Harbour. Not knowing if the mine was magnetic or time-fuzed to explode after surfacing, during the long tow to harbour, the crew of ML 053 were kept forward under cover. Once the mine was brought ashore, Lieutenant (Temp) George Rundle (RCNR) with the assistance of Leading Seaman Lancien, removed the access plate to the mine, cut the electrical wiring and extracted the detonator and primer. "For displaying gallantry, skill and coolness in carrying out hazardous duties" Lt George Rundle was awarded the George Medal and LS Lancien the British Empire Medal. In February 1943, MLs 052, 062 and 063 were transferred to the Free French Forces and stationed at St. Pierre and Miquelon under the command of Flag Officer, Newfoundland. After the war, these "French Fairmiles" were returned to the RCN. RCN Fairmile flotilla organisation in December 1944 Overseas service In the opening months of the Second World War, the RN was permitted to actively recruit Canadians for the war effort in Europe and by 1943 more than one hundred RCN officers joined the British coastal forces. Skillfully commanding fast attack craft in the English Channel and the Mediterranean Sea, the performance of the Canadian MTB officers and sailors led to a British proposal in 1943 that the RCN man two MTB flotillas in preparation for the invasion of Europe. 29th MTB Flotilla (1944–1945) The 29th MTB flotilla had a short & distinguished history in the English Channel, including action during the landings at Normandy. Formed in March 1944 under the command of an experienced Lt Anthony Law (RCNVR) and equipped with eight British built 71 ft 6ins (Mk.VI) G-type MTBs, the 29th MTB flotilla conducted initial work up training at HMS Bee Coastal Forces base at Holyhead throughout the month of April 1944, moving to its first operational base HMS Fervent Coastal Forces base at Ramsgate in May 1944. The first mission assigned to the 29th MTB Flotilla was given to MTBs 460,462,464 and 465. Tasked with escorting a clandestine mine gathering expedition to the German controlled Normandy coast, on 16 May 1944 the Canadian MTBs proceeded to the French coast along with two British MTBs, protecting them as volunteers were landed ashore by outboards to lift sample mines from the German beach defence. Managing to accomplish their mission undetected, the captured mines provided much needed intelligence prior to the Allied D-Day landings. Between 20–22 May 1944, the 29th