Kia ora katoa, welcome all. This site is my tribute to all things Motor Launch, be they HDML (Harbour Defense Motor Launches) or also known as SDML (Seaward Defense Motor Launches). This blogsite deals only with ML's, Fairmiles are catered for elsewhere.
I served in the Navy from May 1975 until 2002, retiring after 12 years a Chief Petty Officer Assistant Hydrographic Surveyor. I spent 3 years (1976 - 1979) on both SML's Tarapunga and Takapu. I was a very junior survey assistant back then but became so enamoured with them I want my own one.
This is a living document and as such needs active updating, please contact me below in Reply for any edits/etc you feel need addressing (or my email - zappydodah@hotmail.com) or for providing photos and ditties ML related.
Of the 16 originally delivered from USA in 1943/44 and worked by RNZN, 7 (as at 12/10/2018) still remain in differing stage of seaworthiness. The 9 others were broken down for parts or met their fate and are spread around various other owners. The following mainly deal with the 7 survivors with plenty of data per ML.
(as an aside Australia had 34 HDML's of which only one remains.)
I am open to receiving photos/data/ditties to enhance this site especially unawares and staged Crew shots (with accompanying names/ranks/evolution). However if you have photos or dits from any of the "deceased" ML's I'll willingly take them for prosperity.
Following two files, donated from Roy Quinn (ex Olphert.)
ML History updated 3/10/2022
HDML History of HDML
The later to be commissioned HMNZS Tarapunga being taken off the Liberty delivery ship (USS Kootenay Park) by Floating Crane Hikitia at Wellington 30th April 1943. Edited 3/10/2022. Have had word (from John Ackrill, archivist for Floating Crane Hikitia) that the floating crane in the above photo is the Floating Crane Mahua from Auckland Harbour Board. And he does not know why.
Discovered tonight (24/4/2018) the following (from this website)
USS Frank Joseph Irwin - Q1183 and Q1184 arrived Wellington NZ 18 January 1943
USS Pere Marquette - Q1185 and Q1186 arriving Wellington 5 April 1943
USS Kootenay Park - Q1187 to Q1190 arriving Wellington 30 April 1943
USS Mount Robson Park Q1191 - Q1194 arriving in Auckland 25 August 1943
and ML's Q1348 to Q1351 arrived 28 February 1944 but no shipping details.
Hdml Paea Got sent this some time ago from a friend in the US - Madden & Lewis boatyard in San Francisco - around the time our boat was built!!! Pretty cool photo
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Click here for comprehensive ML data. and this image is one of the four Liberty Ships, the SS Frank Joseph Irwin, that delivered them here.
Click here for ML database by UK Navypedia site.
Click here for Radio Set Up. (From RNZN Communications website)
What follows is a labour of love. ( and I will say there are variant sources for this and they are acknowledged.)
Procedure Alpha
Click on Here for Navy Museum write up on ML's
Click on this link for details in Wiki and the ML information's.
Click here for The Australian HDML story. and latest article on Rushcutter as of 16/7/2018
Click here for comprehensive database on HDML/SDML - Medusa Trust. and this page highlights fate of HDML's in toto. Click Here 480 built and a handful remain (NZ has most)
HMS Medusa below decks. (21/12/2018)
Click on here for NZ Naval Board Report, two mentions of ML's (1946)
Click on here for another site with HDML (and Fairmile) data.
Click here for data on rescuing ML1085 (UK) Donor is John Poynter exRNZN
Two jpeg's on the fate of ML's circa 70's (donated by Greg Philpott)
Follows is standard livery fit for WWII HDML
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Following two images were donated by Rob Jamieson, from his fathers archives. He thinks they were Paea and Mako and definitely in Hokitika River mid 50's.
Dixie-Ted Boraman Remember the Mls coming into the Hokitika river,still at school at the time.Ml beached on the island to carry out repairs to damaged planking which occurred on entering the river. Island in the river no longer exists or the wharf. Cant recall name of vessels Crew enjoyed their delayed stay with the Red Lion Hotel across the road.
Mako alongside stem to current.
Paea?? aground fixing rudders
All individual ML sections has the First Name known as for that ML, a four letter Call Sign, the crest per vessels and Builders details (Yard and Locations)
The following two pictures I received a wee time back (and forgot I had them). Q1184 (HDML Paea) with what looks like a Liberty Boat run to or from Motuihe Island during hostilities (WWII) The other is probably the same time with 3 HDML's Line Astern.
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Mako (ZMSR Call sign)
(Crest is a Shark)
now at Queensland - 2017
Madden Lewis - builder
Sausilito Location
Q1183 and P3551
Mako in Hauraki Gulf 1943
Model version of Mako.
Cockle Cove,Marlborough Sounds. (supplied by Mark Maguire of HMNZS Olphert)
Photo courtesy of Lindsay Turvey - August 2018
Mako at Scarborough Marina Queensland Australia.
Mako slipped 2018 in Moreton Bay, Brisbane
From David Robertson (Mako 1965 - 1966)
Was onboard up north when the Kaitaia sunk in May 1966. There is a dit or two to tell about that storm.......
Dicky Downs first coxswain followed by Vince Sturmey. Took a bit of time to train Vince but we got there.
From (then ABS) Ted Haar, Mako 1971-72. A great look at life on a Black Boat.
Paea (ZMSS)
(Crest is Broadbill Swordfish)
at Whangarei 2017
Madden Lewis - builder
Sausilito Location
Refitted and actively sailed by Keith and Heather (as at 2018)
On the dates early March 2018, the two restored SDML Paea and Kuparu were in Whangarei, the first time I am guessing for over 30 years. Both vessels are lovingly restored and an active museum(s).
The greatest event at Whangarei was the accompaniment with HMNZS Hawea, an Inshore Patrol Vessel of the modern navy.
Now a pleasure boat, with original engines and gearboxes removed and Italian engines fitted, she has been fully fiber-glassed.
But she does look smart, and has very quiet engines.
It is heartening to see some of the old Motor Launches refurbished and have their life extended.
Paea as Q1184 August 1944
Waitemata Hbr
Paea in Survey livery Mid to late 70's (possibly Auckland)
Paea with USS Texas in Auckland 1983.
Needing some rank's, names, event. (Taken pre-1963)
Rear L - R Far Left ?? Near Left ?? Centre PO?? Near Right ?? Far Right ATO(??) Andy Edwards
Front L-R Far Left ??, Near Left S/Lt Algie Walton (TBC)??, Near Right PO??, Far Right ??
Commander Gavin Wright on HDML Paea (Unknown locality and no Years in offing. (Image supplied by Mark Maguire)
HMNZS Paea Bridge in roughers.
(Image supplied by Mark Maguire)
HMNZS Paea moored at Mansion House Bay with HMNZS Parore 1974 (Courtesy Norm Morgan)
Click here for video of Paea - 2010.
Got these photos from another site. Frank Lomas posted. MLs in the Hokianga Harbour (By HDML Paea current owner)
Paea in Hauraki Gulf 1982.
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Q1186
These images are probably the only existing images of Q1186 (top left). The ML to right (Tarapunga Q1187) is inboard of Q1184 (Paea). All three ML's alongside HMNZS Philomel. Images from 1943 - 1945.
Madden Lewis - builder
Sausilito - Location
Sold to Sydney then to Fiji
Possible name is Wings Afloat
Edited to add from Ian Rose (18/3/2018):
Ian Rose Interesting Q1186 possible never had a P number she was cannibalised for spare parts in 1947- 48 Hull was sold 1948 for 660 pounds to J B Jobling Auckland who rebuilt her as private launch and named Wings Afloat he resold her in 1956 to the old Coast Guard and renamed Stratus resold again 1958 then did a runner to Sydney as Wings Afloat unknown since 1970.
From the Auckland Coastguard website (found 19/3.2018)
Stratus (Cutter No. 1) (ex-WingsAfloat, ex-MLQ1186) Photograph page 65 Another vessel that started life as a 72-foot HDML, she was built in San Francisco and purchased by Coastguard probably in late 1956 from a Mr C. V. Jobling who had bought her from the Navy in 1948 as a gutted hull without engines. Jobling had substantially altered her appearance with the fitting of a large deckhouse. She was found to have significant dry rot. The necessary repairs, which also involved restoring the wheelhouse to near original appearance, cost the Coastguard dearly. Although she ran successfully for a time, lifting the Coastguard image and providing some good training for many Coastguards who are still involved in boating, her running costs - she had two Chrysler Crown 8-cylinder petrol motors — crippled the Service. Sold in 1960-1961 for financial reasons, her value on the books was then about £2200. She is still afloat in Australia and was last reported in Brisbane in 1993.
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Takapu (ZMDU)
(Crest is Gannet)
at Milford Sound
(as at July 2018 still For Sale)
Madden Lewis - builder
Sausilito Location
Q1188 and P3556
From Geoff Haskins (former CO Takapu)
Click Here for Survey ML's write up (TP,TK,Paea)
Two Takapu's
Two shots of Takapu in survey mode. Date and location not known.
The very last HDML Crew of TK (1979) Back Row: POAHS Terry Ashdown, AHA Thane "Zaps" Zander, AEL(??) "Greg's" Gregory, POME Pete Jensen (very nice guy) and ME1 Graeme "Raisins" Rae. Front Row, ABS Maurice "Harty" Hartshorne, AHA "Hewie" Hewitt (TBC) and CO Lt Larry Robbins.
HMNZS Takapu - Arid Cove Rakitu Island (GBI) 1979
Tarapunga (ZMTA)
(Crest is a Red Billed Gull)
Sadly burned and sunk in Marlborough Sounds 2015
Everett-Pacific Boatbuilder
Everett Location
Q1187 and P3566
Tarapunga arriving Waitemata Harbour on Decommissioning June 1979.
Image from 2002 in Marlborough Sounds. (Photo from Here Click here)
Tarapunga in roughers taken by Tony Marsden (EM(1)) from Mako.
Tarapunga decommissioned from Survey Fleet and renamed HMNZS Mako II (with same Pennant Number) as explained in this article on TP/TK
Takapu and Tarapunga dressed ship.
This image below celebrates the first and only time both ML's rafted up with Monowai, in Whangarei 1979. ML's were undertaking Great Barrier Island East coast survey and Monowai was in on R&R from BOP survey.
Both HMNZS Takapu and Tarapunga dressed ship for ML's 35th Birthday celebration 1978 at Port Fitzroy GBI.
Takapu and Tarapunga med moored in Dusky Sound taking on Fresh Water from a waterfall 1973 - Photos supplied by Former Commander Ken Robertson (he was CO here on TP.)
Images immediately above and below here of TP exiting Waitemata Harbour 1974 also supplied by her then CO Cdr Robertson.The crew are Focsle L-R ABS Howe, ABSR Tom Paterson, ?? Robinson. Bridge Lt Ken Robertson, POSR Grahame Wiblin and POME Waka Nathan. No name for the AX sailor.
Ra Kawha (aka Dutchy Van Kempen) in his image as Left Hand Angle - Everyone on ML's had a tan.
Two Survey ML's in 1966/67 at Rawene Wharf - Hokianga Harbour.
A TP dit from my archive
An SML (Tarapunga) ditty(and like all goods dits, based on fract. We were surveying the Manukau Bar In 1977 with TP and TK. We used to anchor off Cornwallis Jetty at night after each days work. I was duty hand and had to get up at 0315 to take the weather sched. Everyone else were soundoes (imbibement). At 0215 or thereabouts I was woken up with the vessel rocking mildly. I felt something wasn't quite right so went on the bridge to see if the wind had picked up. Nope! Checked the cable and it all seemed right. The swell coming from the Bar was the cause of the rocking. I woke the CO (Lt John Stokes) and briefed him on the situation He woke the Cocn on the way up. We couldn't see any street lights at Cornwallis (and no sign of TK who had anchored next to us).and got the Aldis out and scanned the foreshore. Nothing. Turned out we had dragged anchor (about 5 miles and in deeper water than anchorage) with the tide change.and were heading out to sea.
This from former ML skipper Ken Robertson (Commander Rtd and resident in Whitianga with wife Bronwyn) on his ML time:
HMNZS Tarapunga alongside PC Barge on Decommissioning
A rare photo of ABS Pete Newton on helmTP.
Sold 1946
Sea Cadets and Deer Recovery
now at Kopu for refitting. As of 14/10/2018 owned by Linus Fleming.
Everett-Pacific Boatbuilder
Everett Location
(Q1189) just need a P number
Found today (28/4/2018) in WWII configuration.
Added following three images of Alert in 1949 (Courtesy Linus Fleming - owner of Alert from 2016)
Added to say "Have two people saying Alert and two saying Aotearoa with two saying not an ML. I will leave this for further comment."
I have been following a section of Woody's Wooden Boats based on the above photo. Click on this link to go to that thread.
Another post from Woody's Wooden Boats:
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Olphert and Parore. (ZMST)
(Crest is a Parore Fish)
Everett Location
Decommisioned 1979 then to Evans Bay then Nelson 2008 then Shakespeare Bay , Picton.
Parore berthed maybe in the Marlborough Sounds probably dated pre 2008
Q1190 and P3562
In Shakespeare Bay Marlborough Sounds (circa 2015 ish)
Pickersgill Harbour - Dusky Sound Wednesday 21 March 1973 200 years after HMS RESOLUTION
HMNZS Parore at Te Mahia Bay Marlborough Sounds. (Courteous of Dennis Minnoch)
Following three images donated by Steve Mullins.Parore in Cook Strait.
Parore returning to Wellington (Cook Strait)
Parore Marlborough Sounds
Next four images of Parore slipping in Dockyard Synchrolift 1974 (a fifth image can be found in the Boatshop section towards the end of the blog) All courtesy Norm Morgan.
The following images are from Norm Morgan and retired COMAUCK Commodore Alan Peck.
Hands to Bathe (location to be confirmed)
Slipping at Boatshop Synchrolift (above/below)
As at 14/10/2018 Parore has changed owners. Her condition is very poor but work is happening. I will announce the new owner when he is ready for that to happen.
HDML Parore Keneperu Sound 2020. Now owned by Tachyon Hutt' 18 years old from Marlborough Sounds. Click Here for News item
Hey
man, Tachyon Micheal Hutt here, I am 21 years old and have just reclaimed
Parore after losing her for 3 years due to family matters, these photos are
taken by Kelvin Reiher my good mate who has been helping me save Parore.
Three photos courtesy Stacey Waddell.
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Tamure (ZMSX)
There was never a crest issued to Tamure. There is very little information on the Name "Tamure" except the reference to the following website for Ngati Toa school (Tamure is a Tohunga or High Priest.)
Added 6th October 2018 - Tamure is Maori for Snapper. Courtesy of Geoff Brebner.
Tamure reference - click here.
HMS Viti then back to RNZN as Ngapona II then back as Tamure..
Grays Harbour Boatbuilder
Aberdeen WA Location
Q1193 and P3555
Tamure
Anchored Greenhithe as at 2018
(Above) Tamure in her heyday, 1980's.
(Above) Tamure in 2002 in Auckland. (Photo from Here - Click Here)
Tamure P3555 alongside in Wellington (Queens Wharf??)
Olphert & Territorials in Marlborough Sounds, end of 1969 - seem to recall might have been on Maud Island. All armed with M-16s - quite a few punga trees got felled that day! And we definitely had a full crew on P.3555 Tamure crossing Cook Strait too! Sorry about photo quality - looks like a double exposure. Doesn't happen these days.
HMNZS Tamure and other ML. Possibly Port NIcholson or Lyttelton.
Tamure and aircraft carrier USS America, 1968 at Wellington. She had just come from Australia after a tour of duty in Vietnam.
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Koura (ZMTB)
(Crest is a Crayfish or Lobster)
on the hard near Kopu
Ackerman BW Boatbuilder
Newport Beach Florida Location
Q1350 and P3564
Koura in Otago Harbour 1954 with whalers being pulled and a P51 Mustang low flyover.
HMNZS Koura at Mansion House Bay Kawau Island.
HMNZS Koura Q1350
HMNZS Koura - Tank Farm - Waitemata Harbour Auckland circa 1967
Newport Beach Florida Location
State of vessel pre refit
HMNZS Kuparu 1967
Kuparu possibly Picton (no date) Donated by Graham Allcock
Kuparu Wellington Drydock (date unknown) Donated by Graham Allcock
Inverell and Kuparu Picton (all dressed ship) Donated by Graham Allcock
Kuparu alongside Wellington berth - date unknown.
Following post refit.
Kuparu in roughers.
This most recent image of Kuparu at Whangarei 6th March 2018.
This photo was in amongst many Kuparu photos so probably Kuparu crew on the Beers. Looks like a Black Boat. Can you identify anyone or location - if so email me at zappydodah@hotmail.com. Donated by Graham Allcock.
Back
Row: O/Sea. Tony Skilton, L/Sea. Roy Quinn, L/Sea. Martyn Robey, O/Sea. James
McMullen, LT. Julian Lillico,
Lt Cmdr
(E) Graham Alecock.
Front
Row: A/B. John McDonald, A/B. Brian Cashmore, LT. Rob Martin
Taken on
the weekend 4-7 June 1971
Friday:
Sailed from Wellington through Cook Strait round Stephens Island to Anchor of
Post Office Point, Port Hardy, D’urville Island.
Saturday:
Mooched around Port Hardy, Anchored Fresh Water Bay, carried Out Distress Flare
practice. Around noon sailed through Stephens Passage for Havelock in Pelorous
Sound.
Sunday:
Sailed Haveloch for Queen Charlotte Sound. On exiting Havelock, Kuparu grounded
on a shallow sandspit. Moving all crew aft and reversing engines failed to move
Kuparu. Fortunately, Mr Guard in the Rotonui was coming out of Havelock shortly
afterwards, he managed to tow Kuparu of sternwards. Then proceeded to Queen
Charlotte Sound
Monday:
Weather not very nice, sailed about 0830 for Wellington. At one stage of the
passage recorded 15.2 mile steamed in one hour.
Over the
weekend miles steamed about 225 miles, 23 hours underway
Click on Here for Kuparu Hauraki Gulf video.
Photo of Kuparu crew fishing in the Marlborough Sounds in 1972. Photo courtesy of Tony Skilton.
Click here for Kuparu video from Paea Whangarei Heads 6/1/2019.
Click on here for the Navy Today article on our Scott - the Kuparu Story.(Page22) Condolences for his wife.
Kuparu escort for Hawea Cup Racing on Waitemata Harbour.
Kuparu leading 2 ML's. Unknown date or ML's. Abreast North Head heading out from DNB.
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Haku (ZMRC)
(Crest is a Kingfish)
Click on following three links for ML recollections.
These are a collection of memories from Able Radio Operator David Wistrand of his time on HMNZS HAKU P3565.
Click Here for Tamaki Tram story
Click here for Black Watch story.
Tamaki Tram
Renamed Black Watch
now anchored off Herald Island Auckland
Ackerman BW Boatbuilder
Newport Beach Florida Location
Q1349 and P3565
Haku approaching ML Pontoon 1972 (HMNZS Taranaki astern)
Haku at Pigeon Bay, Banks Peninsula with Army.
Some of Pegasus old salts will recognise a younger version of them selves
Dave Bool on the bridge, Bob Andrews on the stern sheets of the whaler with Allan Ward, PK in charge of the motive power,
Your truly (with blackened face) in the bow
Currently up for sale.(as at 2018) Asking $30,000.
Greenhithe mooring
Berthed circa 2018
Haku (aka Black Watch) sunk on her mooring Waitemata Harbour (Photo from Owner Scott Perry, August 2018)
and on the hard.
After 75 years serving her country and private ownership Black Watch (aka Haku) was condemned by the Auckland Harbour Master this August gone and was destroyed and crushed. Unfortunately no one was forthcoming with money to save her.
RIP Haku!!
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Kahawai (ZMSV)
(Crest is a Kahawai or Sea Trout)
Grays Harbour Boatbuilder
Aberdeen WA Location
Q1191 and P3553
Originally Takapu (hence her Pennant Number)
Kahawai crew - 1970 - L-R - ???, Mac McMillan, S/Lt John Clark, Blue Cranston, Snow Morris, Wayne Jenkins (hatch)
Kahawai escorting Brittannia March 1970 passing A Buoy
FFV Boarding from Kahawai circa 1969/70
Kahawai crossing the Wairoa Bar going in with Maroro and Haku. This was accompanying event to the Famous Haku broaching set of 3 images.
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Manga (ZMBJ)
(Crest is Barracouta)
Unknown location and date
Entering Waitemata Harbour (Date unknown)
Madden Lewis - builder
Sausilito Location
Manga's E/R
The Fodens were like two sixes joined together ,were synchronised and had a belt that periodically broke. Maybe Trevor Wylde could elaborate on that. I am pretty sure Manga was repossessed from army,was the bombardier,or voluntarily returned. The Gray Marine as known was the fore runner to the G.M.180 hp.
Was super charged as against turbo charged.six cylinder inline. Later came the v53 series,that is 6 cylinder V/6,I think was around 220 hp and the V/8 GM. Only problem with the GM is they are two stroke and very noisy.
All this is by memory and I am quite happy to be corrected.Time can sometimes play tricks with memory.
(Q1185 and P3567) last known whereabouts is 1987 at Helensville
HMNZS Manga crew shot 1962 (crew names to follow)
Left Rear Coxn Stan Harper.
HMNZS Manga in Boatshop for hull repairs.
Accompanying Blurb to this photo:
"On 18 June 1965 HMNZS Manga was in a collision with the Devonport ferry Makora. Badly holed on the starboard side forward, she was able to be slipped and repaired."
Two images Haimona post 1981.
Click on this text for a Woody's Wooden Boats article of Manga
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HMNZS Ngapona I (P3561) and II (P3555)
(Crest is a Kaka or native Parrot)
Grays Harbour Boatbuilder
Aberdeen WA Location
Q1194 and P3561
Broken up
Q1194 at Navy Open Day 1944 at HMNZS Philomel
Provided by Russel Ward - "This one didn't make it, Matu! P3561. The only ML destroyed by the Navy (and they tried hard) and it wasn't because of the grounding November 1957, it was the tow home from Te Kouma by Stawell that scuppered her. Sad."
At DNB
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HMNZS Maroro (ZMSW)
(Crest is a Flying Fish)
Grays Harbour Boatbuilder
Aberdeen WA Location
Q1192 and P3554
Wrecked Fiji.
HMNZS Irirangi then HMNZS Maroro. Click here for story.
Received from Tony Bullock his story and three images. (3/12/2018)
Recently found your blog on MLs - what a fascinating collection of info you have.
My father, Lt Hastings Bullock, served in MLs in Kenya in 1942-43 then came back to Wellington in early 1944 as CO of 1189 & 1192 and Senior Officer 125th Flotilla. He took the flotilla to Auckland in Sep 45 to pay off - under your entry for Maroro there is a photo of 1192 & 1193 in Gisborne on their way north.
The attachments might be of interest. All are in Wellington or the Sounds. Its a shame that the pic of 1189 is blurred.
I have a fondness for MLs, having spent a couple of months in Manga in 1966 as a Midshipman (CO was S/Lt Peter Thompson), and I drove Mako for a short
Added 4/12/2018 from Tony Bullock - his Fathers full service record.
From me: Did your father stay on in RNZN after end of war?
No. He left in Dec 45 and went back to his accounting job. I know there were times in later years where he felt he should have stayed.
Dad was a Scheme B entry, leaving NZ in Oct 1940. After training at Ganges, he was posted to the Flower Class corvette Gardenia, serving in her between Apr 41 and Apr 42. He then went to the officer training establishment King Alfred and passed out as a Sub Lt in July 42. After coastal forces training he went to HMS Tana in Mombasa, where he was CO of HDML 1105 and then 1107. He came home on leave late 1943 only to find that there was no intention of sending him or his compatriots back - much to his disgust. He was posted as CO 1189 and senior officer 125th Flotilla in July 44, then CO 1192 in June 45.
Dad's brother, Lloyd, went to the UK with him but was commissioned earlier (due to a mix-up of the brothers' names!) and went to serve in MGBs on the east coast and the Chanel.
1967 crew from Patrick John Coghlan "I had a short stint on "Maroro" in 1967. I was an EM1. I was replaced by EM1 Win Atkins. The skipper was Lt. George Cole, Coxswain - P.O. Lofty Kenyon, P.O.M.E. McPherson, AB G.A. Smith, AB Johnny Porritt, ME1 Russell Lean, ME1 Huk Hooper, ARD Fronty McKenzie. "
The Images:
Q1192 in full WWII Livery - both 1944 and found by John Mills when sorting his Father's photo's Both ML's images are of HMNZS Maroro.
Location unknown - dated between 1945 - 1950 WWII fit removed and still gray.
Tamure and Maroro. Tony Bullock identified this photo as in Gisborne on their way north to Auckland 15th September 1945.
Q1192 Crew (L-R) Turner, McGone, Simpson, Butcher, Honeybone, Bullock (CO), Carpenter, McGregor, Warner, Johnston (in hatch).
Q1193 Crew is cited as "Len Walton and Crew"
From Ian Rose - "I was last on Maroro in October 1964 and can only remember being tied up there (Town Wharf) in March 1965.
Two "found" photos of 5 ML's alongside in Nelson. Visible are Parore and Kuparu. Dated 4th February 1961
The Nelson Mail text accompanying the photos.
"Five RNZNVR HDML's visited Nelson from exercises in the Nelson and Marlborough Sounds areas."
HMNZS Maroro P3554 1965
HMNZS Maroro in Wellington on patrol 1944. (Courtesy of Geoff Brebner)
(Below) HMNZS Maroro doing 13 knots through French Pass 1964/65 (Photo courtesy Dennis Clayton)
Six new images from Dennis Clayton.
Three images donated by Dennis Clayton - onboard HMNZS Maroro and up the Wairau River (Blenheim) The Maroro is up the River in January 1966
Skipper (L) Lt Bob Eckford, Mid Ken Robertson and Coxn Lofty Kenyon on Helm.
Following donated also by Dennis Clayon.
Pat Huxtable and self, Auckland Star photo Aug_Sep 65. We caught Jap boat out of Onehunga, and we went in to harbour to show orf. Skipper was Lt Cmd Davis
Maroro underway.
Maroro alongside (data coming)
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Pakatoa aka Aotearoa
Ackerman BW Boatbuilder
Newport Beach Florida Location
Q1351 and no P Number
Pakatoa
Yes She is the PAKATOA, an ex HDML Q1351, once demobbed (1946) she was a ferry between Mount Maunganui and Tauranga as AOTEAROA (from 1951). In 1965 she was sold to Kerridge who operated her on the Pakatoa service in conjunction with the hydrofoil. She became part of the Dromgoole Empire about 1969 but was laid up at the yard (Whenupai area) where this couple of photos were taken (from about 1974.)
First photo is Aotearoa at either Auckland or Mount Maunganui
HDML Pakatoa.She still exists albiet in a sad condition after being damaged by fire. She is at Matakohe, on the Kaipara Harbour,north of Auckland.
I have received (through Scott Perry) photo's of Pakatoa from the 50's or 60's. Story to follow.
Latest (27/1/2020 ) from Woody's Wooden Boats. HIstory of Pakatoa/Aotearoa.
Pakatoa near Ferry buildings, donated by Liam.
(2) Forward portholes : Pakatoa has 4, Alert has 5. (The spacing varied between builders)
Pity no ports visible in Ak pic.i And I have visited and paid my respects to her ( Alert)at Kopu.
Manga broken up for parts near Helensville.
Which leaves by my tally one unaccounted for, I have Q1186 needing a name or P Number someone will know.
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HMNZ Dockyard Boatshop and slipway (before Babcock and toward the end of slipping ML's - out of service) Two ML's could slip at once indoors. ML's, toward the end of their lives, were regularly slipped and maintained (mainly prepping and painting hull/superstructure).
It was actually very cool task to do, gave us plenty of pride about our handiwork. The Boatshop staff were top notch. They loved the ML's, as much as we did. On the wall outside Mike Gerard (Boss) office were an array of ML pictures, all in various states of wear and tear. I'd appreciate if anyone has any pictures of ML's in the Boatshop to add to this blog.
This image courtesy of Scott Perry - Kuparu in the Boashop getting reskinned.
HMNZS Kuparu in Boatshop
HMNZS Kahawai in Boatshop. September 1969
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Group photos
Paea and Mako (in Grey livery pre-black boats.) Possibly Dunedin or Lyttelton
From Left to Right, Kahawai, Maroro, Haku, and Mako.
Refitted and passion of Love for their owners, Kuparu and Paea alongside in Whangarei (2018)
From Wayne Jenkins (dated 20/12/2023)
Click here Ex PO Seaman Neville (Nails) Stapleton video on ML's and Hokitika.
Tony Marsden supplied the following 8 images from his time on Mako and features many familiar events in ML History. Enjoy!!
Tony's Bio:
HMNZ Ships Haku (near) and Paea (Rear) alongside Diving Pontoon.
HMNZS Mako with HMNZS Paea line astern (exiting Waitemata Harbor pre 1968)
Mako's Peanut (Dinghy) at Bungalow Beach, White Island 1960 -
L-R (in white T Shirt Ron Smith, Me - Tony Marsden and Ranger
Manga Crew1962/63
Back Row - L-R: AME Barry Jenkins, POME Tosh Cooper, EM Jim Green, Tony Marsden, Bob Soper
Front Row - L-R: ???, Manu Aranga Coxn, ???
Mako White Island (Whaakari) 1960 With Boathook Ropework is Coxn Fred Hanson, Fred Wingrove (Left rear) Ron Smith pulling the Peanut, and Two Rangers in Dinghy.
Tagging Gannets - Ron and Fred to the right.
Parore aground Marlborough Sounds
The two boats rafted together with lack of water, are the one on left with the Rear Admirals Pennant is Maroro the other is Haku pic was taken in Dagg Sound 1964 my self (Ian Rose) and Pat Huxtable were the Stokers on Maroro.
To enhance the previous blurb: On 15 May 1965 while in Fiordland, HMNZS Haku with CNS Rear Admiral Washbourn embarked, and HMNZS Maroro in company, anchored in Revolver Bay, Preservation Inlet. Unfortunately, the Commanding Officers had not calculated the tidal range.
Inside looking outside. A rare inside image of our beloved ML's.
The following photo and text are from CPORS Tony Woolford (Click Here For Full Memoirs)
Also in 1955 we were steaming in our MLP3555 to Kawau for Easter weekend training and unfortunately we hit a reef close to Motuketekete Island ripping a large hold in the bottom. This was my only time I had to call Auckland Radio with a Mayday. We eventually got back to PHILOMEL next day after beaching and re floating with temporary repairs accompanied by HMNZS PAEA and towed stern first by the fleet Auxiliary tug ARATAKI. That wasn’t my only grounding. From time to time the four Reserve Motor Launches (ML’s) would go on exercises together. On one occasion in the Hauraki Gulf while the skippers were having a meeting on one of the other ML’s and we were anchored in Islington Bay. I was the Radio Operator on PAEA and the fast receding tide went unnoticed until too late. We were left high and dry only held upright by some of the ships ropes tied to Pohutukawa trees on shore.
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Wake Boarding in Marlborough Sounds (except locale and years) (3 following images supplied by Mark Maguire)
Possibly Paea and Cook Strait roughers.
Brian Cashmore (RNZNVR - HMNZS Olphert) last trip onboard Kuparu onboard
Point Hardy, D'Urville Island, Cook Strait 1971.
Left to Right:
Me (Tony Shilton), Brian Barlow, ?? (behind BB), Roy Quinn, Martyn Robey,
Brian Cashmore, Rob Martin (CO seated), Julian Lillico (standing) Graham Alecock standing,
??? on Dinghy.
Fwd Mess on a VR ML (very tiddly)
ML Shoot in Marlborough Sounds - VR ML. (Note age of photo could be determined by when 303's were finished with.)
Following two images donated by Steve Mullins.
Unidentified ML in Marlborough Sounds
An unidentified ML at Anchor in Marlborough Sounds.
Gifted by Dennis Minnoch.(Before 1968 in The Sounds) Left is Russ Levy And Dennis Minnoch (R)
This image supplied by Mark Holms. And accompanying text.
Visit to Auckland by HMY Britannia 1974 with MLs, port and starboard. On
the port side was Olphert's ML before it went back south to Wellington and a
month or so later it had to be beached somewhere on the South Island because
of the pounding it took attempting to get to Waitangi after the Commonwealth
Games. Three reservists from Ngapona were on Olphert's ML it at the time,
including yours truly and also included a reservist who went on to become a
Radio New Zealand broadcaster on Tongan affairs as well as radio broadcaster
for Tongan Radio at the First Rugby World Cup in 1987. Who remembers Henry
Te'hua? Bet you ignoramuses wouldn't have known that!
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An anecdote or three.
In or around 1978, an American gentleman and his wife were staying at a waterfront Hotel in Auckland, and he was having his morning coffee when he saw the two Whiteboat ML's (Takapu and Tarapunga) leaving Devonport Naval Base heading out to Great Barrier Island. He managed to get hold of COMAUCK who invited him over for a chat.
Turns out this guy was one of the design team of the HDML's in the USA and he was utterly amazed to see so many of them still operating.
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Trev Gray eulogising his time on ML's (CO TK our contributor Geoff Haskins)
Good morning Sir.I have to admit my utmost respect for you as a Naval Officer and was an honour to have served under you, despite the fact you nearly drowned me. You were a true Gentleman and had outstanding seamanship ability. I am not sure why you were Captain of Takapu ,there must have been a reason ,as if memory is correct you were Second in Command Lachlan.
You were required back on Lachlan as she had an unexpected task, so as Takapu and Tarapunga were surveying,roadstead, and approaches to New Plymouth you could have swapped with a junior officer you or someone decided that the MLS would go back to Auck.Only problem was the Overnight ferries Well to ChCh were cancelled due to rough weather.So Naval Command Wellington would not give permission to travel to Auck via Well, but if we went north up the West coast to Auck we were under Auck command. So off we go,I was a very junior Stoker on Tarapunga. We just followed you, only problem was we didn’t see you very often,scariest part was the night we would just see your stern light now and then.We were like 20 mins on the wheel and had to use all our strength to stop the vessel from broaching. Portholes under water as we slid down the waves sideways.the sea was on our beam.This is where my praise comes in.Back then there were no electronic aids,GPS etc. etc.Navigation was dead reckoning ,Sexton,and a manual type echo sounder.There were some seabanks we had to avoid, no shelter we could enter ,we just had to tough it out.Eventuall we saw North Cape and once rounded it and in calm water, all our bedding, clothing etc was hung out to dry.We then were able to light up the stove and have a meal. For Two days and nights we sat with our back to the chart table and feet against the wheelhouse side, Not sure how I got down into the engine room to pump up the fuel gravity tanks. Your navigational skills under duress would have to be admired to the highest degree. Thanks to you after leaving the Navy I was accepted into Auckland Navigational School (not correct term) and awarded a launchmasters certificate and command my own launch ,doing Big Game FishingCharters of which we still hold Club records. Thank you Sir.
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Maintenance tips.
As the Survey ML's were white, the exhaust from the outlet and aft from the exhaust would stain the paint. It was a helpful proceedure to clean the hull (fresh water) and coat it in Neopol furniture polish. Very helpful tip.
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History of HDML builders in USA.
First is Madden Lewis, Sausalito - Click Here
Second is Everritt-Pacific of Everritt - click here
Third is Grays Harbour, Aberdeen WA - Click here
Last is Ackerman BW - . Newport Beach, Florida - no longer exists and no historical records..
ANECDOTES
Geoffrey Haskins Spent a great hour browsing your list. I would like to emphasize how important our work was to the NZ economy during my year (1955-65). Opening up Opua after years of inactivity, the Cook Strait Power Cable route selection, Marsden Point Oil Refinery, approaches, berthing area and "as builts"; a new whaling station on Great Barrier Island (Tryphena?) which lasted all of two years (how non-PC is that?); and the Lake Manapouri project. I suddenly remembered the call-sign ZMDU, all comms were with the PO radio stations. And the painted metal life-size cut-out takapu on the masthead - which was torn to pieces by an angry flock of real takapus off Mahurangi who took against the intruder.
Thane "Zaps" Zander (ML's Crew 1976 - 1979) recalls Bar Harbour events.
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Ode to Kuparu
These poems are gifted here by Bryan Shankland. Here is his accompanying blurb followed by the Odes.
"Here is Ode to KUPARU which is in two scans and the other which was penned after a certain division managed to do major damage to PEGASUS’s beloved ML at Admiralty steps. The poems were penned by J(John)A Hanson a seaman at PEGASUS. The first was penned when KUPARU left PEGASUS prior to PG getting KIWI the next year. I was the Regular Chief there at the time."
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Click here for Compulsory Military Training (CMT) and the role of the HDML's in the 50's.
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This image is one of Kuparu's famous moments. Would very much like any names please? Is between 1967 (December) to 1972 (September) (his GG Tenure)
Sir Arthur Porritt, our first New Zealand-born Governor-General (1967-72), seen here with Lady Porritt and navy personnel at Waitangi. Sir Arthur won a bronze medal in the 100 metre sprint at the 1924 Olympics ( depicted by the character 'Tom Watson' in the film Chariots of Fire) and went on to have a distinguished career as surgeon for His Majesty King George and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
Left to right. POS Dave Kenton, Alec Pryde, ????, ????, GA Smith, John Porritt, POME Gangers Stewart, GG, Lady GG, EM1 Scott.
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HMNZS Paea with Police Dive Squad (Possibly Wellington.)
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Unidentified ML at Kawau Island's Mansion House Bay Wharf. (1950's)
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There is a book out called Salty Dits, anecdotes from the ML's. Here is the Blurb:
To this small fleet, eleven minesweeping trawlers were built in New Zealand along with twelve anti-submarine, B Type Fairmiles. Sixteen Harbour Defence Motor Launches (HDMLs) were also purchased from overseas.
After the war, many of these 72 foot HDMLs were retained to work around the New Zealand coast.
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One of our venerated VR rating come officer. Served on many vessels including a number of ML's. Commander Gavin Wright VRD (Rtd) Click here for his Biography.
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Screams of laughter from the bridge where everybody had retreated for safety.
And I don't even like the stuff.
For those who ask the question what can you do with corned beef that has been roasted.... the only one I know is you get in some shot put practice.
When you were Cook you did that but your last watch finished at 2200 so you did not do your trick on the wheel.
I used to have a piece of ply on my bunk (top by fridge) and when I heard the call tape stop I would go out and type the message.
She was apparently converted for oceanographic work while in Dunedin in the 50s and was the only one I knew of with a house on top. Looks a bit different today (in Wellington I believe)
Regarding the comment on the ferries,- I have a number of small bowls etc I turned from a Kauri deck support post I scrounged from the guys who were cutting the ferries up with chainsaws, so they could be buried.