HMCS SACKVILLE - ’S NAVAL MEMORIAL ACTION STATIONS Volume 39 - Issue 1 Winter 2020 HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL ACTION STATIONS Volume 39 - Issue 1 Winter 2020

Design Kaela Ramsay Offi ce Coordinator Canadian Naval Memorial Trust

Editorial Committee HMCS Sacvkille returns to her Summer berth June 2019. LCdr (ret’d) Doug (Doug Struthers photo) Thomas Cdr (ret’d) Len Canfi eld Debbie Findlay

Photographers and Contributors Lt (N) (ret’d) Ian Urquhart Cdr (ret’d) Bill Gard Doug Struthers Sandy McClearn HMCS Sacvkille provided a historical venue for a corporate anniversary celebration for staff of Modest Tree, a Halifax training and marketing company. In appreciation, the company presented a cheque for $1,500 to Art Forward, chief boatswain’s mate who conducted a tour of the iconic WW ll for company staff.

Front Cover sweeper served in WLEF (West- HMCS Sackville The late LCdr Jim Reddy over- ern Local Escort Force) and the sees move of HMCS Sackville to Sydney Force during the Battle of PO Box 99000 summer berth in June 2019. the Atlantic. At the end of 1945 Station Forces (Sandy McClearn photo) Digby was placed in reserve and Halifax, NS B3K 5X5 recommissioned in 1953, serving until paid off in 1956. Life Trustee Winter: Ian Urquhart provided this ship’s HMC Dockyard Back Cover company photo that shows his late HMCS Digby was one of many father Chief Petty Offi cer Alexan- 902-427-2837 minesweepers that served during der Herbert (Lofty) Urquhart (Chief Summer: the Second World War. Launched ERA) kneeling at lower left. The 902-429-2132 at Levis and commissioned in last wartime commanding offi cer of City in July 1942, the Digby was Lieutenant O. Ormsby Shore Offi ce: 162-foot diesel-powered mine- RCNVR (1944-45). 902-492-1424 Contents

4 From the Chair

7 10,000 km Great Loop Kayak Trek

8 `Til We Meet Again Concert

10 Crossed the Bar

12 HMCS Kootenay Commemoration

14 Victory in Europe (VE Day)

DEFSEC 2019 Crew Pilgimage The Canadian Naval Memorial Trust’s participa- tion in the 2019 Defence Security and Aerospace Exhibition Atlantic at the Cunard Centre, Halifax 15 Liberation of the Netherlands Events in early October included a display promoting HMCS Sackville. Trustees staffi ng the display and meeting with exhibition attendees included, from left, Carl Anderson, Doug Thomas, Doug 16 In Remembrance of LCdr Jim Reddy Struthers and Patrick Charlton. 18 VAdm Hugh MacNeil recalls time as Chair

20 “My ”

23 Remembrance Day Services 2019

24 SS Nerissa, the Final Crossing

26 Th e Last Tot

Presentation of Model F.N.S. Surcouf 27 Profi le of LCdr Alan Easton Michael Zimmerman and his wife, visiting from the USA, presented a fi nely detailed model of the French Surcouf (1929-1942) he had built for display in HMCS Sackville. With the fall of 30 ‘Th e Last Flower:’ HMCS Sackville in 1940 the sub was taken over by the Free French Navy and served for a period operating out of Hal- ifax escorting Allied convoys. The sub mysteriously 32 Trust and Mess Events disappeared in the Caribbean en route to the Pacifi c with the loss of 130 crew including four sailors. Shown with the Zimmermans are Doug Thom- as, left, and Wendall Brown at right. (Doug Struthers 34 Membership Update photo) FROM THE CHAIR By Cdr Wendall Brown (ret’d), Chair of the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust

Wendall Brown, Chair of the CNMT briefs members on “the way ahead” at the Trust’s semi annual general meeting Jan 11 at Halifax & Region Military Family Resource Centre. (Pat Charlton photo)

Battle of the Atlantic Commemo- Pleasant Park Sailor’s Memori- SACKVILLE was honoured on rative weekend commenced a very al during the Battle of the Atlan- June 15 by VAdm Art McDonald active 2019 summer season for the tic commemorative service. The when he requested that SACK- CNMT and HMCS SACKVILLE. RCN provided HMCS Ville de VILLE be the backdrop for his The BoA activities included a free Quebec to commit the ashes, with change of command ceremony on concert featuring the Stadacona the assistance of the CNMT com- his appointment as Commander of Band held in the Halifax Central mittal team. the RCN. The ceremony was held Library, and a BoA Commemora- The CNMT played a signifi cant in Halifax in the Naval Dockyard. tive dinner in the Stadacona ward- role in the Canadian 75th Anni- The change of command cere- room for 150 trustees and guests, versary D - Day commemoration. mony was the last day that SACK- with the incoming Commander of SACKVILLE moved from HMC VILLE’s Commanding Offi cer, the , Vice Dockyard to Sackville Landing Jim Reddy, was able to be on Admiral Art McDonald, in atten- to be available to the veterans and board the ship. He passed away dance. open to the public. SACKVILLE on 25 August. Jim was very com- SACKVILLE was not available was used as a photo backdrop for mitted to SACKVILLE for more for the traditional committal of the offi cial veteran contingent. than twenty years, having served veteran’s ashes to the deep in the Several of them and their families as 1st Lieutenant for eight years harbour approaches off the Point toured the ship. followed by Commanding Offi cer

4 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL from 2012 until his untimely death. crease in donations over the 2017 for facility availability is known. He was very active with other mar- ticket receipts and the increased The preservation and interpreta- itime and veteran’s associations exposure and publicity is signif- tion plans are proceeding slowly. including the Master Mariners As- icant. A huge thank you to our The memorandum of understand- sociation, Merchant Navy Veter- trustees who stepped forward to ing (MOU) among Develop Nova ans, the Convoy Cup organization, assist the guides hired by the Trust. Scotia, the Canadian Naval Memo- and the Maritime Museum of the The interim solution to ensure rial Trust, the Maritime Museum of Atlantic. The esteem in which Jim the survivability of SACKVILLE the Atlantic and the Canadian Mar- was held was amply demonstrated until resources become available itime Heritage Foundation to cre- by the very large attendance at his to achieve the long-term solution ate a Canadian Maritime Heritage Celebration of Life and by the mu- of replacing the below waterline District on the Halifax Waterfront sical tributes paid by the Stadaco- hull plate remains an active is- has been signed. The public an- na Band at the Remembrance week sue. The lifting dates for the fall nouncement of this initiative is ex- “Til We Meet Again “concert. of 2019 were precluded because pected in early 2020. The CNMT HMCS SACKVILLE opened the submarine in refi t remains challenge is to have the underwater for visitors at her summer berth in the submarine shed. The date hull plate and any deteriorated hull at Sackville Landing on 17 June. proposed for SACKVILLE to en- frames replaced within the life ex- Technical diffi culties on opening ter the S/M shed is mid-February. pectancy of the interim solution to day in operating a visitor tick- Both the Navy and the Trust would ensure the long-term hull integrity et system resulted in a decision like to have SACKVILLE avail- essential to be a partner in the Mar- to make admission to the ship able in May 2020 to participate in itime Heritage District. A letter to free and to put a classy donation the celebration of the 75th anniver- be sent to all trustees will request chest in a prominent position by sary of the end of the Battle of the support to the Trust to raise private the brow. This turned out to be a Atlantic. The implication of these funds demonstrating the Trust’s sound decision as our visitor num- plans on the refi t schedule has not commitment to restore the integri- bers of 47,000 almost doubled our yet been determined. The Navy ty of the ship’s hull, a prerequisite previous recent best year of 25,000 and the Trust will have to analyse to achieve public and corporate in 2017. There was a signifi cant in- the refi t options when a fi rm date support. Given the state of national and international economic and related issues, and the encumbrances on all levels of government, progress on creating the Maritime Heritage District will be incremental. This, however, will not deter the Trust from continuing to improve the quality of the Trust’s presentation of SACKVILLE as Canada’s Na- val Memorial. She is a living ex- ample of the ships in which young Canadians endured for the duration of WWII the fear of the enemy, and the privation and hardship of life at sea. Renewed efforts are being made to fi nd a formula which would pro- HMCS Sackville at her Sackville Landing berth on a summer evening. vide a legal basis for the Navy to (Doug Struthers photo)

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 5 directly support HMCS SACK- commenced analysing the staffi ng trust will not hold a separate BoA VILLE. A group of Trust mem- requirements for this venture. The dinner. bers, retired naval offi cers familiar mandate and terms of reference for Londonderry, NI, the eastern with naval governance, are explor- a steering committee and working base for many of the Canadian Es- ing the issue in an attempt to devel- groups will develop in the next few corts on Atlantic convoy duty, will op a proposal that would achieve months. The Trust will be required also commemorate the 75th. Anni- the requirements of the Trust and to fi ll new positions and the Board versary. be acceptable to the Navy and will determine Trust staff require- The RCN is participating in the the Federal Government. This is ments once the MOU organization Londonderry celebration with se- a complex issue that will require is up and operating. nior naval personnel and two ships. time and skillful negotiation to re- Kaela Ramsay joined the Trust The CNMT has conducted ex- solve. in August to manage our offi ce at change visits with the Royal Naval The Trust has undergone some 1657 Bedford Row. She works Association - Londonderry since administrative changes over the closely with administrator Debbie 2005. Jim Reddy and his wife Pat summer. Doug Thomas retired as Findlay and stick-handles a myriad Jessup have initiated and coordi- Executive Director at the end of of tasks. nated group visits and events with June. This position will not be The RCN and the CNMT are the association since 2007. Pat fi lled at the present time as the planning celebrations in May to will again lead a CNMT group to partners of the MOU for the co-op- commemorate the 75th anniversa- this year. erative development of the Mar- ry of the end of the Battle of the At- May I, on behalf of the Board, ex- itime Heritage District have just lantic. Plans are tend New Year’s greetings and best at an early stage. wishes to all trustees and friends of A sail past, a the Trust, for the New Year and the professional de- new decade. velopment day, and a dinner are being planned. The trust is be- ing included in all events. The “Pat Jessup, the plan is to hold long-serving and creative one large BoA Editor of Action Stations, dinner including asked to be the Navy, the relieved of her Trust, and prob- responsibilities for the ably government magazine while and civic repre- remaining involved with sentatives. The Trust and Ship venue will be the new Seamanship commemoration School, just in- activities and events.” side the Gottin- gen Street gate at Stadacona. It has a seating capac- ity of approxi- Kaela Ramsay (Offi ce Coordinator, CNMT) onboard mately 400. The HMCS Sackville during September, 2019

6 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL Steve Chard 10,000 km Later Great Loop trek completed in support of HMCS Sackville

Steve Chard, kneeling lower left, was welcomed by Cdr Wendall Brown (ret’d), Chair of CNMT and crew of HMCS Sackville; family and friends on his return to Halifax in mid-August after completing 10,000 kilometer trek by kayak of Canada and the US. (Doug Struthers photo) In mid-August former Roy- US midwest where he entered the membership in CNMT. al Navy submariner Steve Chard Mississippi River to the Gulf of “It’s been a major effort on paddled his kayak into Halifax Mexico, over to Florida and up the Steve’s part, and I’d like to say Harbour and alongside HMCS eastern seaboard and back to Hal- very well done Steve, and we re- Sackville to complete a 15 month, ifax. ally appreciate your efforts made 10,000 kilometer “Great Loop” With the ship’s Bravo Zulu (well for our benefi t,” Brown explained. of Canada and the US inland and done) signal fl ags fl ying, Com- “We have to get donations to re- coastal waterways. mander Wendall Brown (ret’d), pair the hull plating of the 79 year- Chard, a native of Dorset, En- chair of the CNMT along with old Sackville to keep her afl oat in gland, had started his trek June 1, Sackville’s crew, family and perpetuity …and all donations are 2018 from the same location to friends were on hand to welcome greatly appreciated,” he explained. raise funds for nine British, Amer- and congratulate Chard on his re- Sackville, commissioned in 1941 ican and Canadian charitable caus- turn. and designated Canada’s Naval es, including the Canadian Na- In the ship’s mess Brown or- Memorial in 1985, is the last of the val Memorial Trust (CNMT) and dered the traditional naval “splice Allies 269 wartime that HMCS Sackville. His route took the mainbrace” in recognition of played a pivotal role in winning the him north from Halifax to the St a job well done and presented the Battle of the Atlantic. Lawrence, through Ontario to the RN veteran with an honorary life

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 7 `Til We Meet Again Concert Bill Gard photos

The popular `Til We Meet Again Concert hosted by the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy along with guest performers was held Novem- ber 5 at the Central Library, Halifax. The concert, in support of Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Garden at the Queen Elizabeth Health Sciences Cen- tre features wartime favorites and modern music. During the performance members of the band recognized the contributions of the late Lieutenant Commander Jim Reddy as commanding offi cer of HMCS Sackville and supporter of other naval and community organizations, by the performance of “Salty Soak” in memory of Jim.

8 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 9 Crossed The Bar Commander Harold Russell (Russ) Wilcox (ret’d), a career naval offi cer and long-time sup- porter of preserving HMCS Sackville passed away December 4, 2019 in Bedford, NS at age 88. Born in Regina, SK, he commenced his naval career at 19 at Royal Roads Military College, Victoria. After completing training at the Royal Naval College in England he served in HMCS Micmac, fl ag lieuten- ant to the Flag Offi cer Atlantic Coast followed by exchange duties with the Royal Navy. He served as executive offi cer of HMCS Assiniboine (1968-1970) and later at headquarters of the Supreme Allied Com- mander Atlantic in Norfolk, Va. He retired from the Regular Force in 1981 but returned to active duty 1982-1985 as planning coordinator for the 75th an- niversary of the Naval Service of Canada. He served as a director and secretary of the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust, president of the NS Naval Offi cers Association (1987-88) and was active in church and community organizations. He is survived by his wife Liz, children Dave, Larry, Barb and Andy and a number of grandchildren. Donations may be made to the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust/HMCS Sackville.

Commander Roy (Rusty) Allan (ret’d), of Vic- Richard Rudnicki, well-known graphic designer, toria and Ottawa, who held a number of engineering illustrator and visual artist passed away in Port Roy- and submarine appointments during his naval career, al, NS Nov 4 at age 68. During his career he worked passed away March 28, 2019 at age 89. A graduate as a graphic artist for CUSO, operated a design/ of Royal Roads Naval College (1949), he under- advertising company, wrote/illustrated a number of took marine engineering specialist training in the books and was artist-in-residence at the Army Mu- UK and later submarine training with the US Navy. seum Halifax Citadel. Among his accomplishments was being chosen to paint one of the six Naval Cen- He served in a number of ships and establishments tennial paintings depicting the Canadian Naval Task including HMCS Ontario, HMCS Naden, HMCS Group en route to the Persian Gulf War in 1990. At Jonquiere and HMCS Grilse; served at NDHQ dur- the time of his passing he was nearing completion of ing construction of the Oberon Class in a graphic novel featuring HMCS Sackville, a project 1960s, followed by HMCS Cape Scott as fl eet repair that he briefed CNMT members several years ago offi cer and HMCS Niagara Washington as assistant at a semi-annual general meeting. The book will be naval attaché; he retired in 1980. In civilian life he published by Nimbus Publishing, tentatively in au- was employed with shipyards in Victoria. Survivors tumn 2020. Survivors include his wife Susan Tooke, include his wife Jewell, son William James, daugh- daughters Darielle and Tansy, brothers Michael and ter Grace Elizabeth and several grandchildren. Stephen and sisters Denise and Elaine.

10 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL Lieutenant Commander Albert Clare (Whitey) Werner Hirschmann, a veteran of the Battle Williamson (ret’d), who joined the Navy as an or- of the Atlantic who served in German U-Boats as dinary seaman in 1945, obtained his pilot wings and a chief engineer passed away in Toronto Nov 7 at served much of his career at CFB Shearwater, passed age 96. Following the end of hostilities he entered away Oct 29 at age 90. During his time at sea he the growing fi eld of computers in Canada, includ- served in HMCS Warrior, HMCS Ontario, HMCS ing working with the Bank of Montreal and City of Magnifi cent and HMCS Bonaventure, Canada’s last Toronto. He was a supporter of the Canadian Naval . In civilian life he was employed at Memorial Trust and shared his wartime experiences the Halifax International Airport. Survivors include with HMCS Sackville members and other veterans. his wife Patricia, children Susan, Steven and Shelley Survivors include sons Mike (from fi rst marriage to and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchil- Ruth) and Thomas (from his marriage to Diana) and dren. Donations may be made in his name to Shear- a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. water Aviation Museum or Canadian Naval Memo- rial Trust/HMCS Sackville. Frederick Knight Fowler, a veteran of the Second World War who served in a number of Royal Navy Mary Macdonald, wife of Captain Angus Mac- ships and submarines passed away in Saint John, NB donald, passed away in Halifax Sept 24 at age 88. Jan 10 at age 101. Following the outbreak of hos- Born in Scotland, she was a graduate of the Uni- tilities in 1939 and while attending the University of versity of Glasgow and immigrated to Canada with he joined the RCNVR at Saint John. her family in 1967. She taught at several Dartmouth Following training in the UK he was posted to HMS schools, active in music and played in several bands. Fearless and survived the sinking of the In addition to her husband, survivors include chil- in the Mediterranean. He later served in HM sub- dren Alan, Lindsay and Alison and several grand- marines Sceptre, Truculent and United in the North children. Atlantic and was twice Mentioned in Dispatches for “valiant conduct in the presence of the enemy.” Helen Patricia Kathleen (Patsy) Timbrell, a Following the war he entered his family’s insurance long-time resident of Chester Basin, NS and wife of business and joined the ‘Byng Boys’ Club (a group the late Rear Admiral Robert Timbrell passed away for WW I and WW II veterans who had seen active May 29 at age 91. She was active in the community service overseas that operated until 2007). He was and an avid golfer and gardner. Survivors include predeceased by his wife Catherine; survivors include daughter Nancy, grandson Tony, brother Peter and his children Peter, Pamela, Douglas and Judith and sister Nancy. a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Captain Peter B. Garnham, of Dartmouth, NS, a Royal Navy veteran of the Second World War, mas- ter mariner and Trustee of the Canadian Naval Me- morial Trust passed away Aug 6 at age 96. Born in Ipswich, Suffolk, England he led an active life with a passion for sailing. He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy and brothers Sidney, Ivan and Derrick; survivors include daughter Julie Menzies, several grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 11 HMCS KOOTENAY COMMEMORATION By: Ryan Melanson Trident Staff

The explosion that took place in HMCS Kootenay wore the new HMCS Kootenay ribbon, which has on Oct 23, 1969 off Plymouth, UK killed nine sailors now been approved for RCN members and others to and injured 53 more who suffered from burns and in- wear from the start of October until midnight on the halation of toxic smoke. As Steve Rowland explains, 23rd. however, the damage caused on that tragic day went The explosion took place about 200 miles off the far beyond physical injuries. southwest coast of England when – Kootenay was “Make no mistake, not one person got off that ship ordered to break off from its nine-ship task group to unscathed. Fifty years later, we all carry scars, either conduct routine full power trials. Cause of the in- physical, emotional or psychological, related to what cident was an improperly installed bearing casing happened,” said Rowland, who was a young sailor in in the ship’s starboard gearbox, which allowed oil just his second year of service in 1969. to overheat to the point it caught fi re, causing the The survivors didn’t shy away from those diffi - devastating explosion. The 10 sailors in the engine culties as they gathered on Oct 23 at Point Pleasant room suffered the worst, and struggled to scramble Park, Halifax to mark the 50th anniversary of the ex- up a melting aluminum ladder as the room fi lled plosion, which remains the Royal Canadian Navy’s with fl ames. The two remaining survivors from the deadliest incident at sea during peacetime. The cer- engine room, Allan “Dinger” Bell and Al Kennedy, emony drew a large crowd, including were both in attendance and specially recognized Lieutenant Governor Arthur J. LeBlanc, Premier - during the event. Both were also awarded wound Stephen McNeil, Halifax Mayor , MPs, stripes earlier this year in recognition of their brav- community leaders and senior naval offi cers who ery on that day. joined the survivors, families and members of the John Montague, who was a junior offi cer on board CAF and the naval community for the occasion. All Kootenay, spoke at the ceremony, touching on the

12 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL actions of the crew in the immediate aftermath, as sons learned from Kootenay, which led to major sailors fought to save their colleagues and their ship changes in the way navies prepare for and combat through black smoke, with limited equipment, and fi res and other incidents on ships. New types of with the vessel steaming uncontrollably at full pow- equipment, procedures, and training initiatives have er through the North Atlantic. a direct link back to the tragedy in 1969. “There were many acts of extreme bravery that “We consider these positive changes to be Koote- day, and outstanding courage by everyone involved. nay’s legacy, and that’s something we are very proud Many sailors acted valiantly and volunteered for of,” Montague said. dangerous tasks they had never done before in an The day also served as a chance to rededicate the effort to save the ship and help their fellow sailors,” Bonaventure Anchor Memorial, which serves as a he said. He also recalled the well-known quote from monument to all men and women who died serv- Kootenay CO Cdr Neil Norton, who said at the time ing the RCN during peacetime. The day saw 46 new that “a less professional crew could easily have fi n- names added to the plaques around the memorial. ished the day in liferafts.” This addition, along with refurbishment work com- “The aftermath, however, was as bad as the inci- pleted on the anchor in 2018, has long been sought dent itself,” Montague added, as crews got the fi re by members of the Kootenay crew and family mem- under control and learned that several colleagues bers of other deceased sailors. had perished. Four were buried in England, four During the reception following the ceremony, were buried at sea, and only one in Halifax, because Commander Royal Canadian Navy Unit Commen- of repatriation policies at the time. dation was presented to HMCS Kootenay, to be held “On the homefront in Halifax, there were eight by the Damage Control Training Facility Kootenay women who suddenly became widows, and 18 chil- “…which continues the proud legacy of that crew.” dren who no longer had a father,” he said. “And back in 1969, we had never heard of post-traumatic stress disorder.” He said the annual gatherings for Kootenay survi- vors, which began 20 years ago, have helped many Printed with permission of them cope with the diffi cult memories and mental of Trident Newspaper health issues stemming from the incident, and many have begun receiving professional help as well. Members of the crew also fi nd comfort in the les-

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 13 HMCS Kootenay Commemoration Crew members of HMCS Kootenay who survived the explosion and fi re aboard the destroyer on 23 Oct 1969 off Plymouth, UK gathered at the Bonaventure Anchor Memorial in , Halifax to participate in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the tragedy; nine of their fellow crew died and 53 others were injured. Along with the survivors the ceremony was attended by family members, other veterans, serving members, military, political and community leaders. (Formation Image Services Halifax)

75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic (BoA) and Victory in Europe (VE Day Pilgrimage) LCdr (ret’d) Pat Jessup

In addition to national commemorations on 8 May, the escort warships protecting convoys carrying 2020 the Canadian Naval Memorial Trustees will much needed supplies to the and mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the BoA and Russia. VE Day in Londonderry, and Bun- As in years past since 2005, Trustees have partic- crana, Republic of Ireland. ipated in events hosted by Londonderry Branch of During the Second World War, Londonderry was the Royal Naval Association, Northern Ireland, and the home-away-from-home for over 20,000 RCN supported by the CNMT. This year’s events (7 – 10 sailors. Convoy Bells have been consecrated and May 2020) will include the arrival of international placed in St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, warships and Veterans, with the pilgrimage now ful- Halifax, Nova Scotia and Londonderry linking these ly subscribed. Currently rooms are being held at the three communities which repaired and replenished City Hotel, Londonderry for our contingent.

14 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL Liberation of the Netherlands Commemoration

The is credited with freeing The Netherlands, and the Dutch people of 1945 have ensured that their grati- tude is passed on to succeeding generations.

The 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Neth- and dinner at the Cunard Centre, Pier 23, beginning erlands from Nazi occupation during WW II, will be at 4:30 pm on May 5, with Lieutenant-General (ret) commemorated May 5, 2020 in Halifax. Peter Stof- the Honorable Roméo A. Dallaire as guest speaker,” fer, CNMT Life Trustee and chair of the 75th An- Stoffer explains. niversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands Com- The proceeds will be distributed amongst fi ve vet- mittee reports that the event will not only focus on erans and fi rst responder organizations: The Royal freedom of the Dutch people but will also acknowl- Canadian Legion Benevolent Fund, the Society of edge the country’s liberators. Atlantic Heroes, Military Family Resource Centres, Canada along with her allies answered the call dur- the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust/HMCS Sack- ing the Netherlands darkest hour. Thousands of al- ville and Paws Fur Thought. lied heroes are buried on Dutch soil, including more than 5,700 Canadians; thousands more were wound- ed or injured. Trustees can obtain After the war, Canada and other countries opened their doors to immigration; three per cent of Cana- tickets for the event by da’s population (1.3 million) is of Dutch heritage. contacting the Canadian Today the Netherlands, 17 million strong, is a vi- Naval Memorial Trust brant, democratic and free society along with being Shore Offi ce, a major foreign investor in Canada. 1657 Bedford Row, “In honour of the memory of the fallen and cur- Halifax, rent serving members our commemoration will in- clude a parade, wreath laying ceremony, reception Tel: 902-492-1424.

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 15 Lieutenant Commander James P. Reddy CD, RCN (ret’d) Celebration of Life 31 Aug 2019 By Doug Thomas

in Australia, and very good friend Battle of the Atlantic veteran Cap- tain Rolfe Monteith now living in Plymouth, England. In March of this year, Rolfe nominated Jim for the Sovereign’s Medal for Volun- teers, an offi cial honour adminis- tered by the Governor-General of Canada. Confi rmation of the award of the Sovereign’s Medal for Vol- unteers was received yesterday, the 30th of August, and the Citation reads as follows: “James (Jim) Reddy devoted the years of his retirement from the Royal Canadian Navy to the de- The late Jim Reddy, right, chats with since-deceased life members and manding volunteer task of being the WW ll veterans Kevin Power, left, and Vince McDonnell during 2012 Battle of the Atlantic reception in HMCS Sackville Mess. (Bill Gard photo) Executive Offi cer and since 2012 Captain of HMCS Sackville, the Jim Reddy passed away 25 Au- al Trust. I fi rst met Jim Reddy 50 last of 269 corvettes, which played gust 2019 after a long and coura- years ago when we both served a key role in escorting convoys of geous battle with cancer. A Memo- at sea in Halifax-based destroy- merchant ships full of food, fuel, rial Service was held in the CFB ers, and I considered him a close personnel and war-fi ghting equip- Halifax Base Chapel at Stadacona friend. He was very-well thought ment from to the with a Celebration of Life and Re- of in the Navy, and was known United Kingdom during the Bat- ception following in the Ball Room to be highly professional. He had tle of the Atlantic. As a member of of the Wardroom Offi cers’ Mess. many jobs at sea and ashore, but I the Company of Master Mariners, Approximately 600 people attend- think he particularly enjoyed be- he actively supported Merchant ed the event in the Wardroom. Five ing the Queen’s Harbour Master in Mariners’ commemoration of their of us were privileged to speak: Halifax to close-out his career. sacrifi ce while sailing the ships Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden Condolences have been received that carried those precious car- (ret’d), Captain (N) David Ben- from across Canada and abroad goes. Sackville is Canada’s Naval oit, Commander Wendall Brown from friends, acquaintances, and Memorial, and is visited by tens (ret’d), Jim’s daughter Elizabeth trustees of the Memorial Trust. As of thousands to Halifax waterfront and myself. an indication of how far-fl ung his every year. Jim’s dedication to pre- The following were my remarks: connections were, Jim’s wife Pat serving the ship and presenting her Good afternoon. For the past eight Jessup has heard from Sir George as a living artifact of that success- years I was executive director Bain in Northern Ireland, Vice-Ad- ful campaign is an outstanding gift of the Canadian Naval Memori- miral Paul Maddison now living to all Canadians and to many others

16 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL “James (Jim) Reddy devoted the years of his retirement from the Royal Cana- dian Navy to the demanding volunteer task of being the Executive Offi cer and since 2012 Captain of HMCS Sackville

en years and for nine years before He was on the board of directors of that as 1st Lt., or executive offi cer. the Convoy Cup Foundation which This is far from a ceremonial posi- has, since 2002, honoured the sac- tion – it required a great deal of on- rifi ces of our Battle of the Atlantic going personal effort to do the role veterans by way of sailing regat- justice – and his hard work was tas in Halifax, St. John's, Ontario, truly inspiring. Jim had the “busi- Norway and Scotland. This co- est unpaid job in the Navy.” ordination of the extended naval, It was a rare day when Jim was merchant marine and recreational not involved in some aspect of op- sailing communities of the Halifax erations, repairs and maintenance area was very benefi cial to many. to the ship working with the Dock- Jim has left very big shoes to fi ll, yard Fleet Maintenance Facility and he will be remembered with to plan and conduct major work great affection by many. He is sur- such as the recent docking on the vived by his wife, Pat; his children Syncrolift, helping to conduct and Elizabeth and Stephen; and his ex- host events involving the ship; and wife Barbara. organizing major events such as participation in international yacht interested in our naval heritage.” races, Tall Ship events, Battle of His wife Pat will accept the Sov- the Atlantic commemorations, and ereign’s Medal from the Governor- periodic visits by the Lieutenant- General during an awards ceremo- Governor of Nova Scotia, the Min- ny in 2020. ister of National Defence (MND), Jim has been awarded other hon- and senior members of the Cana- ours, including the Diamond Jubi- dian Forces and the government. lee Medal in 2012 and the Naval Working hand-in-hand with him Association of Canada’s Gold Me- was Pat – they were a very strong dallion in 2015, in recognition of team and the face of the Naval his many contributions to the ex- Memorial Trust and HMCS Sack- tended naval community of Cana- ville at many events in Canada and da. His principal contribution has abroad. been his dedication to the unique Jim also served as secretary to the role of commanding offi cer of Maritimes Division of the Compa- HMCS Sackville over the past sev- ny of Master Mariners of Canada.

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 17 VAdm Hugh MacNeil HMCS Sackville “...quintessential example of Canada’s response in the Second World War Vice Admiral Hugh MacNeil (ret’d) served as Chair of the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust 2000- 2004 and Interim Chair 2011-2012. In assuming the chairmanship in 2000 he noted, “…HMCS Sack- ville’s outstanding war record and her quintessential example of Canada’s response in WW ll.” The 2000-2004 period was highlighted by a num- ber of signifi cant events and long-term initiatives, including advancing planning for the long-term preservation and operation of Canada’s Naval Me- morial and fi ne-tuning Board governance and fi nan- cial management. 2001 The Board developed a more coordinated working relationship with the naval leadership, including the Navy assisting with the maintenance and operation of SACKVILLE whenever possible and appropriate. The Trust conducted a Trustee ‘visioning’ exer- cise that produced the Vision: “CNMT in partner- ship with the Canadian Navy will maintain HMCS Sackville, Canada’s Naval Memorial and Museum in perpetuity, as the symbol of Canada’s Naval Heri- tage, in order to enhance the Canadian public’s ap- countant to maintain the books/ provide timely ad- preciation, awareness and knowledge of our naval vice regarding Board decisions, and a policy manual heritage, and to be an inspiration for future genera- was developed covering different aspects of Trust tions.” At the same time, a meeting was held with a and ship operations and activities. number of retired Flag Offi cers to obtain their views A number of volunteers were recognized, includ- on the way ahead for the Trust and the importance of ing immediate Past Chair Hal Davies for his lead- preserving Sackville. ership role and former Commanding Offi cer Max The Trust became a partner in the Canadian Naval Corkum for his conspicuous contribution to the ship Heritage Foundation (CNHF) initiative to develop a over the years. major naval heritage project in Halifax. Other part- Educators were contacted to discuss ways and ners included the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic means to increase understanding among students of (MMA), the Navy, Halifax Waterfront Development the signifi cance of Sackville and the Battle of the At- Corp (WDC) and private sector sponsors. Among lantic and work was underway on development of a the objectives: securing a permanent facility for teachers resource package for different grade levels. Sackville,, establishing an enhanced permanent na- Governor General Adrienne Clarkson agreed to val heritage exhibit in MMA and pursuing key tour- become the Trust’s fi rst Patron. ism initiatives identifi ed in a report prepared by the 2002 Economic Planning Group. Consultations continued with HMC Dockyard and The Board introduced a number of measures to other specialists on how best to preserve Sackville in upgrade and formalize administrative and fi nancial perpetuity, in or out of the water. procedures, including retaining a professional ac- Phase 1 of the CNHF initiative to develop Halifax

18 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL as an international destination for The Board approved “Standing continued as part of the Trust’s telling Canada’s naval story pro- Orders, Duties and Responsibili- program to reach and engage the ceeded, with Phase ll designed to ties and Terms of Reference” for younger generation, highlighted propose specifi c plans, including all positions within CNMT and by conducting the fi rst history es- Sackville’s role, and how the un- Sackville, developed in 2002. say contest with participation from dertaking would be funded. An annual essay contest for high Halifax area high school students. The fi rst Battle of the Atlantic school students was established, A successful local fundraising memorial dinner was held in the coordinated by Gary Thain. event was the second annual golf two forward mess decks. Guests of Board members continued dis- tournament which not only gener- honour included WW ll destroyer cussions with government offi cials, ated revenue (to support the his- captain Rear Admiral Desmond Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, tory essay contest) but also the (Debby) Piers (ret’d), accompa- the Armour Group and other heri- addition of a number of members nied by Mrs Piers, and Dr Tania tage stakeholders with regard to of the business community as new Li, granddaughter of Rear Admiral the long-term development of the Trustees. Leonard Murray, Commander-in- Halifax waterfront. In 2011, having previously served Chief Northwest Atlantic during 2004 as Chair of the CNMT for four WW ll. Fine-tuning Board governance years, Hugh MacNeil was asked Liaison continued with educa- and fi nancial management was a by the Board and agreed to serve tion offi cials and work advanced major undertaking during the year. as Interim Chair for 2011-2012 on production and distribution of This was required to enhance the following the resignation of the educational resource materials. At posture of the CNMT as it moves Chair, the late John Jay. During a the same time, historian Donald forward to ensure the capability of critical period in the development E. Graves was engaged to write sustaining the Trust and Sackville of the CNMT and operation of a book about the Canadian naval in order to conduct a national fund- HMCS Sackville he continued to story, the Battle of the Atlantic and raising campaign and participate in advance planning for the long-term HMCS Sackville. the long-term development of the preservation of the ship, including The Board and ship’s crew con- Halifax waterfront. Judith Tamsett consultation with the Waterfront tinued to work with and increase CA has been most supportive in Development Corporation (now functional coordination and coop- helping to restructure fi nancial af- Develop Nova Scotia), Maritime eration with the Maritime Museum fairs. Museum of the Atlantic, other gov- of the Atlantic. Several senior naval offi cers ernment agencies and the corpo- With regard to ship operations, joined the Strategic Planning rate sector along with strengthen- the Board approved creation of a Group, including Ted Kelly, Lynn ing membership and ensuring the full-time Chief Bosun’s Mate billet Mason and Jim King, and brought viability of the Trust’s Endowment to ensure Sackville was maintained their extensive experience to bear Fund. and operated in a ‘seamanlike man- in discussions concerning the past, This is the third is a series of ner.’ And among the growing num- present and potential future situa- articles coordinated by Len Can- ber of volunteers we welcomed tions and options for the sustain- fi eld refl ecting on the acquisition Halifax businessman Neil Black ment of CNMT and the Naval Me- of HMCS Sackville by the CNMT who will undertake fundraising morial. The group recommended and the individuals that have and marketing activities on behalf retaining professional expertise to played a signifi cant role in the op- of the Trust. carry out national fundraising and 2003 related initiatives. At this time, eration of Canada’s Naval Memo- Three briefi ng books with input the Armour Group was awarded a rial over the years. from historians and veterans of the contract for a feasibility concept Battle of the Atlantic were pro- for a Naval Heritage Centre (the duced for the general use of Trust- Queen’s Landing Project) involv- ees and summer student ship’s ing Sackville.. company and interpreters. Education outreach activities

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 19 My Battle of the Atlantic This is the fi rst of several articles with excerpts from ‘My Battle of the Atlantic,’ the memoirs of the late Don Bowman, a veteran of WW ll, used with permission of his son Brian Bowman.

As a teenager in the late 1930s would be a major infl uence on my es in World War One and was ap- I worked summers in my father’s life and career.. palled at the thought of the con- automotive wholesale business in For the next two years our family fi nement, the mud, the rats...and Saskatoon, dusting the hundreds and friends received the daily news (remembering ‘indoctrination’ to of parts bins, unloading tires from of Hitler’s blitzkrieg - “Lightning the bayonet at summer camp) try- boxcars and generally acting as War.” The continuous bad news ing to rip out another man’s guts. an errand boy. On Saturday after- was affecting my studies as well as The Air Force was appealing but noons after work I often accompa- my friend Murray. I was not confi dent I had the ath- nied one or two friends letic skills to be a pilot. to the movie theatre. So I chose the squeaky Newsreels at the time clean {I hoped) Navy. showed German Chan- Murray and I pre- cellor Adolph Hitler sented ourselves to the inspecting military for- Naval Reserve division mations or haranguing HMCS (His Majesty’s massive public gather- Canadian Ship) Uni- ings. corn on Third Avenue When the ugly word north in Saskatoon. It “war” began to appear was just a building but in daily news reports the fi ction of it being Canada’s Reserve a ship was vigorously Army began recruit- maintained. Soon we ing. In the summer of were looking like sail- 1939 I enlisted in a ors in “bell bottom” two week summer training camp at It was obvious that to allow one trousers and middy with the huge the Dundurn army base where my man and one country to rule all of collar and learning when to salute, platoon fl oundered about the sand Europe and beyond was not good. ranks, badges and such. hills looking for an “enemy” pla- The Federal Government was hint- We were told that all new recruits toon. That September I began engi- ing that conscription was on the received three months basic train- neering studies at the University of horizon. Murray and I agreed that ing at HMCS Cornwallis in Dig- Saskatchewan and my close friend if we volunteered we could choose by, Nova Scotia. Because we both Murray Leddy opted for an arts which service to join. The moment had two years of university, if we degree. I vividly recall listening came when we said “Let’s do it”. completed basic training in good to one of Hitler’s radio broadcasts I suggested joining the Navy and standing, we would be promoted even though I had no knowledge of to my surprise Leddy’s answer was to probationary sub-lieutenants the German language; the hair on “Good choice.” My own choice and receive further training. A new the back of my neck moved. came after considering both the class of recruits would be starting The declaration of war came dur- Army and Air Force. I had read a at Cornwallis in three weeks. In ing my fi rst days at university. It great deal about life in the trench- short order we were off to the East

20 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL HMCS Cornwallis training establishment during Second World War. Coast. beds in each dorm. Meals were Every mealtime there was a long When it opened in 1942, HMCS eaten in a separate mess hall. There line up outside the mess hall. Any- Cornwallis was the largest naval was an aircraft hangar-sized build- one who attempted to cut into the training base in the world in both ing for calisthenics or drilling in line got rough treatment from those area and the number of trainees. foul weather. Another large build- behind. The meals, served cafete- The base carried the name of Ad- ing housed the gunnery school. ria style, were primarily meat and miral Sir William Cornwallis of Many smaller buildings had class- potatoes, well adapted to our ac- the Royal Navy, a veteran of the rooms along with a chapel and a tive life style... nutritious, tasty and Seven Years War and the Napoleon “sick bay”. plentiful. wars and a close friend of Admi- The training day began with bugle At 7 am the hands were assem- ral Horatio Nelson. Nearby is the calls at 6 am. A petty offi cer (PO) bled on the parade square for a historic , located would sashay through the dormi- half hour of “calisthenics,” mostly about eight miles inside the “Dig- tory singing “Rise and shine, rise upper body exercises, with lots of by Arm,” a narrow bay extending and shine. You’ve had your time. arm swinging, toe touching and about 18 miles parallel to the Bay Let me have mine.” The PO had running on the spot. In spite of a lot of Fundy. The Town of Digby is a quick eye and a rough and ready of grumbling it was a great stimu- just inside the mouth of the bay. shake for anyone who hadn’t got lus for the drilling and class room The Cornwallis trainees were the message. The fi rst out of bed activities that followed. housed in two storey “H” shaped were the fi rst in the washroom and Much time was spent on learn- buildings that were painted a drea- fi rst to the mess hall. The beds were ing to march in formations to cre- ry gray color. There were four dor- spaced four feet apart not leaving ate a team feeling and to respond mitories in each building with 20 much privacy to dress and undress. instantly to an offi cer’s command.

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 21 Each platoon had 30 men in three feet. Pulling the whaler was simi- the end of training was a parade in- ranks in front was a sub lieuten- lar to drilling on the parade square spection by an admiral scheduled ant with a petty offi cer four paces in developing a team feeling. The for 1000 (10 am) and the parade behind. The parade marshal was a coxswain was a leading seaman. was in place by 0945. We were giv- chief petty offi cer with a big voice. Our crew would pull for four hours en the order to stand easy. By 1030 When he shouted “Quick March” along the shore, two hours out and the admiral had still not arrived. 700 left feet moved one pace for- two hours back. During my train- There was fi dgeting and banter ward but not all foot movements ing I had several experiences that in the ranks and the petty offi cers were synchronized causing the pla- very clearly demonstrated the need were admonishing “Steady—stop toon petty offi cer to become “an- to be knowledgeable about the rap- moving about.” As the wait in- noyed.” id rise and fall of these tides. creased some of our mates started Afternoons were spent in class- During a week of training at the to go down. They were revived by rooms where lectures and the dis- gun battery we received a basic sick bay attendants, allowed 10 cipline indoctrination continued. knowledge of many of the guns minutes rest and then put back on Training had many aspects. One in the battery. The four inch guns their feet. None were allowed to day we were lined up in groups mounted on the forward deck of leave the parade square. of 20 to be put through a chlorine the corvettes had a crew of fi ve and When the admiral arrived, and gas attack. The instructor assured once again the theme in our train- the band struck up the Colonel Bo- us the air in the chamber would ing was teamwork. Each member gey March, a wave of enthusiasm be fi lled with real poison gas. We of the gun crew learned the fi ve swept over the parade. We were were issued grotesque looking gas tasks needed to fi re the gun. The no longer 700 trainees, we were masks covering the head and face ammunition we used was not live 700 Royal Canadian Navy sailors with large goggle lenses and a tube but the weight and feel was real. and proud of it. We marched with that covered the nose and led to a The rapid fi re pom-pom anti-air- precision and panache. Next day canister. My group stumbled into craft gun aft was manned by one we disbanded and moved, each to the gas chamber because the masks person but required a supply train whatever further training he had restrict one’s vision. Our instruc- of ammunition. been allotted. But fi rst, we had two tions were to keep moving about in One morning our platoon petty weeks leave. And before I headed the chamber. I’m sure each of us, offi cer told us: “Tomorrow, rain for the West Coast I had a very spe- as we saw the yellowish gas fumes or shine we are going for a walk.” cial commitment to keep. billowing into the chamber, was It turned out to be a 25 mile route wondering “Is this thing going to march. We had back packs and ri- work?” When we escaped 15 min- fl es; it was boring, hot, humid and utes later we were convinced they seemed endless. But when the fi ne To be continued in the do. The gas masks went wherever naval band struck up a tune it gave next issue... we went until the end of the war. us a great surge of energy. We wore Since this was a Navy training the heavy boots that had been is- base we did get time on the water. sued when we arrived at Cornwal- The training was very basic. It be- lis and I’m convinced I never could gan with learning to pull (row) a have completed the march without boat, in our case a whaler, a heavy, them. rugged sea boat with fi ve 11- foot As we approached the end of our long oars, three on one side and three months of basic training I had two on the other. become comfortable wearing the The Bay of Fundy is world known uniform of a sailor and had thrived for the huge rise and fall of the with the rigorous physical activity. tides. Every time the tide changes, I felt that our nondescript batch of water from the bay pours in or out trainees could make an important of the Digby Gut. The rise and fall contribution to fi ghting the war. of the tide can be as great as 28 The fi nal “BIG” event to mark

22 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL Remembrance Services 2019

Life Member Dave Aspen of Barrie, ON continues to promote the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust and HMCS Sackville in his area. Dave, accompanied by Chief Petty Offi cer Dina Meaney of CFB Borden, braved the ele- ments to lay a wreath on behalf of Sackville at the Remembrance Day service in Barrie.

In Halifax, fi ne weather was the order of the day for services at Th e Sailors’ Memorial in Point Pleasant Park at the entrance of Canada’s “East Coast Port”... (LS Woods photo)

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 23 S .S . Nerissa the Final Crossing Book Review by: Doug Thomas

1SS Nerissa (pre-war) This is the true story of the only loss due to enemy action of a troopship carrying Canadian S.S. Nerissa, troops in World War II. This well- the Final Crossing, researched book describes in con- by William Dziadyk, LCdr. siderable detail the British-regis- RCN, Ret’d. tered passenger and cargo ship SS BD Pro Inc., 2019 paperback Nerissa. She was built in 1926 for 9” x 6”, 155 pages, photos, the Newfoundland trade and then fi gures, tables, and end notes. switched in the 1930s to the New Published 11 November 2019. York to tourist run and $29.95. Pu ISBN-13: 978- also to the West Indies. The crew 1704113821. Available at Amazon.ca was composed of Americans and Newfoundlanders and managed by the British Furness Withy Line from 1929. Canadian Military Headquarters in had a di-

24 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL rect contracting relationship with day short of her planned arrival in six lifeboats were upright and one Furness Withy Line and provided Liverpool, by U-552 - command- of those was fl ooded. lists of Canadian military and ci- ed by one of the most successful This well-researched book pro- vilian passengers for Trans-Atlan- of the U-boat aces, Erich Topp. vides the reader with the experi- tic crossings. (Topp survived the war and be- ence of a 1941 Atlantic crossing, There is much good informa- came a rear-admiral in the Federal but like many such voyages early tion about the organization of the German Navy). “Abandon Ship” in the war tragedy struck. Circum- troopships that had transported was ordered after the fi rst hit, and stances were such that loss of life some 85,000 members of the Ca- the boats were being loaded when was unusually high; to quote Mur- nadian army from the beginning of the second hit about six phy’s Law: “if something can go the war until mid-summer 1941. minutes later. This panicked those wrong, it will.” That was the case Canadian Navy, Air Force, and ci- who were trying to board boats or with Nerissa’s Final Crossing. vilian personnel required transport launch rafts and pandemonium en- This fascinating story is told in a across the Atlantic throughout the sued. thorough and interesting manner. I war for training, to join and re-join Nerissa embarked a total of 291 highly recommended it. their ships and units, and to sup- people during this last trans Atlan- Bill Dziadyk is a retired naval of- port the war effort in many ways. tic crossing. The table shown be- fi cer and member of the Naval As- In the early years of the war, a low, provides an indication of the sociation of Canada living in Otta- number of the largest passenger mix, and their fate. wa, and he has previously written liners were employed to transport Part of the reason for the high articles about Nerissa and the need large numbers of troops, and they casualty rate among passengers to have her wreck preserved for were usually convoyed across the was that the torpedoes which sank posterity as a war grave, as has Atlantic with a British battleship in Nerissa immediately killed most of been done with other ships lost in support to provide security from at- the engineers on watch and in their confl ict. He decided to explore the tack by large German warships and mess decks on “C” deck: those en- topic more thoroughly in this book, armed merchant raiders. Medium- gineers would have been respon- which was published on Remem- sized ships such as Nerissa with sible to safely lower the life boats brance Day, 2019. a good turn of speed (at least 15 at “Abandon Ship.” Unfortunately, knots) were sailed independently a number of the lifeboats capsized as they were as fast or faster than while being lowered unevenly and Highly Recommended. U-boats – considered the primary others capsized. When HMS Vet- threat. SS Nerissa was torpedoed eran picked up the survivors the on the evening of 30 April, one following morning, only two of the

Embarked Deceased Survivors Crew Merchant 105 81 24 Navy Canadian Forces RCN / Army 16 / 108 10 / 73 6 / 35

Allied Forces 42 26 16 Civilians 20 17 3 Total 291 207 84

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 25 The Last Tot

As we had just returned to home port from a deployment, I found a customs offi cer sitting in our mess checking our customs forms, so I slid the 40 ouncer into my locker, turned and offered him my tot for the day which was gladly accept- ed. The 40 ouncer stayed in my lock- er for some time before I ventured to transport it home where I taped the bottle and marked it well, “The Last Tot in the RCN” and dated it accordingly. I stored it in back of a cupboard with a few other bottles of choice. A few months later my wife’s cousin called on a Sunday asking to borrow a bottle of anything. HMCS Arvida tot issue during WW ll Stores were closed, in-laws were On March 31, 1972, the last tot of (Navy) rum was visiting from Cape Breton and he had nothing in the issued in the Royal Canadian Navy, indeed a sad house with which to entertain. “Help yourself,” said day for most! A “tot” was two- and one-half ounces, she. And we know which one he took. Later he re- or one half gill, of rum issued per man/ per day if marked how much his visitors enjoyed the fi ne rum. he was marked “G” for grog on the rum list. Other (Not only was this guy a heavyweight boxer, he was marked designations were “T” for temperance and one of Dartmouth’s fi nest. What could I say but, “UA” for underage. No tot for them! “Hope you enjoyed it”?) The tot was a long-established tradition in both the Forgotten in the passing months, years, and de- Royal Navy and the RCN though quite controversial cades, I recently received a visit from our cousin, in at times. Used as a daily socializer, trading or barter- from the country on an errand. Said he, “Always re- ing medium, or a bonding through “sippers,” yours membered that bottle I “borrowed” that we enjoyed today for mine tomorrow...but it did occasionally so much. Meant to replace it long ago, so here you contribute to some anti- social behaviour. are”, and handed me a 40 ounce bottle of fi ne single On the fi nal day of issue in the RCN, aboard HMCS malt scotch, very much to my liking, --38 years lat- Annapolis, I happened to be the duty rum baron for er!! our mess; and dutifully appeared before the offi cer of Good things come to those who patiently wait. the day (OOD) and the issuing CPO with jug in hand Anonymous (do statute of limitations still apply?) to receive this last day bounty of 12 tots of “Nelson’s Blood.” I would issue the same in my mess. As I moved off with our jug, the OOD handed me a 40 ounce bottle of pussers (offi cial issue) rum, “Tuck this away for yourself”. Under my jacket it went and I quickly removed myself to my mess.

26 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL Profi le of Lt. Cdr Alan Easton By: Carl Anderson

deck was assigned to escort the Canadian National Steamships lin- er/troopship SS Lady Rodney be- tween Québec and St. John’s, New- foundland, and subsequently to Jamaica. Engine problems forced Baddeck to abandon Lady Rodney on two occasions. The fi rst, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, required her to return to her builders in Québec for repairs. The second occurred en route to Jamaica when Bad- deck’s continuing engine problems and the failure of her fresh water evaporator forced her to return to Halifax for further repairs. Upon returning to service, Bad- deck and four other RCN corvettes were assigned in October 1941 Alan Herbert Easton (1902- for the mariner’s life kept him from to escort the slow convoy SC-48 2001) was born in Ireland, and at returning to sea. Nevertheless, as from St. John’s to Liverpool. Nine age 15 entered the British mer- the Battle of the Atlantic intensi- of SC-48’s 52 merchant vessels chant navy training establishment fi ed, Easton put aside his person- were sunk by enemy U-boats south in Liverpool, HMS Conway. After al feelings and joined the Royal of Iceland. HMCS Baddeck, her two years at Conway he entered Canadian Naval Reserve, where submarine detection equipment the British merchant navy where he was commissioned in February (asdic) out of service and still ex- he served from 1919 to 1929. 1940. Between March 1940 and periencing engine problems, di- Easton sailed for Canadian Pacifi c February 1941 he was a training verted to Iceland to land survivors Steamships and at age 24 became offi cer in HMCS Acadia, a training of the Norwegian ship Barfonn and CP Ships’ second youngest mas- and patrol vessel based in Halifax. to seek much needed repairs. After ter mariner. In his 10 years with In 1941 he was a Sr. Watchkeeper two idle months in Hvalfjord, Bad- CP ships, Easton made upwards of in the Halifax-based C-Class light deck returned to Canada and was 100 trans-Atlantic Crossings. cruiser HMS Caradoc D60. temporarily decommissioned to Despite his having risen to the top He was promoted to A/Lieu- undergo a complete engine over- ranks of his profession, in 19 years tenant (Temp.) RCNR on 15 Feb- haul. of merchant navy service Easton ruary 1941 (with seniority dated 15 After leaving HMCS Baddeck, developed an intense dislike of life February 1940) and received his Easton was appointed a Lieutenant at sea. He consequently left CP fi rst command on 18 May that year (Temp.) RCNR. In April 1942, he Ships and married in 1929, settling when he commissioned the RCN assumed command of the RCN in Montreal where he joined the Flower Class corvette HMCS Bad- corvette HMCS Sackville K181, Bell Telephone Company. deck K147. Following work ups in which was at that time temporarily When war broke out in Europe in the St. Lawrence estuary and time out of commission and unmanned. September, 1939 Easton’s distaste spent patrolling off Halifax Bad-

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 27 Sackville re-commissioned in Halifax on 6 April and Baddeck’s ship’s company transferred to HMCS Sackville that day. Following work-ups and an- ti-submarine (A/S) exercises at Halifax, Sackville escorted the British passenger liner S.S. Fort Townshend to St. John’s, New- foundland. Sackville then con- cluded her working up program with further A/S exercises off St. John’s. The Navy’s report on Sack- ville’s war readiness concluded that her commanding offi cer “has given much time and thought to the A/S organisation and the ship has a good A/S team.” Lt. Easton was judged to be ‘quiet,’ “but has a fi rm grip on the offi cers and men.” The report concluded that HMCS Sack- ville, “after a few months running, will be an effi cient fi ghting unit.” On 25 May 1942, HMCS Sack- ville joined Escort Group C-3 of the HMCS Sackville at sea summer of 1942 Mid-Ocean Escort Force, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The oth- six months at sea as a close escort as she steamed back across the dis- er fi ve warships in the group were for an aggregate of 546 merchant turbed water. More depth charges the RCN River-class ships, only four of which were lost were dropped and soon the smell HMCS Saguenay D79 and Skee- to enemy torpedoes. of diesel oil was evident. Suddenly na D59, and the RCN corvettes HMCS Sackville engaged the the bow of the submarine broke the HMCS Wetaskiwin K175, Galt enemy during only one convoy, the surface within yards of Sackville’s K163 and Camrose K154. Group westbound ON-115 which depart- stern where it was clearly seen by C-3’s senior offi cer, Wetaskiwin’s ed Liverpool on 24 July 1942 with the depth charge handlers on her captain, charged his ships “normal- forty-three merchantmen bound for afterdeck. The sub rose out of the ly to follow defensive tactics rather Halifax, Boston, and New York. water at a steep angle exposing than offensive, however distasteful Just after midnight on August about a third of her hull. A depth it may be to you, unless you come 3rd, HMCS Sackville encoun- charge fi nally exploded beneath upon the enemy; then you must do tered a German submarine on the the sub and it sank beneath the sur- your utmost to destroy him.” The surface and attacked with a 4-inch face again. escort group’s responsibility, he shell, the gun fl ash of which tem- Following that encounter HMCS emphasized, was ‘To insure the porarily blinded Easton. Illuminat- Sackville resumed screening the safe and timely arrival of the con- ed by a star shell from Sackville, convoy and two hours later sight- voy at its destination.’ the submarine was seen starting to ed another submarine on the sur- Between May and mid-Decem- dive. Easton altered course to ram face about 125 yards away. It crash ber 1942 Group C3 escorted six the U-boat but the corvette passed dived and Sackville again dropped eastbound and six westbound con- harmlessly over the fast submerg- depth charges, but with no results. voys across the North Atlantic. ing submarine. Depth charges were Around noon the same day Sack- Under Easton’s command Sack- dropped immediately and Sack- ville encountered a third U-boat on ville spent nearly four of those ville regained A/S contact turned the surface. Sackville headed for

28 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL after her last westbound convoy of the year. She proceeded to Liver- pool NS in January 1943 for a two- month long refi t, and on 10 April 1943 Lt. Easton relinquished com- mand of HMCS Sackville. In March 1943 Lt. Easton sought a posting ashore. He made his re- quest to RCN headquarters in Ot- tawa, but it was denied on account of the acute shortage of qualifi ed commanding offi cers. Easton was given command of a larger ship, however, HMCS Ma- tane K444. She was the fi rst of Canada’s new River Class frigates to be built on the east coast. She was expected to be launched at the end of May and commissioned in October 1943. Thus, between Sackville’s return from escort duty in December 1942 and the expected commissioning of HMCS Matane, Lt. Easton had nearly ten months ashore in Halifax. He wrote in his 1963 memoir 50 North that those the target, which was crossing the probably sank the fi rst U-boat, months in Halifax, with his wife corvette’s track from right to left. did not damage the second, and and young daughter, were for him Turning to port to bring her 4-inch “caused considerable damage to the happiest time of the war. gun to bear on the target, Sackville the conning tower of the third attacked with two 4-inch rounds, U-boat but probably did not sink both her Vickers machine guns, it.” Commanding Offi cer Lt. Alan and her . At a range of Herbert Easton, RCNR (Temp), less than 200 feet, one of Sack- was awarded the Distinguished To be continued in the next ville’s explosive shells opened a Service Cross (DSC) for “distin- issue… large hole in the submarine’s con- guished services before the enemy ning tower. As the submarine crash … when a U-boat was sighted on dived Sackville kept up the attack the surface [and] he immediately with depth charges as passed over shaped course to ram and through the U-boat. skilful handling of his ship and de- Convoy ON 115 lost three ships votion to duty contributed to the to enemy submarines. One sub- almost certain destruction of one marine was sunk by Skeena and enemy U-boat and the probable Wetaskiwin, and Sackville had en- damaging of another.” A Distin- gaged three enemy submarines on guished Service Medal was award- the surface. She had been in com- ed to one of Sackville’s gunners, mission under Lt. Easton’s com- and fi ve other seamen received mand for just four months. Mention in Dispatches. 13 August 1942 a Board of Inqui- HMCS Sackville returned home ry concluded that HMCS Sackville to Halifax on 26 December 1942

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 29 The Last Flower: HMCS Sackville By: Doug Thomas

Flower-Class corvettes of al Canadian Navy (RCN), rine resources, particularly Second World War renown the USN and USCG, and a along the Atlantic seaboard were based on a British number of other navies that as its ships were deployed to whale-catcher design (Smith carried on the war against the Pacifi c after the Japanese Dock’s Southern Pride) to the Axis Powers after their attack on Pearl Harbor in De- meet the demand for a small, nations surrendered, such cember 1941. The corvette seaworthy and inexpensive as the Free French and Nor- helped to fi ll this void, too: escort vessel – particularly wegian Navies. They also 15 corvettes built in Canada for work in coastal waters. fought for the other side: (in Collingwood, Midland, Many were ordered in the four Flowers laid down for Kingston, and ) early months of the war from the French Navy were cap- to British order were referred shipyards in the UK and Can- tured on the building slips in to as Patrol Gunboats (PG) ada, and they were soon em- St. Nazaire as German forces in the USN. These PGs were ployed in all areas, including over ran France in the Spring modifi ed with a different gun blue water operations across of 1940, and three of them armament, usually a single the Atlantic. were completed for service 3-inch, 50-calibre (3”50) for- A total of 269 corvettes in the Kreigsmarine as coast- ward in place of the 4” gun, were built and served in the al escorts. The USN was crit- and another single 3”50 (as UK’s Royal Navy, the Roy- ically short of anti-subma- depicted in the accompany-

30 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL ing image of the USS Inten- transferred nine months lat- The fact that 122 corvettes sity) replacing the British and er to the USN and re-named were built in Canada and 123 Canadian single 2-Pounder USS Prudent. USS Splendor were commissioned into the pom-pom AA gun aft. was built in Kingston, Ont, RCN is also confusing. The It is diffi cult to count the to- transferred to the RN un- following table attempts to tal of corvettes that served in der lend-lease and commis- sort this out, but it do not ad- the war, or each navy in which sioned as HMS Rosebay in dress the many and complex they served, as there was a July 1943, and then returned transfers between the RN tangle of transfers and name to the USN after the war – al- and USN of Canadian built changes in this very numer- though none of the American corvettes. ous class: for example HMS Flowers were retained in ser- Privet was built in Quebec vice post-1945. The fact that City for the Royal Navy and 122 corvettes were

Canadian-Built British-Built Canadian-Built Total Exports to USA 107 Flower Class (includ- 4 Revised Flower Class; ing Revised and Increased 12 Castle Class Endurance versions) 15 Flower Class for the US Castle Class were origi- Navy (Patrol Gunboat) nally named for Castles in the UK; renamed for Canadian Towns on commissioning Built in Canada 107 15 122 Served in RCN 107 16* 123

*These 16 modern corvettes were exchanged on a one-for-one basis for 16 Canadian-built Alger- ine-Class Fleet Minesweepers.

Corvette Trivia

HMCS Sackville is the sole survivor of this once- 70 frigates that served in RCN. This was a popular numerous class. British Flower Class corvettes were decision, as many of the towns and cities established named after fl owers, such as HMS Pansy and HMS a warm and supportive relationship with “their” Geranium, but only 10 of the Canadian Flowers were ship, supplying them comforts such as hand-knitted so named, as they were laid-down for the RN in Ca- mittens, scarves and tuques and such entertainment nadian shipyards. The Brits courteously named them items as radios, phonographs and pianos. after Canadian wildfl owers (plus Fennel, an herb that There has been much discussion of ship names – has a yellow fl ower), but they were manned by RCN an important morale issue to their crews. It is routine crews and commissioned into the RCN in 1941, re- to refer to the ship’s company by their ship’s names taining such Flower names as Spikenard, Windfl ower, when they are fallen-in for divisions and other cere- and Arrowhead – named for the fl ower but “adopted” monial occasions. I wonder whether the ship’s com- by the town of Arrowhead, B.C. The British corvettes panies of HMS Pansy and HMS Poppy had a prob- perpetuated the names of RN WW I Flower Class lem with being referred to as Poppies and Pansies? minesweeping sloops, but most Canadian corvettes On a more sombre note, 36 Flower Class corvettes were named for towns and cities, as were 60 out of were lost in the war, ten of them Canadian.

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 31 Trust and Mess Events

HMCS Sackville’s New Year’s Day Levee remains popular with Trustees, res- idents and out of province guests visiting in the area during the holiday season. Among those celebrating the New Year onboard Sackville were three generations of the McKee family: Life Trustee Ian McK- ee, left, of Halifax is shown with son Bruce, daughter-in- law Shelley and grandsons Ian and Simon who were visiting from .

(Bill Gard photo)

HMS Vidette Joe Whitiker and his wife Kate visited HMCS Sackville 04 October and presented a ship’s badge of HMS Vidette, his father’s ship during WWII. Joe was hosted by Doug Thomas, who had been corresponding with him for many months prior to the visit. Vidette was a V&W Class destroyer completed in April 1918. She served in the RN for some months prior to the WWI armistice, and was very active during the Second World War as an Anti-Submarine es- cort: she was credited with the sinking, or par- ticipating in the sinking, of fi ve U-boats between April 1943 and August 1944 – a remarkable record!

32 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL The Naval Association of Canada Endowment Fund has contributed $5,000 towards production of a vid- eo featuring HMCS Sackville, Canada’s Naval Memorial and the pivotal Battle of the At- lantic. Bob Lancaster, left, vice president of the Nova Scotia Naval Association of Canada presents the cheque to Wen- dall Brown, Chair of the Ca- nadian Naval Memorial Trust during the ship’s Christmas lun- cheon for members and guests. The fl at screen version of a 360 degree surround screen video will be shown in the hemispheric theatre next to the Maritime Museum of the Atlan- tic and Sackville Landing, in the ship’s forward mess deck and at other public venues.

(Ian Urquhart photo)

CNMT life member Vice Admiral Art McDonald, Commander RCN, welcomes life member Commodore Josée Kurtz returning from commanding Standing Naval Maritime Group II (SNMG II)

ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 33 Membership Report Membership Update “Welcome Aboard” to our newest members. Th e Trust had a good intake of new members in 2019 and it is hoped that the trend will continue in 2020, as the Royal Canadian Navy and the CNMT celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic.

Annual Members 2019 Life Members 2019

Laura Bohnert, Halifax, NS Frans Boetes, Miami, Florida Bobbi-Lee Boudreau, Burton, NB Steve Chard, Dorset, UK Todd Brayman, Hammonds Plains, NS Alexander Cochrane, Waverley, NS Scott Brousseau, Halifax, NS D.J. Cochrane, Waverley, NS George Ching, Brampton, ON Linda Dean, Hamilton, ON David Collins, Victoria, BC Alfred Giles, Lawrencetown, NS Ken Darcy, Dartmouth, NS Charles Goldberg, Middle Sackville, NS Donald Ellis, Dartmouth, NS Joseph Lombardi, Mt. Pleasant, S. Carolina Craig Evans, Prospect, NS Les Mader, Orleans, ON Zane Fanning, Lower Coverdale, NB Brian McCullough, Kanata, ON Art Forward, Eastern Passage, NS Leo McTaggart, Dartmouth, NS Brad Forward, Elmsdale, NS Rolfe Monteith, Plymouth, UK Susan Goldberg, Middle Sackville, NS Jeff Morrison, Fall River, NS Kent Gregory, Halifax, NS Mark Mosher, Halifax, NS Kunihiro Ito, Toronto, ON Karen Nighswander, Quathiaski Cove, BC Gregory Jenner, Dartmouth, NS Connor Overmars, Bedford, NS Kimberley Jenner, Dartmouth, NS Claire Overmars, Bedford, NS C. Douglas Maginley, Mahone Bay, NS John Th omson, Ottawa, ON Michael McCluskey, Dartmouth, NS Shelley Williamson, Dartmouth, NS Glen Patrick Michiel, Prince George, BC Steven Williamson, Dartmouth, NS C.J. Morrison, Putnam, Il. Jim Muckle, Chester Basin, NS Nancy Timbrell - Muckle, Chester Basin, NS Daniel Orwick, Elmsdale, NS Denis Pelletier, Dartmouth, NS Bruce Ramshaw, Edmonton, AB Clark Rowsell, Whitby, ON Roy Rowsell, Whitby, ON Anthony Schnare, Blandford, NS Derrick Shillington, Hammonds Plains, NS Stephen Vallis, Fall River, NS Ian Wheelband, Ashburn, ON

34 ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL ACTION STATIONS - HMCS SACKVILLE - CANADA’S NAVAL MEMORIAL 35 Return Undeliverable Canadian Address To: HMCS Sackville P:O Box 99000 Station Forces Halifax NS B3K 5X5