July 2018

President’s Report by Gary Walsh

th The 2018 annual general meeting was A main initiative for our 75 Ocean. He was most interested in the th held on May 30 and was well Anniversary celebrations was the history of the Crow's Nest and artifacts attended with lively discussions on a creation of the Crow's Nest Officers’ and appreciated the hospitality he was variety of issues. As with all AGMs a Club Scholarship tenable at Memorial shown. Manfred is now a life time new slate of officers and board University. I am delighted to confirm member and we wish to thank him for members were elected and the that Mr. Daniel Browne, a music major, his generosity. has been awarded the very first upcoming year looks to be a busy one. I The funds will be directed where the want to thank outgoing secretary scholarship. His high academic individual wishes to see them used or, achievements combined with his Wayne Ludlow and outgoing treasurer if no specific request is made, be used volunteer work meets our criteria for Mary Grouchy for their many years of toward the preservation of the dedicated service and also outgoing awards and he is a most worthy artifacts, building upgrades, the board members Ian Wheeler and Rob recipient. Daniel will visit the Club later scholarship fund or other Club Shea for their most valued this year and we look forward to initiatives. contributions. I would also like to thank meeting him. The annual lobster dinner was held on the existing board members and Bruce Honorary life time member Rosemary June 2nd and next scheduled Club Bennett with the Crow's Nest Military Barron recently passed away and her dinner will be in September, but pub Artifacts Association who have all fondness for the Crow's Nest was lunches will be served on Fridays kindly offered to serve another term. I exemplified with a donation to the throughout the summer months. can attest to their many efforts and Club from her estate. This was a very Summer means longer daylight, valued expertise over the past year. It considerate gesture and we have vacations and warmer weather (we is greatly appreciated. It was a privilege contacted the executor offering thanks. hope) and it is also the time when to serve as president for the last twelve We also received a donation from Mr. renovations are typically done at the months and I wish to express my Manfred Heinrichs, who is a German Club. This upcoming summer is no gratitude to the membership for giving citizen and visited the Club in 2017 different. The Canadian Navy is me the opportunity to serve a second during his sailing voyage from Nova scheduled to send a technical team to year. Scotia to British Columbia via the Arctic inspect the periscope in late June and I am delighted to welcome Stephanie modifications to the exterior main O'Brien as our new club secretary and stairs are planned. to welcome Margaret Morris back for a I conclude by wishing a happy summer second stint as treasurer. Our new to all and please practice safety in all board members are Bruce Dyke, your travelling and endeavours. I hope Andrew Collins and Leroy Murphy, I to see you at the Club and please make admire their great interest in Board sure to bring visitors to the Crow's participation. Board members and Nest. We encourage guests to drop in executive for the 2018/19 year are and experience our unique history and listed on page 3 and I look forward to hospitality that is second to none. serving with them.

Mr. Manfred Heinrichs presenting a donation to the Crow’s Nest during his visit last year. 1

The Crow’s Nest Commemorative Coin By Margaret Morris

A special coin has been struck to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Crow’s Nest. This coin is a tribute to the sea-going officers of the Allied and merchant navies who served during the Battle of the Atlantic and to those who serve today. The rope pattern on each side recognizes the Club's sea-going origins and the blue symbolizes the cold waters of the North Atlantic. The naval crown honours all the ships of His/Her Majesty's navies. The crow is set upon the crow's nest. The red and white mast alludes to the

RCN-led Barber Pole brigade which had its home port in St. John's and whose

officers were among the charter when it was a sanctuary for sea- The coin is not available for purchase members of the Club. Taken together, Just as this issue was being assembled, we learned that going officers to relax with a hot but Members with ten consecutive the images on the coin represents the . meal the and Ghanam a favourite family beverage. will be It leavingyears Amman, of membership Jordan are on eligible July for a membership comfortably perched in th was11 a "safe, and haven" arriving for officers in St. John’sto thecoin. evening If you feel of you the meet next this criterion, their Club in the safety of their converse with their peers, mourn please write or email the Club. Once harbour. A single black spike day. Members of our sponsorship group, which is made their losses and celebrate their your length of membership is commemorates the captain and up of the Crow’s Nest Group for Syrian Refugees, the victories. The two red maple confirmed, a coin will be sent to you. wardroom of HMCS Spikenard, the first Torbay-based group, Room for One, and Following Seas, leaves represent the east and Coins may also be presented to RCN members of the Club to be lost in westa groupcoast fleets of friends of today's and Ro relativesyal individuals headed whoby Richard have made Ly, an the Battle of the Atlantic. Canadian himself Navy a former and the Club’sVietnamese refugee,extraordinary are contributionnow busily to the Club The reverse image is from the painting commitmentorganizing to preserveinto committees their andwhether planning they aare new a member life for or not, "The Crow's Nest" by Tom Wood. It history and heritage. awarded at the discretion of the Club depicts the Club during the war years the eight people in our sponsored family. We sincerely president in consultation with the Board thank the many Club membersof and Directors. friends who so generously helped to make this possible.

If you are downsizing,Gary Walsh presents we still Club need member a few Arthur items of furniture, especiallyBarrett dresserswith the first for commemorative clothing. Many coin at hands our anniversary dinner on January 27th. make light work so, if anyone feels inclined to help out, even if only to offer occasionaluuuu driving services, we would be grateful for your time. It’s going to be an intense,

rewarding year. Please contact Margaret Morris through the Club (contact info on page –) if you wish to be involved in any way.

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Crossed the Bar Rosemary Barron Philip Daniel by Edgar Williams by John Moyes

Rosemary has a special place in the Philip Daniel passed away on January unforgettable performance for which history of the Crow’s Nest as she was 22nd, 2018 at 73 years of age, leaving we are forever grateful. The show the first female to apply for to mourn his wife Anne, family, many went on to represent Newfoundland at membership. After being encouraged friends, and his brother, Paul, in the Canadian National Festival in to do so by fellow male officers during London, England. Winnipeg to huge acclaim by the a visit to St. John’s by the NATO Fleet in adjudicator and the audience. the mid-1960s, she submitted an Philip was a man of many parts. Born For the next 25 years, Philip was application as SLt. R. Barron. It was in London, England, and graduating invaluable to the St. John's Players. He initially accepted until the Club realized from university in Edinburgh, Philip was was sound technician, lighting that R. Barron was a Wren officer and already an accomplished performer designer, actor, director and producer. the membership was withdrawn. In when he decided to move to Toronto. Using his skill as a master of the English 2002, on the Club’s 60th anniversary, In the mid 1980s, Philip transferred to language, Philip encouraged a new Rosemary was presented with an St. John's to play a leading role at CBC generation of theatre people in honorary life membership. radio and, as his colleagues Cathy Newfoundland. Rosemary was a founding member of White and John Murphy both say, he As a girl, Philip's wife Anne lived at the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of was a terrific News Editor and mentor, Crow's Nest, in what is now the dining the Naval Association of Canada (NAC) and a compassionate and room, with her parents and siblings. and remained active with that knowledgeable leader of the CBC news For 25 years or so, Anne's mother and organization throughout her life. In team. father, Hilda and Harold Hiscock, were October 2017 she was invited to sit at the amazing stewards of our Crow's In 1986, the St. John's Players theatre the head table of the Naval Association Nest. of Canada mess dinner held at CFS St. group were in trouble since the lead Given that connection, I persuaded John’s in conjunction with the NAC’s actor in our Festival play, "Strider", Philip to come onto the Board, and he national annual general meeting and dropped out with only 3 weeks to go quickly made an impression with his the Club’s 75th anniversary. She before 'curtain up'. Luckily, as play independent way of looking at the day thoroughly enjoyed the evening. This director, I had previously seen Philip to day tasks and, as he had always event was to be her last with her naval play Tevye in "Fiddler on The Roof" at done, worked hard to make each day friends after more than 60 years of the Arts and Culture Centre in which he run smoothly. service and camaraderie. was terrific. So keeping my fingers crossed, since I had not met him, I I will close by quoting John Coombs, In addition to her long and successful phoned to ask Philip if he would be who was technical director at the Arts career with Memorial University of willing to step into the part. Even with and Culture Centre, "Philip was always Newfoundland, Rosemary was a a demanding full-time day job, Philip the definitive professional and was the pioneer in the Naval Reserve and the took on the role learning the part friend who helped make the stressful Naval Association of Canada. Her quickly, which demanded singing, times seem less overwhelming." consistently upbeat spirit and positive dancing and acting. He gave an Your family, friends, the Crow's Nest, attitude will be deeply missed in the and community theatre will miss you, Club and in the naval community. Philip. Rest in Peace.

Crow's Nest Officers' Club Board of Directors for 2018-2019 Officers Directors

President: Gary Walsh Andrew Collins James Goodwin Vice President: Jon Summers Bruce Dyke Marilyn Mullins Secretary: Stephanie O'Brien Peter Fisher Leroy Murphy Treasurer: Margaret Morris Cletus Flaherty Tom Paddon Hazel Gladney Dave Paddon Ex Officio Bruce Bennett 3

Members’ News Welcome Aboard David Allison Club member Dr. David Allison recently retired as Chief In Town Out of Town Medical Officer of Health for the province and will be heading to Ethiopia for 6 months to volunteer with CUSO Gerry Puddister Walt Dermott, International, as part of the Midwives Save Lives project. Dr. Margo Wilson Oakville, ON His role will be as a public health administration adviser, Brian O'Connell Robert Buchanan, which may encompass problem solving, teaching and Christopher Hollett Londonderry, Northern working with local faculty and staff of Madawalabu Ireland University, based in Robe, Bale Zone, about 460 km south Nicholas deVerteuil of Addis Ababa. David advises that additional information Scott Sandlin John Hearn, Ottawa, ON can be found through the following links: Daniel Browne https://www.canwach.ca/article/stories-and- Bruce Jarvis, Terry Loder commentary/midwives-brought -together-africa-and- Lake Loon, NS Wendy Zdebiak canada-midwives-save-lives or other links to CUSO Graeme Mew, International. Club members wishing to support this Mervin McIntyre Kingston, ON are invited to visit David's fundraising page Aidan Duff Zach Nugent,

( http://bit.ly/2HhxP9V ). Noel O'Dea Red Deer, AB

Peter Moore Donald MacKay, Kathy LeGrow Allan Hawco Ottawa, ON Congratulations to Kathy LeGrow on being recognized at Mark Critch the 11th investiture of the Order of Newfoundland and Dr. Adam Sherrard, Labrador in January 2018. In addition to being a long-time Alan Doyle Dawson City, Yukon member of the Crow's Nest, Kathy is well known for her Jeremy Charles many community activities and charitable endeavours. Stephen Lee Richard Rogers Jamie Korab Congratulations also to Richard Rogers on being Maria Miskell recognized on March 9th with the honorary title of Felicity Roberts Queen's Counsel for his exceptional merit and William R. Parsons contribution to the legal profession.

The Crow’s Nest Officers’ Club PO Box 23161 Churchill Square St. John’s, NL Canada, A1B 4J9 Telephone (709) 753-6927 Email: [email protected] Website: www.crowsnestnl.ca

On May 18th, Alan Doyle, Mark Critch and Allan Hawco Editor: Janet McNaughton visited the Club, enjoyed the hospitality: and are now Proof Reader: Germaine Fisher new members. Layout: Peter Fisher

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Syrian Refugee Update

Just as this issue was being We sincerely thank the many Club assembled, we learned that the members and friends who so Ghanam family will be leaving generously helped to make this th Amman, Jordan on July 11 , and possible. arriving in St. John’s the evening of the next day. Members of our If you are downsizing, we still need a sponsorship group, which is made few items of furniture, especially up of the Crow’s Nest Group for dressers for clothing. Many hands Syrian Refugees, the Torbay- make light work so, if anyone feels based group, Room for One, and inclined to help out, even if only to Following Seas, a group of friends offer occasional driving services, we and relatives headed by Richard would be grateful for your time. It’s Ly, himself a former Vietnamese going to be an intense, rewarding refugee, are now busily year. Please contact Margaret Morris organizing into committees and through the Club (contact info on page 4) if you wish to be involved in planning a new life for the eight Razan Al Masri with her youngest people in our sponsored family. any way. daughters, Jana and Haya Ghanam

Brazil family presents historic Ensign to the Crow’s Nest

In May of 1945, the U-190 Bay Bulls gathered at the Crow’s Brothers, a grade four student at East surrendered off the coast of Nest for lunch. At the conclusion of Point Elementary School. Rhys recently Newfoundland was directed to the meal, the ensign was presented won a school Heritage Fair with a Bay Bulls. The tugboat that to the Crow’s Nest by Stan Brazil, Jr. display of his great- grandfather’s life. assisted in the U-boat’s transit It was received by Bruce Bennett of He also competed at the regional level into the harbour was under the our Military Artifacts Association. with the same presentation and won command of Skipper Stan Brazil, The intent is to eventually get this HMCS Cabot’s Captain’s Prize for the RCNR. The naval ensign that flew new addition framed and displayed most original research project on a from the stern of the tug that day behind the periscope of the U-190. maritime or a naval subject. He proudly was kept by Skipper Brazil. On Also, in attendance on June 1st was shared the story of his great- Friday 1st June 2018, 27 the nine-year old great-grandson of grandfather’s life and his story-telling members of the Brazil family of the late Skipper Brazil, Rhys was enjoyed by all.

Rhys Brothers’ winning Project Brazil family presents historic ensign to the Crow’s Nest 5

Old Salts Are Ready To Serve Again Club member Lou Howard had a visit from fellow veteran Liam Dwyer over the Battle of the Atlantic weekend. They are the last two veterans of the 78 men who served in HMCS Sarnia when they picked up survivors from HMCS Esquimalt, the last RCN ship lost in WWII. In addition to remembering that day in April 1945, Lou tells us that a lot of memories were re-awakened as they talked about convoys taken here and there, chipping ice, humorous events on board and ashore, and mostly, fellow shipmates now departed. To add to the visit, a wind storm knocked out the electricity in Lou's neighbourhood and Liam had to shave in the dark for two days. Peter Holmes joined Lou and Liam and took this photo. There was no cooking without power so they ate at a noisy restaurant. Lou tells us that is was a memorable weekend and advises that the RCNVR is still vibrant and ready to serve again.

Leonard and Dorothy Outerbridge Leonard and Dorothy and Outerbridge the Origins and the Origins of theof the Crow’s Nest Crow’s Nest Officers’ ClubOfficers’ Club

by David Winter by David Winter

This address was delivered atThis the address Crow's was Nest delivered Officers' at the Crow'sClub MessNest Officers' Dinner Club January Mess Dinner 27, 2018 January 27, 2018 It is a great privilege and honour to As the Club developed I became one of and Labrador, the Hon. . have been asked to speak to you this the first of the new, what was then Ian and I had met on several occasions evening at the annual Mess Dinner of called, Associate members. It was then at dinners and other functions at The Crows Nest Officers Club. Opened that I began to see the true significance Government House. on this very date January 27 in 1942, of the game of darts and the necessity Ian and I continued to chat as he was this Club has held a special place in my for rest and recuperation and even the decorating the Club for Christmas heart for my entire life. My father told odd drive home. For the past 30 years season. I mentioned my interest in me that on the day that I was born he many of my longtime friends and I some artifacts that our family had came here to raise a glass with some gather here for drinks and dinner to donated to the Club in memory of my friends to celebrate my arrival. He also celebrate our former skills on the grandparents Sir Leonard and Lady reminded me that there were times hockey rink and of late our prowess on Outerbridge. He suggested I could when my questionable behaviour the golf course. provide some anecdotal tales about my forced him to come to the club to curse This past December, at our latest grandparents and their involvement the day of my arrival as well. I gathering, I was chatting with Ian with the origins of the Club at the remember that on many Saturdays my Wheeler. As we talked, I knew that I upcoming 2018 Mess Dinner. Needless father would participate in a very had met Ian somewhere before. We to say, following a wonderful dinner serious lunch time game of darts here chatted on about the reasons for my that night, with no darts to follow, but at the Club. When father got home my being in the Club that night, and to be definite need to be driven home to rest mother would insist that my sisters and perfectly frank I was really not listening and recuperate, my conversation with I be very quiet, allowing my father the to all that he was saying as I was Ian slipped my mind completely until necessary time for rest and racking my brain trying to figure out recently he called to remind me of the recuperation. Later, in my teenage where I had met him before. It was January 27/18 commitment that I had years, and when I started driving, I when I heard him mention his wife's made on that December night. would sometimes be asked to pick my name that it all fell in place. Ian's wife father up from the Club following a To me as a young boy, Sir Leonard and Rene and I were aides de camp to Friday evening seal and/or moose Lady Dorothy Outerbridge were just my former Lt. Governor of Newfoundland dinner and yet another game of darts. 6

grandparents. They both had a great that his parents moved to St. John's Trade, Director of The International sense of humour and were very loving from in 1863. I can recall Grenfell Association, St. John and giving. Every Sunday our family Grandfather telling me that his first Ambulance, Church Lads Brigade and would go to the grandparents for roast real memory in St. John's was that of other organizations as well as joining beef dinner, sit around the big long seeing the orange skies over the City the Royal Newfoundland Regiment dinning room table in what I thought during the Great Fire of 1892 as he lastly serving as Honorary Colonel of was their great big house, which watched from his bedroom window on the Regiment. actually was the dining room in their the top floor of their home on Kings He served as Honorary Private temporary home, that being Bridge Road. He would have been Secretary to successive Governors of Government House. Like any other about 4 years of age then. He was Newfoundland from 1931 to 1944 grandfather, he would carve the roast educated at Bishop Field College on (Governors Middleton, Anderson and and then before sitting down himself Bond Street, not Topsail Road. He then Walwyn) and as well during WWII he he would toss the Yorkshire puddings went to Toronto, where in 1914 he was the Director of the Civil Defence up the table for me and my sisters to received his law degree from Osgoode for Newfoundland. catch. Then one of us kids would have Hall. While attending U. of T. he met to say "the Grace" and we could then Dorothy Strathy of Barrie Ontario who In June of 1946 King George VI enjoy the meal. At 5 years old I was too was living in Toronto at the time. Born conferred the Honour of Knight young to know the difference and I just in 1892 she was the daughter of John Bachelor to grandfather for his services thought that this was where my and Agnes Strathy. Her father was a to King and Country. In 1949 grandparents lived. former manager of the Bank of Toronto grandfather was again honoured in Barrie and was actually murdered on having been appointed the second Lt. As I grew up and my grandparents his front door step in the summer of Governor of the Province of moved from Government House into 1896 when my grandmother was just 4 Newfoundland. He was named as their new house, which coincidentally years old. They were married in Companion of the in is now my home, I began to realize that Toronto in January of 1915 a few 1967, the first year that Order of my grandparents were more than just weeks before grandfather went off to Canada was established. Upon his ordinary grandparents. I realized that fight in WWI. death in 1986 at the age of 98 he was they were a very close team, made that given a full Military Honours Funeral, way because of the love, devotion and Grandfather served with the First something that is seldom given to a respect they held for one and other. Canadian Infantry Brigade during WWI private citizen. They had worked together tirelessly to rising to the rank of Captain and was give as much back to the community awarded the DSO for his services. Besides supporting her husband's and the people of Newfoundland as Meanwhile in St. John's his father, Sir business, philanthropic and volunteer they had received from that very same Joseph Outerbridge, had been actively activities, grandmother, Lady community. During the early to mid involved in financial affairs and Outerbridge was active in NONIA, the 20th century the man of the family fundraising for the Newfoundland IODE, Canadian Red Cross and many who often received the honours and Regiment in preparation for its role in other organizations and she found time recognition while his wife stood WWI. My grandfather's two brothers to be a mother and a grandmother as dutifully behind. served with the 1st Battalion of the well. Newfoundland Regiment. His brother At home and, when with his family, my Herbert suffered a head injury at the The family story around the grandfather always gave equal credit to western front and had been forced to establishment of the Crows Nest in my grandmother for the return to Nfld. in 1916, while his eldest 1942 is only a little different that the accomplishments for which he had brother Norman died at the battle of official version which has been received recognition. To help Monchy-le-Preux in 1917. published and acknowledged over the understand their involvement in the past 76 years. The true facts may never Crow’s Nest Officers’ Club, you really Following the war my grandfather and come to the surface as to how this Club need to know some of their grandmother moved back to St. John's, came into being. That being said, the background. where he practised law for a few years, club is still here and those who before joining Harvey and Company founded the club can only listen and Sir Leonard was born in 1888 in North Limited in the early 1920s. He became hopefully chuckle at today's renditions Carolina. As a family we never knew very involved with the community on how they created this most revered why he was actually born there given serving as President Nfld. Board of site. 7

The story I have always believed goes as grandmother was well aware that passed away. Grandfather and his like this: the warehouse had been idle for quite family, all knew where she would want some time. She passed the good news this cloth to go upon here death. During the early days of WWII St. on to Captain Mainguy but prior to Grandfather was also very committed John's was a very important strategic accepting the offer he felt it was to the Crows Nest. Obviously from port to the allies in helping to provide a necessary to inspect the warehouse. donating this space in the beginning to staging area for men and supplies to be The story goes that he and supporting the Club until his death in used in the war effort. Ships loaded grandmother walked down the east 1986. As with grandmother, our family with men and materials would come to stairway from Duckworth Street by the just knew where grandfather would our harbour on their way to and from War Memorial and looked into the lane want to have his military awards to go ports in England. Men were crowded way and saw the rickety steps going up upon his death. The Crows Nest on to the ships and whenever there to where the Club was to be located. Officers Club has hosted many was a chance to set their feet on firm He went no further. Seeing the 59 extraordinary people over its 76 years. ground they took full advantage of the steps, he realized that this location was Some of these would include members situation. There were many bars and ideal. It was quaint, somewhat off the of the British Royal Family, taverns and other such places where beaten trail, very close to the harbour ambassadors and other foreign sea going men could go and relax and and the officers’ ships and more than dignitaries, Canadian and Provincial forget the war, even if only for a few anything else it had its own self dignitaries, movies stars, news media hours. policing system. The policing system and sports personalities just to name a In 1941 Captain Edmund Rollo was indeed, the 59 steps. The Officers few. Mainguy was the Commodore of the would have to navigate up the steps to My grandparents were pretty special Royal Canadian Navy destroyers in St. get into the club, and more importantly people and this is a pretty special John's. His duties as such made him they would have to be able to navigate place. I would like to propose a toast to have to deal with the Governor of down over the steps to get back to Leonard and Dorothy Outerbridge and Newfoundland at the time. their ships. After some delicate to all past and present members of this Grandfather, as the Governor’s Private negotiations and arm twisting, Captain most distinguished “Crow's Nest Secretary, and the Director of the Civil Mainguy, with some assistance from Officers' Club”. Defense for Newfoundland often my grandmother, successfully obtained officially met with Captain Mainguy the rights to the space for a nominal and they also became close personal annual fee and following some minor friends. renovations the “Crow's Nest Officers' Club” was officially opened 76 years The story goes that Captain Mainguy ago on January 27, 1942. and my Grandmother were walking on Water Street following a church service At first the Club was strictly for men. on a lovely Sunday morning in the There were special occasions when summer of 1941.The Captain women were permitted into the Club, mentioned in passing that he wished but only when escorted by a male Club that there was a place close to the member. There was however one harbour where just sea going officers exception made. In honour of her of allied countries could meet and relax contribution to the Club's formation, over a pint or two. That night, my Lady Outerbridge was made an grandmother said to grandfather Honorary Member of the Club. On the something like this "Len, you know that 30th Anniversary of the Club in old vacant company warehouse across recognition of her service to the Club, the street from your office that is members presented her with the table empty, how about you letting it be cloth which is now upstairs on the used as a club for naval officers while coffee table in front of the fireplace. their ships are in St. John's?'' As On the cloth are the woven signatures Sir Leonard Outerbridge, CC, CBE, DSO, CD grandfather told the story he had little of the members of the day including Lieutenant Governor of choice but to say yes (not much has those of grandfather and Captain Newfoundland and Labrador changed over the years on that front) Mainguy. It was shortly after she 1949 - 1967 received this very fine gift that she 8