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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
SANDS, James - was a short fiery Scotsman from Ayrshire, who spoke with a thick Scots accent. Born 7 May 1892 in New Milns, Ayr, Scotland. He came to Canada in 1926 arriving in Quebec City on the SS Montclare on 20 Nov 1926. While in the middle of setting down roots in the west, answered the call to serve. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy 9 days after the declaration of War as an ERA. He within 2 years became a Chief Petty Officer, with his background in Engine Repair and Maintenance, and was Chief E.R.A. on a number of RCN ships throughout the Second World War. Most of his duties saw him on Corvettes, escorting convoys across the Atlantic, in one such convoy on April 12, 1941, he was wounded in action during an air attack while aboard the HMCS TRILLIUM K172. Three other sailors died in that attack. It has been learned that he also served in the Royal Navy during WWI as an engine room artificer and stoker. He was also a member of the Loudoun, Kilwinning, Newmilns Lodge of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, with a life membership. After service he worked in Dockyard in Victoria, British Columbia, until his retirement. He resided in the Kawanis lodges until he passed away in the Jubilee Hospital.
Note: The RCN Ledger Sheets and the Royal Navy Service Files for ratings both give James' DOB as 07 May 1893.
Ships served in: Royal Navy: * Enlisted "Hostilities Only" 15 Jun 1917 as an Acting Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class HMS PEMBROKE II (Shore Station) - Drafted to PEMBROKE II 15 Jun 1917 HMS WALLINGTON (Patrol Vessel Base) - Drafted to WALLINGTON 17 Jun 1918 HMS VICTORY - Drafted to VICTORY 11 Oct 1918 HMS HECLA (Buncrana, Lough Swilly) - Drafted to HECLA 21 Dec 1918 HMS PRINCE GEORGE (Majestic Class Dreadnought) - Drafted to PRINCE GEORGE 01 Mar 1919 * Demobilized - 1919
RCN: HMCS TRILLIUM - CERA Sands was injured during an air attack on HMCS TRILLIUM on 12 Apr 1941 * Rated Chief Engine Room Artificer, RCN 04 Jun 1940 SS SELKIRK PARK - Served in SS SELKIRK PARK 07 Mar 1945 - 29 Jun 1945
CPO James Sands, holding the right hand side of the TRILLIUM tally plate
(left photo) James Sands (right) on the boat deck of HMCS TRILLIUM (right photo) James Sands (left) at the grave site of those who died in the Apr 1941 air attack
Certificate for Wounds or Hurts for CERA James Sands
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