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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BOWERBANK, Bernard John (Bernie) - was born on June 16, 1930 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His father was a veteran of WW2, and his grandfather was a veteran of the Boer War and WWI, so he came from a long line of Canadian Forces service. When his father went off to war, Bernie (as the eldest child) left school to help his mother around the house. After the war, they moved to New Westminster, BC (in 1945). A few years later, he joined the Navy, figuring it was the best way to fulfill his desire to see the world. On his way to Korea, he visited Hawaii and Japan. He served in many ships in his Navy career, the Cayuga being the most infamous. During the Korean action, he witnessed a lot of destruction and suffering and ended the conflict hating war the way only a military person can, having lived it. He took his duty seriously and served in communications. As an amateur photographer, he recorded his sights and experiences. After the Navy, he got a job with the Canadian Government and worked out of the their weather office in Vancouver, BC. He retired after 36 years and moved to Penticton, BC, where he lived for the rest for his life. He had 95 healthy years, but developed inoperable bladder cancer and passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026.
Ships served in: HMCS STADACONA - Cast member of the "RCN Revue of 1949" while drafted to STADACONA HMCS CAYUGA - Drafted to Cayuga circa Feb/Mar 1950. Served in CAYUGA during the withdrawal at Chinnampo, Korea. 04 Dec 1950 as an AB CV * Rated Leading Seaman Communicator Visual TG1 (Crowsnest magazine Sep 1951)
(BJB001) Seaman Bernie Bowerbank (BJB002) Certificate acknowledging AB Bowerbank's participation in the Korean War on board HMCS CAYUGA
(BJB003) South Korean Refugees (BJB004) Results of bombardment at Chinnampo on 5/6 Dec 1950. Evacuation started early in morning. (BJB005-BJB006) HMCS CAYUGA in drydock at Sasebo (BJB007) HMS COCKADE
AB Bernie Bowerbank (centre, front) in the communications at the RCN Air Station, HMCS SHEARWATER Crowsnest magazine Nov 1951
While Drafted to Stadacona, AB Bernie Bowerbank was a member of the cast of the "RCN Revue 1949" Crowsnest magazine Nov 1949
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