Bundall;73785]I have just relocated a book in the Chatswood, N.S.W. public library entitled; "A Merciful Journey, Recollections of a WW2 Patrol boat Man" by Leut. Marsden Horden, library catalog 940.545. Published by Melbourne University Press, 2005. ISBN 0 522 85165 7. On the cover is depicted an amaciated Leut. RANVR. in the streets of Sydney,just back from Northern waters,wearing white cap, khaki uniform , white Army jungle gaiters and boots. It is a remarkable first person account of his exploits in Fairmiles and HDMS. Also included are some remarkable photos.[/quote] It certainly does even telling the reader of the time some new RAN officer told him to clean the bilges of his Fairmile as it was about to be sold off when alongside in Brisbane just after the war he was the only one onboard. Been awhile since I read it though. thanks for the memory jogger Bundall. Cheers Jack :cool:

It might be of interest to you that Lieutenant Marsden-Horden is stll alive and lives in Sydney. He remains active in the Naval Historical Society. His was a remarkable war.

[QUOTE=Bundall;73785]I have just relocated a book in the Chatswood, N.S.W. public library entitled; "A Merciful Journey, Recollections of a WW2 Patrol boat Man" by Leut. Marsden Horden, library catalog 940.545. Published by Melbourne University Press, 2005. ISBN 0 522 85165 7. On the cover is depicted an amaciated Leut. RANVR. in the streets of Sydney,just back from Northern waters,wearing white cap, khaki uniform , white Army jungle gaiters and boots. It is a remarkable first person account of his exploits in Fairmiles and HDMS. Also included are some remarkable photos.[/QUOTE] Sounds like an interesting book Bundall. I think I'll try and access it from our local library here in W.A. FYI, just in case you're interested in more first hand stories of WWII (in particular in a Fairmile class, HMML around the Aegean), I have posted some of my Dad's recollections in a thread titled Aegean Memories. (He, dad was with the British R.N. Coastal Forces). My late Dad, refers to the boat he was on as MGB 357, but we now feel that he and his crew mates probably referred to her as that because she was fitted with extra guns. (Also...maybe it sounded a bit more special....well, hey, he was a Sailor...what more can I say...:rolleyes:) Anyway, they [B][I]were[/I][/B] involved in covert operations (with the SBS), dropping off and picking up commandos on various missions. I've also included some pictures of 357 and her crew. Another point of interest is that (through this forum) I think we've discovered the actual HMML 357 that my father served on :).My family is quite elated that we may be able to put a bit of history together with this boat that my father thought the world of. Regards, Bee

It sounds as though he served in the Dog boats. A very well illustrated book entitled "Dog Boats" tells of the exploits of the MLs around the UK and later in the Med. A very interesting read.

Thanks for that info Bundall, We had thought that maybe my Dad had served on Dog Boats....but in all the time that he talked about his time in the navy...I never heard him refer to being on a Dog Boat, and I'm sure that he would have used that term if it had been in common useage amongst him and the rest of the crew. I know that the motor of the 357 ML that he was on sounded like an aircraft engine...for he often used to say that the German lookouts would focus their searchlights into the sky, if they heard them. We found an excellent (signed) book by Len Reynolds called "Motor Gun Boat 658" (the boat on which he served)....and from that lead my Mother wrote to Len, who kindly answered her correspondence. Is the Dog Boat book that you're referring to the "Dog Boats at War"....that Len also wrote? I haven't seen that book yet...but I will look out for it. It was actually Len Reynolds who told us that it was a common thing for the ML crews to refer to their boats as MGBs when fitted out with extra guns. [B][COLOR="Blue"][B]From Post # 96 (Aegean Memories) [/B][B][/COLOR]Mr Reynolds provided my mother with some very good information about the boats. Part of his letter reads:[/B] [/B[COLOR="Red"]]" I should perhaps explain that B Class MLs (Motor Launches) were lovely craft who were everywhere and did a huge range of operations, as escort vessels, mine layers, mine sweepers, and were very highly respected. Some of them were given more guns and were often regarded by their crews as Gunboats, but that was quite different from MGB 658 (in which I served), which was a "D" class craft produced as either a Motor Torpedo Boat or GunBoat - all began with the number 6 or 7. The MLs were 110ft long and the Ds (Dogboats) were 115ft, much more powerful engines (4 instead of 2) and with 35 men aboard to the 15 (I think) in the MLs. Robert Hitchens was SO (Senior Officer) of a "short boat" MGB Flotilla - only 71ft 6 " long, and faster and much less heavily armed - and there were no short MGBs in the Med. only short MTBs - and there was one flotilla of them in the Aegean, and some Dogboats also."[/COLOR] [COLOR="Blue"][B]He, Len Reynolds also mentioned that he wrote a history of the operations of all the 780 MGBs & MTBs (in 3 books) for the Imperial War Museum. He said he "researched them for 10 years and then took 5 years to write them." Obviously a lot of work and effort involved there. He said he had wanted to include the MLs in a "History of Coastal Forces". But by the time he'd finished his last 3 books...he felt time was catching up with him. He also said that no-one had attempted to write a full history of the MLs - which ought to be done - although there are some books about them and a few about the flotillas in the far east.[/B][/COLOR] By the photos that we have of the 357 it does look like a Fairmile B, also I'm pretty sure that there was only about 15 crew (not 35 as would have been on a Dog Boat.) Regards, Bee

Hi, I am Bro Palmer, son of Ernie Palmer the skipper of HDML 1321, Don Dennis the Author of "Guns of Muschu" has found some evidence relating to the four Commandos who attempted to use palm tree rafts in attempt to contact allied aircraft who may have been searching for them, after the failure of the rendevous with 1321. Evidence has been uncovered that suggests that two of these Commandos my have landed at Kairaru Island, and have possibly been executed by the Japs. Anyone interested in this story should visit the Guns of Muschu web site and see what Don has uncovered. I know that this is not strictly a concern of people interested in the history of Fairmiles and HDMLs during the war, but if enough interest can be generated into following up this lead, there is an outside chance that these two blokes can be found, identified and returned to Australia. Thanks Bro Palmer

Hello Kookaburra, I must say, it was heartening to read that there were already substantial information on ML1324. I think she may also had participated in Operation TOFO during September 1945 in the surrender of Japanese held islands. Attached is a picture, and given the scarce details provided, of her, from what I've gathered is at that time, Timor, taken from HMAS Moresby. Though no mention of her by name, several other ships were, such as HMAS Warnambool and Gladstone mentioned at Koepang This picture is from a private collection, though one or two " surrender ceremony" shots of Brigadier L Dyke with the Japanese Officers from this collection, are exact copies per picture attachments in the said the Operation TOFO NAA files stating that the date was circa 23/09/45. So if anyone can confirm as to her placement during the period, details of the crew, or where she sailed from etc it would be truly appreciated Many thanks Gordy
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Hello Gordon, Great to hear from another with an Aussie connection. We will have to ask Jeff (Kookaburra) for info on HDML 1324 as the Fairmile Association doesn't have anything on her. Vol II of "Fairmile Ships of the Royal Australian Navy" states on page 181 -- "No details were located regarding this vessel". I have just called the Association Historian and no info has come to light since the book was printed so Jeff.............???

Thanks Roger I've done some digging as well at the NAA(National Archives of Australia) and its circa 28/09/1945 it seems, but I'm still shy of where she was ported during mid to late 1945. Hope for the future anwsers :) Regards Gordon

Gordon, I'm a tad curious, what is your connection with 1324? I had a look through the Fairmile Association membership list and found four who served on 1324 which makes me wonder why none of them contributed to the history. Anyway, I'll contact each one and see what we can find out. If you wish to get in touch personally my details are -- e-mail: [email]debrogerp@hotmail.com[/email] and phone number is below, I live in Bendigo, Victoria.

[QUOTE=GordonB;98966]Thanks Roger I've done some digging as well at the NAA(National Archives of Australia) and its circa 28/09/1945 it seems, but I'm still shy of where she was ported during mid to late 1945. Hope for the future anwsers :) Regards Gordon[/QUOTE] Hello Gordon, and Roger Please both forgive my long neglect of this question, and other contact matters. My wife and I were overseas until shortly before Christmas, then, with guests here and another project going [the RAN 1911-2011 photostream] I just got a little steamrolled. So sorry, and bests to all. Gordy, I haven't much, but I have managed to scratch a few things together regarding HDML 1324 that may help you just a little, if you haven't already found this out. It seems apparent to me that in mid to late 1945 HDML 1324 was based in Darwin, commanded by Lt R.G. Evans RANR, and used on at least one occasion for a clandestine operation , the rescue of two OPERATION SUNLAG Australian commandos and their local guide from Occupied Timor on August 5-6, 1945. And yes, HDML 1324 was present at Koepang, Timor, on September 11, 1945, when the Japanese surrender there was signed on HMAS Moresby. All the vessels in the Harbour for that ceremony appear to have come from Darwin, so that also indicates she was based there at that time. But I'm afraid that's basically all I have at present concerning her wartime career, although some details on the commando operation follows. HDML 1324 was built by MacFarlane and Sons of Birkenhead South Australia and was commissioned on June 12, 1944. I can not find anything from there until we come to the clandestine operation into Timor in August 1945. This all fell under the control of the Special Reconnaissance Department [SRD], the Australian Intelligence Bureau [AIB] and their forward operational base in Darwin, which was known as the Lugger Maintenance Section [LMS]. From November 1944, these groups began to suspect that a number of Force Z special forces operations into occupied Timor had been compromised by the capture and torture of some members. and that the Japanese were reading their traffic, and indeed sending false signals to set traps for other operatives. It's a bit complex [inevitably] but on June 29-30, 1945, a Z Force special operations group - Captain A.D. Stevenson, Sergeant R.G. Dawson, and their Timorese guide, a man named Celestino Dos Anjos, were parachuted into Timor to find out. This was called OPERATION SUNLAG. These men were indeed able to observe a captive commando from one of the earlier operations, a man named Ellwood, being forced to take Japanese troops to a false drop zone they had radioed ahead to set up. Then things went wrong. The SUNLAG group's radio wouldn't work for a couple of days, another operations group, OPERATION SUNCOR, was sent in and were captured, tortured, and as a result the SUNLAG men's presence was soon given away. With the three OPERATION SUNLAG men now being hunted across the island, it became imperative to rescue them. On July 15, the famous old special operations boat Krait was sent to rendevous with them at the mouth of the Dilor River on the southern Timor coast. As a result of bad weather, visability and other problems, this first rescue operation had to be aborted. I'm not sure what the whole story was, but I've seen that rescue attempt described as a total shambles for some reason, and it is much sneered at in the book 'Operation Rimau.' On August 5, another rescue attempt was made from Darwin - this time by HDML 1324 under Lt Evans, and assisted in some way by the corvette HMAS Parkes. This time the ships were successful in locating the fugitive commandoes and getting them aboard HDML 1324 - but they were starving and in dreadful condition by now. HDML 1324 got them back to Darwin on August 6 and they were rushed to Darwin hospital, but Sgt Dawson died there of liver failure two days later. The other two men, Capt. Stevenson and Dos Anjos, recovered. And that's all I presently know of that story. The info here is from websites covering the careers of HDML 814, which was also much involved in clandestine Timor operations, and from a HMAS Parkes website. The fact that HDML 1324 was present at the Japanese surrender at Koepang aboard HMAS Moresby on Sept. 11, 1945, is recorded in John Bastock's limited edition book 'Australia's Ships of War.' Somewhere I have read a list of ships present at that surrender, and I'm pretty sure they all came from Darwin. The rest of this is from Bastock: After the war 1324 was re-designated as a Seaward Defence Vessel. In 1953 she was attached as a tender to HMAS Tarangau, the base at Manus Island. In 1957 she was sent in the same role to Hobart as a SDV at the naval reserve training base there, HMAS Huon. In the 1960s she was given the hull number Y296 and she served at HMAS Huon until June 1967 when she was escorted to Melbourne by HMAS Anzac. In Melbourne she served as a SDV and tender at the RANR depot at Port Melbourne, HMAS Lonsdale. In this time she given the name HMAS Nepean [as with my Naval Historical Society photo below, at post #25]. Bastock's book leaves her there in 1973. In a single line entry one of Ross Gillett's books mentions her being laid up in 1982. And for the moment that's it, I'm afraid. Sorry no other wartime names other than that of the CO, Lt R.G. Evans RANR, have come up as yet. I've done a bit of an AWM search for photos and crew, but have found nothing else yet. I'll add in anything else I get as it comes up. Cheers, K, and sorry again for the breaks in contact.

Thanks Jeff, You certainly have found far more info than the Fairmile Association was able to dig up. When compiling the info for the two books no info was submitted on 1324. Gordon, I have so far only managed to contact two former crew members, one of which was only on board for less than two weeks. The other chap however seems to have a fair knowledge of her so I will write to him. I phoned him (Keith Carter) in Sth Aust, his hearing is not the best, hence the need to use snail mail but he assures me he will be happy to write back with whatever he can remember.

[QUOTE=RogerP;99754]Thanks Jeff, You certainly have found far more info than the Fairmile Association was able to dig up. When compiling the info for the two books no info was submitted on 1324. .[/QUOTE] Good Rog. Glad I was been able to contribute something. A couple of pics here of Fairmiles. ML 825, the boat in front in the first pic, was built by Lars Halvorsen in Sydney. Under the command of Lt H. Venables RANVR, she distinguished herself by shooting down a Japanese fighter that was bombing and strafing her off Cape Orford, New Britain on the the night of March 9-10, 1945. It was the only Fairmile to bring an enemy aircraft down in the Pacific War. The plane was hit by the boat's bridge Oerlikon and crashed inshore - the pilot being captured some time later. I think we've had this story before - it all feels familiar. Anyway, it's a new photo. In the immediate aftermath of the Japanese surrender in mid-August, 1945, ML 805 and a sister boat undertook the hazardous duty of contacting powerful Japanese garrisons on Muschu and Kasiriru Islands just off New Guinea, and 805 eventually had their surrender signed aboard. The photos are by Allan C. Green, and in the Green Collection at the State State Library of Victoria [LaTrobe Library]. Copyright expired and this usage allowed. The first of these pics is in my RAN Centenary photostream - the second isn't, because Mr Green's camera didn't quite keep up with the boat as it travelled down the Yarra. About 1946. Cheers K.
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Here's another pic of ML 825. Hope it's of interest. I've no info on where/when taken or photo credits, sorry airlana
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[QUOTE=airlana;99999]Here's another pic of ML 825. Hope it's of interest. I've no info on where/when taken or photo credits, sorry airlana[/QUOTE] A really interesting pic anyway, Ash, and nice to see. Love those Island War settings - long periods of heat rash and ennui, interspersed with occasional moments of terror.

Hi Kookaburra and Roger, forgive my lateness of reply, lost my password to this site. I wish to thank you both for your help in regards to HDML-1324 It was a question of placing the photographer location, who was part of a detachment of 12 Sqn RAAF. There is a file at the NAA Title Portuguese Timor - Surrender of Japanese Series number A1838 Control symbol TS377/3/3/2 PART 1 Contents date range 1945 - 1948 Access status Open Location Canberra Barcode 453505 There are photographs there of the surrender which match the location and date of the photo previously supplied. Photograper Sgt Hudson 12 Sqn RAAF. A Nephew was trying to pin the date of another picture, and the participants matched, including the Japanese portion of the party. Unknowningly, I found out that he was the one that took them. :o All in all well done on everyone's part in solving this. PS: there's some good shots of other RAN ships present to be copied off the NAA File Many thanks Gordon

I've just joined up after viewing the thread on the Fairmiles. My uncle was Sub Lt Ernest Palmer, the skipper of HDML 1321. This site drew my interest as I have been trying to locate what happened to the Fairmile fleet which operated out of Mackay Qld in the 1960s. Am still plying through the posts... Bro Palmer, if you are still around, I am your cousin; we spent some days with you and your family at Bute'te in 1957, en route Sydney. I'd like to hear from you, so if you wish, PM me. From a genealogical POV, I have collated a fairly large Palmer history dating back to 1799. If you would like to know more about Phillip Palmer et al, I may be able to help. I would also like to know about your siblings and what they were/are doing. nari

Nari, Along with Bro, I too would like to make contact as I also have a keen interest in 1321. In case you don't know this interesting 'little ship' along with three former crew members and the sole survivor of the "Op Copper" raid are all still with us.

Roger, I gather HDML 1321 is alive and well in Darwin. Tough little ships. I have a photo of her taken at a small wharf but it is very poor quality and difficult to see the men onboard. The area looks to me like Port Purvis in the Solomons. Or, as Capt Brett Hilder called it: Port Pelvis.... nari

I have made contact with Bro Palmer personally and he is hoping to get to Darwin and visit HDML 1321 later this month. I'm sure he will post after the event. I have found a new site for the Montevideo Maru so I think I have as much as I can get on the disaster. nari

[QUOTE=Bundall;73785]I have just relocated a book in the Chatswood, N.S.W. public library entitled; "A Merciful Journey, Recollections of a WW2 Patrol boat Man" by Leut. Marsden Horden, library catalog 940.545. Published by Melbourne University Press, 2005. ISBN 0 522 85165 7. On the cover is depicted an amaciated Leut. RANVR. in the streets of Sydney,just back from Northern waters,wearing white cap, khaki uniform , white Army jungle gaiters and boots. It is a remarkable first person account of his exploits in Fairmiles and HDMS. Also included are some remarkable photos.[/QUOTE] Bloody, bloody excellent book. One of the best memoirs I have ever read.

I am currently researching Fairmiles for my next book which is fictional but obviously needs the facts so I will be a frequent visitor and question asker if that is OK. The story follows a young Aussie who is initially in MTBs in England in WW2 and then ends up on coastal boats in Timor PNG etc. I look forward to being able to tap into this vast array of information so that the men who manned these little ships can get the due credit for their bravery.

[B]HDML 1324 crew, Darwin 1945[/B] Hi, Have only recently come across this site. My 1st.cousin, Sub Lieut. K.W.( Ken ) Adcock, P.A. 3138, was the 1st. officer on HDML 1324, with CO, fellow South Australian, Lieut. R.G.( Ray ) Evans, P.A. 1729. I remember hearing about the clandestine operations in Timor some 65 years ago from Ken's father, my late uncle. HDML 1324 was the 2nd. of 5 HDML's built at Birkenhead, South Australia, commisioned on 12th. June, 1944. The others were :- 1323, 1327, 1328 and 1329. Ken was allowed to live at home during commissioning, because it was his home port. Other HDML's in the series were 1321 and 1322, built by Purdon and Featherstone, at Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania, and 1325 and 1326, built by E. Jack, in Launceston, Tasmania. Ken is alive and well in Western Australia, in his late 80's, after recently being fitted with a Pacemaker. I will ask him for names of other crew members, and post them when they become available. regards," Waterhen ", Southern Tasmania. ( 03 ) 62 488 844

Just read about the exploits of 1321 on the net sounds like a great story also great to see that shes still afloat

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