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HMCS CHILLIWACK K131
Flower Class Corvette
Built by Burrard Dry Dock Co., Ltd, she was commissioned at Vancouver on 08 Apr 1941. She arrived at Halifax on 19 Jun 1941, was assigned to Newfoundland Command in July, and for the rest of the year escorted convoys between St. John's and Iceland. Early in Feb 1942 CHILLIWACK escorted SC.67, her first transatlantic convoy, and was thereafter employed almost continuously as an ocean escort until Nov 1944. From Jun 1942, onward she was a member of EG C-1, and during this period escorted three convoys around which epic battles were fought: SC.94 (Aug 1942), ONS.154 (Dec 1942), and ON.166 (Feb 1943). In addition, she assisted in sinking two U-boats: U 356 when escort to ONS.154, 27 Dec 1942; and U 744 when escort to HX.280, on 06 Mar 1944 HMC Ships CHAUDIERE H99, ST CATHARINES K325, CHILLIWACK 131, FENNEL K194 and GATINEAU H61, along with two British frigates, started one of the longest U-boat hunts in which Canadian ships will participate. A total of 291 depth charges, 87,300 pounds of high explosive, will be required to bring the U-boat to the surface. Fifteen hundred signals will be passed between the ships as they stalk, attack, wait and attack the submarine U-744 again and again through a day and a night of rough weather. U-744 was then boarded by allied sailors, who retrieved code books and other documents. Most of this was lost while being transferred between the U-Boat and the allied ships. After attempts to tow the submarine into port failed, U-744 was scuttled by the allied warships. In the course of a major refit from Apr to Oct 1943, at Dartmouth, N.S., she acquired her long fo'c's'le. Assigned on 04 Dec 1943 to EG WE-8, WEF, she left for a month's workups in Bermuda. Reassigned in Apr 1945, to Halifax Force, she was temporarily lent to EG C-1 the following month for one final round trip to Londonderry. Paid off 14 Jul 1945 and laid up at Sorel, she was broken up at Hamilton, Ont., in 1946.
U-Boats Sunk: (1) U-356 sunk on 27 Dec 1942 by HMCS ST LAURENT H83, HMCS CHILLIWACK K131, HMCS BATTLEFORD K165 and HMCS NAPANEE K118 in position 45-30 N, 25-40
(2) U-744 (Oblt Heinz Blischke) a type VIIC U-boat, sunk on 06 Mar 1944 by HMCS St. Catharine K325, HMCS CHILLIWACK K131, HMCS GATINEAU H61, HMCS FENNEL K194, HMCS CHAUDIERE H99, HMS ICARUS and HMS KENIWORTH CASTLE in position 52-01 N, 22-37 W. Of her crew of 51, there were 40 survivors
Photos and Documents Ship's company photos The Ship's Bell Battle for Convoy ONS-154 Battle for Convoy ONS 154
Commanding Officers
A/LCdr Lelsie Lewendon Foxall, RCNR - 08 Apr 1941 - 25 May 1943
LCdr Clifford (Clifton ??) Rexford Coughlin, RCNVR - 26 May 2943 - 11 Apr 1944
A/LCdr Douglas Rannie Watson, MBE, RCNR - 12 Apr 1944 - 14 Jul 1945
AB, RCNVR MPK - 26 Oct 1941
They shall not be forgotten
Former Crew Members
Photos and Documents
(1) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 circa 1941 (2) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 circa 1941 (3) Pierre, George and Doug on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (4) Billy on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (5) Bill and Doug on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (6) "The Barrens of Iceland" (7) Pierre in Iceland - in background, farmer moving hay bales on horses (8) The boys of CHILLIWACK in Iceland
(9-10) Icelandic farmer moving hay bales on horses (11) 'Swain and Brownie (right) ashore in Iceland (12) Brownie with Icelandic pony (13) Local riding an Icelandic pony (14) Boys ashore in Iceland waiting for boat to take them back to HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (15) "Boys in Iceland" on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (16) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 at anchor, Iceland circa 1941 - CHILLIWACK is the corvette on the left
(17) Army blokes in Iceland - Limeys (18) Corvettes in Line Abreast formation - Photo taken from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (19) Christmas Day in Iceland (20) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 "heading back to Newfie John" (21) Convoy to the U.K. (22) Convoy (23) Erin (Ireland) (24) Castle in Irish Free State
(25-26) Loch Foyle, Ireland (27) Londonderry Sunset (28) Goodbye to Derry (29) Goodbye Erin (30) Convoy astern of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (31) Scotty and Pooky on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (32) Scotty with a flounder on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131
(33) Jack Corwin the mad barber, on our way to the east coast via Panama - Note: the photo was taken just forward the bridge prior to CHILLIWACK going into refit to have her fo'c's'le extended and mast move astern of the bridge. (34) Colter and Patty by the hedgehog (35) Robert Macklem (left) and Coulter by hedgehog (36) CHILLIWACK iced up of Iceland, Christmas 1942 (36) CB in quit suit minus drape - Webmaster's note: I have no idea what that means. (38) "Flounders" - HMCS CHILLIWACK'S crew holding the catch of the day (39) "and more fish" - HMCS CHILLIWACK'S crew holding the catch of the day (40) "Cut her up chief" - The catch of the day being cleaned and cut up
(41) Quartermaster (QM) Pooky on HMCS CHILLIWACK (42) Robert Macklem on HMCS CHILLIWACK (43) "The Rugged Line" - Three unknown sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK (44) "The Rugged King" - Unknown sailor on HMCS CHILLIWACK (45) Quarterdeck of HMCS CHILLIWACK from the Yardarm (46) "Montreal Kid" - Unknown sailor on HMCS CHILLIWACK (47) "No more shore leave" - Two unknown sailors and HMCS CHILLIWACK'S mascot, Champ, watching the shoreline disappear as they head out to sea (48) Port side aft, looking forward on HMCS CHILLIWACK
photo 49 - photo 51 "The Boys" HMCS CHILLIWACK K131
From the collection of Robert Macklem Courtesy of Kelly Macklem & Bob Macklem
(1) Unknown ship - possibly a Town class destroyer. Photo taken from HMCS CHILLIWACK (2) Sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK with the catch of the day (3) Wilson McMurdo (left) and shipmate (right) ashore. Location and person in the middle unknown (4) Sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK - Wilson McMurdo on right (6-7) HMCS CHILLIWACK on the slips in Sydney, NS (7) Chipping ice off HMCS CHILLIWACK (8) Sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK
(9-11) Captured German U-boat U-774. Photos taken from HMCS CHILLIWACK (12) Convoy escorts surround U-744 - 06 Mar 1944 (13) Captured crew members from U-744 on deck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 for some air (14) Newspaper article from The Evening Telegram, Toronto 14 Jul 1945 on the capture of U-744 (15) Newspaper article from The Evening Telegram, Toronto of crew painting a U-boat on their gun shield
(16) After bandstand on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (17) Wilson McMurdo (right) and unknown shipmate relaxing against the breakwater on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (18) Wilson McMurdo holding ship's mascot on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. Other sailor unknown (19) Mascot of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (Webmaster's note: Can it look any cuter?) (20) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (21) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 astern of unknown corvette. Appears to be a minesweeper in the slips on her port side (22) Wilson McMurdo (right) and unknown sailor on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (23) Looking out at large swell off HMCS CHILLIWACK K131
(24) Sailors relaxing just aft the funnel on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (26-26) Unknown sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK holding a depth charge (Webmaster's note: since the MK VII depth charge carried 290 lbs of TNT, it weighed in the area of 400 lbs. It is most likely that these two sailors are carrying the dummy charge used for training on firing the thrower.) (27) Sailors on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (28) Whaler from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 under sail (29) Unknown sailor by depth charge thrower on the quarterdeck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (30) Wilson McMurdo (right) and ship mates on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131
(31) HMCS CHILLIWACK jacked patch
HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 DND / RCN photo # HSO 343-114A
Click here to view the signatures on the back of the photo
The names here were transcribed from the back of the photo. When not sure of spelling (?sp) was put by the name. A few of the names could not be made out at all. If you are able to make out any of the missing names or correct and of those shown here, please send me an email
G. Feltis (?sp), M. Kirstiuk, L. Ross, R.N. Herd, R.N. Rand, L.B. Taylor, J. Boucher, Z.W. Tucker, R.L. Carlson, R.C. Powct (?sp), B. Lindblom, L. McDonald, P. Benson, W.R. McKenna, J. L. Mather, B. Clayton, J. Jackson, H. Stewart, W. Martinson (?sp), A.W. Lute (?sp), Husson, Wm Belash, A. Lang (Doc), Jeff Wards, John MacNeil, Johnny Crook, Chas. Lose (?sp) (Sabo), R. Dureanel (?sp) (Harpo), R.K. Clutsam (VA), J.L. Allison, Yeo, D. Biletchi, Joe Price (Guchio), Gerald J. Ryan, Freddy McCormick, J. Spence, Douglas R. Walion (?sp), Pele Walsor (?sp?, Fred Jones, E.A. Travis
From the collection of Wilson Reginald McMurdo Courtesy of Scott Wilson McMurdo
These photos are not for reproduction or reposting without permission of Scott McMurdo
Webmaster's note: The photos below from Charlie's collection are not in any particular date sequence as no dates were listed on most of the photos. They have been grouped where possible by subject. Some photos were reprinted and are indicated with the word "reprint" in the photo descriptions. Click on "reprint" to view those. Names listed in the captions are left to right unless otherwise indicated.
(CH17) Charlie Howell (right) and unknown shipmate onboard HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH18) Charlie Howell by the depth charge rails on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH19) "Beautiful" George (Smitty) Smith on the boat deck just aft the funnel on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH20) The White Ensign on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH21) Charlie Howell, Melnk (?Melnyk) and Norm ashore (from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131)
(CH22) "Good Looking" - Unknown sailor on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH23) Chartrand on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH24) George Smith and Bob Pratley on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH25) Sailors relaxing on the quarterdeck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. One is playing a banjo (CH26) "Flakers" - Sailors relaxing on the quarterdeck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. One is playing a banjo
(CH27) Gun and bridge of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - looking aft from the bullring. Ship is in harbour at St. John's, Nfld (CH28) Shayler and Norm Herd on duty on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH29) Norm Herd (right) with Charlie Howell on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. Norm is on duty. (CH30) Joe Price by the anchor windlass on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. The ship is in harbour at St. John's, Nfld (CH31) Bill Craig, Law, Price, Cliff, George on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. The sailor with the hat is unknown - reprint
(CH32) "Me and Handsome" - Charlie Howell and George Smith on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH33) Sandy Jewett by the Carley Floats on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH34) Sandy Jewett in the gun tub on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH35) Three corvettes nested alongside - location unknown (CH36) Salty (?Galty) and Bull on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131
(CH37) Tot time on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH38) Unknown sailing vessel in harbour at St. John's, Nfld - reprint (CH39) Peaches (George Smith) and Brunel on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH40) Four sailors on the yardarm of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (Webmaster's note) I don't see any safety lines (CH41) Charlie Howell and George Smith on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131
(CH42) Unknown sailor on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH43) "Geechee Joe" on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH44) Jack on duty on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. Note the dhobey (laundry) hanging behind Jack. (CH45) Charlie Howell on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. The ship is in harbour at St. John's, Nfld. Based on the background it looks like is dhobey (laundry) day (CH46) Norm, Swain and Cliff on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint
(CH47) Angel sitting in an air intake on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH48) Merchant ships in the distance seen from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH49) Unknown sailor on HMCS CHILLIWACK catching a bit of sleep during a quiet moment - reprint (CH50) Bill Craig on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. CHILLIWACK is alongside an unknown and much larger vessel (CH51) Depth charge rails on the quarterdeck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. A couple ships in convoy can bee seen on the horizon
(CH52) Mac on the yardarm of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH53) Norm Herd and Cliff on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH54) Sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 by the gun tub, the Carley floats and on the quarter deck - reprint (CH55) Norm, Law, Adams and Brunel on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH56) Unknown sailor by the anchor windlass on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint
(CH57) Fo'c's'le and gun deck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH58) Looking out to sea over the starboard side of gun deck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH59) Iceberg astern of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - off Newfoundland (CH60) Iceberg astern of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - off Newfoundland - reprint (CH61) Convoy seen from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131
(CH62) Looking aft down the starboard side of the boat deck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH63) Merchant ship seen from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH64-CH65)
HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 in rough seas
(CH67) George Smith on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH68) Unknown sailor on the quarterdeck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH69) Unknown sailor by the 4-inch gun on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH70) George Smith and Charlie Howell on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH71) writing on the back of photo CH70
(CH72) Charlie Howell in the after gun tub on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH73) Sailors on the quarterdeck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 directly below the after gun tub - reprint (CH74) Castle Class Corvettes nested alongside - location unknown (CH75) Charlie Howell (right) with the ships VA (Victualling Assistant) on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH76) Writing on the back of photo CH75
(CH77) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 in refit Apr-Oct 1943 for her extended fo'c's'le - reprint (CH78) The screw and rudder of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH79) Unknown corvette - possibly CHILLIWACK just after her 1943 refit when she received her extended fo'c's'le
(CH80) St. George's Bermuda Dec 1943 - Jan 1944 during Work-ups after refit - reprint (CH81) British submarine in Bermuda. RN subs were stationed at Bermuda for anti-submarine training - reprint (CH82) a damaged photo, the same as the previous photo of a sub at Bermuda - but with slightly better contrast to see some details (CH83) Sailors on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. Bermuda in the background - reprint
(CH84) Charlie Howell by the bull ring on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH85) Unknown sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - reprint (CH86) Bob Pretty, Joe and Charlie Howell on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (CH87) Charlie Howell on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131
(CH88-CH90) HMCS CHAUDIERE H99 seen from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131
(CH91-CH92) Captured German U-boat U-744 on the starboard side of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - 06 Mar 1944
(CH93) Rapana Class Merchant Aircraft Carrier (MAC) (CH94) American Landing Ship Tank (LST) US 375 (CH95) American Landing ship US 674 - reprint (CH96) Unknown vessel
From the collection of Charlie Howell, Submarine Detector, RCNVR
Courtesy of Norma Howell
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In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice
Lest We Forget
