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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
SOMERVILLE, Ross Alfred - It is with great sadness that family announce the peacefully passing of Ross at his home on Friday, May 24, 2002, in his 81st year. beloved husband of Valerie. Predeceased by wife Mary. Loving father of John and Kathy and step-father of Bob and Debbie Curran, Bill and Sharon Curran, Kathy and Roger Caron, Cameron and Darlene Curran, Susan and Michael Hampson. Cherished papa of Sandy, Justin, Jenny, Chris, Bobby, Stephanie, Andrew, Mackenzie, Beshele, Katie, Nikki, Cameron, Meaghan, Veronica and Ethan. Dear brother of Dick and Vi, Lois and Norma. Predeceased by sisters, Hazel and Jeanne and by brother Bill. Ross was a Veteran of WWII where he served with the Canadian Navy. He was also a longtime employee of Stelco. Many thanks to nurse Joanne Norwood and caregiver Mila. Special thanks to Pat O'Connor. Visitation will be held at the Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Avenue East on Monday from 7-9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of the Funeral Home on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Cremation to follow. Memorial donations made to the War Amps would be appreciated.
Ships served in: HAMILTON DIVISION RCNVR - Enlisted 04 Feb 1941 * Commenced Active Service 30 Apr 1941 as an Ordinary Seaman, RCNVR HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 18 Jun 1941 HMC SIGNAL SCHOOL - Drafted to HMC SIGNAL SCHOOL 01 Jul 1941 HMCS ST HYACINTHE - Drafted to ST HYACINTHE 01 Oct 1941 * Rated Coder, RCNVR 19 Dec 1941 HMCS VENTURE - Drafted to VENTURE 28 Dec 1941 HMCS QUINTE - Drafted to QUINTE 02 Jan 1942 * Rated Coder, RCNVR 28 Jan 1942 HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 08 Dec 1942 HMCS MORDEN - Drafted to MORDEN 12 Dec 1942 HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 08 Nov 1943 * Rated Acting Leading Coder 01 Dec 1943 HMCS NIOBE - Drafted to NIOBE 27 Dec 1943 HMCS ST THOMAS - Drafted to ST THOMAS 05 May 1944 HMCS AVALON - Drafted to AVALON 14 Aug 1944 HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 01 Sep 1944 HMCS PEREGRINE - Drafted to PEREGRINE 01 Oct 1944 * Rated Leading Coder 01 Dec 1944 HMCS STETTLER - Drafted to STETTLER 24 Jan 1945 HMCS STAR - Drafted to STAR 24 Jul 1945 * Demobilized 14 Sep 1945
(RAS001) Documents from the Service File of Ross Somerville (RAD002) Memories from my time in the Navy by Ross Somerville - written in 1995 (RAD003) Ross Somerville ready to go in the 1995 VE Day 50th anniversary parade in Hamilton. He mentions in his memories that he had a tear in his eye when the Lancaster flew overhead at this parade. There were only 8 of them in his group in the parade.
(RAS004) Ross' duffle bag (RAS005) Blankets that Ross saved from his time in the Navy (RAS006) Ross' ditty box, made for him by one of the ship's carpenters (RAS007) One of 2 pusser watches that Ross retrieved when he boarded a sinking ship (RAS008) Ross' pith hat
(RAS009) Ross Somerville's official identity disc (RAS010) An unofficial identity disc that Ross had made from a Canadian Silver Dollar (RAS011) German submariner's knife (RAS012) Aircraft recognition model of a Douglas A-20 Havoc (Boston) Bomber (RAS013) Matchbook covers for HMCS QUINTE J166 and HMCS STETTLER K681
(RAS015) City of Derry Golf Club Scorecard for Ross Somerville (RAS016) Grand Variety Concert Programme in Guildhall, Derry on Friday, 1st January, 1943 (RAS017) Ross Somerville's "The Beaver Club" membership card, London, England (RAS018) 1944 Calendar from the Beaver Club, London, England (RAS019) Two London Transport Day Tickets for HM and Allied Force on leave (In Uniform)
(RAS020) Programme for "Let's Face It" at the Hippodrome, London, England (RAS021) Programme for "Best Bib and Tucker at The Palladium, Oxford Circus, London, England (RAS022) P.282 - B.R. 642 (J) - Summary of Japanese Warships - Amendment No. 1 (RAS023) B.R. 98 - Boat's Signal Book - 1944 (RAS024) Letters of Frederick Southam Ker, SLt, RCNVR - 1940. These letter, written home by SLt Frederick Ker, while on active service, have been compiled and edited by his mother, in the hope that for his family, and especially his brothers and sisters, they will help to preserve a proud and happy memory.
(RAS025) The Hamilton Spectator 07 May 1945 - Full edition (RAS026) Manchester City News 11 May 1945 - Full edition
(RAS027) Article from the Vancouver Sun on the Battle of the Atlantic - 30 Apr 1999
(RAS028) Two unknown (presumably) sailors. It is not know what ship they are off of. (RAS029) Ross (Sandy) Somerville (left) ashore with an unknown friend / shipmate. Location unknown (RAS030) Maccie - possibly HMCS MORDEN crew member. There is also a photo of Maccie at the Dartmouth Swim Meet
Levis, Quebec Photos taken while Ross Somerville was travelling on leave
Training at the HAMILTON DIVISION RCNVR (at the Hamilton Pickle Works) - 1941 (RAS032) Hendy, Woody, Matt, Hay - These are the names on the back of the photo. It is not known who is who. (RAS033) Ross (Sandy) Somerville - prior to being drafted to STADACONA
STADACONA II / HMC SIGNAL SCHOOL
While in training at HMC SIGNAL SCHOOL, Exhibition Grounds, Halifax, NS
HMCS ST HYACINTHE
(RAS037) "Donnie and Mac out for air" at HMCS ST HYACINTHE (RAS038) "Line up" at HMCS ST HYACINTHE (RAS039) Ernie at HMCS ST HYACINTHE (RAS040) Hank at HMCS ST HYACINTHE (RAS041) Len and Johnnie at HMCS ST HYACINTHE
Dartmouth, NS
Swim meet and rowing completion at the Lake Banook Rowing Club in Dartmouth, NS (RAS045) Maccie and Larry
HMCS PEREGRINE
(RAS046) Posing for photos at the barracks construction site at HMCS PEREGRINE. Note the smokestack in the background at Piercy's Supplies Ltd in Halifax. A fire broke out at Piercy's in 1944 and destroyed the 8-facility. (RAS047) Posing for photos at the barracks construction site at HMCS PEREGRINE - Ross Somerville on the right (RAS048) Posing for photos at the barracks construction site at HMCS PEREGRINE - Ross Somerville on the left (RAD049) Ross Somerville posing for photos at the barracks construction site at HMCS PEREGRINE
Photos of the fire that destroyed Piercy's Supplies Ltd on 09 Sep 1944 Piercy's was located directly behind HMCS PEREGRINE // Source: Nova Scotia Archives
HMCS QUINTE J166
(RAS052) George Crewe (left) and unknown shipmate on HMCS QUINTE J166 in tropical rig. Believed to be during WUPS in Bermuda sometime after her initial arrival in Halifax. (RAS053) Sailors off HMCS QUINTE J166 at the Public Gardens in Halifax, NS (RAS054) Life aboard HMCS QUINTE J166 // The Star Weekly, Toronto, 25 Jul 1942 (RAS055) National Geographic Feb 1943 - Article "Convoy to Victory" pages 193-216
(RAS056) HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS057) Ross Somerville sitting on HMCS QUINTE'S 4-inch gun (RAS058) Halifax harbour. Photo taken from HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS059) Fo'c's'le and 4-inch gun on HMCS QUINTE J166. Photo taken from the bridge (RAS060) Looking aft from the bridge towards HMCS QUINTE'S quarterdeck. The ship's funnel is on the left hand side of the photo
(RAS061) Ronnie in the crow's nest on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS062) North Atlantic convoy seen from HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS063) North Atlantic convoy astern of HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS064) Depth Charge Thrower on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS065) HMCS QUINTE J166 at anchor at Sydney, Cape Breton, NS.
(RAS066) Sailors chipping ice chipping ice off the port side of the bridge on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS067) "A wet one." Sailors on the fo'c's'le of HMCS QUINTE J166 chipping ice while shipping seas over the bow (RAS068) "Chippin the deck." Sailors on HMCS QUINTE J166 breaking ice off the deck around the base of the bridge and on the fo'c's'le (RAS069) "another!" Spray for waves encasing HMCS QUINTE J166 in ice (RAS070) "Gordie on the starboard rail" on HMCS QUINTE J166
(RAS071) Convoy see from HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS072) unknown destroyers - appears to be 2 River Class and 1 Town Class - photo taken from HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS073) "Sunset on the Atlantic" Unknown ship following astern of HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS074) Sailors on HMCS QUINTE J166 receive letters from home (RAS075) Sailors "Spinning Dips" on HMCS QUINTE J166. Note that this is in the same spot as the 'sailors receive letter from home' photo
(RAS076) HMCS QUINTE J166 at anchor. Location unknown (RAS077) HMCS QUINTE J166 at Lunenburg, NS (RAS078) Tot time on HMCS QUINTE J166. The Rum Bos'ns are lining up.
(RAS079) British Submarine (RAS080) Dutch Submarine (RAS081) Dutch Submarine (RAS082) Unknown ship pendant # S03 (RAS083) "What am I looking at?" Seen from HMCS QUINTE - The first ship is a Town Class destroyer; then with 17P is the French Submarine Surcouf; followed by the funnel of an unknown ship; and finally what appears to be 3 more town class destroyers. As the Surcouf disappears 18 Feb 1942, this photo was taken before that point.
(RAS084) A Battle Class trawler as a gate vessel at the Halifax harbour entrance at Mauger's beach (RAS085) A Battle Class trawler as a gate vessel at the Halifax harbour entrance at Mauger's beach. Mauger's Beach lighthouse in the background. (RAS086) HMCS ST LAURENT H83 secured to a buoy (RAS087) Fairmile Motor Launch ML Q058 "Bill's Skiff" (RAS088) HMS INDOMITABLE
(RAS089) HMCS QUINTE J166 at sea. Starboard side aft looking forward up to the boat deck (RAS090) A twin .50 calibre Vickers machine gun mount on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS091) "A Beauty!" HMCS QUINTE J166 in heavy seas (RAS092-RAS093) A North Atlantic convoy seen from HMCS QUINTE J166
(RAS094) A merchant ship that appears to be heading out to sea (RAS095) The ship's bell of HMCS QUINTE J166 . . . with ships of a convoy in the back ground
(RAS096) A Battle Class trawler used as a Gate Vessel at the entrance to Halifax Harbour (RAS097) Unknown vessel - possibly a landing craft - in the approaches to Halifax harbour (RAS098-RAS099) HNoMS LINCOLN G42 at St. John's, Nfld (RAS100) A barge being moved by several tugs in Halifax, NS
(RAS101) A Town class 4-stacker destroyers seen from HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS102-103) Two Town Class destroyers (RAS104) An unknown warship barely visible on the horizon directly above the right hand side of the fire hose on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS105) HMCS HAMILTON I24 seen through a port hole on HMCS QUINTE J166
(RAS106-RAS107) An unknown corvette seen off the port bow of HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS108) A convoy in the fog. Depth charge thrower on HMCS QUINTE J166 in the foreground (RAS109) Merchant ships in harbour at St. John's, Nfld awaiting a convoy (RAS110) Look aft from the bridge on HMCS QUINTE J166 down the port side
(RAS111)
HMCS RESTIGOUCHE H00 at Halifax, NS (RAS113) Buildings in HMC Dockyard Halifax c1941/42 (RAS114) Looking forward from just aft the gun deck on HMCS QUINTE J166, starboard side
(RAS115) Unknown sailor getting a haircut on HMCS QUINTE J166. The sailor on the right looks like L/Tel Mac. (RAS116) Leading Telegraphist Mac on HMCS QUINTE J166. This sailor looks like L/Tel Mac. (RAS117) Leading Telegraphist "Mac" on the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS118) The Cox'n "working out" on the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS119) Aircraft Carrier USS WASP
(RAS120) Harry (left) and Hammy by one of the minesweeping davits on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS121) Ross (Sandy) Somerville by one of the minesweeping davits on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS122) Ross (Sandy) Somerville (left) and Cush by a minesweeping paravane on the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS123) Harry by one of the minesweeping davits on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS124) Ross (Sandy) Somerville by one of the minesweeping davits on HMCS QUINTE J166
(RAS125-RAS126) Ross (Sandy) Somerville just aft the funnel on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS127) Unknown sailor standing just aft the funnel on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS128) Unknown sailor dumping "Gannet bait" over the side of HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS129) Unknown sailor dumping "Slops" bucket over the side of HMCS QUINTE J166
(RAS130) Gunner Crutch on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS131) Unknown sailors on the aft end of the bridge, starboard side, on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS132) "The Gang" posing by the Vicker's Twin .50 cal machine gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS133-RAS134) Unknown sailor "on the receiving end" of the gunnery control headset on HMCS QUINTE J166 AT St. John's, Nfld
(RAS135) Unknown sailor on the Vickers twin .50 cal machine gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS136) Ross (Sandy) Somerville on the Vickers twin .50 cal machine gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS137) Ross (Sandy) Somerville on the Vickers twin .50 cal machine gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS138) Unknown sailors on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS139) Alex on HMCS QUINTE J166
(RAS140) Unknown sailors on the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTEJ166 at St. John's, Nfld (RAS141) George (Georgie) Crewe painting the ship's side of HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS142) QUINTE'S Cox'n skipping rope on the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS143) Flag deck area behind the bridge on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS144) Sailors on HMCS QUINTE J166 relaxing on the canvas cover that protects the winch and cables for minesweeping
View of the waterfront at St. John's, Newfoundland from HMCS QUINTE J166
(RAS149) St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, St. John's, Nfld (RAS150) "and this is the main one, too!" Gower Street United Church, St. John's, Nfld (RAS151) Two sailors off HMCS QUINTE J166 getting a ride in a donkey cart at St. John's, Nfld - George Crew holding the reigns, the other is unknown (RAS152) Two unknown sailors off HMCS QUINTE J166 climbing a lattice structure ashore at St. John's, Nfld. // 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. (Submitted by Bud Rose)
(RAS152) Ronnie with a bandolier of .50 cal ammo on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS153) Ronnie (left) and Lewie warped up in a bandolier of .50 cal ammo on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS154) Ronnie (right) feeding the ammo into the box for the Vicker's twin .50 cal machine gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS155) Crutch (right) feeding the ammo into the box for the Vicker's twin .50 cal machine gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS156) Crutch with a bandolier of .50 cal ammo on HMCS QUINTE J166
(RAS157) Lewis with a bandolier of .50 cal ammo on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS158) Unknown sailors on HMCS QUINTE J166. By the looks of it, the sailor on the hatch cover is dancing a jig (RAS159) George Crewe sitting in an air intake on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS160) Ross (Sandy) Somerville by the 4-inch gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS161) Ross (Sandy) Somerville posing with a machine gun on the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTE J166
(RAS162) Sailors off HMCS QUINTE J166 in Lunenburg, NS - circa Oct/Nov 1942 when QUINTE was in Lunenburg for refit. Ross (Sandy) Somerville 2nd from left. (RAS163) The White Ensign and the Norwegian flag fly above Camp Norway at Lunenburg, NS (RAS164) Ross (Sandy) Somerville (left) and George Crewe on the quarterdeck of the RCMP vessel St. Roch at Lunenburg, NS. The buildings of Camp Norway are in the background (RAS165) Unknown sailors off HMCS QUINTE on the quarterdeck of the RCMP vessel St. Roch at Lunenburg, NS. The buildings of Camp Norway are in the background (RAS166) Unknown person - either a St. Roch crew member or a HMCS QUINTE crew member wearing a fur coat on the St. Roch at Lunenburg, NS
(RAS167) Article on St. Roch transiting the North West Passage in under 3 months // The Globe and Mail 20 Oct 1944
(RAS168-RAS169) HMCS QUINTE J166 aground after hitting Horse Head Shoal near St. Peter's, NS with ML Q090 secured to her starboard quarter
HMCS QUINTE J166 aground after hitting Horse Head Shoal near St. Peter's, NS (RAS170) George Crewe by the 4-inch gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS171) Unknown sailor by the 4-inch gun on HMCS QUINTE J166 (RAS172) Sailors on the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTE J166. Ronnie front right - remainder unknown (RAS173) Unknown sailors on the quarterdeck of HMCS QUINTE J166
(RAS174) St. Peter's, NS postcard that Ross sent to his mother's while QUINTE was at St. Peter's, NS dated 01 Dec 1942 (RAS175) Postcard of the Radio Hotel in St. Peter's, NS that Ross sent to his mother's while QUINTE was at St. Peter's, NS dated 01 Dec 1942 (RAS176) George Crewe in the countryside around St. Peter's, NS (RAS177) Ross (Sandy) Somerville (left) and shipmate off HMCS QUINTE J166 in the countryside around St. Peter's, NS
HMCS MORDEN K170
(RAS178) "Slumpy" - Captain for the Day on HMCS MORDEN K170, Christmas 1942 (RAS179) Christmas 1942 on HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS180) New Years 1943 in a mess deck on HMCS MORDEN K170 Note: As MORDEN was part of the convoy escort for SC.113 19-31 Dec 1942, her Christmas celebrations were held either before departing to join the convoy or after return to Londonderry.
(RAS181-RAS183) On 28 Dec 1942 while escorting Convoy SC.113, HMS SHERWOOD broke down. Between 1430 and 1935, HMCS MORDEN made several attempts to tow SHERWOOD with the towing cable breaking on the final attempt. She then screened SHERWOOD until repairs were made. SHERWOOD was underway by 2130 and proceeded under her own power back to port at a speed of approx 6 knots. MORDEN rejoined the escort for SC.113 by 2330
(RAS184) Ross (Sandy) Somerville posing on a fencepost - location unknown (RAS185 / GEC024) Ross (Sandy) Somerville on the bridge of HMCS MORDEN K170 - from the collection of George Crew, Leading Telegraphist, RCN (RAS186) Ross (Sandy) Somerville on the bridge of HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS187) Ross (Sandy) Somerville, Fergie and Bill McGrath on the bridge of HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS188) Ross (Sandy) Somerville, Bill McGrath and an unknown shipmate on the bridge of HMCS MORDEN K170
(RAS189) Gunshield art on HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS190-RAS191) Two photos of sailors in the ship's boats painting the side of HMCS MORDEN K170. In the first photo, an oar from the ship's whaler is visible on the right hand side. (RAS192) An unknown sailor standing in from of the gunshield art on HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS193) Sub-Lieutenant Walker on the bridge of HMCS MORDEN K170
(RAS194) On leave in London, Mar 1943, Ross (Sandy) Somerville - top right (RAS195) On leave in London, Mar 1943, Pippingford Park - Ross (Sandy) Somerville - centre (RAS196) On leave in London, Mar 1943, Pippingford Park - Ross (Sandy) Somerville (RAS197) On leave in London, Mar 1943, Pippingford Park - L-R: Stan, Ross (Sandy) Somerville, Scotty and Jack
(RAS198-RAS200) Three Newspaper articles on HMCS MORDEN K170 rescuing the passengers and crew of the torpedoed SS WINNIPEG (RAS201) Lt Donald Sutherland, along with his friend SLt James George, were on the SS WINNIPEG II when she was torpedoed and sunk on 22 Oct 1942 by U-443. This is Donald's story. // Donald's write-up came from the collection of Ross (Sandy) Somerville. It is not known where Ross got it from. // Also mentioned was Donald's friend Pat Henry, SLt, RCNVR, who was at HMCS AVALON when they arrived there on the MORDEN.
The sinking of the SS CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH - 22 Mar 1943 The City of Christchurch, part of Operator Torch convoy KMS.11G was bombed by German aircraft off Portugal and sank next day. She had been hit in her after hold by bombs from a Folker Wolfe bomber. The MORDEN rescued 102 passengers and crew.
The sinking of the SS CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH - 22 Mar 1943
The sinking of the SS CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH - 22 Mar 1943 (RAS215-RAS216) Lifeboat from the SS CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH approaches HMCS MORDEN K170
The sinking of the SS CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH - 22 Mar 1943 (RAS217-RAS218) The SS City of Christchurch makes her final plunge
The sinking of the SS CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH - 22 Mar 1943 (RAS219) Survivors from the SS City of Christchurch helped aboard HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS220-RAS222) Survivors of the SS City of Christchurch on board HMCS MORDEN K170
(RAS223) The motor launch, which floated free from the SS CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH, was salvaged and taken to the UK by a skeleton crew from HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS224) Article on 3 of MORDEN'S crew receiving awards for the rescue of the crew of the SS CITY OF CHRISTCHURCH and of the salvage of one of the ship's launches. Listed in the article: Lt Douglas Waston, RCNVR awarded OBE; Lt J.J. Hodgkinson, RCNR, CO, awarded M.I.D.; and CPO Howard English, RCNR, awarded M.I.D. // Salvage Crew: Lt Watson, CPO English; Able Seaman Evoy; Signalman Joe Schacter, RCNVR // Others mentioned in the Article Leading Stoker Walter Mills, RCN; Lt Royal Gentles, RCNVR; Leading Seaman Wright Envoy, RCNVR; Able Seaman Bob Reaume, RCNVR; Leading Seaman Charles Cluff, RCN; Telegraphist Harry Taylor, RCNVR
(RAS225-RAS227) The Rock of Gibraltar seen from HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS228) Entering Gibraltar (RAS229) HMS CLACTON J151 with unknown carrier astern at Gibraltar
(RAS230-RAS231) Royal Navy Signal Station at Gibraltar
(RAS232-RS236) HMS DUKE OF YORK - King George V Class Battleship - seen in the Mediterranean from HMCS MORDEN K170 while escort for Operator Torch KMS-11G and MKS-10 Convoys Mar 1943
(RAS237-RAS238) HMS FORMIDABLE - Illustrious Class Aircraft Carrier - seen in the Mediterranean from HMCS MORDEN K170 while escort for Operator Torch KMS-11G and MKS-10 Convoys Mar 1943
Various ships seen from HMCS MORDEN K170 while operation in the Mediterranean (RAS240) Unknown Escort Carrier (RAS241) HMS MALAYA - Queen Elizabeth Class Battleship (RAS242) Unknown Escort Carrier (RAS243) Unknown Escort Carrier (RAS244) The coast of Algiers
(RAS245-RAS246) British Escort Carrier. Possibly HMS RAVAGER in the Mediterranean
(RAS247) Sailors on HMCS MORDEN K170 with brooms and a shovel. It looks like they are clearing snow off the deck. Ross (Sandy) Somerville on the left. (RAS248) Sailors on HMCS MORDEN by the 4-inch gun. Ross (Sandy) Somerville, standing, 1st on right (RAS249) The same group of sailors on HMCS MORDEN in front of the 4-inch gun. Ross (Sandy) Somerville sitting on the barrel, 1st on right (RAS250-RS251) Sailors on HMCS MORDEN K170 posing for the photo .... then giving the Nazi salute in the 2nd photo. Ross (Sandy) Somerville 2nd from left in both photos.
(RAS252) Looking somewhat dejected, an unknown sailor giving a Nazi salute on HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS253) The White Ensign flying on HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS254) Sailors in the aft gun tub on HMCS MORDEN K170. Ross (Sandy) Somerville 3rd from left. Remainder unknown (RAS255) Sailors in the aft gun tub on HMCS MORDEN K170. Ross (Sandy) Somerville, standing 3rd from left. Remainder unknown (RAS256) Buck Rogers, Carl Halstead and Ross (Sandy) Somerville relaxing on HMCS MORDEN K170
(RAS257-RAS258) ORP ORKAN G90, formerly HMS MYMIDON, was an M-class destroyer of the Polish Navy during World War II. Orkan is Polish for "hurricane". Historical note: At 07.05 hours on 8 October 1943, Orkan, under Lt. Stanislaw Hryniewiecki, serving as one of the escorts of the convoy SC 143, was hit by a GNAT homing torpedo from U-378 while escorting the convoy SC 143 and sank within a few minutes. One officer and 43 ratings were rescued by HMS Musketeer. The sinking of Orkan was the biggest life loss of Polish Navy resulting from a single incident in its entire history
(RAS259) Ice building up on HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS260) An unknown sailor on the uppers being given a drink ... possibly a cuppa Kye* (RAS261) The White Ensign on HMCS MORDEN K170 worn threadbare from North Atlantic winds and spray (RAS262) Fergie, looking a little bit like Moe from the Three Stooges with his new haircut (RAS263) An unknown sailor by an air intake on HMCS MORDEN K170 * Kye was a hot drink made from chocolate, sugar, and milk. Ingredients: A block of coarse chocolate, scoops of sugar, and canned milk. Preparation: Break the chocolate into pieces, place in a saucepan with hot water, melt the chocolate, add the condensed milk, bring to a boil, and serve in mugs
(RAS256-RAS265..) HMCS MORDEN K170 rescuing survivors of the Norwegian ship M/S BRAND (RAS266-RAS268) Landing craft, presumably from the M/S BRAND. On photo shows the landing gate down. It is not known of this is a different landing craft or if its the same one and its being scuttled. Note: On 12 May 1943 the Brand (Master Reidar Helgesen) was separated from convoy HX-237 in thick fog and was torpedoed on the port side aft by U-603 and sank after 7 minutes. Two crew members and one gunner were lost. The master, 34 crew members and six gunners abandoned ship in three lifeboats and set sails for Ireland, but were picked up the same day by HMCS MORDEN (K 170) (T/Lt J.J. Hodgkinson, RCNR). A Swordfish aircraft had been sighted in the afternoon and it had probably guided the corvette to the boats. (Source: The U-boat.net)
(RAS269) M/S BRAND'S lifeboats under sail - about to be picked up by HMCS MORDEN K170. (RAS270) Two newspaper articles - one on the rescue of the BRAND'S crew and the other on MORDEN'S history of rescues. * These photos and articles were sent to Ross Somerville by Bill Sloan.
(RAS271) Sailors on HMCS MORDEN K170 moving what looks like a spare depth charge rack/rails (RAS272) "Fergie" by the signal lamp on the bridge wing of HMCS MORDEN K170 (RAS273) Two unknown sailors on HMCS MORDEN K170. What they are each holding is unknown (RAS274) Unknown sailor on HMCS MORDEN K170 reading a book (RAS275) The shoreline of the River Foyle seen from HMCS MORDEN K170
(RAS276) Survivors from an unknown ship being rescued
(RAS277-RAS279) HMCS MORDEN K170 steaming past a merchant ships moving in the opposite direction. In the second photo, after she has passed it, you see another corvette and above it an aircraft
(RAS280-RAS281) HMCS MORDEN K170 receiving depth charges at sea from a merchant ship in convoy
(RAS284) Article on the loss of the ST CROIX on 20 Sep 1943 during Convoy ON.202 as told by her sole survivor William Fisher * (RAS285) Articles on the battle for Convoy ON.202 and HMCS MORDEN'S part in the battle * (RAS286) "Christmas Festival" - birth of an era // A summary of the Attack on Convoy ONS.18 and ON.202 * These articles were sent to Ross Somerville by Bill Sloan.
On Leave In London - Oct 1943 (RAS287-RAS288) A reunion in London, England. Alan Pearce, Ross Somerville, Harry Brodie at Trafalgar Square. Alan grew up a few doors down from Ross on Balmoral in Hamilton and was one of his best public school chums, and Harry lived a couple of streets away. It is not known which ship Ross was serving in when this photo was taken. (RAS289) Ross Somerville (centre) with 2 unknown British servicemen
On Leave In London - Oct 1943 (RAS290) Ross (Sandy) Somerville at Trafalgar Square (RAS291) Two of Ross (Sandy) Somerville's shipmate at Trafalgar Square (RAS292) Ross (Sandy) Somerville with unknown friend/shipmate in front of the gate to Buckingham Palace (RAS293) Ross' friend / shipmate feeding pigeons (RAS294) Memorial to Queen Victoria
(RAS295) Programme for HMCS MORDEN'S farewell dance for the people of Liverpool and surrounding area - Dated 09 August (no year listed)
HMCS ST THOMAS K488
(RAS296) HMCS ST THOMAS K488 (RAS297) Baseball team from HMCS ST THOMAS K488 taken on jetty at Newcastle on Tyne
(RAS298-RAS299) Belfast, Northern Ireland - 1944 (RAS300) Trafalgar Square, London - 1944 (RAS301-RAS302) Bombed out buildings in London - 1944
(RAS303-RAS304) Newspaper articles on HMCS ST THOMAS K488 sinking a U-boat. The U-boat's crew were rescued by HMCS ST THOMAS and HMCS SEA CLIFF. This action happened about 4.5 months after Ross was landed due to appendicitis
HMCS STETTLER K681
(RAS305) Depth charge exploding astern of HMCS STETTLER K681 (RAS306) Looking aft on HMCS STETTLER K681 from the crow's nest (RAS307) A Short Sunderland at Gibraltar - 1945 (RAS308) Unknown Allied subs at Gibraltar. Based on the jack on the submarine on the right, these appear to be subs of the Hellenic Navy (Greece). (RAS309) HMCS STETTLER K681 post card
(RAS310) Group photo on HMCS STETTLER K681. Ross (Sandy) Somerville, standing 5th from left (RAS311) Officers on HMCS STETTLER K481 // front: SLt Francis, Lt Brown, Lt Dalton // rear: Lt Robinson, SLt Menzies, Lt (E) Padget, LCdr King, C.O., Lt Toller, 1st Lt, Lt Quimet, Lt (P) Simspon // Back of photo (RAS312) Deal (near Dover), England (RAS313) Torpedo damaged ships, Dover, England (RAS314) Merchant ship sunk in the English Channel
(RAS315-RAS316) These two photos show the surrender of a U-boats off Gibraltar (RAS317) Surrendered U-boat at sea (RAS318) Surrendered U-boat (RAS319) Two U-boats secured to a buoy believed at Gibraltar
(RAS320) "U-boat (German) Commander coming ashore in Gibraltar under escort - May 1945" // This is a photo of Kapitänleutnant Kurt Petersen, the CO of U-541
(RAS321-RAS324) Surrendered U-boats transiting the Foyle to Lishalley, Northern Ireland (RAS325) Surrendered U-boats at Lisahalley, Northern Ireland
Surrendered U-boats at Lisahalley, Northern Ireland
V.E. Day and post V.E. Day Messages saved by Leading Coder Ross Somerville from his time on HMCS STETTLER (RAS331) Surrender of German High Command - From Admiralty - 080012 May 1945 (RAS332) General Message of Congratulations and Thanks from Field Marshall Montgomery to First Sea Lord and the First Sea Lord's reply - 080418B May 1945 (RAS333) Splice the Mainbrace - From Admiralty - 081500B May 1945 (RAS334) Instructions for dealing U-boats that have not surrendered - From CINC W.A. - 271132B May 1945
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