Paying tribute to the HMCS Sackville, the last of Canada’s Second World War corvettes
The mystique around ships includes the fact that all who sail aboard them refer to the vessels as a “she.” Legends abound as to how this came about. The one I prefer is that a ship cradles within itself life, her crew, and therefore is womb-like. Although created from inanimate materials, to sailors, ships become living entities.
This is a story about a type of naval vessel which was critical in winning the Battle of the Atlantic that began in 1939 and lasted until 1945—the longest battle of WWII. The ship was the corvette, a small but ultimately deadly escort vessel for vital convoys across the North Atlantic.
In 1939, the pre-war Canadian Navy comprised a group of aging destroyers manned by peacetime professionals, plus a wide variety of harbour craft, training vessels and such. This was the Royal Canadian Navy, and it was full of tradition. All across Canadian Naval establishments each morning, the White Ensign was raised, parade grounds filled and resounded to petty officers’ bawled orders, these being met by stamping boots and sailors marching in unison. On a daily basis, naval officers, clerks and secretaries entered their respective offices ashore, each dealing with a myriad of protocols, orders and general documentation. A navy ready for war at sea it was not. This was about to change—drastically!
In 1939 the British Admiralty recognized the desperate need for escort vessels to protect vital shipping in the North Atlantic during the now inevitable war with Nazi Germany. Their navy at the time was considered inadequate to protect convoys of merchant ships supplying Britain with vital supplies from the submarines of the powerful German Kriegsmarine U-boat fleet. The Admiralty chose a ship designed initially as a whaling trawler.
The next challenge was to decide who would build them in sufficient time and quantity. The British Admiralty turned to Canada as a possible source.
Denne historien er fra April/May 2019-utgaven av Our Canada.
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Denne historien er fra April/May 2019-utgaven av Our Canada.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Day & Night
Clive Branson of Ottawa explains the fascinating psychological effect of seeing the same scene in daylight and then at night
BACK-ROAD ADVENTURES
Capturing the history and beauty of Quebec’s Eastern Townships in winter
A Very Merry Christmas
Waiting for the turkey to roast has never been so much fun!
BEAUTIFUL BERMUDA
This lovely island nation boasts friendly locals and incredible views
Room with a View
This window on the natural world brings a sense of peace and joy
Sled dog Salvation
Tracing the incredible journey of a musher from Edmonton who fled her abusive spouse with her dog team and made it all the way into Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Christmas on Display!
Unpacking and showcasing the family collection of Santas, snowfolk and village scenes is an annual labour of love
SOLITARY PURSUITS
Enjoying brisk winter days in the great outdoors
WILLIAM POPE: An Artist for the Ages
A tribute to Norfolk County’s Naturalist
The Intrepid OJIBWAY
The story of a man, and a community, who fostered a sense of pride and dignity for those to come