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What was the Fairmile B Motor Launch?

The Fairmile B Motor Launch was a fast boat made of wood. It was first built in 1940 by a company called Fairmile Marine. These boats were very important for guarding the shores around New Guinea during the war.

What was its main role during the war?

These boats had many jobs, such as watching over bays and leading other ships to keep them safe. They also helped land soldiers on beaches. Native guides and local watermen often helped steer these boats through dangerous coral reefs.

How did these boats perform in battle?

The boats were equipped with guns to fire at enemy spots on the shore. They also carried special weapons called depth charges to fight dangers hiding deep under the water. These tools helped them protect the coast from enemy attacks.

What is one interesting fact about these boats?

These boats were built from wood instead of metal. This was a smart design because it meant they could sail over magnetic sea mines without setting them off. This allowed them to travel safely in waters where other ships might have been blown up.

Why are these boats important to Papua New Guinea today?

These small boats helped start the first coastal patrols in the area. Their hard work laid the foundation for the naval force that the country uses today. They are remembered as a big part of the history of the Papua New Guinea navy.

Home Library Papua New GuineaFairmile B Motor Launch

Patrol Boat

Fairmile B Motor Launch

A fast wooden coastal boat used to patrol bays, land troops, and protect New Guinea shores.

Papua New Guinea Introduced 1940 Fairmile MarineRole: Coastal patrol and escort

Specifications

Length

112 feet

Speed

20 knots

Crew

16 sailors

Armament

Cannons and machine guns

The Fairmile B Motor Launch of Papua New Guinea

History

Fairmile B motor launches were wooden patrol boats deployed around New Guinea during the war. Local watermen and native guides frequently helped sail and navigate these boats through dangerous coral reefs.

Because they were built from wood, they could cross waters without triggering magnetic sea mines. They carried guns and depth charges to attack enemy positions along the shoreline.

After World War II, these small vessels helped lay the foundation for maritime coastal patrols that eventually became part of Papua New Guinea's naval element.