The Fairmile D MGB/MTB/FPB: Motor Gun Boat, Motor Torpedo Boat, and Fast Patrol Boat

Mark Smith, 2016. New book, 48 pages. The Fairmile 'D' was often known as the 'Dog Boat', and was the most numerous British 'Long' MTB to serve in the Second World War. Produced by Noel Macklin's Fairmile Marine Company, it followed their three earlier Motor Launch and Motor Gun Boat designs. Fairmile's boats were built at dozens of yards in the UK and around the world, using a kit of parts supplied by Fairmille. This reduced the possibility of error in constructing the boats, and allowed them to be built in smaller yards. The D was designed as a pure gun boat (MGB) with enough speed and guns to take on the S-boats which were such a threat to coastal convoys and the smaller 'short' MTBs. Although never as fast as the S-boats, the D was eventually fitted with heavier guns, and was capable of tackling much larger opponents. Most gun boats were refitted with two topedo tubes, or built as MTBs with two or four tubes. Fairmile's innovation also included deck fitting which allowed new weapons to be added quickly. A few Ds continued in service into the 1950s, acting as Leaders for the postwar 'short' MTBs. . Soft Cover. As New. Illus. by Smith, Mark. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall.