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HMNZS Fairmile Q409 later Maori, later Iris Moana

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HMNZS Fairmile Q409 later Maori – left, being fitted out
HMNZS Fairmile Q409 – Castle Class Minesweepers in background
HMNZS Fairmile Q409 with HMNZS Killegray T174 background
HMNZS Fairmile Q409 later Maori and background HMNZS Thomas Currell (T11)
Poss HMNZS Fairmile Q409 later Maori, in background HMNZS Aroha (T24)
Q409
Fairmile ML Q409 departs for The Solomons
RNZN Fairmiles in the Solomons
On 14 January 1944, Admiral Halsey, Commander South Pacific, informed the New Zealand Naval Board that the “current employment of Japanese submarines and estimates of their future employment indicate immunity from the submarine menace in New Zealand waters”. He proposed that the New Zealand Fairmile motor launches should be employed in the Solomon Islands, relieving American destroyers and patrol vessels for duty elsewhere.
The twelve Fairmiles were refitted for service in tropical waters and formed into the 80th and 81st Motor Launch Flotillas. The 80th Flotilla consisted of MLs 401 to 406 and the 81st Flotilla of MLs 407 to 411. The flotillas were based at Renard Sound in the Russell Islands. The base was named Kahu and for administrative purposes ML400 was commissioned on 1 April 1944 as HMNZS Kahu. During the seventeen months of their service in the Solomons, from March 1944 until June 1945, the twelve Fairmiles logged 380,000 miles (610,000 km) on anti-submarine screen patrols and on escorting ships.[9] They had no encounters with Japanese forces.[10]
RNZN Fairmiles post war
All the fairmiles returned to Auckland in July 1945. In 1946-47 all but Q 411 (Kahu) were sold to private buyers who used them for passenger and/or cargo service or as pleasure craft. Q 411 (Kahu) was sold in 1965. Q 409 was repurchased by the navy in 1953 and resold in 1963 to become the Auckland-Waiheke ferry Iris Moana. Two other former fairmiles were renamed the Ngaroma and the Colville and used as the main ferries between Auckland and Great Barrier Island. They were skippered by Len Sowerby and his son Lester.
An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q409 in the Hauraki Gulf. Port bow view of a small warship underway, Q409 on the bow, flying pennants. Land in the background. On the reverse are the notes “79” “Q 409” and the stamp “Copyright Brian Collins, 54 Covil Avenue, Te Atatu”. Auckland, Circa 1943.
Fairmile Q409 in Rangitoto Channel, Auckland, circa 1943
Maker
Collins, Tudor Washington (b.1898, d.1970)
Production date
Circa 1943
An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q409 in Rangitoto Channel. Port bow view of a small warship underway, Q409 on the bow, pennants flying. Land in the background. On the reverse are the notes “77” in blue pen, “Q409″ and a stamp with Copyright by Brian Collins, 54 Covil Avenue, Te Atatu”. Auckland, circa 1943.
HMNZS Fairmile Q409 Recommissioned from 1953 to 1963 as HMNZS Maori. In 1963 became the Auckland ferry Iris Moana.
HMNZS Maori (P3570)
Career (New Zealand) Royal New Zealand naval ensign
Laid down: 1942
Commissioned: 1953
Decommissioned: 1963
General characteristics
Class & type: Fairmile B class motor launch
Displacement: 85 tons
Length: 112 ft (34 m)
Beam: 18 ft 3 in (5.56 m)
Draught: 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m)
Propulsion: Twin petrol engines totaling 1,200 bhp
Speed: 20 knots
Range: 1500 miles at 12 kt
Complement: 16
Sensors and
processing systems: ASDIC
Armament:
1 x 3-lb Mk I gun 1 x twin 0.303-in Machineguns
12 depth charges
Armour: Wheelhouse plated
HMNZS Maori (P3570) was a Fairmile B Motor Launch of the Royal New Zealand Navy
Originally commissioned on 20 December 1943 with pennant number Q 409, she was part of the 80th Motor Launch Flotilla. Early in 1944 she went to the Solomon Islands where she served under the operational control of COMSOPAC. After the end of the war she was sold.
In 1953 she was repurchased and recommissioned as HMNZS Maori (P3570).[1]
In 1963 she was sold again and became the Auckland-Waiheke ferry Iris Moana.
HMNZS Fairmile Q409 -As Ferry Iris Moana. Contracts were awarded in 1941 to four Auckland boatyards to construct a total of 12 Fairmile Class B anti-submarine motor boats. Plans and prefabricated keel framing were provided by the British Admiralty and the hull, decking and superstructure were to be completed with local timber. The stem and sternposts were formed from Pohutukawa and the hull was two layers of Kauri planking. Engines, ordnance and many fasteners and fittings used in their installation were also imported from UK. The first Fairmile was finished in Oct-42 and the last by Dec-43 and along the way there were delays in shipping of components and obtaining sufficient Kauri that prevented the project being completed sooner. During this time the vessels began coastal patrols with six based in Auckland, four in Wellington and two from Lyttelton.
However by the end of 1943 there was little further threat of enemy attack in the vicinity and in January 1944 it was agreed to deploy all the Fairmiles to the Solomon Islands and under the control of US Navy. They sailed in three groups during late February via Noumea and arrived together at Russell Islands in early March organised as the 80th ML and 81st ML flotillas. They commenced anti-submarine patrols in the Guadalcanal, Tulagi and Russell Islands area. The launches added to the existing RNZN presence in the Campaign as the 25th Minesweeping flotilla had already seen much action there .The NZ Army 3rd Division were also deployed nearby as were squadrons of RNZAF aircraft. The Fairmiles continued on patrol and escort duties in the region until they were withdrawn in July-45 and although there had been operational accidents they never engaged in battle with Japanese forces. Consequently all 12 returned to NZ and except for Q411 were soon up for tender.
Q400 – 402 Built by Chas Bailey & Son.
Q403 – 406 Associated Boatbuilders.
Q407 – 409 Shipbuilders Ltd.
Q410, 411 P.Vos Ltd.
BRIEF POSTWAR HISTORY:
Q400 “Dolphin / Sayandra”– Burned and sunk, Gt Barrier Is. 1980.
Q401 “Mahurangi” – Lost, Cook Islands 1954.
Q402 “Ngaroma”; Hauraki Gulf Ferry on Gt Barrier service – Sold Sri Lanka 1992.
Q403 “Tiare”; Tauranga Ferry – Abandoned Raglan 1957.
Q404 Named “Wailana”.
Q405 “Marlyn” – Severely damaged in Wahine storm, Burnt in Marlborough Sounds 1969.
Q406 “Motunui”; Hauraki Gulf Ferry on Waiheke service – Converted to Motel at Waitomo 2006.
Q407 “Deborah Bay”; Once owned by Sir Dove-Myer Robinson.
Q408 “Karamana II / Colville”; Gulf Ferry on Gt Barrier service – last reported Fiji 1985.


Q409 “Iris Moana” ; Returned to Navy as HMNZS Maori P3570 1953-63. From then Gulf Ferry on Waiheke service – Sold to Sri Lanka 1992, beached and abandoned during civil war action 1995.
Q410 “La Reta” – Sunk Vanuatu 1977.
Q411 “Kahu”; Retained by Navy as HMNZS Kahu P3571 1947-65. From then as backup Gulf ferry in storage. Subsequently sold to private owners – At Whangarei for refit 2016.
Many of the Fairmiles were a familiar sight on Auckland Harbour and provided reliable public transport for decades after their military service was over. Generations of Aucklanders enjoyed the excursions on them around the islands of the Gulf. I haven’t yet found mention about the fate of Q404 and Q407 nor if Q402 and Q408 are still afloat. I’m looking forward to any news about their recent history and current status. But it appears that only Q406 and Q411 remain in NZ.
Kahu may hold the last chance for preservation. Alas, she has been dismantled.
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.

Fate of HMNZS Fairmile Q409

HMNZS Fairmile Q408 Later KARAMANA II & COLVILLE

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Q 408 Fairmile , post war names KARAMANA II & COLVILLE , last report 1985 in Fiji
https://waitematawoodys.com/2013/05/04/karamana-ii/
HMNZS Fairmile Q408 at anchor in the Solomon Islands
An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q408 in Auckland Harbour. Port side view of a small warship underway, Q408 on the bow, signal flags flying, land in the background. On the reverse are the notes “1hr” “Q 408”. Auckland, Circa 1943.
Maker
Collins, Tudor Washington (b.1898, d.1970)
Original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q408 in the Hauraki Gulf. Starboard side view of a small warship underway, Q408 on the bow, guns manned, land in the backgrouond. On the reverse in pencil at the top is “8 of 112”. There is a stamp with “Photo by T W Collins, Warkworth” and another with “Copyright Brian Collins, 54 Covil Avenue, Te Atatu”. In red pen at the bottom is “Q408”. Auckland.
An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q408 in Auckland Harbour. Port bow view of a small warship underway, Q408 on the bow, signal flags flying, land in the background. On the reverse are the notes “80F 38” and a stamp with “Copyright by Brian Collins, 54 Covil Avenue, Te Atatu”. Auckland, Circa 1943.
Fairmile Q408 – KARAMANA II is a WW II 105 ft Fairmile converted to a pleasure craft circa 1945-46 by the Cadman family powered by 2 x 6-71 GM Detroit diesels, or the Graymarine version of them, & was undoubtedly, the very best pleasure craft Fairmile conversion, I ever saw. From the outside she was, in my view, aesthetically lovely. I took this pic circa1948 on her moorings in Hobson Bay. She was always immaculate & hardly used, Disappeared from there in the early 1950s, & I never saw her again — I think perhaps she may have gone to the Pacific Islands.
Any news anyone has would be great, just email me at kenpat@ihug.co.nzQuoting from Bob McDougall’s epic record “New Zealand Naval Vessels:
ML408 [Built Shipbuilders] sold fire damaged 4/47 to Rylands Ltd but resold and renamed Karamana by Cadmans. ON178439. Private use Auckland. Renamed Colville 1956 Hauraki Gulf whaling tender to 1963 then on to lighthouse and passenger services Auckland. To Fiji for islands trading 1976. Sunk on Tuvuca Reef Tavua north coast of Viti Levu 11/4/79 on voyage Savusava to Lautoka. Salvaged and repaired. Renamed Adi Litia by 1985 for cruises from Nadi.
They were 112′ x 18.2′ x 5’2”.
I preferred them as per original -but lots of deck space. Ngaroma looked good. If there was to be a conversion, Deborah Bay wasn’t too bad. Funnily enough, I thought Kahu -the one that was up harbour looked reasonable.
MV COLVILLE, moored alongside Moko Hinau, captained by Bunty Brown. Vessel described by photographer as a ‘lighthouse tender ex Fairmile and whalechaser. Would roll on wet grass. Known as the chunder bus.’
Photographer’s caption: “MV COLVILLE departs Moko Hinau to return to Auckland; skipper Bunty Brown. The COLVILLE came every two weeks with stores. A very obliging crew. When Charlie Mellows arrived with his family and chooks Bunty let the chooks out in the hold and Charlie’s chooks enjoyed the trip on improvised perch’s from broom and mop handles.”
Murray Williscroft was a lighthouse keeper, who, along with his wife Ventris worked on a number of stations around New Zealand in the 1950s-60s.
MV COLVILLE moored at Tryphena wharf, Great Barrier Island. Photographer’s caption: “Taken at Typhena (sic) Great Barrier Island during a stopover due to bad weather at Moko Hinau. The COLVILLE serviced the Hauraki Gulf lights after the fleet auxiliary HAURAKI finished.”
Murray Williscroft was a lighthouse keeper, who, along with his wife Ventris worked on a number of stations around New Zealand in the 1950s-60s.


Fate -Q408 “Karamana II / Colville”; Gulf Ferry on Gt Barrier service – last reported Fiji 1985.

Uodate from Michael Daneil – Colville sank on Tuvuca reef 1979 but was salvaged and repaired. Sold 1985 and was renamed “Adi Litia” for cruises from Nadi

HMNZS Fairmile Q407 Later Deborah Bay

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An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q407 in the Hauraki Gulf. Port side view of a small warship, Q407 on the bow, crew fallen in abreast of the superstructure. There is a second warship in the background right. On the reverse are the notes “70” “Fairmile Q407” in pencil. Auckland, Circa 1943
RNZN Fairmile Q 407
Royal New Zealand Navy Fairmile launch Q 407, 1943 – 1945
Q407
Q407 “Deborah Bay”; Once owned by Sir Dove-Myer Robinson.
Fate – Some confusion on this one – HMNZS Fairmile Q404/407?? – sold to P. Mason, became private Deborah Bay, ON 178433, Auckland. Sold 1963 and renamed Romanda in 1964, for private, later passenger use. To Fiji 1965 for tourist work, later laid up. Driven ashore in Bay of Islands, Suva during Cyclone Meli 27/3/79. Salvaged and repaired for inter-island trading. Sunk in Cyclone Raja, off Nairai Island, east of Levuka, Fiji 30/12/86, broke in two 1/87 and became a total loss.

HMNZS Fairmile Q405 Later Marlyn

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An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q405 in Wellington Harbour. Q405 on the bow. Hills in the background. On the reverse are the notes “ML 405 Sept 1943 Wgton Harbour”. The photograph is slightly out of focus. Wellington, 1 Sep 1943
An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q405 in Wellington Harbour. Q405 on the bow, hills in the background. On the reverse are the notes “ML Q 405 Self on bridge Wgtn”. Stamped with “RNew ZealandAF Photograph Crown Copyright Reserved Unit CPS Air Dept Serial No G626 Date 20-10-43”
An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q405 with crew, family and friends at the Devonport Naval Base on Christmas Day. On the reverse in pencil are the notes “Fairmile 405”, “Xmas Day 1943” and a stamp with “Ginders Print”. In pen at the bottom “R E Pugh-Williams top second right” and “ML405”. Devonport, December 1943.
An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q405 approaching berth at the Devonport Naval Base. HMNZS TUI or KIWI on the far side of the wharf on the extreme right, Isles class minesweeper extreme left. Port side view of a small warship approaching berth, crew fallen in on deck, Q405 on the bow. Houses on skyline in the background. On the reverse are the notes “Auckland 1944” “6Y” “Fairmile” “Q 405”. Devonport, 1944
Collins, Tudor Washington (b.1898, d.1970)
Production date
1944
Fairmile Q405,
An original black and white photograph of Fairmile Q405 approaching berth at the Devonport Naval Base. Starboard quarter view of a small warship approaching berth, Q405 on the stern. Concrete fuel tank in background right. Houses on the skyline. On the reverse are the notes “1944” “66” “Q 405”.
An original black and white photograph of Fairmiles Q405, Q410 and another unidentified Fairmile in Calliope Basin. There is a Castle class minesweeper in the right foreground. There is an inner harbour with several vessels moored inside. In the right foreground is a small area of deck from a larger vessel. In the centre are three identical vessels, sterns out. The first two are identified as “Q405” and “Q410” on the stern. There are two vessels side on behind them and five smaller vessels on the far left. The background shows several buildings on a wharf. On the reverse is a pencilled caption written by museum volunteer Ian Hunter. Auckland, Early 1944.
January 1944 – Fairmiles of 80th and 81st ML Flotillas R.N.Z.N. fitting out at Devonport (N.Z.) Naval Base prior to departure for Solomons.
Copied from R.N.Z.N. Official photo.
Commander Dowding with FAIRMILE Q405 ship’s company -January 1944 – Fairmiles of 80th and 81st ML Flotillas R.N.Z.N. fitting out at Devonport (N.Z.) Naval Base prior to departure for Solomons.
Commander Dowding with FAIRMILE Q405 ship’s company -January 1944 – Fairmiles of 80th and 81st ML Flotillas R.N.Z.N. fitting out at Devonport (N.Z.) Naval Base prior to departure for Solomons.
Fairmile launch ‘Marlyn’ sunk at SHELLY BAY April 1968

Fairmile launch Marlyn being lifted by floating crane Hikitia at Shelly Bay, Wellington. Photograph taken April 1968 by Martin Berthold.
Fairmile launch Marlyn, under repair at Shelly Bay, Wellington. Photograph taken April 1968 by Martin Berthold.

Fairmile launch Marlyn, under repair at Shelly Bay, Wellington. Photograph taken April 1968 by Martin Berthold

Q405 was the eighth NZ Fairmile built and the third completed by Associated Boatbuilders. After the war it was named “Marlyn” and put into service ferrying cargo between Wellington and Lytellton. It completed approx. 600 trips during 1947-56. It was laid up for a couple of years and then was trialled in a crayfishing venture in Fiji which proved unsuccessful. By 1962 it was in use at Stewart Island as a wharfside coolstore for the fishery. Later it was used for fishing off the Otago coast and finally converted to a trawler and operated at Chatham Islands, from where it had returned to Wellington by 1968. After the Wahine storm it was salvaged by floating crane and hauled out on a slipway at Shelly Bay with the intention of repair. There are four colour photos that can be viewed on the NatLib archives site which show the recovery and damage. It must have been later assessed as beyond repair because in 1969 is was towed to Whakatahuri in the Marlborough Sounds where it was stripped and burnt.

HMNZS Fairmile Q404 Later Wailana

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HMNZS Fairmile Q404 in the Hauraki Gulf,
HMNZS Fairmiles – Q401, Q 403 and Q 404 and others 
Q404
HMNZS Fairmile Q404 crew

HMNZS Fairmile Q404 on patrol

Fairmile Q404 being overflown by a Harvard aircraft, 1943

Fate – Some confusion on this one – HMNZS Fairmile Q404/407?? – sold to P. Mason, became private Deborah Bay, ON 178433, Auckland. Sold 1963 and renamed Romanda in 1964, for private, later passenger use. To Fiji 1965 for tourist work, later laid up. Driven ashore in Bay of Islands, Suva during Cyclone Meli 27/3/79. Salvaged and repaired for inter-island trading. Sunk in Cyclone Raja, off Nairai Island, east of Levuka, Fiji 30/12/86, broke in two 1/87 and became a total loss.