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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
George enlisted in the RCN on 16 Sep 1940 and was Honourably Released on 04 Nov 1947.
CREWE, Ernest George - With loved ones at his side, 91 year old George Crewe, one of Fernie’s last two veterans, passed away peacefully at the Rocky Mountain Village on Thursday, March 6th. George was born in Lethbridge, AB on November 4, 1922. George is survived by his daughters Catherine (Gila), and Joy, granddaughters Elleda (Adam), and Lisa (Chris), his grandson Todd (Laura), and three great grandsons. He was predeceased by his wife Evelyn, sons Danny and Georgie, and his parents Robert and Olive Crewe. George was born and raised in Lethbridge AB. Growing up, George was an avid hockey player, playing forward position and earning the nickname “ROCKET” for his speed and shot. In September of 1940, at the age of 17, George joined the Royal Canadian Navy. He did his basic training at Naden base in Esquimalt BC. While in the war George was trained as a telegraph operator. Upon completing his training at Naden in 1941, he was immediately shipped out on the HMCS Quinte. From that point he served on many ships in the battle of the North Atlantic. He was discharged on his birthday in 1947 and returned to Lethbridge where he started working for Baalim Wholesale, eventually working his way up to manager. While working at Baalim, George became known for having extremely bad luck with leased vehicles, earning him the nickname “Crash Crewe”. George met Evelyn in Toronto at the automotive show in 1956. Evelyn moved to Lethbridge in 1957 with her sons Danny and Georgie. In 1959 their daughter Catherine was born. The Crewe family continued to live in Lethbridge until moving to Fernie in 1970. Once in Fernie, George discovered his love for skiing. He skied avidly till 1997. His other passions in life were his ham radio (VE7ERV), collecting stamps, and the “occasional” DARK RUM. George also loved to garden and was a member of the Bluebird Society, building many bluebird boxes that can still be seen down Baynes Lake Rd to this day. He was an avid hiker, climbing every peak in Glacier and Waterton Park. He also hiked the West Coast Trail twice at the age of 63 and 68 with his daughter Catherine. George lived his life to the fullest, and has left a legacy of beautiful memories and stories that will live on for future generations. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to any of the following charities: The Salvation Army or Heart & Stroke Foundation (see Donations link for address) or to the Foothills Medical Center (NICU) 1403 29th St. NW Calgary AB T2N 2T9. Service: 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Legion Hall
George was interviewed by Anne Gafiuk between 2012 and 2014. Below are Anne's interviews with George - shared here for posterity's sake.
(1) Background Information (2) World War II Navy Experiences (3) More Tales from a Terra Firma Tar - Pt 1
(4) More Tales from a Terra Firma Tar - Pt II (5) People George Knew (6) Crossing the Bar
Ships served in: HMCS NADEN - Enlisted 16 Sep 1940 as a Boy Telegraphist, RCN * Rated Ordinary Telegraphist 04 Nov 1940 HMCS QUINTE - Drafted to QUINTE 29 Aug 1941 * Rated Telegraphist, RCN 13 Jan 1942 HMS WITHERINGTON - Drafted to WITHERINGTON 11 Dec 1942. HMS WITHERINGTON was a First World War Admiralty modified W-class destroyer that saw service in the Second World War. (photo credit: Brian Hopkins. Source: IWM) HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 17 Feb 1943 HMCS ST HYACINTHE - Drafted to ST HYACINTHE 23 Sep 1943 HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 04 Dec 1943 HMCS GIVENCHY - Drafted to GIVENCHY 12 Dec 1943 * Rated Acting Leading Telegraphist, RCN 15 Dec 1943 HMCS NADEN - Drafted to NADEN 17 Dec 1943 HMCS BELLECHASE - Drafted to BELLECHASSE 28 Dec 1943 HMCS CHATHAM - Drafted to CHATHAM 25 Jul 1944 HMCS ST HYACINTHE - Drafted to ST HYACINTHE 13 Dec 1944 * Rated Leading Telegraphist, RCN 15 Dec 1944 HMCS PEREGRINE - Drafted to PEREGRINE 31 Mar 1945 HMCS NIOBE - Drafted to NIOBE 02 Apr 1945 HMS CAMPANIA - Drafted to CAMPANIA 05 May 1945. HMS CAMPANIA was an escort aircraft carrier of the Royal Navy. (Photo source: IWM) HMCS NIOBE - Drafted to NIOBE 26 Jun 1945 HMCS PEREGRINE - Drafted to PEREGRINE 01 Jul 1945 HMCS ST HYACINTHE - Drafted to ST HYACINTHE 09 Jul 1945 HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 06 Oct 1945 HMCS NIOBE - Drafted to NIOBE 31 Dec 1945 HMCS WARRIOR - Drafted to WARRIOR 25 Jan 1946. While serving in WARRIOR, L/Tel Crewe served in the Admiral's Yacht (for Admiral Mainguy, RCN) HMCS NADEN - Drafted to NADEN 19 Aug 1947 ML Q124 (HMCS ROCKCLIFFE for) - Served in ML124 01 May 1947 - 18 Aug 1947 as a L/Tel, RCN HMCS NADEN - Drafted to NADEN 19 Jul 1947 * Honourably released. Engagement expired 03 Nov 1947
(GEC001) George shows his old Bosun's Call while being interviewed by Anne Gafiuk (GEC002-GEC003) George's duffel bag from his time in the RCN. When you got drafted from unit to unit, this is where you kept everything you own. (GEC004) George's ID Card (GEC005) Service documents for George Crewe
(GEC006) George's Wireless Operator's course at HMCS NADEN. George Crewe - 2nd row, 2nd from right; Collin A. Miller - 2nd row, 1st on left (GEC007) Two unknown sailors in Victoria, BC (GEC008) Two unknown sailors in Victoria, BC (GEC009) George Crewe (left) and 3 friends in Victoria, Jul 1941 (GEC010) Unknown ship in the graving dock at Esquimalt - 1941 (believed to be PRINCE HENRY)
(GEC011) George Crewe (right) and friend on the "Kelpy", 1941. Kelpy, CC 3681, VEO 888 (GEC012) HMS Lincoln G42, St. John's, Nfld (GEC013) "Part of the Course"
(GEC014) The oilskin jacket and sou'wester that was worn by George Crewe when he was on ship. The oilskin and sou'wester were donated to HMCS Sackville though the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust and and is now on display on the Sackville. (GEC015) "Sailors are a superstitious lot" says George. This is George's medicine bag which he received from an Indian in Lethbridge, Alberta. He always wore it and believed it is the reason why he came back. (GEC016) George's pusser issued knife. A sailor would never be found without his knife handy (GEC017) A collector's plate detailing George's career in the RCN, listing ships and shore stations (GEC018) During the war George met a man in Lunenburg who made models of ships. George got his address and told him if he survives the war, he will get him to build one for him. After the war, George contact him and received what is now one of his prized possessions - a model of the Bluenose.
(GEC019-GEC025) These photos are from George Crewe collection. They were not attached to any album page and there is no marking to indicate who they are or what ship they were on - with the exception of photo GEC021 which is Boy Miller. (GEC021) Boy Miller (GEC024) has been identified as Ross (Sandy) Somerville, Leading Coder, RCNVR on HMCS MORDEN K170
Courtesy of Catherine Crewe and Anne Gafiuk
HMCS QUINTE J166
(GEC026) "Shower time" // Sailors on HMCS QUINTE getting hosed down // George Crewe standing, 1st on right (GEC027) Three sailors in tropical rig on HMCS QUINTE J166 // Likely taken on the trip from Esquimalt to Halifax (GEC028) Unknown sailor scrubbing the deck by the depth charge thrower on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC029) Unknown sailor posing with the kisby ring that is mounted on the Ensign Staff on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC030) Unknown sailors on the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTE J166
(GEC031) Unknown sailors scrubbing and hosing down the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC032) Unknown sailor off HMCS QUINTE J166 ashore in an unknown location (GEC033) Unknown sailors by the minesweeping davits on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC034) Aircraft Carrier USS WASP (GEC035) Unknown Town class destroyer - an old USN 4 stacker
(GEC036) Unknown Allied sub in harbour at St. John's, Nfld (GEC037) Unknown sailor on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC038) George Crewe (centre) with two unknown shipmates on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC039) Unknown sailors on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC040) Unknown sailor on HMCS QUINTE J166
(GEC041) Unknown sailor behind the Vickers twin .50 cal machine gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC042) Unknown sailor by the Vickers twin .50 cal machine gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC043) Unknown sailor wearing the gunnery headset and voice tube for the 4-inch gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC044) Unknown sailor on the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC045) Unknown sailors on HMCS QUINTE J166
(GEC046) Unknown sailors by an ice encased depth charge thrower on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC047) 4-inch gun mount on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC048) Unknown Allied submarine seen from HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC049) Unknown sailor with a machine gun on the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC050) RCAF Crash boat. Photo taken from HMCS QUINTE J166
(GEC051) A convoy seen from HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC052) A convoy seen from HMCS QUINTE J166 - Webmaster's note: This convoy appears to have a battleship or battle-cruiser escort. Note the 5th ship from the right in the photo. (GEC053) Unknown battleship or battle-cruiser in photo GEC059 (GEC054) Gunnery drills on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC055) Leading Telegraphist "Mac" on HMCS QUINTE J166
(GEC056) The fo'c's'le of HMCS QUINTE J166 encased in ice (GEC057) Unknown sailor amongst the ice on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC058) Three sailors chipping ice off the fo'c's'le of HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC059) Same Three sailors chipping ice on the fo'c's'le of HMCS QUINTE J166. Note the spray from the wave about to hit them. * Webmaster's Note: Life in the North Atlantic was hard at the best of times. U-boats were not the only enemy in the North Atlantic. Ice made life for the sailors difficult to say the least. If too much ice built up, the ship would become top heavy and capsize.
(GEC060) Unknown sailor in his hammock on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC061) Unknown sailors on HMCS QUINTE J166. By the looks of it, the sailor on the hatch cover is dancing a jig (GEC062) Two unknown sailors by the 4-inch gun mount on HMCS QUINTE J166 (GEC063) Unknown sailors off HMCS QUINTE J166 ashore
Sailors from QUINTE enjoying some time ashore at St. John's, Nfld - 1942 Note: These five photos of "Sailors from QUINTE enjoying some time ashore" series were all taken within 1/2 mile of the RCN Dockyard. (GEC064) Submitted by Bud Rose - This photo taken as the boys commenced their ride down Church Hill in the Donkey Cart towards Duckworth Street (GEC065) Submitted by Bud Rose - This photo taken on Church Hill also - in the same vicinity as the photo above. Note: Vehicles driving on ‘Left’ hand side of the road. Nfld did not switch to the ‘Right’ until 1947. (GEC066) George Crewe is holding the reigns. Submitted by Bud Rose - This photo was taken on Church Hill in St. John's Nfld. They are heading down towards Duckworth Street where photo below was taken. The large building in the background is the Methodist United Church; which was rebuilt after the original structure was destroyed in the great fire of 1892. (GEC067) Submitted by Bud Rose - This photo was taken on the South side of Duckworth St. in St. John's Nfld. The metal structure which the two sailors have climbed upon to mug for the camera, is a war time telephone wire support tower. These towers were installed between the Telephone exchange (located just behind the person who took the picture) and the Admiralty Building at the RCN Dockyard. (GEC068) Submitted by Bud Rose - In this photo the boys are having their picture taken with a constable of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. (Note the original policemen's fur hat and "Great Coat") The RNC is now the oldest police force in Canada, having been established prior to the Dominion Police in Ottawa and the RCMP. The building next to them is the original "Government Bond Store" where all the liquor was stored - hence the steel bars for the doors and windows. This building still stands today with bars removed.
HMCS QUINTE J166 after grounding on Horse Head Shoal near St. Peter's, NS (GEC069) Unknown sailor on deck of HMCS QUINTE J166 as she she lists to starboard (GEC070) Unknown sailors on deck of HMCS QUINTE J166 as she lists to starboard (GEC071) HMCS QUINTE J116 listing to Starboard with ML Q090 alongside her (GEC072-GEC073) HMCS QUINTE J166 grounded after hitting Horse Head Shoal
HMCS QUINTE J166 The photos above show HMCS QUINTE J166 sinking at the entrance to St. Peter's Channel. The final photo on the right shows her submerged, on her side. These photos are have been added here based on the number of the writing on the back of each photo, but it appears the the 3rd and 4th photo were taken during the salvage operations to raise the QUINTE.
This is a transcription of the notes on the back of each of the above photo: HMCS QUINTE - Named after Bay of QUINTE in Ontario. Built by Burrard Dry Dock Vancouver in 1941. Commissioned on August 29, 1941 at Vancouver. Went on trial run to Prince Rupert. Left Esquimalt October 10, 1941 and arrived in Halifax Nov 15, 1941. Commenced convoy duty Jan 1942 and continued till October 1942 when she went to Lunenburg for refit. Left Lunenburg Nov 27 and headed for Pictou. On night of 27th we got in storm and trouble began. Galley stove was wrecked and then the L/F aerials were broken. About midnight Gyro compass blew out and fun commenced. Fog closed in and we became lost. Saturday we lost all boat oars and also 2 depth charges. Oil fuel ran low on Sunday and at 1830 we struck a reef and then jumped four more before finally stopping. A hole was torn in both boiler rooms and engine room. Number 1 room filled first but we used 2 until the engine room was abandoned. In meantime distress message was sent and we waited patiently for help. The Q090 received our distress and came to our rescue at 2330 on the night of 28th. The ship was sinking rapidly and at 2345 orders were given to get ready to abandon ship. The Q090 however managed to pass a rope and they started in tow us. At 0630 on 29th they beached us on a ledge at St. Peters, N.S. Everyone was so tired we just slept where it was dry. In the afternoon of 29th she began to settle and on the following day she began rolling over. Nearly everyone's gear was lost but no lives. On the Tuesday she sank, rolling completely over to port side.
Historical Note: QUINTE was salvaged over the winter of 1942 / 1943 and then repaired at Pictou from Apr 1943 - Jun 1944. She was then transferred to HMCS Cornwallis to serve as a training ship.
(GEC079- GEC080) Salvage operations to raise HMCS QUINTE J166
(GEC081) HMCS QUINTE J166 - Gunnery training ship at HMCS Cornwallis at Pictou Wharf - 1944 Courtesy of Catherine Crewe
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For Posterity's Sake 
