Fall 2019

President’s Report by Gary Walsh

Summer has slipped by for an- project and one the Club is proud The Club appreciates Arthur's other year and fall has arrived. I of. I congratulate Club member and efforts in making this happen and trust it was a memorable summer producer Jon Sturge for his enthusi- he is fondly missed. The fall sched- for all. Once again "The Nest" was asm and professional knowledge in ule of Club dinners is listed on the a busy place. As normal, there were leading this initiative and I wish to back page of this Scuttlebutt. Ms. no scheduled Club dinners from late thank the donors and documentary Lauren Piercey is the 2018 recipient June to late September but the planning committee for making it of The Crow’s Nest Officers’ Club weekly Friday pub lunches were happen. A lot of fine work has gone scholarship at Memorial University well attended. There was a vast into the production and details on of Newfoundland. She will be in variety of visitors from across the premiere showing and additional attendance at an upcoming dinner. province, and internation- showings to follow. Details of the exact date to follow. ally and they typically share a com- mon opinion of how interesting, A number of improvements have I look forward to meeting mem- unique, important and welcoming been implemented over the last bers and their guests at the Club the Club is. All one has to do is read three months and they include: the and, of course, enjoying the fine the remarks in the guest book. installation of new handrails in the dining provided by Red Oak Cater- interior stairwells, additional sprin- ing. On August 1 and August 28 there kler heads added, two new were visits from the HMCS Ville de stoves/ranges for the kitchen have Bravo Zulu, Quebec that participated in a pro- been purchased, a new access door Gary Walsh gram that took the crew and guests under the main exterior landing for President to the Arctic. During the initial maintenance was installed and the visit, Gary Green gave a detailed hot water tank was replaced. history of the Club and on the return leg, Margie Morris provided a simi- Membership continues to be lar history. The two presentations strong and it is a testament to the were very well received and gener- historic value of the Club com- ated lots of questions with certifi- memorating the Battle of the Atlan- cates of appreciation presented to tic in WWII and the services of- the Club on both visits. fered to members. I am delighted to report the Club has recently signed The production of the documen- a reciprocal agreement with the tary film telling the Club’s history Royal Air Force (RAF) Club in is well underway and the premiere London, England. This idea was showing is scheduled for Friday suggested by the recently deceased night, November 8, 2019 at The Club member RCAF Flight Lieu- Rooms with a reception to follow. tenant (Retired) Arthur Barret who I This has been a most interesting know would be delighted to hear this news.

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Welcome Aboard New Members as of June 1-2019

In Town Out of Town

William Weedmark John Royle, Wimberley, Texas Dr. Alan Ulsifer, Calgary, AB Matthew Conway Philip Heimbecker, Calgary, AB Bev Hanna-Jones, Castleton, ON Ed Stratton Desmond Jagger-Parsons, Gander, David Beer, Castleton, ON Philip (Bud) Thorne NL Daniel Barter, Raymond, NH, USA Jim Thorne Barry Riedy, Brights Grove, ON Jessie Barter, Atkinson, NH, USA Marjorie Doyle David Clark, Moncton, NB Edgar Gomez, Charlotte, NC, USA Sophie Harrington Nikita Nanos, Ottawa, ON Faith Gomez, Charlotte, NC, USA Chris Sullivan, Fort Worth, Texas Jill Daley, Toronto, ON Senator Rosa Galvez, Levis, QC Robert Starkes, Cow Bay, NS Austin Thorne, Ottawa, ON Morten Lunde, Lillehammer, Nor- way

Syrian Family Update HMCS Ville de Quebec Presentation

As you may remember, a group of Club members decided to sponsor a Syrian family back in 2016. After some fundraising and then merging with two other local groups, the financial threshold was met and the ad- ministrative process completed. Our family of eight arrived in St. John's on July 12th, 2018.

It has been an incredible year. The fam- ily is doing fine but the sponsorship group is exhausted after some bureaucratic battles. However, it was all worthwhile when we saw the family's 12 year old daughter post the following on her Facebook page:

This wonderful year ended it was a won- Cdr. Michael Eelhart of HMCS Ville de Quebec presents a derful year for me and for my friends this plaques to Crow’s Nest President Gary Walsh commemorating year ended very quickly I can remember HMCS Ville de Quebec Canadian Leaders at Sea Arctic Serial #1 every moment this year I loved this year St. John’s to Nuuk. Members of the program and the ship’s com- very much to meet new friends this year pany visited the Crow’s Nest during their stopover in St. John’s. very good I have wonderful friends and (story on page 3) teachers too.

I don't know how well she did in her report card but I give her an A+++ for gratitude and enthusiasm! The formal commitment has ended and the bureaucratic battles are all but forgotten but some fine friendships have been formed. All of us will be looking forward to their continued success in their new city, new country, new home.

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The Crow’s Nest hosts Canadian Leaders at Sea

Members of HMCS Ville de Quebec and CLaS members at the Crow’s Nest.

Each year the Royal Canadian It is an experience that each and This was an opportunity for Navy invites a select group of Ca- every one of them will remember CLaS participants to piggyback on for a lifetime. This year the pro- top an already operational schedule. nadians who are leaders in their professional sector or in their com- gram was offered on board HMCS Participants got an insight into munity to be a part of their Cana- Ville de Quebec. navigation, seamanship, weapons dian Leaders at Sea (CLaS) pro- and mechanical briefings, tours of gram. On August 2nd HMCS Ville de the ship, and hands-on participa- Quebec embarked on Artic Serial tion in many exercises and drills.

LtCdr/ Kray Robichaud #1, St. John’s to Nuuk, Greenland. explained that the Royal Canadian It was the first part of a five part The CLaS group joined mem- Navy’s Canadian Leaders at Sea program for the 2019 Canadian bers of HMCS Ville de Quebec program is one of the Royal Leaders at Sea program. Along the and members of the Crow’s Nest Canadian Navy's strategic outreach way HMCS Ville de Quebec was for a brief history of the Crow’s programs that educates Canadians also completing the business of the Nest by member Gary Green, fol- and the tells the story of the Royal ’s Arctic Op- lowed by an opportunity to social- Canadian Navy as well as the story erations. ize at the Crow’s Nest. of each and every single sailor on- board. It’s an opportunity to understand the RCN brand.

Through the CLaS program par- ticipants learn that the Royal Cana- dian Navy exists for their security and the prosperity that they cur- rently experience in their lives. The program brings Canadian leaders from many sectors of business, aca- demics and parliament on-board to experience what life is like at sea. HMCS Ville de Quebec arriving St. John’s

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Club Dinner Schedule September - December 2019

Club Dinner Schedule Saturday November 9th, 2019 Saturday December 14th, 2019 September - December 2019 Remembrance Day Dinner Pea soup * Saturday September 21nd , 2019 Garden Salad Traditional Turkey Dinner * (Salmon Alternate) German Oktoberfest Buffet Carved Roast Beef * * * Christmas Pudding with a Burnt $ 35.95 per person Cheesecake Rum Sauce

$ 32.95 per person $ 32.95 per person

Friday September 27th, 2019

Weepers Monday November 11th, 2019 Tuesday December 31st, 2019 * Complimentary Hor’s D’oeuvres Complimentary Soup and Bread Lobster Bisque * Oven Roasted Prime Rib Saturday October 5th , 2019 * Saturday November 23rd, 2019 New York Cheesecake Potato Bacon Chowder * Caesar Salad $ 60.00 per person Sundried Tomato Chicken * * Lamb Dinner Pear Strudel * Partridgeberry & Apple Crumble w/ $ 32.95 per person Ice Cream

$ 32.95 per person

Friday October 25th, 2019 The Crow’s Nest PO Box 23161, Weepers Friday November 29th, 2019 RPO Churchill Square * St. John’s, NL Complimentary Hor’s D’oeuvres Weepers Canada A1B 4J9 * Complimentary Hor’s D’oeuvres email: [email protected] Website: www.crowsnestnl.ca Saturday October 26th , 2019 Telephone: 709-753-6927

th Editor: Brian O’Connell Spinach Salad Friday December 13 , 2019 Proofreader: Lacy O’Connell * Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Christmas Weepers * * Dark Chocolate Mousse Complimentary Hor’s D’oeuvres

$ 32.95 per person

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Larry Dohey, Storyteller, Archivist and Teacher Critch said of Larry, “each time I Larry Dohey you became the most would be invited to become involved interesting person at your next din- in a committee or an organization I ner party. He relished discovering would discover that Larry was al- stories from our past that were just ready a member.” out of reach or were at risk of being lost forever. His enthusiasm for our Larry’s dedication and kindness history was infectious. In many of was known to many. He gave freely the programs we recorded, Larry By Brian O’Connell of his time, he was ubiquitous and shared stories about the Royal New- truly loved his work. Many morn- foundland Regiment and the sacri- Larry Dohey was born and grew ings he would often be found out- fices made during the Great War. up in St. Bride’s, Newfoundland, a side The Rooms greeting tourists He put faces, names, and addresses place he was sure to tell you about before the facility opened. Larry to the boy soldiers lost in the killing shortly after you had met him. Larry was never too busy to assist or chat fields of France. was one of 13 children. There were with someone who had an interest seven girls and six boys, the chil- in our shared history or with an Larry told stories about disasters, dren of Clement Dohey, who passed individual who was looking for both man-made and natural. He in 2017, and Loretta (Nash) Dohey, information about their Newfound- shared long lost traditions and who passed in 2014. He was a land roots. through his work at The Rooms, he graduate of Memorial University gave locals and visitors a taste of and the University of Toronto. I have many memories of Larry. our culture, food, and music. On Thursday mornings I would Larry joined The Rooms in 2010. meet him at 8:15 in his office at While Larry Dohey was not a Before that, he was the director and The Rooms where we would record member of The Crow's Nest he was staff archivist for the Roman Catho- the upcoming weekend's radio pro- one the clubs greatest supporters. lic Archdiocese of St. John’s. He gram Archival Moments. Larry was He often encouraged visitors to The was also the director of the Basilica passionate about the old colony's Rooms with an interest in naval Museum and Library from 1993- history and its people. Each week history to visit “The Nest” and ex- 2010. he would have a few new stories perience the history to be found about places, people and events. here. In addition to serving on numer- The majority of these stories were ous boards and committees, Larry not gathered from textbooks, rather Newfoundland and Labrador was (in the little spare time remain- they came from letters, journals or mier Dwight Ball tweeted, “Larry ing) the author of the blog newspaper accounts from our prov- Dohey was a true steward of New- "Archival Moments," which show- ince’s past that Larry had discov- foundland and Labrador history, cased his interest in the history of ered from scouring the provincial culture and lore. His passion and Newfoundland and Labrador. Larry archives. Larry would recall events knowledge of our heritage will be also co-hosted the weekly radio like the Royal St. John's Regatta greatly missed by so many. I offer program "Archival Moments" on and the very human stories that took my sincerest condolences to his 590 VOCM. place back in the day or as Larry family, friends, and colleagues; would say, “there was a time.” Larry was a wonderful person.” Larry was involved in many as- pects of our community. He served On many occasions, in conversa- Larry Dohey's dedication to his as president of the Association of tion with Larry, people would share chosen field of work is an example Newfoundland and Labrador Archi- a story or offer up a tidbit of infor- to all of us that we must continue to vists, he was a member of the board mation, perhaps recalled from a keep our shared history alive. of directors of Destination St. story told by a grandparent or other John’s, the Victoria Park Founda- relative. Larry would take the As Larry’s niece said upon his tion, the Irish Newfoundland Asso- smallest piece of information and passing “be the things you love the ciation and he was a former vice- uncover the event, the location, the most about the people who have president of the Newfoundland His- people involved and so much more. gone.” We will all miss Larry. torical Society. Comedian Mark If you spent a few hours with

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From The Crow’s Nest Did you know that the Crow's Fortieth Anniversary Booklet 1982 Nest houses Canada's official na- Prince Philip Visits The Crow’s Nest tional collection of Gunshield Art?

two famous flights of stairs to the The book covers the story of top deck. The convivial hubhub of a HMCS Spikenard, the service in the full turnout of members was imme- air, 125 RAF Newfoundland Squad- diately replaced with three resound- ron, the surrender of the German ing cheers for His Royal Highness. submarine U190 at the end of the war and how we acquired the To expedite the proceedings, U190's periscope in 1963. Club Steward at the time, Harold Hiscock, was ready with a tray After the war, the Crow's Nest loaded with a choice of any drink was closed for a short period but Prince Philip might conceivably reopened as a private offices club want. He chose Rye and Ginger, for veterans. Many past members identified from the mystifying col- have supported and enhanced the lection by Hiscock with a tap on the club since its reopening and in 2002 glass. Lieutenant Shannon M. Lewis, Royal Naval Reserve, (yes she was A navy man himself, Lieutenant working with the Brits at the time,) Commander in his own right, Prince compiled our collection of memora- Philip appeared as much at home in bilia, stories, printed articles, photo- the service-oriented Crow's Nest as Prince Philip signs the guest book graphs and edited them to create he would have been aboard his own this book, A Safe Haven. Armistice Day November 11, former command, HMS Magpie. 1951 was made most memorable for Unfazed by such small incidents as In our attempt to reprint the book members of the Crow's Nest by the someone dropping a sherry glass, we were almost defeated by time privilege and pleasure of a particu- which he adroitly flicked to one and evolving technology, but in The larly welcome visitor - His Royal side with his foot, Prince Philip Crow's Nest form and with sheer Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. closely examined all the plaques, determination we soldiered on, dam mementoes and memorabilia, ask- the torpedos and in 2019 arrives Thanks to the interest and coop- ing a host of questions in the course safely in port with minimum dam- eration of that long-time member of meeting and chatting with every age and a few enhancements. The and constant supporter, Sir Leonard member present. Military Artifacts Association now Outerbridge, Lieutenant Governor has our books preserved in digital at the time, arrangements were Needless to say what was to have format for future members to use in made to enable Prince Philip to been a 15-minute visit lasted a little new and creative ways. make a private visit to the club. longer! Before leaving, Prince Philip signed the Guest Log and The proceeds from the book sup- In the interests of privacy the was pleased to accept Honorary ports our efforts to digitize pictures Executive had decided to forego Membership in the Club. and documents as a safeguard invitations to the press, except for against deterioration and accidental the naval photographer, and to re- loss. Our target audience is tourists, strict attendance to members only. A Safe Haven visitors, and new members as they It was agreed that formalities should are pleasantly surprised (even ex- be kept to the minimum necessary We have reprinted A Safe Haven. cited) when they discover this hid- to pay respect to such a distin- This book is the history of The den gem in Newfyjohn (p.34) guished guest. Crow's Nest. From its opening, known as The Crow's Nest. A Safe January 1942, it tells first-person Haven is now available at thirty Greeted on arrival at the War stories of the veterans of WWII and dollars per copy. The Crow's Nest Memorial by then President, Tony the . It tells the member's price is twenty dollars. Ayre, Prince Philip, accompanied stories of the Gunshield Art and the by Sir Leonard, was escorted up the plaques you see on the walls. Michael de Verteuil

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Crossed the Bar

morial Trust, the Convoy Cup and Victoria (Bruce Belbin); and Foundation, the Royal Canadian seven step-grandchildren Marcus, Naval Association, the Friends of Alexandra, Max, Caroline, Jack, HMCS Haida, the Halifax Branch Ben and Charlotte. Peter was an of the Company of Master Mariners active member of the business and and the Royal Naval Association - volunteer communities of New- Londonderry Northern Ireland foundland & Labrador for many Branch. They enthusiastically sup- years. Donations in Peter’s memory ported Crow’s Nest events such as may be made to St. Thomas’ Angli- our Wake and 75th anni- can Church in St. John’s, or the versary weekend. Jim will be for- Parkinson Society Nfld. & Labrador ever remembered for his dignity, (www.nlparkinson.ca). sincerity, questionable sense of hu- Lieutenant-Commander mour, love of his family - especially James P. Reddy his sisters - and friends, sailing with Steve and Cam, visiting Lizzie in Long-time member LCdr Jim Wales, CBC's Saturday afternoon at Reddy died at home in Dartmouth the opera, Lisa Laflamme at 2300 on 25 August, 2019 at the age of 71. and a "good red." Jim was the captain of Peter Outerbridge HMCS Sackville - Canada's Naval Memorial, a position he held with pride and considered his way of giving back to the community and the veterans of the Second World War.

Jim joined the Royal Canadian Navy through the ROTP program in 1965, graduating with a BSc from St. Francis Xavier University in 1969. He went on to serve in ships of both the Atlantic and Pacific Dave Gilbert Fleets, with shore postings in Hali- fax, Esquimalt, St. John's and Long-time member Dave S. Gil- NDHQ in Ottawa. He finished his bert passed away in St. John's on naval career as the Queen's Harbour July 1st, 2019. Born in the since- Master in Halifax in 2003. Long-time member Peter Norman resettled Placentia Bay community Outerbridge passed away in St. of Haystack, Gilbert was active in After retirement from the Navy, John’s on July 17, 2019, in his Grand Falls-Windsor business and st Jim shifted his interests to volun- 91 year. Peter was predeceased by political circles before getting teering his time to naval veteran his first wife Marion (Marni) in elected to the House of Assembly. related activities. He and his wife 1985 and now leaving to mourn his Gilbert represented the south coast Pat have played a key role in foster- wife of almost 30 years, Sharon; district of Burgeo–Bay d'Espoir for ing an appreciation of Canada’s three sons – Stephen (Corie), Mark almost 11 years, starting in 1985. Naval Heritage since 2003 – not (Colleen), and John (Jennifer); eight He was the son of the late John Wil- only in the Halifax area but across grandchildren – Colin (Jenny), liam and Julia (Paul) Gilbert. the country. Jim and Pat have been Grant (Kristen Williams), Marni, an inseparable team and the faces of Paul, Julia, Amy, Olivia, and Maria; Canada’s naval heritage with such three step-children – Paul Sparkes groups as the Canadian Naval Me- (Allison), Cindy (Matts Johansson), Continued on page 8

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Crossed the Bar continued Continued from page 7 In 1969, Vera was awarded Best Actress for her performance as Kit He leaves to mourn is his wife in "A Lion in Love", a play by Ann Marie (Murphy) Gilbert, his Sheilagh Delaney, at the Dominion four children: Lynn Fisher (Bruce), Drama Festival, St. John's re- Scott (Dale), Barry, and Craig gion. She went on to work in radio (Stella); his two step-children: Joan- and television, and more recently in mary Baker (Stephen) and Chris wonderful Newfoundland Tourism Baker (Carrie); twelve grandchil- ads beamed across North America dren and two great-grandchildren. for several years. Vera very much Donations in David's memory grate- enjoyed receiving the residual Douglas Osborne Palmer fully accepted at the Jimmy Pratt cheques that are probably still com- Memorial Outreach Centre of the ing in. Long-time member Douglas Palmer, George Street United Church or the passed away on June 10, 2019, at Sid- Center of Hope, Salvation Army St. Vera was a joy to watch in every- ney, B.C. Doug was born in St. John’s John's. thing she did. A natural, the quin- and educated at Bishop Feild College, and later Memorial University. During tessential bright Cockney Sparrow, that time he joined the St. Andrews ready for all comers with her quick Boy Scott Troop and became their wit and warm smile. Master Scout. Some time after the war broke out he joined the RCAF. In April, Vera, Magda and I en- joyed Arthur's wonderful 95th birth- He went overseas in 1943. He joined day party given by the Crow's Nest, his crew as a rear gunner on a Halifax after which we all dashed over to Bomber out of York, UK. They were on their 8th mission when shot down the Art's and Culture Center to over Germany. Only 3 survived. Doug watch School Zone's opening play evaded for 10 days heading for France. of the 75th anniversary Newfound- However, his luck was not with him. land Drama Festival, followed by The Germans picked him up and he an entertaining reception. Magda became a POW for the rest of the war. and I took Vera home to her cottage at St. Luke's at about midnight, He then went to Gander working when Vera declared she was too with the Air Line industry. He worked excited to sleep and like to carry on there for 19 years. He played a part in forming many organizations including celebrating! However, we were too the 537 Air Cadet Squadron. Doug was Vera Dupree worn out to even think about it, its leader. It is still in operation to this dropping Vera off at her front door. day. FOND THOUGHTS OF VERA DUPREE The Crow's Nest and all of us In 1963 he retired from RCAF with by John Moyes have lost a dear friend whose com- the rank of Squadron Leader. He then pany we have enjoyed at the Crow's moved to St. John’s to become a part of Vera Dupree, our star, crossed Nest for over 50 years. the newly formed Power Commission. 'the bar' on August 12th 2019, He worked there for 10 years and re- tired to become a country gentleman shortly before her 96th birthday. To Our sympathy goes out to her son and a snow bird. Doug and his wife lose another veteran of the WWII David, daughters Pat, Janet, Linda Jane moved to British Columbia in London Blitz is sad indeed, but also and their families. 2007. losing Arthur Barrett, a few months before is, as the poet Oscar Wilde John Moyes Contributions in his memory may be said "To lose two looks like care- made to the St. John’s branch of the lessness" Canadian Cancer Society.

Vera and Arthur both worked in and enjoyed a lifetime in the theatre here in Newfoundland.

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