Fairmile ML Q078 - For Posterity's Sake

Q078

Fairmile Motor Launch

Fairmile ML Q078

Source: Flickr photo collection of Don Gorham

Laid down: 24 Aug 1941

Launched: 06 May 1942

Delivered to the RCN: 02 Jun 1942

Removed from service: 17 Jul 1945

Fate: Sold in 1947. Final disposition unknown

Built by Graevette Boats Ltd., Gravenhurst, Ont., she was delivered to the RCN on 02 Jun 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).

In Feb 1945, Q078 was listed a part of the 73rd ML Flotilla. Sold in 1945 to George Elie Transport Tanker Company, Montreal, she was renamed Esso Cardinal. Her final disposition is unknown.

Commanding Officers

Sub/Lt John Norrison Finlayson, RCNVR - 21 Apr 1942 - 11 Apr 1943

Lt George Percy Manning, RCNVR - 12 Apr 1943 - 23 Apr 1943

Sub/Lt John Arthur Davis, RCNVR - 24 Apr 1943 - 05 May 1943

Lt Douglas Glen Creba, RCNVR - 06 May 1943 - 07 Oct 1943

Lt L.O. Stonehouse, RCNVR - 08 Oct 1943 - 05 May 1944

Lt Clark Hazen Adair, RCNVR - 06 May 1944 - 25 Oct 1944

Lt S.C. Kilbank, RCNVR - 26 Oct 1944 - 05 Feb 1945

Lt John Lowry Gourlay, RCNVR - 24 Apr 1945 - 20 Jul 1945

In memory of those who have crossed the bar