The Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) hosted Rob McCron as guest speaker for the History Speaker Series recently with his talk, Fairmile: The Little Ship that Made History. Rob is curator and public relations officer at the Orillia Legion. Rob shared his extensive research about the Fairmile, says an article published on their website.
Torpedo boats
The Fairmiles were wooden torpedo boats used for patrolling along the ocean shoreline, searching for submarines during the Second World War.
Hunter Boats, a shipyard located on the Lake Couchiching waterfront, was contracted by the Canadian government to build seven Fairmiles. In order to secure the contract, Hunter had to prove that the boats could make their way to the St. Lawrence upon completion.
Some Fairmiles patrolled the St. Lawrence port of Montreal to protect cargo ships carrying much-needed supplies to Britain. Hunter Boats built seven Fairmiles. Their employees had the skills required to build the boats. The last Fairmile built by Hunter Boats was the Q116.
On Oct. 13, 1943, the Fairmile Q116 was being readied to go out on Lake Couchiching for a trial run. The workmen went for dinner and when they returned, they heard a dripping sound in the hull of the ship, mainly in the engine room. A fire had started. The Orillia Fire Brigade (now called the Orillia Fire Department) arrived to put out the fire and a huge explosion occurred. One man was killed and six were injured with first- and second-degree burns and other injuries.
Rob recounted the tragedy that befell a 16-year-old electrician apprentice and air cadet with the 99th Squadron and of the heroic efforts by the Orillia Fire Brigade that saved the community from further loss of life, homes and businesses. Rob said that the Orillia Fire Brigade saved the Orillia waterfront.
The Fairmile played an important role in our local history, yet very little is known about it. Rob and Rick Purcell have worked for two years in an effort to memorialize the Fairmiles built in Orillia at Hunter Boats and to ensure the tragedy, sacrifice and heroism are not forgotten. They are working to raise the funds to build a monument to be erected on the shores of Lake Couchiching where the Fairmile was built.
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Source: Orillia Matters
