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Registration number
393
Status
Archived
a12admin
Previous names
- 1942 - 1952 ML 162
Details
Function
Fighting Vessel
Subfunction
Launch
Location
NONE
Vessel type
Fairmile B
Archive reason
Disposed
Current use
None
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Construction
Builder
Dickie, A M & Sons Ltd, Bangor
Built in
1942
Hull material
Wood
Rig
None
Number of decks
1
Number of masts
1
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Diesel
Boiler type
None
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Breadth: Beam
18.59 feet
(5.67m)
Breadth: Beam
18.59 feet
(5.67m)
Depth
4.59 feet
(1.40m)
Length: Overall
107.41 feet
(32.76m)
Tonnage: Gross
126.00
History
Formerly ML162, this Fairmile ‘B’ Motor was built in 1942 by A.M. Dickie & Sons, Bangor. It was equipped with two Hall Scott Defender Petrol engines on Lease/Lend from America, capable of driving the boats at a speed of 20 knots maximum for short periods or 16 3/4 knots continuous speed for long periods.
ML162 had an illustrious career during the Second World War, as not only did the crew have the distinction of having shot down six enemy aircraft and taken part in the sinking of a submarine, she was also mentioned as being highly commended for the part played in the D-Day invasion.
After the war, ML162 was transferred to the Royal Netherlands Navy where she continued in service for a further two years. She was then sold off and taken to Great Yarmouth for conversion to a passenger vessel. Emerging from the refit as GOLDEN GALLEON, she began her new career in 1952 taking as many as 150 tourists on excursions along the East Anglian coast and the Norfolk Broads. She continued in this role until the 1990s when her final owner, unable to keep pace with stringent safety regulations, left her to rot. The Broads Authority then stepped in to dispose of her and the work was carried out in January at St Olaves.
Key dates
-
1941
Vessel built by A M Dickie & Sons, Bangor
-
1942
Vessel commissioned and stationed with 62nd ML flotilla, Portland
-
1944
Vessel transferred to Kirkwall on target towing duties, then sent to 69th ML flotilla based Felixstowe
-
1947
Vessel sold off at Itchenor at Admiralty disposal sales
-
1947
Entered service with Western Lady Ferry Service
-
1990s
Disposed, at St Olaves
Sources
World Ship Society British Armed Forces Small Craft Historical Society, Survivors Register, 1998
Hamer, Geoffrey, Trip Out 1995/6 - A Guide to the Passenger Boat Services of the British Isles, G P Hamer, 1995
Johnston-Bryden, Richard, Classic Boat: From Norwich to the North Sea, August 1998
Classic Boat:Tell Tales: Fairmile Funds, January 1997
Box, Peter, Ships Monthly: More on Fairmiles, January 1993
Own this vessel?
If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk
