The Fairmile A, B, and C: The A and B-type Motor Launches, and C-Type Motor Gun Boat

Mark Smith, 2017. New book, 48 pages, 60 colour profiles and photos. Produced by Noel Macklin's Fairmile Company, these three designs were built at dozens of yards in the UK and the boats, and allowed them to be built in smaller yards. This 'Fairmile System' also used suppliers who hadn't previously made boat parts. The 'A' Motor Launch was the first of their designs to serve in the Royal Navy. Although only twelve were built, they saw long service as convoy escorts, minelayers, minesweepers and anti-submarine boats. The 'B' design served in huge numbers, in similar roles to the 'A' and also - despite their low top speed - as general purpose gunboats, and stop-gap torpedo boats. The 'C' design was based on the A's hull, and served as a motor gunboat, mainly on east convoys. Both Bs and Cs saw service on special operations, and in Operation 'Chariot' (the daring raid on the French port of St. Nazaire). The Profiles in this book - the fourth in the series - detail the colour schemes and equipment of the A, B and C in their roles as motor gun boats, motor torpedo boats and motor anti-submarine boats, with supporting text and captions.. Soft Cover. As New. Illus. by Smith, Mark. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall.