J. A. Heenan aboard ML 050. On the left, the Honourable C.D. Howe, federal minister. Photo: Department of National Defence (S 538)

The Fairmile Bs of the Royal Canadian Navy

The defensive period

In the autumn of 1941, nine Fairmiles launched from Great Lakes shipyards arrived at their main base in Halifax. However, a serious difficulty at that time was the training of personnel, the great majority of whom were required to serve aboard the corvettes and minesweepers recently put into service to protect convoys. The years 1941 to 1943 were years of intense construction activity: by late 1942, 45 Fairmiles had been commissioned. The first 30 had been assigned to their respective bases: 8 to Halifax, 6 to Sydney, 6 to Gaspé, 2 to Rimouski, and 8 to St. John's, Newfoundland.

The year 1942 was to stand out in the memories of many, for in that year the inadequately protected convoys suffered repeated U-boat attacks, notably the successful ones by U-533, U-517 and U-165 in the Gulf and the St. Lawrence River. The arrival of large numbers of Fairmiles was to help remedy the situation.

J. A. Heenan aboard HMCS Provider, Halifax National Archives of Canada (PA 106624)

During this period, people discovered the strengths and above all the versatility of the new ships. About 30 convoys were escorted between Rimouski and Sydney or Halifax, Nova Scotia, and between Sydney, Nova Scotia, and St. John's, Newfoundland. Thanks to quick action by the Fairmiles, 182 survivors were rescued when their ships were torpedoed. Many depth-charge attacks on submarines were carried out. Although no submarines were sunk, these attacks had a dissuasive effect.

By the end of 1942, 45 Fairmiles were in service. The approaching winter and the end of the shipping season in the St. Lawrence brought patrol activities to a close.

In order to keep some of the vessels in uninterrupted service, a group of 12 Fairmiles were divided into two flotillas (72nd and 73rd) for assignment to the Caribbean in the winter of 1942-43. There, under the supervision of their mother ship, HMCS Provider, they provided support to the United States Navy in protecting convoys in the area.

In early 1943, then, the Fairmile fleet counted 45 vessels. A structure had been set up to provide a headquarters for them, so they could become a true attack force.

The new organization was marked on 6 May 1943 by the appointment of Captain Joseph A. Heenan, as "captain of the MLs", i.e. officer in charge and commander of the fleet. With Captain Hennan's arrival, the second period of operations began.

J. A. Heenan on a tour of inspection aboard a Fairmile Photo: Department of National Defence (R 766)