ACTION STATIONS! ’S NAVAL MEMORIAL MAGAZINE Volume 36 - Issue 1, Spring 2017 ACTION STATIONS! Volume 36 - Issue 1 Winter 2017 Features

Our Cover Interrupted Voyage Editor and design: 11 LCdr ret’d Pat Jessup Chair - Public Relations, CNMT Benevolent Fund [email protected] 16

Editorial Committee 18 RCAF Involvement in the : Cdr ret’d Len Canfield - Public Affairs Turning the Tide LCdr ret’d Doug Thomas - Executive Director Vice- Percy W. Nelles, Debbie Findlay - Financial Canada’s Merchant Navy: Chief of the Naval Staff, addressing Leading Seaman ret’d Steve Rowland 24 The Men Who Saved The World the Ship’s Company of HMCS Athabaskan, , , 14 April 1944. LAC/PA-113723 Editorial Associates They Were Young Diana Hennessy 30 HMCS Athabaskan’s ship’s company portrait, 1944. ret’d Peter Holmes Tanya Cowbrough Namesake Ships In the early hours of 29 April 1944, HMC Ships Tony Bradley 32 Haida and Athabaskan were conducting mine-laying operations near the tip of the Britanny peninsula Photography and Images: HMCS Athabaskan takes final salute in the Enblish Channel. At 0238 Athabaskan’s ra- Lt(N) ret’d Ian Urquhart 34 dar picked up “two small objects traveling at high after 44 years of dedicated service speed” near the Isle of . At the same time, Cdr ret’d Bill Gard Plymouth radioed “to intercept at full speed.” Hai- da fired starshell, illuminating German Elbing Class CPO2 ret’d Dean Boettger - A/RCN Heritage Officer T-24 and T-27, 7300 yards away. The Departments HMCS Haida’s motor cutter two Elbings, sheltering in Morlaix for repairs, were Formation Imagery Services, making a run for their home base of Brest under the recovered six HMCS Athabaskans 04 Executive Reports and sputtered across the English cover of darkness. Despite taking evasive action, Channel, arriving in Penzance, turning thirty degrees to present a reduced target, 07 Crossed the Bar Roger Litwiller: 36 Book Review Cornwall, 30 hours later. LAC/PA- German torpedoes found Athabaskan, destroying her http://www.rogerlitwiller.com/ 152033 stern and killing her after crews. With her propul- 37 Mail Bag sion out of action, Athabaskan was dead in the wa- Sandy McClearn, ter. Her John Stubbs reported: “I’m hit and Smugmug: http://smcclearn.smugmug.com/ losing power” and ordered the crew to stand by to HMCS ATHABASKAN abandon ship. On fire, Athabaskan starting taking HMCS SACKVILLE on water, more than her pumps could manage. A This issue of Action Stations is dedicated to HMC Ships named PO Box 99000 Station Forces Athabaskan and all those who have served in them. second report from Stubbs amplified the gravity of Halifax, NS B3K 5X5 the situation: “It looks quite serious. Am steering aft.” Before continuing the chase Haida laid a smoke- Summer phone number downtown berth: Arctic, 1943–44; screen to protect Athabaskan from further attacks. 902-429-2132 , 1944; Ten minutes later a massive explosion amidships Korea, 1950–53; Winter phone in the Dockyard: 902-427-2837 Gulf and Kuwait Canadian Red Cross volunteers greet ripped through the ship. Many of the crew includ- Athabaskan sailors with candy and ing the captain were catapulted over the side. short- Website: HMCSSACKVILLE.ca cigarettes after rescue by Haida. ly after her stern went under and her bow came up LAC/PA-166523 and Athabaskan slipped to her watery grave.

Action Stations! Winter 2017 3 From the Chair by Captain (Navy) ret’d Bryan Elson Captain’s Cabin by ret’d Jim Reddy docking Provision of Services Agreement, which t is early Spring in but far more supported by the Navy with the assignment of is a pre-requisite for work to commence. In view “wintry” than usual. During a February HMCS Montreal to assist in our commemora- of the overdue docking, Marlant has undertaken Isoutheasterly blow, the forward log fender tions. While I miss not sailing Sackville (under to up-date the previous internal hull survey and broke clear which resulted in the port bow rub- the Queen’s Harbour Master’s tug power) for to formalize the arrangements for Dockyard Fire bing against the jetty and scraping some paint. BOA Sunday, our service in a magnificent, mod- Department emergency assistance before the ship While this damage was very minor, it does ern frigate lends all the dignity and style that this moves downtown. highlight the need to special event needs, not to tend daily to the old cor- mention the comfort and Under the stellar leadership of George Borgal , vette - as we do. Inciden- shelter of a large hangar. the Trust’s Project Working Group Committee tally, all this occurred on has made great strides with an innovative ap- a Monday“storm day” for This summer on the Hali- proach to securing concrete financial support for which the Base and Dock- fax waterfront is shap- Battle of the Atlantic Place (BOAP). While noth- yard were “closed.”RCN ing up to be memorable. ing is certain, there is good reason to believe that personnel making regular Tall Ships 2017, linked to interim funding may become available sooner rounds reported the situa- Canada 150, will bring the than had been anticipated. It may then be pos- tion, action was taken, and largest assembly of sailing fenders were put in place to vessels to Halifax since sible to stand up the Battle of the Atlantic Society protect our bow: indicative the millennium year. We to assume its intended role as developer of the Chair of the Board of Directors, CNMT, Bryan of the genuine concern and provide our conference facility, which up to now has been the responsi- Elson (right) and his son and CNMT Director, team effort in the care and room as a working office bility of the Trust. Dr. Christopher Elson toasting the season onboard custody of Canada’s Naval for the Liaison Officer HMCS Sackville, Christmas 2016. Memorial. team and the whole ship t has been nearly six months since my last col- That will leave the Trust free to carry out its own Jim Reddy presenting the Captain’s coin to Rolfe is available for after- umn. At that time the ship had just returned responsibilities with respect to BOAP, namely The usual winter mainte- hours events. This year, to continue to operate and restore the ship and Monteith at his home in Brockweir, England Ito the dockyard after a very successful down- nance proceeds. Our large, for his ongoing committment to promoting the the Navy’s sail training town summer, and already we are looking ahead above all to ensure its preservation up until the downtown gangway is in CNMT in the UK. vessel HMCS Oriole will to the summer of 2017. Building on his very point at which it is physically embodied in the for repair and repainting. visit from Esquimalt for productive ship - host programme Bert Walker facility. All of this will continue to take time. To simplify our fuel arrangements for the furnace the first time since the 1980s. Later this year, the has just sponsored a workshop that will enhance It has already been thirty-three years since the and generator we have taken out of action one of 100th anniversary of the will the Duty Trustee programme this year and make Canadian Naval Memorial Trust (CNMT) was our two diesel tanks and consolidated to using be observed. A significant naval aspect will be for an even better visitor experience. formed, and over that period the dedicated effort one. Engine room beautification is underway, as the visit of RCN engineering BOA veterans Vice and donations of thousands of Trustees has cre- our original triple expansion engine, which we Admiral Bob Stephens and Captain (N) Rolfe After in-depth consideration the Board of Direc- ated the irreplaceable center-piece that is the ship canmove with a hydraulic motor, remains one of Monteith whose fathers were serving in Halifax tors has decided not to proceed with its Chase today. our unique attractions. at the time. the Ace initiative, at least at this time, since it has not been possible to identify qualified personnel As the present watch of Trustees we must com- In the coming weeks we will be sprucing up the Looking ahead to May 2018 when, once again, a to drive the plan. Active planning is under way mit to continuing those efforts throughout the ship and tweaking our displays before shifting to CNMT team will travel to Londonderry, North- for the Battle of the Atlantic Concert and for the many years it will take for BOAP to come to frui- our downton berth in June. As part of this prepa- ern Ireland to participate in BOA ceremonies and Battle of the Atlantic Dinner, both of which will tion. Looking ahead, there is no obvious reason ration, we are undergoing a hull survey to con- in particular to attend the consecration of the take place in new venues this year. why the Trust should not continue as a going firm our fitness and floating integrity alongside. third and final “Triangle Run”commemorative concern after BOAP completion, albeit in a man- bell destined for St. John’s, NL (The bell “tril- The short term preservation of the ship has ner consistent with whatever the new circum- Trustees will be well aware that for some years ogy” was described in the past summer Action been an active issue over the winter. It is now stances may turn out to be. Certainly decisions now the embarkation of large groups for the at Stations.) We have been participating in this nearly nine years since the ship’s last dock- as to its future will be made by the membership. sea Battle of the Atlantic committal ceremony event since 2005 when Ray Soucie made contact ing, three year’s overdue. There are indications In any event, the facility must include prominent onboard has been deemed questionable. As the with the Royal Naval Association - Londonderry that a docking window will open this fall after and striking visual recognition of the debt owed Chair notes in his column, we expect this issue Branch and organized the first pilgrimage. We the ship’s return from downtown. However, by BOAP and by Canada to the thousands of vol- to be resolved later this year with the anticipated have been treated like family ever since. Trustees Maritime Forces Alantic (Marlant) still awaits unteers without whose devoted efforts the new docking. So as we approach the BOA remem- are encouraged to sign up for this outstanding National Defence Headquarters approval of the icon could not have been brought to life. brances for 2017 in early May, we are again memorable and historical experience.

4 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 5 and Andrew Miles, daughter Kathleen Anne, Executive Director’s Report Crossed the Bar mother Eloise, sister Sally, brother Charles and a Do You Hear There? number of grandchildren Hilbert Arthur (Harry) Bull, Duty Trustees: the military, or if you are the son or daughter a corvette veteran of the Battle Clement Wilbur (Clem) I anticipate that 2017 will be an outstanding of a Veteran, may consider staying overnight of the Atlantic and described Francis, a long-time employee tourist season with additional visitors to the in Juno Towers - based on availability - for a by family as “a man of the sea of Maritime Tel & Tel (later region and to HMCS Sackville likely due to the very reasonable cost if you would prefer not to and the sky” passed away in Aliant) passed away in Dart- 150th Birthday of Confederation and Tall Ships drive home after dinner. Please let the ship (902- Bedford, NS Jan 28 at age 94. mouth, NS Nov 9 at age 83. Halifax 29 July – 01 August. We expect to have 427-2837) or me know if you wish to attend this Following the war he served His interests and hobbies more Duty Trustees than last year, and we have event. in the RCAF for 25 years, in- included running, furniture applied again for a grant for Interpretive Guides cluding posting to CFB Green- making and painting. Clem through the Canada Summer Jobs Program – Naval Heritage Calendar: wood and was involved with was a long time Trustee whose please consider volunteering as a Duty Trustee. I We have decided not to do a calendar for the building and operating the Waterville airport contribution to ship is clearly evident in his am sure you will enjoy the experience and it is a 2018. Although some of you have been keen in the Annapolis Valley. The love of flying lasted skilled workmanship in furniture making. He splendid way to support our cause. supporters in the past, the reality is that sales of throughout his life. He was predeceased by his was a follower of Canadian war artist Lawren calendars have dropped each year. Many people wife Marion, brother Gordon and sister Jo; he is Harris and painted many scenes of Dartmouth Bert Walker has already organized a gathering with smart phones now depend upon them to survived by daughters Wendy, Gail and Shelley in his style. Clem was predeceased by his wife of Trustees to learn more about our ship organize their schedule rather than a calendar and a number of grand and great-grandchildren. Mary and sister Joan; survivors include his sons and hosting visitors, and several more such as in the past. I believe our calendars were very Peter and John, daughter Jayne and brothers Paul events are planned before summer. Jim special, and I thank the committee who worked Robert Hugh (Bob) Daniels, and Brian. Reddy, Graham McBride, Pat Devenish and diligently to produce them during the past few whose naval career included I spoke about “Fighting the Ship”, “Wartime years. Noteworthy too was the sponsorship service in HMC Ships Hu- Lieutenant Commander Russell Freeman (ret’d), Communications”, “Corvette Engineering, of Peter Mielzynski Agencies, whose financial ron, Buckingham and Swansea, who joined the RCN as and the make-up of a typical Corvette Ship’s support was essential to producing a high-quality passed away in Dartmouth, boy seaman at 16, served Company and there was a lively discussion about product. NS Oct 17 at age 82. Follow- at sea throughout the a number of topics. It was a terrific social event ing release from the Navy, Second World War and too, with refreshments, wartime music played DEFSEC 2017: Bob was employed by Philco following a 35 year naval on the piano, and a light lunch prepared by the We expect to be at the Cunard Centre at Pier 23 Corporation maintaining radar career joined the Nova ladies in Bert’s building. 5-7 September as in past years. It may be that systems at HMCS Shearwater and later worked Scotia public service there will be fewer onboard meeting rooms at Canadian Forces air bases in Europe. In 1965 passed away in Halifax Battle of the Atlantic Concert: booked as DEFSEC will have air-conditioned he joined Technical Marketing & Associates and Jan 18 at age 98. During We will continue the tradition of holding a trailers available for rent. Nevertheless, the rose to president, retiring from the company the war he served on pa- Battle of the Atlantic Musical Gala, this year exposure of HMCS Sackville and our booth to in 1989. He was active in a number of military trol and escort duty in the North Sea, the Iceland- at the Central Library on Spring Garden Road exhibitors and visitors to DEFSEC is invaluable. support and community organizations including Faeroes-UK gap and the Murmansk Run. In 1943 at 2:00 p.m. Sunday 30 April, once again with We will need a few volunteers to help out as in the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust, Dartmouth he was commissioned a officer and while the Stadacona Band and soloist Liz Rigney. the past. Sportsplex and the Korea War Veterans Associa- serving in HMCS Haida was Mentioned in Dis- The new Library is a splendid building and we tion. Survivors include his wife Anna, children patches. In the post-war period his service in- hope that we will attract people who have not Volunteers needed: Derrick and Calvin, several grandchildren and cluded mine disposal officer West Coast, HMCS heard about the Battle of the Atlantic or HMCS As Duty Trustees and tour guides in the brother Bill. Donations in Bob’s name may be Huron during the Korean War and command of Sackville previously. As the Library theatre can Summer. Help with Action Stations and social made to CNMT/HMCS Sackville. the minesweeper HMCS Cordova. He later served only accommodate 340 attendees, you will need media (if you are interested in helping with at National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa as to arrive early if you want a seat. The BOA AS or social media please contact Pat Jessup Commander Brian Fisher CD director of the undersea warfare and mine coun- concert is our signature event for Canada 150 and at [email protected].). Kevin (ret’d) of Bedford, NS, who termeasures section before being seconded to the admission is waived this year. Waterman, our assistant Chief Bosun’s Mate, has was a member of the ROTP in Portsmouth, England. His last ap- volunteered to help out as Gift Shop Manager. while attending Concordia pointment was Commander of the First Canadian Battle of the Atlantic Dinner: If you have any queries about how you might University (Sir George Wil- Escort Squadron, Halifax. Following his naval This year’s Dinner will be held at the CFB Halifax become involved please contact me. liams), Montreal and served in career he was employed with the Nova Scotia Wardroom Officers’ Mess in Juno Tower on the Navy for 32 years, passed Voluntary Economic Planning Board responsible the evening of 5 May. The cost will be about Yours aye, away March 4 at age 75. Survi- for the tourism sector. He was active in the com- $60 including wine, and it promises to be a Doug Thomas (execdir@canadasnavalmemorial. vors include his wife Margaret munity and pursued new skills throughout his splendid occasion. Those of you with service in ca 902-721-1206 (weekday mornings) Rose, sons Christopher Brian life, including learning to fly at age 70. He was 6 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 7 predeceased by his wife Margaret and brother Canadian Legion, High River. He is survived Lieutenant Commander Peter John Melkert, active in a number of com- Alfred (Fred); survivors include daughters Laura by his wife Gerry, daughters Carla, Kendra and George A. Kearney CD, munity organizations and a strong supporter of and Pamela, son Kim and a number of grandchil- Leslie and a number of grandchildren; he was who commenced his naval veterans passed away in Halifax in February at dren. Donations may be made to the Canadian predeceased by daughter Kim. career as an ordinary sea- age 87. He was born in Hol- Naval Memorial Trust, Canadian Cancer Society man in 1943 and served land, immigrated to Canada or charity of choice. LCdr Freeman is pictured Lieutenant Commander Allan R. Guy CD, who during the Second World in 1952 and was involved in in front of the torpedo tubes in HMCS Saguenay served as a radar artificer War and following hostili- the automotive industry for prior to WWII. during WW ll and continued ties passed away in Thunder a number of years including his naval career following Bay, ON Aug 17 at age 93. operating Melkert Motors. Warrant Officer Gerald John Gillingham MB, the end of hostilities, passed During the war he served as Early in his career he served CD, who had a lengthy away in Wainwright, Al- a coder in Canada, the North in the Militia and later became service career in the Royal berta Dec 18 at age 91. He Atlantic and the UK in HMC Ships and shore an Auxiliary RCMP constable Canadian Navy and was joined HMCS Nonsuch as a establishments Niobe, Leaside, Stonetown, Peregrine as an interpreter and involved awarded the Medal of sea cadet in 1939 and sev- and Gloucester. He was commissioned in 1950 in emergency measures operations. He was a Bravery for his action dur- eral years later enlisted in through the UNTD at the University of Manitoba member of Canadian Martyrs/St Thomas Aqui- ing the explosion and fire the RCN as an ordinary seaman serving out of and served in HMCS Ontario (1951-52); Great nas Church, Royal Canadian Legion including aboard HMCS Kootenay Halifax and St John’s. During his naval career Lakes Training Centre, Hamilton; and HMCS chair of the Halifax Central Poppy Committee, in 1969 passed away in he served in HMC Ships Marvita, Lanark, New Prestonian (1953-54) before returning to his home Walter Callow Wheelchair Bus and the Atlantic Halifax July 18, 2016. His Liskeard, Portage, Wallaceburg, Ungava, Sioux and division HMCS Griffon, Thunder Bay. In civilian Swells Barbershop Chorus. Among his commu- citation for the MB reads Sussexvale and shore establishments HMCS Star, life he was a high school history teacher and ac- nity service awards was the Governor ’s in part: “WO Gillingham Stadacona, Naden, Cornwallis and Niobe, London, tive in a number of military support and commu- Caring Canadian Award. He was predeceased by organized firefighting activities and by example England. Following retirement from the RCN in nity organizations including the Royal Canadian his partner Eva; survivors include his daughter in dangerous situations, provided morale leader- 1971 he was employed as a property manager Legion (Meritorious Service Medal 2009), Naval Anita; sons Danny, Ricky, Peter and Demetrius; a ship in coping with fire and damage that resulted and financial adviser with Montreal Trust and Officers Association of Canada, the Canadian number of grandchildren and his partner’s chil- from an engine room explosion aboard HMCS later as a self-employed certified general accoun- Naval Memorial Trust, Royal Canadian Naval dren John and Maria. Kootenay...he put on a breathing apparatus and tant. A trustee of the Canadian Naval Memorial Association, Gyro Club and the Thunder Bay made his way into a devastated area immedi- Trust, he was an active community member and Historical Museum. Survivors include his wife Major Hugh F.H. Pullen CD, whose military ately above the engine room to shut off the “main past president of the RCL Edgerton Branch. He Vera, children George, Geoffrey and Joel, and a career included service stops” at the emergency position. Later, he ex- was predeceased by his wife Helen; survivors number of grandchildren. in several regiments and posed himself to heat and flame to operate one of include son David, daughter Lynn and a number with the UN Multina- the fire hoses being used near the engine room.” of grandchildren. Harry J. McEwan, a veteran of WWII who served tional Force and Observ- WO Gillingham is pictured in the white shirt and with the RCN in the Atlantic and Pacific theatres ers Peacekeeping Mission cap with David Gourley surveying the engine Felicity Margot Hanington, a journalist and ac- of operations passed away in Egypt, passed away in room damage in Kootenay. tive in the Naval Association in Chatham, ON in Novem- Halifax Sept 6, 2016. He of Canada-Vancouver Island ber 2015 in his 93rd year. He was born 1934, son of the Gerald Eugene (Gerry) Greer, a life member of Branch as editor of the Lead was a financial consultant late Hugh the Canadian Naval Memo- & Line newsletter passed for Investors Group for 42 F. Pullen and Helen Pul- rial Trust who served in away Oct 29 after a lengthy years, a Life Member of the len. He was a graduate of the RCN 1955-1965 passed illness at age 60. She was Canadian Naval Memo- the Royal Military College (1956) (pictured) and away in High River, Alberta the daughter of the late Rear rial Trust and active in the served in the Royal 22nd Regiment, the Black in February 2016 at age 78. Admiral Daniel Hanington community, including past Watch and the Royal Canadian Regiment along Gerry undertook new entry and Margot Wallace and had president of the Clinton with an exchange posting to the British Army training at HMCS Cornwallis a lengthy career in finance and publishing, in- Kinsmen Club and Chatham School of Infantry. Following retirement from and served in HMC Ships cluding serving as editor of the Navy’s east coast Minor Hockey Association army in 1980 he served as administrator for the Haida, Lanark, Saguenay, Trident newspaper and as a speech writer for and a member of the Clinton Masonic Lodge, Law Courts Commission and was active in heri- Bonaventure, Shelburne and at former Defence Minister Perrin Beatty. Felicity Chatham Lodge of Perfection, Kent Chapter Rose tage and development and other community CANCOMFLT. In civilian life he was involved in was active in several community organizations Croix, Mocha Temple and Ahcom Shrine Club. activities. He is survived by his wife Gillian, chil- the construction industry and operated his own including the Mustard Seed Food Bank and the His wife Elva passed away Dec 28, 2016 in her dren Nicholas and Lucy, siblings Tinker, Sarah, company, Greer Contracting Ltd. In addition St Vincent de Paul Society. Survivors include her 90th year. Survivors include sons Rolfe, Clare Margo, Frances, Helen and William and several to CNMT, he was a life member of the Calgary husband Lawrence Dawe, daughter Charlotte and Brett and a number of grandchildren and grandchildren. Navy Vets Association, and a member of the Emily, son Matthew Lionel and siblings Gillian, great-grandchildren. Royal Canadian Naval Association and the Royal Mark and Brian. 8 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 9 John Thomas (Sam) Shimansky, who was serv- (Rosie), and sisters Phyllis (Ed), Audrey (Neil), ing in HMCS Kootenay at the brother Robert (Linda) and several grand and time of the explosion and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his fire in the in 1969, wife Joan. passed away in Welland, Ontario Dec 4 at age 70. John Chief Petty Officer Lawrence (Larry) Uwins of volunteered for the Southend Halifax, who joined the Neighbourhood Commit- Royal Canadian Navy in tee coaching children’s co- 1953 and served to 1986 ed baseball for many years. passed away in Halifax What was most important March 20, 2016 at age 80. to John was family and he always prayed to the Prior to his release he was Angels to watch over his children. Survivors in- stationed at CFB Halifax clude his wife Victoria, children Vanessa, Anna- where he served in the of- bel, Asia, Brodie, Jessica and Lauren, a number of ficers messes. Following re- grandchildren and extended family members. tirement he served as civil- Dorothy Wilcox and her son Don among other survivors rescued by the Norwegian freighter Knute Nelson arriving in Wales, ian bar manager for C&POs Interrupted Voyage 3 September, 1939. Don is the young lad looking directly into Christina Stringer, widow of Petty Officer Lewis messes. He is survived by his wife Olga, daugh- by Carl Anderson the camera in front of the ventilator trunk. His mother is on his Stringer, CV, passed away ter Jennifer, son Timothy, several grandchildren, right. in Antigonish at age 92. As brothers and sisters-in-law Walter Chaban and On 3 September 1939 a German torpedo sank the last until the spring of 1940. Economic warfare a young woman Christina Orest and Carolyn Chaban; he was predeceased Donaldson Line trans-Atlantic steamship SS Athenia intensified, however. As an island nation Britain was employed with Simpson by brother William and sister Mildred. off the coast of Northern Ireland and opened the Battle imported raw materials, food, fuel, machinery, Sears in Antigonish and Hali- of the Atlantic of the Second World War. Fourteen- and manufactured goods from around the world, fax. She lived in Dartmouth Joseph Robert (Harry) Watson, a 29 year Navy year-old Don Wilcox and his mother Dorothy were and she depended on export trade to pay for but returned to Antigonish veteran who served in HMCS Kootenay during homeward bound for Canada aboard the Athenia and those commodities. She now sought to secure with her daughters after the the tragic explosion in the survived the sinking along with 1,306 other passen- those vital supplies through trade agreements untimely death of her hus- ship in 1969 passed away gers and crew. In the year 2000 Don wrote a memoir with neutral states. At the same time she moved band as a result of a gearbox Feb 3 in Dartmouth, NS of his experience. This is the conclusion of Don’s to deny these same materials to Germany with a explosion in HMCS Kootenay in 1969. PO Stringer at age 74. He later was story, based on his memoir, his personal papers, and naval blockade. was awarded the Cross of Valour posthumously employed with Halifax Alfred Draper’s book Operation Fish: The Race to for performance of an act “...of the most con- Shipyard for 15 years. He Save Europe’s Wealth (Cassell, 1979). The United States was by far Britain’s most im- spicuous courage.” The CV and two other deco- is survived by his wife portant trading partner, but the U.S. Neutrality rations for bravery were created in 1972. Her Diane, sons Richard, Rob Part 2- Second Time Lucky Act of 1939 prohibited U.S. sales of war materiel survivors include daughters Louise, Susan and and John; daughter Diane, to belligerent states except on a cash-and-carry Jacqueline, sisters Ruth, Frances, Jean, Florence brother Pete, sister Rene wo weeks after the Athenia sinking, Britain basis. and Anne, brothers Jackie, Colin and Carroll and and a number of grandchildren; he was prede- instituted convoying of merchant vessels several grandchildren. ceased by brother Don and sisters Mary and Jean. Tin the Atlantic. Dorothy Wilcox, shaken Germany’s invasion of neutral Norway and Den- by the Athenia experience, was unwilling to set mark on 9 April 1940 abruptly ended the Pho- Douglas Arthur Taylor, out immediately on a second Atlantic crossing ney War. The following day Winston Churchill son of the late Herman and HMCS Kootenay window, to Canada. Instead, she and Don returned to her replaced Neville Chamberlain as British Prime Agnes Taylor of Kentville St. Brendan’s Chapel, family in Wales where they had spent the sum- Minister. Dorothy and Don were by then living passed away February 21, Canadian Forces Base mer. They took an apartment in Cardiff and Don with her parents in Cardiff. Dorothy believed 2017 at the age of 79. Joining Halifax. enrolled in the Monkton House School. He wrote that if she and Don could not soon find passage in 1954, Doug served 21 years in his memoir, “We were both issued with iden- to Canada, they might be stranded in Wales in- in the Canadian military as tity cards and gas masks which we, and everyone definitely. a cook. He was serving in else, always had to carry. I cycled back and forth HMCS Kootenay when the about three miles to school and even the head- On 16 April Dorothy’s brother-in-law A.C.B. ship’s gearbox exploded in light on my bicycle was blacked out except for a Pickford visited Canada House in London. He 1969. He did three tours in Germany and two in half inch strip across the center.” sought the Canadian Government’s help in get- Cyprus, retiring as head chef in Camp Aldershot. ting the Wilcoxes home, but an official informed He is survived by his sons, David (May), Doug That fall Europe entered a lull in naval and mili- him that no funds were available to repatriate tary warfare, the “Phoney War”, which was to Canadian survivors of the Athenia sinking. The 10 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 11 Canadian representative told Pickford, however, Dorothy gratefully accepted the offered Cunard- to Dorothy and Don, who remembered all too put Britain’s wealth beyond the enemy’s grasp, that CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) ships were White Star booking but requested a May sail- well Athenia’s lone passage through these waters and to that end the British government quickly still sailing almost weekly from Liverpool to ing date and assurance that she and Don would nine months earlier. The security of sailing in a passed legislation giving it full powers over all Montreal in convoy under Admiralty orders. His share a cabin. large convoy was not to be, however. Instead, persons and property, including British gold, opinion was that although no guarantees could Antonia proceeded independently out of the Irish negotiable securities, and bank notes. be given, the risk at that time was “almost negli- Don wrote in his memoir, “We remained in Sea via North Channel and into the North At- gible”. Pickford was advised to contact the Cana- Cardiff until May when we were advised that the lantic. In the night she passed within a few miles On 25 May 1940 the War Cabinet adopted a plan dian Trade Commissioner in Glasgow, who was last available berths to Canada were on the Anto- of the sunken wrecks of both torpedoed Athenia to immediately accelerate British gold shipments responsible for the return of Canadian Athenia nia sailing on May 30th from Liverpool. Mother steamships, the first being SS Athenia August to Canada. The battleship HMS Revenge together survivors. decided that we should return, so we accepted 1917. with the fast troopships Antonia and Duchess of the berths and were told to board during the Liverpool were ordered to carry £60 million in Pickford was also told that although no settle- morning of the 30th.” “Deck restrictions were imposed about 21:00 gold bullion to Halifax, Nova Scotia, for transport ment for the Wilcoxes’ loss was available from hours and when we are allowed on deck the by special trains to Ottawa. SS Antonia Athenia’s owners, a claim could be lodged by next morning we saw only two ships, another survivors against eventual war reparations. passenger ship and a very large warship,” Don Dorothy therefore wrote to the Board of Trade wrote later. Under cover of darkness Antonia had in London to lodge a claim against the German joined a nameless westbound convoy northwest Government for her and Don’s “complete loss of Ireland. Don had no way of knowing that the of personal effects” in the Athenia disaster. She scene spread out before him was in fact part of a claimed a sum of £175.10.0d, which today would secret operation known as “Fish”, whose objec- be worth about $9,000. tive was to evacuate Britain’s wealth to Canada. Beneath Don’s feet, deep in Antonia’s hold, lay The Canadian Government in London had grant- £10 million in gold bullion. For the second time Dorothy and Don left Car- ed the Wilcoxs funds for immediate needs after diff by train for Liverpool. “We left Cardiff,” their rescue, and the Donaldson Line had refund- Operation Fish originated with Britain’s need for Don wrote “on the afternoon of May 29th for yet ed three-quarters of the fare for their interrupted funds to be available in North America to pur- another overnight train trip to Liverpool. For the Athenia voyage. By the spring of 1940, however, chase war materials under the cash-and-carry past few days the news from France was very Dorothy had spent all these funds (about $1,800 provisions of the U.S. Neutrality Act. To provide gloomy with reports of the German advances today) on living expenses in Cardiff. As a result, the cash, gold bullion had to be transferred from everywhere. The train was again packed with she did not have enough money to return to the Bank of England in London to the Bank of soldiers and there were very few civilians trav- Canada. Canada in Ottawa. The first such transfer was King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on the steps of the eling, as passes were required to obtain tickets in May 1939 when King George VI and Queen Parliament Buildings in Ottawa during the royal visit in other than for local travel. We joined the Antonia Pickford wrote immediately to the Canadian Elizabeth, embarking on a state visit to Canada 1939. His Majesty was the first reigning British monarch without incident and were just in time for a boat to visit Canada. Trade Commissioner in Glasgow who informed and the United States, sailed in RMS Empress of drill. After the boat drill we received a long lec- the Donaldson Line of the Wilcox’s plight. Within Australia to Québec. Two escorting Royal Navy It therefore transpired that the Wilcoxs’ ship ture about the black-out onboard, the restrictions days the Trade Commissioner responded that the cruisers, HMS Southampton and Glasgow, each se- Antonia joined company in the early hours of 30 about being on deck at night and throwing any- Donaldson Line was consulting with the Cunard- cretly carried £15 million in gold bullion destined May with HMS Revenge and the fast liner Duch- thing overboard. We were informed that there White Star Line to find passage for the Wilcoxes. for the Bank of Canada. After the declaration of ess of Richmond, which had replaced the Duchess would be two boat drills a day for the entire voy- On 22 April word came that berths were avail- war in September 1939 gold transfers proceeded of Liverpool. They had been escorted from Gree- age. We were then assigned our cabins and our able in mid-June aboard a Cunard-White Star at an increasing pace. By the end of April 1940 a nock, Scotland, to the rendezvous point by four dining-room reservations.” liner for the price of their earlier interrupted voy- further £96 million in gold had been transported W-Class destroyers. After the destroyers de- age. Dorothy had only to return the refund of £27 in British warships to Halifax for rail shipment to tached, the un-named convoy of three gold ships On the evening of 30 May 1940 convoy OB-158 (about $1,400 today) that she had received from Ottawa. steamed at full speed for Halifax. HMS Revenge, departed Liverpool, its twenty-nine merchant the Donaldson Line. This was welcome news to with £40 million stowed in an ammunition maga- ships laden with general cargo and coal destined her and Don because due to the worsening war Germany’s invasion of the Netherlands, Belgium, zine, was on her third such voyage. for a wide assortment of foreign ports. Departing situation, trans-Atlantic steamship fares had Luxembourg, and France soon after her occupa- Liverpool at the same time was the 13,900 tonne nearly doubled since the previous summer. Doro- tion of Norway and Denmark made clear Hitler’s Don recalled that “It was obvious from the vibra- Cunard-White Star liner Antonia. “We sailed thy’s refund from the Donaldson Line, however, intention to subjugate all Western Europe. On 13 tion that the Antonia was being pushed to her from Liverpool at 2000 in a very large convoy, had been spent long before. Pickford therefore May 1940 the Royal Navy evacuated the Dutch limit so we looked forward to a speedy passage. with ships in every direction as far as one could diplomatically asked the Trade Commissioner if royal family and the Dutch government’s gold However, due to zig-zagging to avoid the Ger- see.” The thought of sailing in a large convoy he could help. This he did by providing just over from the Netherlands to the UK. British Prime man submarines, the voyage to Canada took nine with its naval escorts must have been a comfort half the sum requested by the Donaldson Line. Minister Winston Churchill was determined to days at top speed. At one stage of the voyage, we 12 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 13 time even though a full blackout of the ship was still in force. The lights of the towns along the Promoting Navy Heritage in Halifax: river really looked wonderful after nearly a year of total blackout in England. We docked in Mon- HMCS Sackville by Peter Stoffer treal early on the morning of June 11 and dad during the Second World War, lasting from 1939 was waiting for us on the pier.” Don and Doro- to 1945. Many historians, prime ministers of thy Wilcox were home. the day and others have stated that if it was not for the sea lanes being open to allow the many Epilogue convoys to go from Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador to Great Britain, the war would In June 1940 the British Ministry of Shipping have been lost. Getting those men and material granted Dorothy Wilcox £125 ex gratia for her to Europe was essential to have a successful and Don’s loss of personal effects in the Athenia conclusion to the war. HMS Revenge sinking. The Ministry’s official position was, however, that it had no legal obligation to do so Battle of the Atlantic Place will be a dramatic seemed to be going far to the north as the weath- because the loss was due to an act of war. architectural presence in a prime location on er turned very cold and the sun set very late. A Halifax’s waterfront. Personally, I believe it will few days later we seemed to be quite far south as HMS Revenge made two further voyages in 1940 be to Canada what the Sydney Opera house is to it turned very warm and the sun set much earlier transporting gold to Halifax. Her grand total of Australia. Visible from and around the harbour, with very little twilight. £113.5 million in gold bullion accounted for one- and with extensive harbour views, Battle of the Atlantic Place will deliver an innovative, quarter of all shipments of British gold in Opera- anada’s Naval Memorial, the K181 “A news bulletin was posted every day so we immersive, story-driven and emotional journey tion Fish. Not one gold bar was lost crossing the corvette by the name of HMCS Sackville, were able to keep up with the situation in France. for guests who will themselves become part of North Atlantic. has her berth in the historic garrison city About three days out, we learned about the C the story. This is not just a Nova Scotia or East of Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is the last of those army being forced to fall back on Dunkirk and Coast story. This was national historic Canadian Don’s experience in Athenia’s lifeboat on the tremendous vessels that protected the shipping followed the details of the Dunkirk evacuation night of 3 September 1939 sparked a lifelong event that changed Canada forever. through the bulletins posted by the Wireless Of- lanes and convoys in the North Atlantic during interest in boats and navigation, and he became the Second World War. fice. The successful evacuation of the troops from a yachtsman in later life. He mastered the art of All Canadians--and for that matter the world-- Dunkirk raised the morale of everyone, especially need to not only remember what a nation of 11 celestial navigation and taught it to other sailors, Years ago this ship was to be scrapped and, if it the crew of the Antonia. million was able to do, but also pay homage to one of whom used that skill to navigate alone was not for the vision and determination of some all those who willingly gave up their lives so that under sail across the Atlantic. Don Wilcox passed very capable people, she would have been lost we, today, may all be free. “Our stop in Halifax was unexpected as we were away in 2013. to the history books. Today, over 1,000 people due to disembark in Montreal. However, nobody from across Canada have become trustees of As a Dutch-born Canadian whose parents were was allowed ashore and the reason for the Hali- the Sackville and work very hard to not only liberated by Canada and her Allies during fax call soon became obvious when we tied up keep her in tip top shape, but also ensure future the Second World War, I am very proud and at just ahead of the Duchess [of Richmond] generations have the opportunity to visit and honoured to be a trustee of HMCS Sackville. and started to unload some cargo.” Antonia’s learn about Canada’s naval history. decks were closed to passengers while the ship I encourage all Canadians to get behind this magnificent project so that future generations can was docked, but 16-year-old Don couldn’t resist Along with the cooperation of the Department honour and pay respect to those heroes of the the temptation to look over the ship’s side. “The of National Defence [our good friends in the past. To get involved or for further information, cargo being unloaded consisted of pallet after Royal Canadian Navy], HMCS Sackville remains please can contact: pallet of small wooden boxes… We could see a beacon of dignity and respect for all those www.battleoftheatlanticplace.ca similar boxes being unloaded from the [Duch- who served and gave their lives in the fight for ess of Richmond]. HMS Revenge had tied up in the freedom. Peter Stoffer represented the federal riding of navy dockyard.” Sackville-Eastern Shore for 18 years. He currently Which brings me to the subject of the Battle of serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian With the discharge of her mysterious cargo the Atlantic Place. This extraordinary vision to Naval Memorial Trust, which owns and operates HMCS Sackville, Canada’s Naval Memorial. completed, Antonia departed Halifax. “We sailed permanently house Canada’s Naval Memorial in a stunning iconic building in Halifax, will be from Halifax later that afternoon for Montreal. Promoting Navy Heritage in Halifax first appeared The next day we were in the Gulf of St. Lawrence a truly outstanding tribute to all the men and in the Vol 23 Issue 9, October 2016 issue of Don was an enthusiastic volunteer onboard HMCS women who served abroad and here at home. and picked up our pilot near Rimouski. That Sackville who could put his hand to anything at a espritdecorps and has been re-printed with the kind evening, we were allowed on deck for the first moment’s notice. The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest battle permission of the publisher.

14 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 15 RCNBF - 74 years Old and still Serving sons. Minor disbursements of up to $1000, which plying for distress relief or loans through the can be approved on short notice, are also offered RCNBF should do so through their Divisional by CPO1 (Ret’d) Tom Eustace, Director RCN Benevolent Fund in emergency cases of “dire need”. System where applications will be forwarded ctober marked the 74th Anniversary of Canadian Bonds. Today, the Fund is profession- to the appropriate Fund Committee. For more the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent ally managed, and has grown beyond expecta- As the number of requests for distress relief have information on the RCNBF application for assis- Fund (RCNBF), who continue their long tion and instead of fading away due to reduced waned recently, the downturn has enabled the tance process as well as bursary and scholarship O Fund to provide education assistance to former application guidelines; or for any questions, the service of helping sailors in need. Although applications for assistance, we have expanded much has changed for the Fund over those our client-base and programs to includethe members and their dependents seeking to further Fund’sSecretary/Treasurer will be pleased to years, including the name of the organization, awarding of education scholarships to the chil- their education at Canadian post-secondary insti- assist by email at [email protected] by phone at the scope of the service provided and the criteria dren and grandchildren of former and serving tutions. Education assistance is another aspect of 613-236-4528 or toll free at 1-888-557-8777 or on for assistance eligibility; sailors and to Sea Cadets. what the Fund can do for our sailors. The RCNBF line at www.RCNBF.ca. the RCNBF remains an administers two bursaries under its own name, important Navy resource. The Fund is administered including one bursary that focuses on trades/vo- As a registered charity, the RCNBF provides What hasn’t changed is independently of DND/ cational studies and two others, the CPO Doug- unmatched transparency and accountability to their Mission,“to relieve CAF under the governance las R. Hooser and the CPO Andrew McQueen all our donors by publishing reports on how we distress and promote the of a 12-member Board of Jack Bursaries.The Fund partners with the Navy use donations and we rely on serving and retired well-being ofour sailors Directors, who are voted League of Canada and the Canadian Sea Cadet members like you, to continue our support to and former members in every year, and three Scholarships, awarding a number of $1000 schol- sailors and their families. If you are interested in of the Naval Forces of supporting regional com- arships per year to cadets entering their initial donating to the Fund,you are encouraged to do Canada and their de- mittees comprised of dedi- year of college or university. so through a payroll deduction or via the RCNBF pendents”. Today, the cated, former sailors that Website or by mail. An official receipt for dona- RCNBF does this mainly are located in Esquimalt, The Fund is presently undergoing changes to tions will be issued for income tax purposes. through distress relief Ottawa and Halifax. The improve administrative efficiencies and cut op- If you are aware of or know anyone who is in in the form of financial committees meet when erating costs. A reduction in members, directors financial difficulty, that may be eligible for as- advice, grants or inter- required and provide advi- and employees through attrition without replace- sistance, remember the RCNBF remains “Ready, est free loans, and education assistance through ceto the Board and adjudicate requests for assis- ment, is underway in order to be a more “lean” Aye Ready”. bursaries and scholarships. tance. Over the life of the Fund, it has provided organization. With downsizing and a move of assistance in various forms, to more than 24,000 the Ottawa office to a smaller and less expensive The RCNBF mandate is to promote the well-being The Navy’s Benevolent Fund was established in individuals, with the dollar amount that has sur- location completed, the Fund has now closed the of current and former members of the Naval Forc- 1942, after and CPOs of the day had passed $17 million. Western and Eastern Committee offices which es of Canada and their dependants. The Secretary identified a lack of financial resources available will now be run as “virtual coastal offices” oper- Treasurer of the RCNBF will be pleased to supply for families of RCN sailors who suffered unex- Eligibility for RCNBF assistance has expanded ating with volunteers.With these recent changes any additional information required, by writing or pected difficulties while ships were deployed for from being open only to pre-unification RCN now in place, the Fund believes it can continue calling: long periods of time. Their dream came together members to now include Merchant Navy Vet- to provide assistance to sailors well into the 23 November 1942 when an Order in Council erans and former and serving, post-unification future while working closely with other agen- RCN Benevolent Fund was passed for the creation of the RCNBF. RCN members. The Fund also provides consid- cies such as the Integrated Personnel Support 6 Beechwood Avenue, Suite 9 eration to and RCAF members, Centers,Military Family Resource Centers, and of Ottawa, Ontario Initial funds were comprised of undistributed including Reservists, who have served in opera- course, the Divisional System,in order to better K1L 8B4 prize money from WWI together with contribu- tional units of Maritime Command.At a recent assist our Veterans, their dependents and our Tel: (613)236-7389 tions from canteens and Naval Messes. The Fund Annual General Meeting, the Fund took on the serving members. Fax: (613)236-8830 was administered by Naval Officers and Officials “One Navy” approach, and now provide assis- Toll Free: 1-888-557-8777 serving at the Naval Headquarters. Years later, tance eligibility to Naval Reservists who have Applications for distress relief assistance made E-Mail: [email protected] the Fund was incorporated as a not-for-profit completed their basic training. Naval Reservists by eligible veterans or their dependents should charity under the Corporations Act and the fund- nowenjoy the same eligibility requirements as be made through either the Department of Veter- http://rcnbf.ca/news/ ing continued to come from canteen levies in Regular Force Sailors. ans Affairs, any Royal Canadian Legion or Vets ship’s Messes and monthly pay allotments from Canada. Service Officers in any of the Veteran sailors. Some of the common urgent issues that fall under Organizations, including the Chiefs and Petty “distress relief” include requiring the basic neces- Officers Association, RCNA, etc. can provide After unification in 1968, the RCNBF was able to sities of life (food, clothing and shelter) to emer- guidance with the application and forward the continue its service and by the mid 70’s, the Fund gency home repairs, fire damage, dental work, completed documentation along with recom- had done well financially by investing wisely in and medical devices, among numerous other rea- mendations to the Fund.Serving members ap-

16 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 17 RCAF Involvement in the Battle of the Atlantic Missing in the equation was the availability of Battle of the Atlantic, spurred on by the fact that longrange aircraft to provide continuous cover- the total tonnage of merchant ships sunk in the Turning the Tide by LCol ret’d Mike Black and LCol ret’d Bart Konings age to the convoys transiting the mid-Atlantic. latter part of 1942 had risen above the 800,000 tons mark - of which 500,000 tons were in the Part 1 some air support to the North Atlantic convoys. While a modified Liberator aircraft could operate Atlantic. This was directly impacting the buildup Efforts by the RCAF in reducing the weight of anywhere in the Atlantic to provide Anti-Subma- for “Overlord “, the invasion of Europe. As a y mid-1942, the Allied air support effort the Canso gave it the longest effective range of rine support, senior British Commanders would result of the discussions at the conference, the by Eastern Air Command on the Canadian any PBY flying boat or amphibian then flying not release any from Bomber Command as the US committed several USAAF B24 Squadrons East Coast and Coastal Command on the but they were not capable of providing coverage B major strategic Allied air war effort was devoted to Coastal Command for operations in the Bay British side had been successful in causing the within the Gap. Toward the end of 1942 and early to bomber operations and the destruction of of Biscay, but also released B24 VLR (Very Long German U-boats to withdraw from these coastal 1943, the number of U-boats sent on Operational war production and civilian targets in Germany. Range) aircraft for ASW operations to the RAF areas and move to the Patrols to the Eastern Sea- However, they did reluctantly agree to use these and RCAF. mid-Atlantic Gap, an area board and to the Canadian aircraft as part of their strategic bombing strategy south of Iceland that could area of responsibility were to destroy U-boat bases in France, on the assump- not be reached by RCAF or few. Nearly one half of the tion that this operation would negate the need to RAF aircraft to provide air operational U-boat fleet provide long-range air cover over the Atlantic. cover for the convoys tran- were operating in the Gap, siting through this area. also known as “Torpedo RAF Bomber Command was directed to bomb As well, the United States Junction.“ the submarine bases in France. During the first had started to react to the five months in 1943, 7,000 sorties were flown, mayhem that the U-boats The worst North Atlantic delivering 18,000 tons of explosive at a cost of 266 had brought to their coast shipping losses to U-boats aircraft and crews which obliterated the country- during Operation “Pauke- occurred in 1942 and early side around the submarine pens without damag- nshlag” (Drumbeat) by 1943. This was a result of ing a single U-boat or impacting their operations. increasing their air patrols, the U-boats employing Wolf adopting a convoy sys- Pack Tactics, which consist- Although discussions on using Liberator aircraft tem and placing blackout ed of establishing a patrol for Canadian maritime operations had reached President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill conditions on the coastal line of U-boats across the an- senior political levels, the Canadian government communities. ticipated convoy track and deep in discussion at the Casablanca Conference had no success convincing RAF and USAF com- January 24, 1943. upon contact having them manders that the RCAF had become a force to be The concept of a unified Command was dis- Only 120 Squadron of RAF converge on the merchant reckoned with in combating German operations cussed but neither the USN, nor the RAF or the Coastal Command, oper- ships. The advantage was in the Atlantic. Despite the understanding by the RCAF,was ready to enter into such an agreement. ating B24s out of Iceland, with the U-boats, as they Allies that winning the Battle of the Atlantic was However, Britain and Canada were given the had sufficient range and had accurate knowledge critical to the survival of England and the inva- exclusive responsibility for the North Atlantic endurance for convoy of convoy movements as a sion of Europe, providing capable aircraft for the routes while the USA assumed exclusive respon- support operations in the Gap. However, with a result of the Germans having broken the Allied Battle of the Atlantic continued to be an issue sibility of the South Atlantic. limited number of aircraft available and operat- Naval Code and there was insufficient air sup- with the British and a problem for American forc- ing in an area with renowned bad weather flying port to attack or disrupt their operation. es due to the lack of a coordinated approach and At the beginning of 1943, the order of battle for conditions, they could not provide the air sup- command structure by the USN and the USAAF. port to prevent the significant loss of shipping Notwithstanding the inability to adequately pro- Eastern Air Command consisted of nine Bomber Recce (BR/ASW) Squadrons, six Fighter Squad- during the remainder of 1942. This loss had a vide air support in the Gap, a number of signifi- As reported by WAB Douglas in his book, Can- rons and one Utility (Transport) Squadron. The significant impact on the buildup of supplies and cant Allied operational capabilities were coming ada’s Official Air Force History, “both RAF and BR Squadrons operated from East Coast airfields material in England and the timing for the inva- into effect. These included the use of coverage USAAF observers also doubted the effectiveness and Gander. They had a combined strength of sion of Europe. tactics and Leigh Lights by aircraft in the Bay of RCAF performance in the Western Atlantic”. 125 Aircraft, which included Hudson IIIs, Digbys of Biscay operation, which made it more dif- They would be proven wrong. As previous articles have illustrated, RCAF ficult during both day and night for the U-boats and Catalina/ Canso amphibians. As a result Squadrons were operating from bases in New- to transit between French bases and their Patrol of the Casablanca decisions, No. 10 Squadron foundland, Ireland and Scotland in an attempt to Areas in or near the Gap. Also the HF/DF (High Part 2 operating out of Dartmouth received 24 Consoli- combat the losses occurring in the mid-Atlantic Frequency/Direction Finding) capability from dated Liberators Mk III,V and G.R Mk VI aircraft Gap. The Canso, Catalina (PBY) and Short Sun- ships, aircraft and shore stations, and the avail- At the Casablanca Conference between Britain for operations and deployed to Gander starting derland aircraft Flying Boats used by the RCAF ability of Ultra Intelligence all provided advan- and the US in January of 1943, top priority was operations in May of 1943. No. 11 Squadron, were beginning to be successful in providing tages to the Allies in countering U-boat attacks. given by Roosevelt and Churchill to winning the also out of Dartmouth, received 24 Consolidated

18 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 19 Liberators Mk III,V and G.R Mk VI aircraft and In September 1943, U-boats were ordered to re- the Germans were very successful in decoding tect the 10 cm version, nor did their scientists deployed to Argentia, starting operations in July turn for a final go at the North Atlantic Convoys. our naval codes. Despite the fact that the Allies conceive that this could be done. This allowed of 1943. Canadian VLR Aircraft acquired trans- Patrol Line “Leuthen “, consisting of 21 U-boats, were reading Enigma traffic, the Germans contin- Allied aircraft to detect U-boats at night as well Atlantic capability in July of 1943. was set up west of Ireland to intercept Convoys ued to believe that their codes were secure based as daylight and especially when the boats were ONS18 and ON202. Bletchley Park Intelligence on the fact that they had broken the Allied Cy- surfaced. U-boats had to be on the surface when The impact of providing long range air-support analysts were aware of the order to set up a pa- pher 3 code early in the war which allowed them transiting to their operational area: the type VII to the convoys as well as other newly developed trol line, but did not know the end positions so to determine the exact positions of the convoys. submarine could achieve 17 knots on the surface operational capabilities and intelligence allowed evasive action by the convoys was limited. Lib- They also attributed the ability of the Allies to lo- but only 6 knots submerged. During the latter the Allied forces to gain the upper hand in the erators from No 86 Squadron RAF and 10 Squad- cate their U-boats to the accuracy of HF/DF and part of 1943, U-boats were being fitted with snor- U-boat war. Although U-boats continued to have ron RCAF were sent as air escorts and Liberator an inflated perception of the capability of Allied kels which allowed them to charge their batteries great success during the first four months of 1943, 586A of 10 Squadron RCAF flown by F/L Fisher airborne radar. That the Germans were reading while partially submerged and running on their due in part of a lack of Ultra information caused and crew sank U341. Cypher 3 information was not recognized by the diesel engines at greater speeds. However, the by a change in the Enigma machine, they in- Allies until June of 1943 when it was replaced by large diameter of the snorkel pipe and the resul- curred significant losses in May of that year. VLR To reach the convoys the U-boats had been or- Cypher 5 which remained secure until the end of tant exhaust plume of the diesel engine helped in operations in the Gap, USN CVE (Carrier) Opera- dered to surface and fight their way to the con- the war. locating the submarine both visually and elec- tions in the South Atlantic and a concentrated voy against the ever-present air and surface es- tronically. effort in the aimed at disrupting the corts, and while somewhat successful in driving transit corridor also contributed to increased U- the aircraft off with their AA guns,were not be It is difficult to understand the failure of the boat losses and a resultant decrease in shipping very successful in these suicidal types of opera- German Navy to understand the need for tech- losses. Because of the increased air support and tions. nological and tactical improvements. Operational near real-time intelligence, the number of U-boat research by the Allies, which became an integral sightings increased dramatically. The sightings part of ASW operations, was not adopted by had a direct correlation to the decreased number the Germans until late in the war when it was of attacks that could be carried out by the U- too late. They failed to develop counter mea- boats. sures against 10 cm radar even though they had a working piece of captured equipment. The As a result of significant losses in May of 1943, German Navy made great strides in modular the U-boats were withdrawn from the Gap area HMCS Sackville’s radar housed directly forward and construction and propulsion and were develop- above the funnel. for several months. The Germans had used a ing greatly improved U-boats; if these new sub- statistic for their success based on the ratio of The effectiveness of increased air support and the marines had been available in 1943 rather than shipping tonnage sunk to U-boat losses - termed resultant damage and sinking of enemy subma- late in 1944, it would have made a big difference the exchange rate. This rate had dropped precipi- German submarine U-175 sinking after gunfire attack rines eventually resulted in the withdrawal of the in the North Atlantic. The Type XXI U-boat was tously from 100,000 tons per U-boat lost when by US Coast Guard Cutter Spencer, 17 April 1943. U-boat fleet from the Gap and the North Atlantic faster submerged than most Allied convoy es- the U-boats were making a significant impact, to The U-boat was caught trying to sneak into the centre in mid-1943.This permitted RCAF resources such corts. of a convoy. CCG photographer: Jack January about 10,000 tons per U-boat lost from June 1943 as 162 Squadron to be deployed overseas in 1944 onward. Another patrol line,” Rossbach”, consisting of 21 to support “Overlord”. Allied air force ASW tactics also improved by U-boats was established on the 27th of September using higher patrol altitudes, different aircraft The breaking by Bletchley of the new Enigma to operate against convoy ON203. The pack failed Allied anti-submarine forces were able to“ turn paint schemes and most important, improved machine five-rotor code in May of 1943, allowed to find the convoy as the convoy was diverted to the tide” of the Battle of the Atlantic because of cooperation between Naval and Air Force opera- German instructions to the U-boat captains to be the north of the patrol line. Air resources directed better intelligence, technological development, tion centres. Although the RAF and RN learned translated in near real-time. This amazing feat at the U-boat group were responsible for dam- improved crew training and ASW tactics, im- to work together from the beginning of the war allowed Allied Forces in the Atlantic to get the aging or sinking 8 submarines. Later in October proved air/sea cooperation, and the ability of by having joint operation centres, the RCAF and upper hand by intercepting U-boat wireless traf- Group “Siegfried” was established, consisting of North American shipyards to build merchant RCN did not adopt these centres until midway fic during their transit to convoy locations. The 24 U-boats. It had a fate similar to “Rossbach” ships and convoy escorts more rapidly than the through. Joint Air and Naval Operation Centres intelligence information from the positions of the with the loss of a significant number of U-boats enemy could sink them. are still serving Maritime Forces today. U-boat patrol lines, the rerouting of the convoys without a single loss of any shipping. RCAF around the lines and the ability of the Allies to resources from 10 Squadron were active in these Another one of the technical breakthroughs for The success of the British Commonwealth Air provide adequate Long Range air support cover- latter operations. the Allies was the development of 10 cm radar Training Plan was certainly a major factor in age significantly decreased merchant shipping which was installed on ships and aircraft. Al- helping to win the Battle of the Atlantic. By 1943, losses While the Allies were successful in decoding though the Germans could detect the previous Canada had seven Maritime Patrol Squadrons in Enigma signals, post-war analysis indicated that versions of the ASV radar, they could not de- Canada, four in Newfoundland and three squad- rons attached to RAF Coastal Command. In ad- Technical Apprentice Training Plan by Steve Rowland dition, nearly ten percent of RAF Coastal crews were Canadians. These numbers do not include aircrew provided to Bomber Command or air- crew trained for other countries. Combat Action in the North Atlantic: By the end of the war, RCAF Squadrons had USCGC Spencer vs. the U-175 sunk 20 German submarines and Canadian air- crew flying with Coastal Command, like Flying On 17 April 1943, USCGC Spencer, one of the Officer KO Moore (RCAF) pictured below on the Coast Guard’s largest cutters of the time, was right, who sank two U-boats, U629 and U373 on escorting Convoy HX-233 across the North June 8, 1944, were involved in the sinking of fifty Atlantic to the . While steaming ahead of the convoy the cutter’s sonarman, others. Harold Anderson, detected the submerged U-175 The contribution of Maritime Patrol Aircraft to as the submarine maneuvered to attack a large Sleeping quarters onboard HMCS Cape Breton tanker within the convoy. Spencer immediately dropped depth charges on the target. The o combat a shortage of highly trained tech- Program decided to donate the monies left in charges bracketed the U-boat perfectly and nicians which had become critical by 1951 their account to the Canadian Naval Memorial exploded all around the submarine’s hull, the Royal Canadian Navy embarked on the Trust and HMCS Sackville. damaging it severely and forcing the Germans to T surface. Technical Apprentice Training Plan (TATP). A recruiting drive launched in May 1952 resulted in A cheque in the amount of $2,215.81 was present- ed to Jim Reddy CO, HMCS Sackville on behalf of Spencer, her sister cutter Duane, and many of the a group of 66 men commencing TATP training in merchant ships in the convoy then opened fire February 1953. A 10,000 ton repair ship was com- the group on September 24, 2016. The Canadian on the U-175 as soon as the U-boat’s conning missioned as HMCS Cape Breton and located in Naval Memorial Trust is very thankful for this tower broke the ocean’s surface. The U-boat’s HMC Dockyard, Halifax, N.S., to provide the Ap- generous donation. commanding officer was killed during the prentices with living, workshop and classroom initial hail of gunfire but ultimately 41 Germans accommodation. abandoned ship and were rescued safely. winning the Battle of the Atlantic cannot be over- Successful graduates were promoted to Petty emphasized. According to David White in his Officer Second Class after their 39 months of book, Bitter Ocean, the Battle of the Atlantic, “More training until Entry13 commenced training. Entry than half the U-boat kills in the Battle of the 13 and later entries were graduated as Leading Atlantic were scored by aircraft”. These totals do Seamen. It became apparent in the 1960s that the not include the number of times enemy subma- original shortage of tradesmen had been over- rines had to submerge to avoid being detected by come and the program was producing too many aircraft and thus prevented from reaching their technicians who were entering the fleet as Lead- convoy target. ing Seamen and overloading the trade. The cost of running the apprentice scheme with reduced The cost in human life in this battle was also intake but still requiring a large staff and exten- In September 2013, some 70 former members of high. Approximately 1600 Canadian merchant sive facilities became prohibitive and the scheme the RCN and their spouses gathered in Quebec seamen died at sea including eight women. was abandoned with the start of Entry 24. City for the 61st reunion of the Royal Canadian Some 2,000 RCN members were killed, most of Navy Technical Apprentices. them in this battle. Another 752 RCAF members The graduation of Entry 24 in 1970 marked the Pictured: Laurence Christopher (RCNVR), Lead- died in Maritime operations. “Hauled frightened and shivering from the mid- end of the Technical Apprentice Training Plan. Atlantic, crewmen from a sunken Nazi submarine Over the previous seventeen years almost 600 ing Seaman Carelle Gagné (member of HMCS While the Battle of the Atlantic did not officially huddle in warm blankets on the quarterdeck of a bright young men had trudged up the gangplank Montcalm band), Jean Cauchy (Bomber Com- end until VE Day, the Allied invasion of Europe Coast Guard combat cutter. Given cigarettes by their of Cape Breton or passed through the doors of the mand WW2 veteran), LCdr Patricia Girard (CO, could not have occurred without this battle being captors, they saw brighter days ahead. The war was Apprentice wing in Naden. HMCS Montcalm), Lawrence Davis (Entry 11, over as far as they were concerned.” decisively won by Allied Naval and Air Forces in British Columbia), Gordon Pennycook (Entry 20, USCGC photograph dated 17 April 1943. Photogra- Alberta), John Lind (Entry 10, Nova Scotia), and 1943. pher: Jack January At their final Annual General Meeting, the East Coast Group of the Canadian Naval Apprentice Reunion Chairman David Christopher.

22 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 23 Canada’s Merchant Navy: there was a lack of standardized record-keeping Ships on which Chief Steward Allan Harvie for merchant fleets. However, more than 1,600 served were torpedoed nine times; on two occa- The Men Who Saved The World by ret’d John Boileau Canadian and Newfoundland men and women— sions he was the sole survivor. On one voyage, first appeared in Legion Magazine July/August 2010 and is reprinted with permission of the author. perhaps as many as 2,000—lost their lives due to he and the head cook were inside a solidly-built enemy action of the approximately 12,000 that ice box on the top deck picking up bacon and served in the Merchant Navy; a higher rate than eggs for breakfast when a torpedo struck their any of the armed services—about one in eight. explosive-laden freighter. “The icebox suddenly The first Canadian casualty—and merchant heaved beneath our feet; the next moment it was casualty—was a woman. Hannah Baird of Ver- sailing through the air. We crashed into the sea dun, Que., a stewardess aboard the 13,581-ton with such force that the icebox fell apart, and the passenger liner Athenia, died on Sept. 3, 1939, cook and I found ourselves swimming for it, both two days after the German invasion of Poland badly shaken but otherwise unhurt.” and the same day as Britain and France declared war. She was one of 118 lost—including a hand- Harvie and the cook were the only survivors of ful of Canadians—when the Athenia became the 55-man crew; “saved by bacon and eggs!” in the first ship sunk during the war, torpedoed by his words. U-130 without warning on her westward passage to Montreal. Ships and sailors have been associated with Gerald M. Moses, Library and Archives Canada, PA153052 Canada since the earliest days of European con- Merchant ship survivors crowd the decks of a rescue trawler at St. John’s, Nfld., April 1943. tact. Ships brought the first explorers to our t was the longest and hardest battle ever rine, had been shadowing the convoy for some shores, vessels that the aboriginal inhabitants ini- fought at sea. During six protracted years, time. In the early morning hours of June 15, near tially mistook for floating islands, complete with more humans, ships and materiel were lost Land’s End off the southwest tip of England, he tall trees that disappeared into white, billowing I clouds. than in all the naval campaigns of the previous fired a torpedo that struck home, sending the Erik 500 years combined. It was arguably also the Boye to the bottom. The Danish-owned, 2,238-ton most decisive campaign of the Second World War vessel had been taken over by the Canadian gov- The endless forests of pre-Confederation Canada and lasted for the entire duration of the war in ernment for the war; on this trip she was laden initially provided timber to build British ves- Europe, from September 1939 to May 1945. with 3,568 tons of wheat. sels and by the early 19th century a home-grown shipbuilding industry had begun. By 1878, Can- In March 1941, Winston Churchill dubbed it The The Erik Boye has the dubious distinction of be- ada was the fourth largest ship-owning nation Battle of the Atlantic. In his opinion, it was “the ing the first of 72 Canadian - and Newfoundland- in the world, with a merchant fleet of 7,200 ves- dominating factor all through the war,” a daily owned merchantmen to be sunk by the enemy sels. Then, as European-built iron-hulled sailing fact of life that the Allies could not ignore, as “ev- during the war. Fortunately, her 22-man crew ships replaced wooden square-riggers, Canadian erything happening elsewhere, on land, at sea, or survived. shipbuilders found it harder to compete. By 1895, in the air, depended ultimately on its outcome.” they were essentially out of business. Writing after the conflict, Churchill noted, “The only thing that ever really frightened me during The most colourful and profitable days of Cana- the war was the U-boat peril.” dian shipbuilding were from 1849 to 1895, when many famous full-rigged ships and barques were But Canadian seamen did not only participate in Cargo of pork being loaded onto an unidentified built. In 1853 some 80 ships of between 1000 and merchant ship at Halifax. Photo: R. Wright, LAC— 2000 tons each were launched in the and the Battle of the Atlantic. By the end of the war, PA184171 Canadian merchant ships and sailors had sailed the Maritimes. In 1858, of the 100 sailing ships of the waters of all the world’s oceans, steaming Only half of all merchant sailors survived the 1200 tons or more that cleared Liverpool, Eng, for relentlessly towards their destinations, through sinking of their ships during the war. In a North Australia, 64 were Canadian built. The Shipping storms, surface raiders and submarines to deliver Atlantic winter the odds were far worse. Frigid Register of Liverpool showed that more than 85% essential military and civilian supplies. The Eric Boye. Photo courtesy of Danish Maritime waters brought death quickly, usually within five of the ships over 500 tons were built in British Museum, Elsinore minutes, making the chances of survival one in North America. In 1875, the peak year, nearly 500 Convoy HX-47 departed Halifax on June 1, 1940, 100. Yet, despite the dangers, merchant mariners, ships were built in Canadian shipyards. A promi- proceeding to Liverpool in Britain, 57 ships car- Hundreds of other seamen were not as lucky, but even those who survived sinkings, kept going nent vessel of that glorious period was the Marco rying mixed cargoes. Kapitänleutnant Heinrich the total is imprecise as Canadian ships and sea- back to do their duty and crew other ships, with Polo, built at Saint John in 1851. She was big, 1625 Liebe, in command of U-38, a Type IX subma- men often sailed under other nations’ flags and only a thin plate of steel separating them from all tons, strong, and for a time “the fastest ship in eternity. the world.” Another was the W.D. Lawrence, 2458 24 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 25 tons, built in 1874 at Maitland, NS, the largest Fortunately, the British remembered the re- command the ships, several retired naval officers Brick, “You slept with your life jacket. A lot of Canadian-built full-rigged ship afloat. learned First World War lesson of the impor- re-enrolled, some of them in their seventies. people used it for a pillow.” At sea, Brick slept in tance of convoys and instituted a convoy system. To prepare the inexperienced crews, merchant his clothes and although he “slept below in a few When the First World War began in August 1914, Halifax was chosen as the main assembly point sailors were trained at special schools. The St. ships,” he mostly “slept on the upper deck” in Canada’s merchant fleet was a shadow of its for- for eastbound convoys and on Sept. 6, the first Margaret’s Sea Training School in Hubbards, case of attack. mer self and the country had little shipbuilding convoy of the war, HX-1, left for Britain. Among N.S., ran courses for ordinary seamen and cadet capacity. While there were few Canadian mer- its escorts were the RCN destroyers St. Laurent officers, while the Marine Engineering Instruc- An attack often came when a crew least expected chant ships, there were hundreds of Canadian and Saguenay. tional School in Prescott, Ont., conducted training it. For Nova Scotian Jim Boutilier, the first indi- merchant seamen, and they helped man the ships for engine room ratings. cation his tanker, the Montrolite, had been tor- of Britain and other Allied nations carrying es- Initially, ships had to be capable of making nine pedoed three days out of Halifax was “sort of a sential supplies to Europe. At least 570 Canadian knots to sail in convoy, but as older and slower Conditions aboard many merchant vessels often blinding flash.” Such surprise attacks usually dis- merchant mariners died during the First World ships were pressed into service, slow convoys left a lot to be desired. As sinkings grew, older oriented some sailors; for a few minutes Boutilier War. began in August 1940, using Sydney, N.S., as ships and those not intended for the open ocean “didn’t know anything.” their departure point. Ships capable of 15 knots were pressed into service. Although the British had advised Canada at the or better sailed independently. Typically, a 40- Simard recalled a simi- outset to concentrate her war efforts on the army, ship convoy would be 10 columns wide with Quebec City native lar experience when he eventually Britain turned to Canada to build four ships in each column. A flagship sailed at Pierre Simard first went was torpedoed again, trawler and drifter type warships as well as mer- the head, carrying the convoy , while to sea in September 1941 this time in port at chant vessels. As the first contract for merchant- escort vessels patrolled the flanks. as a trimmer aboard the Wabana, Nfld., as his men was not placed until March 1918, when the Skotland, an “old broken ship took on a load of war ended none had been completed, although down coal-burning ship” iron ore. Around one 63 had been ordered for the Canadian govern- built as a coastal vessel o’clock in the morning, ment. These vessels were intended to co-operate for Scandinavia, possi- “I was sound asleep. with British shipping during wartime to carry bly the “worst ship” he First thing I knew, the the necessities of war, and during peacetime to could have joined. Car- ship just jumped up transport a range of products to expand the coun- rying a load of timber almost out of the water. try’s export trade. They were needed sooner than to Europe, three days That wakes you up. If anyone expected out of Philadelphia, two it doesn’t wake you up, torpedoes slammed into that’s where you’re go- Two weeks before the start of the Second World the Skotland the first ing to stay.” War, the government confiscated Canada’s 38 ship to be hit so close to ocean-going vessels and placed them under the the American coast. “It A good ship’s cook was control of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). Lat- was a hell of an explo- a valuable commod- er, several vessels from enemy or occupied na- sion,” Simard recalled, ity, but many were not tions were added. Additionally, the Great Lakes “…splinters went all Memory of the Battle of the Atlantic: Survivors up to snuff. Mess boy by Geoffrey Bagley fleet was called up and 133 lakers were trans- over the place” seriously Eric Publicover recalled Aircraft aboard a merchant ship destined for England, Canadian War Museum: AN19850391-034 ferred to ocean convoy duties. Ship construction wounding several sea- a cook in the Liverpool April 1941. LAC—PA105314 also started. By the end of the war, Canadian men. Loyalist who “had a job to boil an egg.” He served shipyards had produced 403 cargo ships. Most of beans, which cost three or four cents a pound, these were taken over by Britain and the United One of the major challenges facing the Merchant In the one lifeboat that got away, Simard and his “about four times a week…and boy, they’d be States, but a significant number sailed under Navy was finding enough sailors to crew the comrades looked after the wounded, but they did like glue.” Canadian flag. ships. The pre-war Canadian fleet comprised not have any morphine or other medicines, just a about 1,450 merchant sailors. Virtually all sea- bottle of whisky. “The engineering officer was in As the war progressed, the cost in materiel, men Canadian ships became the property of a Crown men with sailing experience had already been bad shape; he had a piece of wood sticking out of and ships grew. In 1942, during the height of the corporation, the Park Steamship Company Lim- recruited by the RCN, while most of the able- his back, in his kidneys. We sawed off the piece Battle of the Atlantic, the Allies lost—on aver- ited, established in April 1942, which commis- bodied men without sea experience were in the of wood” he noted, and “left what was in there age—one 10,000-ton ship every 10 hours for 31 sioned shipping firms to operate vessels on its army and air force. The Merchant Navy turned in.” The survivors were picked up by a fishing straight days. Fifty-eight Canadian-registered behalf. By 1945, the company had taken over 127 to shipping companies that operated on inland or boat three days later. merchant ships were sunk by enemy or probable 10,000-ton Park class ships, 43 4,700-ton Gray coastal waterways, but also accepted men reject- enemy action. In addition, six British-registered, class freighters and six 3,600-ton tankers—all ed by the navy or other services for being under- The threat of enemy attack was a constant con- but Canadian government-owned, merchant built in Canada. or overage or not meeting medical standards. To cern for crews and it affected their daily lives ships and eight Newfoundland-registered mer- at sea. According to Windsor, Ont., native Paul chantmen were lost to enemy action. 26 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 27 followed in the 1950s by another disagreeable Merchant Navy Women by Clare Sharpe, government action—the forcible break-up of CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum the Canadian Seaman’s Union (CSU). The CSU opposed the government sell-off and called for ust hours after Britain declared war on Ger- a worldwide strike, which tied up 60 per cent of many on September 3, 1939, the unarmed pas- world shipping and became the largest interna- senger liner SS Athenia, in which Hanna Baird tional strike of the 20th century. J was working as a stewardess, was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine, U-130, leading to In response, the government and ship owners the loss of 98 passengers and 19 crew members, tried to discredit the union by labelling its mem- including Hannah Baird. bers Communists (some were), at a time when the Cold War was beginning. Shipping compa- You won’t find her name, or the names of the nies and anti-Communist labour leaders—with other seven Canadian women who died while the government’s support— invited the Ameri- serving in merchant ships during both World can Hal Banks and his Seafarers’ International Wars,in the history books. Baird and the other Union (SIU) into Canada to break up the CSU. women who perished in the Merchant Navy One of the most vicious episodes of labour un- might be forgotten if not for the efforts of a few rest in Canadian history followed. Through a veterans and researchers. combination of secret agreements with shipping companies, intimidation and blackmail, Banks “Because seamanship was considered ’men’s quickly destroyed the CSU. But he went too far. Survivors of a torpedoed merchant ship aboard HMCS Arvida at St. John’s, September 1942. work’, the contribution of women mariners dur- Photo: Gerald M. Moses, Library and Archives Canada —PA136285 By 1959 his bullying tactics had turned his former ing the wars has been overlooked and has not allies against him and the SIU (Canadian branch) been included in histories of the period,” noted The contribution, however, was great. During the industry at the end of the war to seek em- was suspended from the Canadian Labour Con- the late Tom Osborne. Osborne, a retired seaman, the war, 25,343 ships sailed from North America ployment in other fields as the services of many gress. In the early 1960s, a report from a commis- headed the Women Mariners Memorial Fund, to Britain, carrying more than 180 million tons of skilled Seamen will be required if Canada is to sion of inquiry described Banks as a hoodlum an organization that aimed to make up for that military and civilian supplies, and thousands of maintain a Merchant Marine after the war.” and a bully. Banks fled the country following a oversight. other voyages occurred elsewhere. A 10,000-ton conviction for conspiracy to assault. merchant ship could carry enough food to feed The federal government was not alone in its Although women played a minor role in the Ca- 225,000 people for a week. refusal to consider merchant sailors veterans. The In 1992, after a lengthy battle, merchant mariners nadian merchant navy, there were some pioneers Royal Canadian Legion held a similar view, al- were granted official status as veterans, eligible working as stewardesses and a few Canadian Although the Atlantic was not the only ocean though the RCL would years later have a change to receive disability pensions, allowances and women were radio officers on ships of the Nor- Canada’s merchant mariners sailed in wartime, it of heart and through dominion convention reso- health-care benefits accorded to veterans of the wegian merchant navy, the only Allied merchant was the most important. In the opinion of Rear- lutions urge legislation that would recognize three armed services. Sadly, thousands of mer- fleet at that time that permitted women to serve Admiral Leonard Murray, commander-in-chief Second World War Canadian merchant seamen chant seamen had already died by then. Ad- as wireless (Radio) operators. Canadian Northwest Atlantic, “The Battle of the under the Veterans Charter, something that ditionally, nothing was done to compensate the Atlantic was not won by any navy or air force, it would make them eligible for the same benefits living for the loss of benefits since 1945. Maude Steane, while working as a clerk at Toron- was won by the courage, fortitude and determi- received by armed forces veterans. to Hydro, enrolled at the Radio College of Cana- nation of the British and Allied Merchant Navy.” In 1998, four Merchant Navy veterans par- da to qualify as a Wireless Operator - 2nd Class. Ironically, the Canadian merchant fleet—once ticipated in a hunger strike on , In 1944, after completing her training, she joined Although wartime Minister of Transport J.E. Mi- again the fourth largest in the world—did not last vowing to remain until death or the government the Norwegian merchant ship SS Viggo Hansteen chaud declared that “merchant seamen virtually very long after the war. The Liberal government approved a new compensation package in lieu of at New York. The Hansteen was an American- form the fourth arm of the fighting services,” to of Louis St-Laurent sold the fleet off at rock-bot- the demobilization benefits provided to armed built Liberty Ship transferred to Norwegian reg- its great shame the Canadian government initial- tom prices. By the time the Korean War began in forces members at the end of the war. One of istry for emergency war transport. Just ten weeks ly denied merchant mariners the status of vet- 1950, there were few Canadian merchant vessels them, Ossie Maclean, said in an interview, “We after leaving home, Maude Steane was killed. It erans and its attendant benefits, including pen- left to support the United Nations’ effort. Twelve are the men that saved the world.” The govern- is reported that she died by enemy gunfire while sions. The government did this for purely selfish Canadian-flagged ships did sail into the war ment acted, and in 2000 and 2001 began award- her ship was docked in Naples, Italy. However, reasons—to keep a merchant fleet operational. zone, fortunately without casualties. ing cash payments under the Merchant Navy her family believes that she was shot by one of Postwar Minister of Transport Lionel Chevrier Special Benefit. In a final act of recognition, in the Hansteen’s male crew members, who then wrote that, “Such benefits should not be of a The refusal to recognize merchant seamen as 2003 Parliament declared September 3 annually killed himself. Maude Steane is buried in the Al- nature which would encourage Seamen to leave veterans and provide them with benefits was as Merchant Navy Veterans’ Day. lied War Cemetery near Florence, Italy. They Were Young Oldest brother Leo then enlisted. While garri- by Rear-Admiral John Newton, Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic and Maritime Forces Atlantic soned at the Connaught Battery near his home, his unit became frustrated that they were not he Gargan family was raised at Ferguson’s of six years old remembers well the long proces- being dispatched to the European theatre. Riot- Cove where mother Lucy was a school- sion and the mournful atmosphere. It was July ing against the perceived injustice, their case Tteacher in a one-room schoolhouse. A 1938. was heard and in time Leo was deployed. In his single mother, she raised her four children, Leo, fight through to Germany, and in his service to Arthur, Dougald Robert (D.R.) and Mary with Younger brother D.R. enlisted in the Royal Ca- Canada in the Royal Canadian Artillery after the the loving support of brother Tom Boyle, a Great nadian Artillery as he came of age. While gar- war, he climbed in rank to Sergeant Major. Leo War veteran. risoned on McNabs Island in final preparations survived the war, raised a family in Halifax and for deployment to war in November 1939, D.R. was buried at Fort Massey Cemetery, Halifax. She was also embraced by her greater family, es- was suddenly ill, slipped into a coma and died. His veteran’s grave is one of hundreds and hun- pecially her sister Francis and husband Jim Mon- In fear of being denied enlistment, D.R. had not dreds marked by neatly organized granite head- aghan, himself a First World War veteran. Their disclosed that he was diabetic. stones, reminiscent of the battlefield cemeteries in children - Albert, Terry, Libby and Tela - were Europe. Each one tells a story like this. best friends with their Gargan cousins and spent His death was a double tragedy for Lucy’s fam- Lieutenant Commander Comisso accompanied by her daughter place poppies on a wreath at the grave of every summer together on the cliff-like slopes at ily. Surviving son Leo, and daughter Mary, and D.R.’s cousin Albert, oldest son of Lucy’s sister the harbour mouth. all the Monaghan cousins were plunged into Arthur Gargan in Ferguson’s Cove. Francis, was deeply affected by his best friend’s Photo: Leading Seaman Peter Frew Formation Imag- great sadness. The same mournful funeral and death. Enlisting in the great struggle, his RCAF ing Services, Maritime Forces Atlantic The gravity of impending conflict in Europe was burial procession was relived. Dougald Robert training completed just as war ended. Albert felt by the Gargans and Monaghans. The Gar- Gargan was buried on the cliff top with military found employment as an engineer in the Cana- gan home was situated between the coastal gun honours in a plot immediately adjacent to his dian National Railway, lived a long and reward- batteries high on the cliff tops and not far from brother Arthur. ing career and life in western Canada raising a bivouacked troops preparing for service. In time, family. a great chain link anti-submarine net would be Today, his grave is marked by a Commonwealth stretched from their rocky beach at Ferguson’s War Graves Commission headstone. He was He died at 94 years old in 2016. Libby, cousin Cove to the Maughers Beach lighthouse. an early casualty of the Second World War, his of D.R., died in 2015. She had married a United death recorded on page 8 of the Second World States Navy officer visiting Halifax just after the War Book of Remembrance, on display in the war. Together they raised a large and vibrant Memorial Chamber of Canada’s Parliament family in Minnesota and returned every summer Building. to Nova Scotia keeping the bonds of family alive.

D.R.’s cousin Tela, who recounted this story with the lingering sadness of the great family tragedy that it was, is an artist in Lunenburg, NS. It is her recollections that led me to discover the broth- ers’ gravesite on the cliff top at Fergusons Cove, Rear Admiral John Newton pays tribute to the sacrific- where caring neighbours have tended the graves es of the Gargan brothers who died while undergoing of the historic settlers’ cemetery for decades. training in Canada in preparation for deployment to World War II. Photo: LS P.Frew, FIS, MARLANT It was very moving to bring a small contingent of members to the graves- Arthur joined the Royal Canadian Artillery and ite and tell this story, hear the Last Post echo was in training in Ontario when he suffered a over the cliffs, thank the caring neighbours, and bad sunburn and meningitis. At Ferguson’s remember all the Gargans, Monaghans and other Cove, his funeral occurred at Stella Maris Catho- service personnel buried on the hilltop, who gave lic Church just below the ramparts of York Re- so much in peace and war - conflicts that washed doubt. They struggled carrying his casket along ashore and affected countless families in this East the rocky paths to the small settlers’ cemetery on Coast Port. the cliff top. My mother-in-law Tela, a young girl

Action Stations! Winter 2017 31 4” magazine blew up. Meanwhile, Haida was WWII destroyer HMCS Algonquin. The new NAMESAKE SHIPS by Doug Thomas engaging the German destroyers: T-24 cleared AthaB and her “Sisters of the Space Age” were the area and T-27 was driven ashore and later busy Cold War Warriors and frequently em- destroyed by Allied forces. Haida returned to ployed as flagships for national and international assist Atha B, but by that time she had already operations.Like the Tribals of World War II and sunk just five miles from the coast and daybreak post-war, they were the pride of the Canadian was near - which meant an imminent air threat Navy. Athabaskan (III) was paid-off on the 10th from the Luftwaffe. Haida picked up a total of of March 2017, with a sail-past and great pomp 38 survivors before having to clear the area, and and circumstance – the only one of her class to be another six returned to England in Haida’s motor so-honoured. cutter which had been lowered to help recover survivors.

T-24 returned to the area later and picked up 47 Athabaskan survivors: a total of 85 were taken prisoner by German vessels, and spent the rest of the war in North German POW camps. Some bodies were recovered by ships or drifted ashore and were buried in 9 cemeteries in the area, including that of her captain, LCdr John Stubbs, DSO, DSC, RCN. A total of 128 officers and men were lost. Action Stations is publishing a series of articles also one or two powerful destroyers of the Free about Canadian warships of World War II whose Polish Navy. HMCS Athabaskan’s short life was HMCS Haida stops to pick up survivors from the In Memoriam Athabaskan. Ink and gouache painting by William names are perpetuated in today’s Fleet. This in- very busy and somewhat ill-starred: initially de- McDowell (1888 – 1950). stallment will be about HMCS Athabaskan: (G07): ployed in heavy weather conditions to the north One of the under-construction Canadian Tribals one of the four Tribal Class destroyers ordered of the Faeroes and Iceland to intercept German was renamed Athabaskan as a tribute to the lost for the RCN from UK Shipyards in 1940. blockade-runners, her hull was stressed, neces- ship. École John Stubbs Memorial School in Vic- sitating five weeks to repair. Later, she was hit toria is named for John Stubbs, a native of Kelso Athabaskan was built in Newcastle-on-Tyne in by one of the early German glider bombs while and later Victoria, British Columbia. Athabaskan England, commissioned 03 February 1943, and conducting operations in the Bay of Biscay and Island, near Bella Bella B.C., was so-named in then joined the British Home Fleet. Like all of the was out of action for almost three months.Late 1945 to commemorate Athabaskan (I). 27 WW II Tribals (16 British, 3 Australian, and 8 in 1943, Ashanti and Athabaskan covered Arctic Canadian), she was named for a “tribe” of indig- convoy RA 55A, which was involved in the Battle Post-war enous people: the Athabaskan linguistic groups of North Cape in which the German battlecruiser primarily in North-Western Canada and parts Scharnhorst was sunk. The second Athabaskan(219) was built in Hali- of Alaska. HMCS Athabaskan ’s name was often fax Shipyards following sister-ships Micmac, affectionally abbreviated to Atha B by her ship’s During 1944, Eskimo, Ashanti, Athabaskan, Haida, Nootka and Cayuga. Athabaskan (II) was based in company and the Navy in general. Huron, Nubian, Tartar and later Iroquois saw ex- Staged photograph of Athabaskan POWs in Marlag Esquimalt for the next 11 years, including three tensive action in the English Channel before and (M) Germany deployments to Korea. Her final seven years in It is interesting to note the casualty rate of the after the Normandy landings, sinking or damag- Athabaskan graves in Plouescat commission were back on the East Coast, as part British Tribals: only four of 16 survived the war. ing a variety of enemy ships. Cemetery,France of an all-Tribal escort squadron, and then paid off They were powerful fleet destroyers, and were for disposal in 1966. Haida, the “Fightingest Ship often sent to those areas that were the most dan- On the 28th of April, HMC Ships Athabaskan and in the Navy” during World War II, lives on in gerous. Haida were sent across the Channel to provide Hamilton, Ontario. distant support to coastal forces laying a disrup- tive minefield. Early the next morning two Ger- War Service The current HMCS Athabaskan (282) is one of four man Elbing-class destroyers, T-24 and T-27, were gas-turbine powered Guided Missile Helicopter The Canadian Tribals (Athabaskan, Haida, Huron detected and brought to action. In the darkness, Destroyers, commissioned in the early 1970s. and Iroquois) often operated with the RN’s 10th the Germans fired a total of 12 torpedoes, one of Three of the four commemorate WW II Tribals, Destroyer Flotilla, which included a British light which hit Atha B just forward of her after su- with the fourth named after the Fleet “V” Class cruiser as the Flotilla Leader, British Tribals, and perstructure. Fire and flooding ensued, and the

32 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 33 HMCS Athabaskan takes final salute after 44 years of were referred to as the “sisters of the space age”. from the days when sailors were literally paid For those of us fortunate to have sailed in these the wages owing them as they went ashore. The by Doug Thomas dedicated service ships we celebrate the important leadership role Ensign and the Captain’s pennant were hauled The Tribals were highly successful vessels: that Athabaskan, and her sister ships, fulfilled in down and the ship was usually placed in reserve. our flagships during peacetime national and the defence of Canada and in support of partners NATO exercises when they were employed and allies. Canadians can proudly reflect on • Today the ship’s company gave a last as command platforms, assuming control Canada’s response to the occupation of Kuwait, cheer to the ship and marched off for the final broad ocean areas and many allied ships and the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, time, followed by the Commanding Officer being aircraft. For the second half of their service lives and the devastating earthquake in Haiti. I know piped ashore as the commissioning pennant, they were upgraded with modern equipment that those of us serving today, are proud to Jack, and Ensign were hauled down and the port which enhanced their command and control continue to follow in the wake of all those who flag hoisted. A fitting tribute to a warship and its’ capabilities, and were fitted with an Area Air- have so brilliantly served in HMCS Athabaskan sailors who served with distinction. Defence missile system - the Standard SM-2 during the last 44 years. We stand here today – providing a level of fleet air defence not seen as equally committed and dedicated as those Hightlights of the Paying-Off Ceremony since the early 1960s when Bonaventure’s Banshee who walked aboard her on the day of her Photographs by Sandy McClearn fighters were retired. commissioning.”

The Tribals and their capabilities will be sorely “As a former sailor who was trained an missed. The major acquisition of the Naval d mentored on the decks of a Tribal-class Shipbuilding Policy is to be the 15 Canadian destroyer, I am struck by the great significance Surface Combatants (CSC), a portion of which of this ship’s decommissioning. The name are intended to provide the Command and Athabaskan, and those of her sister ships Iroquois, Control / Air-Defence Capability which was Algonquin and Huron, conjure up the greatness provided by the Tribals during 1972- 2017. Let of our country, its vast geography, the first us hope they will be as capable in their time as peoples, and the impactful contributions of the Iroquois, Huron, Athabaskan HMCS Athabaskan flying her paying off pennant were HMC Ships Royal Canadian Navy in war and peace. There during her sail past. and Algonquin in theirs. In the meantime, the are tens of thousands of Canadians who served Halifax- Class frigates recently modernized and aboard these ships and whose hearts ache for MCS Athabaskan was paid off during a refitted for further service, will fill the gap until what has passed. To them, I salute their service ceremony at HMC Dockyard in Halifax the CSCreturns the navy to its full potential, just and praise their contributions to a navy that on the 10th of March. Athabaskan, the last H as the Tribal-class destroyers did during their remains focused, effective and fully committed to of the four Iroquois-class helicopter destroyers remarkable era of service. providing value-added contribution to maritime (DDH), served the Royal Canadian Navy with security operations wherever there is water and distinction for more than 44 years. The paying- “HMCS Athabaskan and her Iroquois-class sister whenever called upon by the Government of off ceremony concluded a significant chapter ships served the RCN exceptionally well for more Canada.” in RCN history. When first commissioned, in than 40 years. While we look back on the great — Rear Admiral John Newton, Commander 1972 and 1973, the Tribals, as they were known contribution made by these vessels – and their in the Navy, were referred to as the “Sisters crews – to Canadian defence, and the support Maritime Forces Atlantic of the Space Age” as they represented a huge provided to our Allies and partners around technological leap for our Fleet. They embodied the world, we also look toward the future, and Quick Facts a number of firsts for the RCN - all gas-turbine ensuring the Royal Canadian Navy remains propulsion, surface-to-air missiles, an automated responsive and capable, through the Canadian • HMCS Athabaskan, an area air defence operations room with a tactical data-system Surface Combatant project that will replace both destroyer, served on a number of domestic and which could build an operational picture and the Iroquois-class destroyers and our Halifax- expeditionary operations, protecting Canada’s exchange it with allied ships and aircraft. They class frigates.” sovereignty in the North Atlantic Ocean. A were equipped with one of the most-advanced — Minister of National Defence, Harjit S. Sajjan helicopter-carrying, anti-submarine warfare sonars in the world, which had been developed destroyer, the ship was designed and built in Canada and was exported abroad. Another “Today we celebrate the end of an era. HMCS for operations in the stormy North Atlantic, important capability was that of operating Athabaskan is the last of the Tribal-class enforcing Canadian laws in its territorial waters. two large Sea King maritime helicopters, thus destroyers to be decommissioned. When Canada expanding upon the concepts pioneered in the put this ship into service the technological • When a ship reaches the end of its earlier St. Laurent class DDHs. achievements were so impressive that the Tribals commission, it is “paid off”, a term that dates

34 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 35 dered if there was a certain time, or if there was a reading about the merchant navy, for example, Book Review certain experience in writing this book, that stood it was interesting how Black and Boileau felt the Mailbag Too Young to Die: Canada’s Boy Soldiers and out from writing typical novels based on the Sec- need to explain that, depending on what type of As usual, a very elegant and interesting edition Airmen in the Second World War ond World War. This 20th century event could vessel the men were on, they would either sleep of’ “Action Stations.” Keeps we distant mem- easily be seen as one of the most written about with their uniform on, or not bother. The reason- bers/trustees in touch, which unless one visits Halifax, is the glue holding us to Sackville. BZ! Strength in numbers: a mantra we’ve all heard topics in modern times and, therefore, it is in- ing behind this was that if a more fragile vessel when it comes to times of war and conflict. Re- triguing that Black and Boileau decided to focus was struck there was no chance of survival so moving ourselves from present on a perspective that many are unaware of. wearing a uniform would be pointless, whereas if Two minor items: day and rewinding 75 years, there was a chance of escape after being hit by an this mindset was engrained in Black explains from his Ottawa enemy strike, uniforms were worn. 1. Attached a piece I prepared some time ago re the young men across our coun- residence that while writing Old the largest convoy. We hear all sorts of claims, try as the Second World War Enough to Die (the first install- Black’s way of answering my query about this but of the officially recorded ones, this was the raged across the Atlantic. ment of these stories), “I had to unusual detail was to explain “that these young largest. A couple of others had more ships in pause when I realized that we men were not any different than you or I. These their count, but with departures and arrivals, had better interview some of men were just doing what they thought was best John Boileau and Dan Black go Arnold Hague in his reliable “The Allied Convoy these veterans that are still alive and what they believed in.” to great lengths in their latest System 1939-1945” (Vanwell, 2000) says it was book to show that patriotism now. Sadly, when it came time to write Too Young to Die many In an effort to not rehash the entire writing pro- the largest. Others may be shown as more, but and the desire to fight for the with arrivals and departures this is the larges country we love was not decid- of these men had since passed cess and delve into a history lesson, I was curious ocean passage convoy. The ocean escort all Ca- ed by age but by passion for our away, so I am glad we were to find out not only what the motivation behind land and fellow countrymen. able to take the time and hear this work was, but also to learn at what point did nadian too. their stories while we had the these authors realize that what they were work- Too Young to Die: Canada’s Boy chance.” ing on was something unique in itself — a book 2. In Doug Pemberton’s good article on the sink- Soldiers and Airmen in the Sec- that told the stories many had not known about ing of British Freedom, he notes that U-1232 also ond World War, sheds light on the Reading through Too Young from this time. sank the Park steamer Nipiwan Park off Halifax. thousands of young men who to Die, it’s clear that there is Two points here: actually, he only sank the bow fought to fight in the Second an abundance of young men’s Boileau answers this query by explaining, “The 1/3rd, as although that portion broke off and World War, despite some being stories to be told. Curious about reason for telling these stories is quite simple: sank, the rest was towed into Halifax, and just which ones were deemed im- They had never been told before and we felt they as young as 15 years old. Speak- post-war a new bow was built for her and she portant enough to include in the were important enough to be told as a part of ing with Black and Boileau, it recommissioned as Irving Oil’s Irving Lake. The became clear that although the task of sharing book, I curiously asked what was the criteria for Canadian military, social and family history.” being included. only Canadian registered merchantman that was the stories of these young men was daunting, “partly sunk!” Also, interestingly, although all each felt there was a certain responsibility in ac- Through Too Young to Die remains a fact-based, the Parks were named after actual Federal or curately depicting their tales. Boileau reinforced Boileau answered this by saying, “One very im- non-fiction work, both Boileau and Black are able this, saying, “That these boys had the fortitude to portant priority — probably the most important to keep the attention of the reader due to the ac- Provincial parks, the park in Manitoba is named persevere and join up in the face of several ob- one — for including a boy was having enough cessibility of the tales being told. Boileau explains Nipawin Park, not Nipiwan, The Collingwood stacles is nothing short of amazing.” detail to tell his story in sufficient detail to make that being “the first book about Canadian boy Shipbuilding just got it wrong in the haste to him a distinct individual, someone that the read- soldiers, we wanted it to be the definitive book build her, and maybe with the reluctance to Focusing on the underage boys looking to join er could relate to.” on the topic, extensively researched, well-written change names of ships, it was left as launched. the armed forces, both Black and Boileau had and authoritative.” (Reference: my “Sink All The Shipping There,” to comb through archival records from all over Black also explained that, “While there may very Vanwell.) the country and interview surviving veterans to be other stories and ones that would be interest- Discovering new stories regarding the Second ing, we can only write about what we can learn World War continues to grow the minds of Ca- ensure the book was “extensively researched, Fraser McKee well-written and authoritative” according to and find from the archival records.” The events nadians and forces us to come to terms with the Boileau, and therefore it took several years before that these authors are trying to recount not only sacrifices that those men and women put them- this work was ready for public eyes. occurred more than 70 years ago, but due to selves through all those years ago. Black and many of the records being falsified in order to Boileau’s book adds another chapter to the event Too Young to Die: Canada’s Boy Soldiers and Air- accommodate the young men’s combat wishes, that happened lifetimes ago. Connecting with men in the Second World War, sheds light on the an overwhelmingly large number of records are the young men and learning their stories leaves thousands of young men who fought to fight in the either inaccurate or have been lost due to confu- a lasting impression on the reader. The intimacy Second World War, despite some being as young sion when being reviewed by the veteran estate and empathy felt for these young men is some- as 15 years old. departments. thing that lives on long after the final pages of the book have been turned. In Too Young to Die, the authors do an exemplary Listening to Black explain the motivation and HMCS Moose Jaw launched at Collingwood Shipyards reasoning behind tackling such a subject, I won- job of ensuring reliability to the young men. In Ltd., Collingwood, Ontario - 9 Apr 1941.

36 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Action Stations! Winter 2017 37 THE LARGEST CONVOY OF WWII: Netherlands owners, 3 each from Poland, Yugo- slavia and Panama and 1 each from Sweden and y the time of the Normandy invasion in France. There were 26 tankers (16%) with various mid-1944 researchers in the field of anti- cargoes in the group, 4 MAC ships – Merchant U-boat operations had proven that as long Aircraft Carriers - with their own cargoes as well, B although one of which was simply transport- as there was reasonable close escort protection and air cover, the size of convoys could be in- ing non-operational aircraft. 8 merchantmen, all ® creased to any controllable amount, and that the escort oilers of which there were 10, also carried glenfiddich controlling factor now was collecting the ships some 427 spare depth charges in case the ocean for sailing, and dock and cargo handling facili- escorts ran short, about 50 in each ship. On ar- 15 year old single malt ties at their reception ports in the U.K., Russia rival, 10 of these vessels were destined to go on to the whisky that gives back and, soon, France. Thus the war’s largest convoy Russian and Iceland with other convoys. sailed out of New York on July 17, 1944, bound for the U.K. initially. Canada’s C5 mid-ocean The Convoy Commodore was Rear Admiral Sir group provided it’s only defensive protection Aubrey T. Tillard, KBE, DSO in a British ship, from July 24th to it’s arrival on August 3rd, 16 with his Vice-Commodore, an RN Vice-Admiral days after departure. While this particular con- in a Norwegian. voy was not attacked by U-boats (all fully in- volved at Hitler’s and Doenitz’s urging in trying The safe arrival of every ton or gallon of cargo, to defeat the invasion resupply forces), it was ranging from iron ore pellets to railway locomo- quite an achievement. tives, every person, every valuable ship, is quite a testament to how competent we all had become Eventually the convoy consisted of 166 merchant- in convoying, at the cost of one damaged ship. men (one British vessel had become involved in a collision, was towed in, but was a ‘CTL’ – con- The MAC-ships were situated center-rear in the convoy structive total loss; another Brit was strictly a formation within a space of 1x3 miles in which they could A BRAVE COMMITMENT rescue ship, if needed). When formed up for the turn into the wind to launch aircraft. ocean passage, it extended 9 miles across its front TO CANADA’S HEROES and 4 miles deep. At least 21 naval vessels were directly involved at various times. From the AND THEIR FAMILIES. departure there were ships of the Western Local Escort Force from the USN and Canadian Na- vies, corvettes, Algerines, Bangors, 2 RN trawl- We are proud to support Wounded ers and a Norwegian Navy trawler; then 2 RN Warriors Canada and the brave trawlers that joined from Western Approaches on the last days, as the mass of ships approached commitment they demonstrate to the U.K. The C5 Mid-Ocean group consisted of Canada’s military, veterans, fi rst one frigate, HMCS Dunver (Lt. Wm. Davenport, Members of the air party and two Swordfish aircraft RCNVR), the Castle Class squid-fitted corvette on the snow-covered flight deck of the MAC ship M/V responders and their families. Hespeler, and the corvettes Dauphin, Wetaskiwin, Ancylus. New Westminster, Algoma and Long Branch. By GLENFIDDICH® WILL DONATE $2.00 now a pretty experienced group of ships, led as ® an Escort Group by Cdr George Stephens, RCN, PER BOTTLE SOLD OF GLENFIDDICH who had already spent 3½ years at sea as an es- 15 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT TO SUPPORT cort C.O., had sunk one U-boat. WOUNDED WARRIORS CANADA.

Of the merchantmen 109 sailed from New York For more information and to support ports, 30 joined from Halifax, 24 from Sydney Wounded Warriors Canada, please visit and 3 from St. John’s. They consisted of 76 www.woundedwarriors.ca American ships, 49 British, 17 Norwegian, 9 Greek (one built in 1905, 39 years old!), 6 from Fairey Swordfish landing on Empire MacAlpine glenfi ddich.com SKILFULLY CRAFTED. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Glenfi ddich® Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a registered trademark of William Grant & Sons Ltd. 38 Action Stations! Winter 2017 Be a part of History Report for Duty “We Fight as One” https://hmcssackville.ca