HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

Flower Class Corvette

 


 

HMCS CHILLIWACK - circa 1942

Source: Ken Macpherson / Naval Museum of Alberta

 

Laid down: 03 Jul 1940

Launched: 14 Sep 1940

Commissioned: 08 Apr 1941

Paid off: 14 Jul 1945

Fate: Broken up in 1946

 

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

 


 

     In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice    

     Lest We Forget     

 

THOMPSON, Herbert A.

AB, RCNVR

MPK - 26 Oct 1941

 


 

     In memory of those who have crossed the bar    

They shall not be forgotten

 

 


 

Former Crew Members

 

Atherton, Thomas Herbert, SLt, RCNVR - 28 Jun 1943 / Lt - 1944 (boarding party U-744)

 

Bartlett, Frank, A/Wt (E), RCNR - 13 Apr 1944

 

Barnes, Harold Bramsbotte, Lt, RCNVR - 16 May 1944

 

Blachford, Robert Oswald, Lt, RCNVR - 27 Jul 1943

 

Calver, John Moran, SLt, RCNR - 28 Feb 1942

 

Chambers, John Hubert, SLt, RCNVR - 17 May 1944

 

Dunn, Timothy Hibbard, Lt, RCNVR - 05 Jun 1942 / Lt - 1944 (boarding party U-744)

 

Foxall, Leslie Lewendon, A/LCdr, RCNR - 31 Mar 1941 (Stand by) CO

 

Hall, Wallis James, SLt, RCNVR - 05 Mar 1945

 

Hearn, Lt (boarding party U-744)

 

Horton, G., LS, A3181 - Nov 1941

 

Jenkins, Stoker - 1944 (boarding Party U-744)

 

Johnstone, Thomas Albert, RCNVR - 08 Apr 1941

 

Lawrie, AB - 1944 (boarding party U-744)

 

Leche, Ty. P., A.PO, V13125 - Nov 1941

 

Longbottom, CERA - 1944  (boarding party U-744)

 

Mackinnon, M., AB, V12349 - nov 1941

 

Makeranko, AB - 1944 (boarding party U-744)

 

Martin, Telegrapher - 1944 (boarding party U-744)

 

Nicholson, William Ernest, Mate, RCNR - 08 Apr 1941

Norris, Lawrence Henry, Lt, RCNVR - Jan 1942

 

Passerini, AB - 1944 (boarding party U-744)

 

Starr, Jack R., Signalman - 1944 (boarding party U-744)

 

Temple, Clifford Maulson, Lt, RCNVR - Jan 1943

 

Watson, William Wallace, Lt, RCNVR - 09 Mar 1945

 

Williamson, William John, Wt (E), RCNVR - 01 Jun 1943

 

Wilson, PO - 1944 (boarding party U-744)

 

Wilson, W.T., AB, V9490 - Nov 1941

 

Worsley, George Norman, Lt, RCNVR - 12 Mar 1945

 


 

Photos and Documents

 

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(CHW000) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - RCN photo

 

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(CHW001) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - RCN Photo Negative # E326

(CHW002) Crew of HMCS CHILLIWACK boarding U-744 on March 6, 1944  //  Source: Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-112996  //  

(CHW003) article from the Crow's Nest newspaper - Jul 1944 on CHILLIWACK sinking U-744

(CHW004) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 approaches U-774.  This is the photo used in the Crownest article (CHW003).  The photographer was Seaman Torpedoman Laurent St-Pierrre, not Laurent St-Carré as showing in the preceding article  //  Credit: P3 Fonds Laurent St-Pierre. Collection Museé naval de Québec / Naval Museum of Québec

(CHW005) Signalman Jack R. Starr of HMCS CHILLIWACK, which took part in sinking U-744 on 06 Mar 1944. Londonderry, Northern Ireland, 27 Mar 1944 // Source: Lt J.D. Mahoney / Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-204652

 

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CHW009 / KM146

(CHW006) Boarding party from the corvette HMCS CHILLIWACK which boarded the German submarine U-744 on 06 Mar 1944. England, 27 Mar 1944  //  (Front row, L-R): CERA Longbottom, Stoker Jenkins, AB Makeranko and Lawrie, PO Wilson, Signalman Starr. (Rear row, L-R): Telegrapher Martin, Lieuts Atherton, Dunn and Hearn, AB Passerini  //  Source: Lt John D. Mahoney / Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-141569

(CHW007) Canadian Naval Craft Sink German U-boat  - The Halifax Chronicle 01 Jun 1944  //  Researched by, Courtesy of George Newbury  //  Ships mentioned in the article:  HMCS GATINEAU, HMCS CHAUDIERE, HMCS CHILLIWACK, HMCS FENNEL, HMCS ST CATHARINES, HMS ICARUS

(CHW008) Canadian Warships Rescue U-Boat Crew. Article on the rescue of survivors from U-744 - The Halifax Chronicle 01 Jun 1944  //  Researched by, Courtesy of George Newbury  //  Ships mentioned in the article:  HMCS CHAUDIERE, HMCS CHILLIWACK, HMCS FENNEL, HMCS ST CATHARINES  //  Sailors mentioned in the article:  Lt Douglas S. Boyle, RCN of Revelstoke, BC (HMCS Chaudiere);  Lt Charles Rathget, RCNVR of Toronto (HMCS Chaudiere);  PO Stevenson;  Lt W.W. Spicer, RCNVR of Regina, Sask

(CHW009) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 circa 1943-1944  //  Photo taken from HMCS Kamloops K176  //  From the collection of Kenneth Medford, DSM  //  Courtesy of Gary Medford

 



 

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(GR04-GR05) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

From the collection of Gerald James Ryan, RCNVR

Courtesy of Kevin Ryan

 



 

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NCL015

(NCL014) Sailors on the quarterdeck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - Jan 1943

(NCL015) Sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - Jan 1943.  The sailor on the lower left with the "x" on his sweater was awarded the B.E.M.

From the collection of Norman Lock, AB RP3, RN

Courtesy of Philip Lock

 



 

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(RJM116) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 circa 1941

(RJM117) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 circa 1941

(RJM118) Pierre, George and Doug on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM119) Billy on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM120) Bill and Doug on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

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(RJM121) "The Barrens of Iceland"

(RJM122) Pierre in Iceland - in background, farmer moving hay bales on horses

(RJM123) The boys of CHILLIWACK in Iceland

(RJM124-RJM125) Icelandic farmer moving hay bales on horses

 

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(RJM126) 'Swain and Brownie (right) ashore in Iceland

(RJM127) Brownie with Icelandic pony

(RJM128) Local riding an Icelandic pony

(RJM129) Boys ashore in Iceland waiting for boat to take them back to HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM130) "Boys in Iceland" on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

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(RJM131) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 at anchor, Iceland circa 1941 - CHILLIWACK is the corvette on the left

(RJM132) Army blokes in Iceland - Limeys

(RJM133) Corvettes in Line Abreast formation - Photo taken from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM134) Christmas Day in Iceland

(RJM135) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 "heading back to Newfie John"

 

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(RJM136) Convoy to the U.K.

(RJM137) Convoy

(RJM138) Erin (Ireland)

(RJM139) Castle in Irish Free State

(RJM140) Loch Foyle, Ireland

 

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(RJM141) Loch Foyle, Ireland

(RJM142) Londonderry Sunset

(RJM143) Goodbye to Derry

(RJM144) Goodbye Erin

(RJM145) Convoy astern of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

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(RJM146) Scotty and Pooky on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM147) Scotty with a flounder on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM148) 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

(RJM149) Colter and Patty by the hedgehog

(RJM150) Robert Macklem (left) and Coulter by hedgehog

 

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(RJM151) CHILLIWACK iced up of Iceland, Christmas 1942

(RJM152) CB in quit suit minus drape - Webmaster's note: I have no idea what that means

(RJM153) "Flounders" - HMCS CHILLIWACK'S crew holding the catch of the day

(RJM154) "and more fish" - HMCS CHILLIWACK'S crew holding the catch of the day

(RJM155)  "Cut her up chief" - The catch of the day being cleaned and cut up

 

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(RJM156) Quartermaster (QM) Pooky on HMCS CHILLIWACK

(RJM157) Robert Macklem on HMCS CHILLIWACK

(RJM158) "The Rugged Line" - Three unknown sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK

(RJM159) "The Rugged King" - Unknown sailor on HMCS CHILLIWACK

(RJM160) Quarterdeck of HMCS CHILLIWACK from the Yardarm

 

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(RJM161) "Montreal Kid" - Unknown sailor on HMCS CHILLIWACK

(RJM162) "No more shore leave" - Two unknown sailors and HMCS CHILLIWACK'S mascot, Champ, watching the shoreline disappear as they head out to sea

(RJM163) Port side aft, looking forward on HMCS CHILLIWACK

(RJM164) Portside, mid ships looking forward on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM165) Kathy the Cat - Ship's Mascot of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

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(RJM166-RJM168) "The Boys" on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM169) Ken and Champ between the depth charge rails on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM170) Ken holding ship's mascot Champ, and two unknown sailors sitting on the depth charge rails on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

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(RJM171) "CHILLIWACK Iced Up" - Minesweeping gear and depth charges on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 covered in ice

(RJM172) Danny on the windlass on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM173) Danny by the 4-inch gun on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM174) "Doug and S2" - Doug by a depth charge thrower on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM175) Doug standing on the guard rail and holding the jack staff on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

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(RJM176) HMS Ripley and HMS Prince of Wales

The Atlantic Charter Conference, Placentia Bay, NFLD 9-12 Aug 1941

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(RJM177) The battleship HMS Prince of Wales

(RJM178) Ships at anchor, Placentia Bay, NFLD    

(RJM179) "End of a Rendezvous" - The battleship HMS Prince of Wale in the distance in the centre of the photo

 

Historical note: The first wartime meeting of Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt, the so-called "Atlantic Conference" or "Atlantic Charter Conference", was held from 9-12 August 1941. The conference took place off Ship Harbor, Placentia Bay, Newfoundland (Canada).  Roosevelt already arrived as early as 7 August in Placentia Bay aboard the heavy cruiser USS "Augusta", escorted by the heavy cruiser USS "Tuscaloosa", and the destroyers "Madison", "Moffett", "Sampson", "Winslow" and "McDougal". Churchill arrived on 9 August from England aboard the battleship HMS "Prince of Wales", escorted by the British destroyer HMS "Ripley" and the Canadian destroyers HMCS "Restigouche" and "Assiniboine". The first meeting of the US president and the British prime minister took place on 9 August on board of the "Augusta". Their second meeting was held on 10 August aboard the "Prince of Wales", and the following day the conference continued on the "Augusta" again, which also was the location of the final meeting on 12 August. After the conference ended that day, both Churchill and Roosevelt left Placentia Bay on the same ships and with the same escort vessels they arrived with four days earlier. The principal result of the meeting was the issuance of the Atlantic Charter which for security reasons, was dated two days after the closing of the conference. The Atlantic Charter, with its eight principles for a better postwar world, was in fact the genesis of the United Nations. The name "United Nations" was first used in the published joint, or "United Nations," declaration of January 1, 1942, in which all of the Allied nations pledged themselves to support the principles of the Atlantic Charter.

 

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(RJM180) 4-inch gun on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - photo taken from the wheelhouse

(RJM181) White Ensign on HMCS CHILLIWACK K141

(RJM182) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - Flag host for oiling up

(RJM183) Flag hoist signal on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM184) Frank doing a handstand just aft of the funnel on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

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(RJM185) Gordon and Monae - HMCS CHILLIWACK secured alongside

(RJM186) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 bites into a wave

(RJM187) The Chief and John working on the minesweeping gear on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM188) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM189) ST Shack (or what's left of it) on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

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(RJM190) Boyd, AA3 on CHILLIWACK'S bandstand

(RJM191) "Bluenose" on CHILLIWACK'S bandstand

(RJM192) Robert Macklem on CHILLIWACK'S bandstand

(RJM193) HMS Berwick and corvettes of W-4 - Photo taken from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM194) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - Photo taken from the fantail - looking forward

 

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(RJM195) Handy and Chapman on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM196) Jacky and George in the bandstand loading ammunition belts - HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM197) Lorwin and Sweezer

(RJM198) Wilf on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM199) Willie on watch on the bandstand - HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

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(RJM200) William Mason in his mic - HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM201) Tony on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RJM202) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - Note the faint gunshield art and also that the censor tried to obscure the cover over radar - DND/RCN photo L3701R  //  Click here to view a zoomed in image on the gunshield

From the collection of Robert Macklem, Leading Torpedoman, RCNVR

Courtesy of Kelly Macklem

 



 

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(RM18) Unknown ship - possibly a Town class destroyer. Photo taken from HMCS CHILLIWACK

(RM19) Sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK with the catch of the day

(RM20) Wilson McMurdo (left) and shipmate (right) ashore.  Location and person in the middle unknown

(RM21) Sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK - Wilson McMurdo on right

(RM22) HMCS CHILLIWACK on the slips in Sydney, NS

 

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(RM23) HMCS CHILLIWACK on the slips in Sydney, NS

(RM24) Chipping ice off HMCS CHILLIWACK

(RM25) Sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK

 

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(RM26-RM28) Captured German U-boat U-774. Photos taken from HMCS CHILLIWACK

(RM29) Convoy escorts surround U-744 - 06 Mar 1944 - photographer unknown

(RM30) Captured crew members from U-744 on deck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 for some air

 

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(RM31) Newspaper article from The Evening Telegram, Toronto 14 Jul 1945 on the capture of U-744

(RM32) Newspaper article from The Evening Telegram, Toronto of crew painting a U-boat on their gun shield

(RM33) After bandstand on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RM34) Wilson McMurdo (right) and unknown shipmate relaxing against the breakwater on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RM35) Wilson McMurdo holding ship's mascot on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. Other sailor unknown

 

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(RM36) Mascot of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 (Webmaster's note:  Can it look any cuter?)

(RM37) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RM38) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 astern of unknown corvette. There appears to be a minesweeper in the slips on her port side

(RM39) Wilson McMurdo (right) and unknown sailor on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RM40) Looking out at large swell off HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

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(RM41) Sailors relaxing just aft the funnel on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RM42-RM43) 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.)

(RM44) ailors on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RM45) Whaler from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 under sail

 

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(RM46) Unknown sailor by depth charge thrower on the quarterdeck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RM47) Wilson McMurdo (right) and ship mates on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(RM48) HMCS CHILLIWACK jacket patch

 

RM49

(RM49) 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.

 

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(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)

 

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(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

 

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(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

 

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(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

 

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(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

 

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(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

 

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(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

 

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(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

 

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CH61

(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

CH63

CH64

CH65

CH66

(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
(CH66) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 transferring depth charges from a merchant ship at sea

 

CH67

CH68

CH69

CH70

CH71

(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

CH73

CH74

CH75

CH76

(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

CH78

CH79

(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

CH81

CH82

CH83

(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

CH85

CH86

CH87

(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

CH89

CH90

(CH88-CH90) HMCS CHAUDIERE H99 seen from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

CH91

CH92

(CH91-CH92) Captured German U-boat U-744 on the starboard side of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - 06 Mar 1944

 

CH93

CH94

CH95

CH96

(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

 



 

 

 

GS026

GS027

GS028

 

(GS026-GS028) Captured German U-boat U-744

Photo taken from the starboard side of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - 06 Mar 1944

 

 

GS029

GS030

GS031

 

(GS029-GS031) Unknown frigate at sea. Her stern appears to be severely damaged

 

 

GS032

GS033

GS034

 

(GS032-GS034) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 in rough seas

 

GS035

GS036

GS037

GS038

GS039

(GS035) Unknown corvette.  Possibly HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS036) Unknown object floating near the port quarter of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS037) Unknown object floating near the port quarter of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS038) Starboard side, aft on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 looking forward towards the boat deck

(GS039) Unknown coastline seen from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

GS040

GS041

GS042

GS043

GS044

(GS041) Unknown location seen from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS042) An iceberg near HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 - off Newfoundland

(GS043) Starboard side looking aft from the bridge wing on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS044) Starboard side looking forward from beside the searchlight tub on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS045) The White Ensign of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

GS046

GS047

GS048

GS049

GS050

(GS046) A dory moored near HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 in harbour at St. John's, Nfld

(GS047) George Smith (left) and Charlie Howell on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS048) The ship's cats - HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS049) Sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK k131 chipping and painting.  It looks like they are quite relaxed while working.

(GS050) George Smith (left) and Charlie Howell on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

GS051

GS052

GS053

GS054

GS055

(GS051) Unknown sailor as lookout by the port bridge wing machine gun on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS052) Unknown sailor on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS053) Unknown sailor working on the upper decks by one of the depth charge throwers on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS054) Unknown officer on the bridge of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS055) Unknown sailor catching up on some sleep in what may be the rope locker on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

GS056

GS057

GS058

GS059

GS060

(GS056) Charlie Howell ashore  in Londonderry, Northern Ireland

(GS057) Charlie Howell (right) with unknown shipmate on the boat deck of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS058) Unknown sailor holding the ship's cats on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS059) Three shipmates on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131.  They look like they are ready to go ashore

(GS060) Three shipmates, George Smith in the centre, on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131.  

 

GS061

GS062

GS063

GS064

GS065

(GS061) CHILLIWACK sailors playing cards on the shore near the ship.  George Smith indicated by the arrow

(GS062) Porpoises racing alongside HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS063) Unknown sailor on HMCS CHILLIWACK holding a batch of fresh bananas while storing ship

(GS064) Two unknown sailors, believed to be off HMCS CHILLIWACK, in a photo booth ashore

(GS065) Two unknown sailors off HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 ashore - location unknown

 

GS066

GS067

GS068

GS069

(GS066) Unknown corvette

(GS067) Unknown troopship seen from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131.  Troopships, due to their high rate of speed, travelled independently instead of in convoy as their speed made them a very difficult targets for u-boats

(GS068-GS069) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 passes by a USN landing craft US674

 

GS070

GS071

GS072

GS073

(GS070-GS073) HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 conducting a stern fueling while in convoy

 

GS074

GS075

GS076

GS077

GS078

(GS075) Merchant ships in convoy

(GS076) Merchant ships in convoy.  HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 in the foreground

(GS077) Merchant Aircraft Carrier in convoy

(GS078-GS079) Merchant ship in convoy

 

GS079

GS080

GS081

GS082

GS083

(GS079) Unknown location photographed from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS080) Shoreline along the River Foyle photographed from HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS081) Sailors on the fo'c's'le of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. Bermuda in the background

(GS082) Allied sub used for work-ups training in Bermuda. St. George's, Bermuda in the background

(GS084) St. George's, Bermuda during work-ups

 

GS085

GS086

GS087

GS088

GS089

(GS085) Four unknown sailors on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS086-GS088) George Smith aboard HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 as various time frames

(GS089) George Smith (centre) and and unknown shipmates on the jetty by HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

GS090

`

GS091

GS092

GS093

(GS090) George Smith onboard HMCS CHILLIWACK K131. Behind him is the chart for the depth charge settings

(GS091) George Smith (left) and unknown shipmate on HMCS CHILLIWACK K131.  The unknown sailor in the photo is on duty as Quartermaster - you can see his lanyard and the top of the pistol holster

(GS092) George Smith on the jetty by HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS093) George Smith and Charlie Howell on the jetty by HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

 

GS094

GS095

GS096

GS097

 

(GS094-GS095) HMCS KAMLOOPS K176

(GS096) HMCS KAMLOOPS K176 following astern of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS097) HMCS MORDEN K170

 

 

GS098

GS099

 

(GS098) Unknown Chief Petty Officer with 2 civilians.  He is believed to be off of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

(GS099) Unknown person. He is believed to be off of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131

From the collection of George Smith, AB, RCNVR

Courtesy of Matthew Smith

 



 

SHC001

SHC002

SHC003

(SHC001) The mast of HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 at HMCS Star, Hamilton  //  Courtesy of Neil Bell, LCdr, RCN, Ret'd  //  Curator HMCS Star Historical Collection

(SHC002) Plaque at the base of the mast from HMCS CHILLIWACK at HMCS Star, Hamilton  //  Courtesy of Neil Bell, LCdr, RCN, Ret'd  //  Curator HMCS Star Historical Collection

(SHC003) Name plate HMCS CHILLIWACK K131 at HMCS Star, Hamilton  //  Courtesy of Neil Bell, LCdr, RCN, Ret'd  //  Curator HMCS Star Historical Collection

 


 

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