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HMCS MORDEN K170
Flower Class Corvette
Built at Port Arthur, Ont., she was commissioned at Montreal on 06 Sep 1941. MORDEN arrived at Halifax on 16 Sep 1941. She joined Newfoundland Command and left St. John's 23 Nov 1941 to escort SC.56, her first convoy, to Iceland. She continued on to the U.K., however, to carry out two months' refit and repairs at Southampton. She left the Clyde on 05 Mar 1942, to pick up westbound convoy ON.73, and was thereafter continuously in service as an ocean escort until the fall of 1943 - from Aug 1942, as a member of EG C-2.
The following is from the memoirs of Larry Restall "We detected surfaced sub (later found to be U-756) attempting to break into convoy at night. I was on the after gun crew during action stations firing at the sub which dived. We attempted to ram but the sub was able to submerge. Passed over sub and dropped a pattern of depth charges. According to German records the sub never reported again."
On 22 Oct 1942, the SS Winnipeg was torpedoed and sunk by U-443 while enroute from Liverpool to Saint John, NB. HMCS MORDEN rescued all who were aboard her - 192 passengers and crew.
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
On 22 Mar 1943, while escorting Operation Torch convoy KMS.11, HMCS MORDEN rescued 102 survivors of the SS City of Christchurch that was sunk by aircraft.
After a brief refit at Lunenburg in Jun 1943, and workups at Pictou, she sailed for Plymouth to join EG 9. She left Devonport on 15 Sep 1943 to join the group on patrol south of the Sicily Islands, but the group was ordered to the assistance of combined convoy ONS.18/ON.202 which lost six merchant ships and three of its escort.
In Oct 1943 MORDEN rejoined EG C-2 and was given an extensive refit at Londonderry between late Nov 1943 and the end of Jan 1944. The work done included the lengthening of her fo'c's'le.
She left 'Derry for the last time on 14 Nov 1944. In May 1945, on completion of a long refit at Sydney and Halifax, she joined EG W-9 of WLEF and left New York on 23 May 1945 as local escort to HX.358, the last HX convoy. Paid off on 29 Jun 1945, at Sorel, she was broken up at Hamilton in 1946.
U-Boats Sunk: U-756 (Kptlt Klaus Harney) sunk on 01 Sep 1942 by HMCS MORDEN K170 in position 57-41 N, 31.30 W. Sunk with all hands. 43 men lost.
Photos and Documents The Ship's Bell
Commanding Officers
Stoker PO, RCNR MPK - 14 Oct 1942 Lost on passage aboard Caribou when returning to HMCS MORDEN from leave
They shall not be forgotten
Former Crew Members
Photos and Documents
(MDN001) The 4-inch gun of HMCS MORDEN // Credit: Ken Macpherson / Naval Museum of Alberta (MDN002) HMCS MORDEN as seen from HMCS Kamloops circa 1942-1943 // Source: Flickr photo collection of Ron Bell (MDN003) HMCS MORDEN K170 during acceptance trials August 1941 // Source: Flickr photo collection of Ron Bell (MDN004) HMCS MORDEN'S depth charge storage area // Source: Flickr photo collection of Ron Bell (MDN005) HMCS MORDEN in the North Atlantic // Source: Flickr photo collection of Ron Bell
(MDN006) HMCS MORDEN K170 on the Foyle River circa 1943-1944 // From the collection of Kenneth Medford, DSM // Courtesy of Gary Medford (MDN007) Gunshield art of HMCS MORDEN K170, eagle sweeping over a U-Boat, talons ready to pick up it’s prey // Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Raymond Leslie Reid, RCNVR. (RTL-RLR010) (MDN008) 357 Rescued by HMCS MORDEN // From the collection of François Messier, AB, RCNVR // Courtesy of Denis Messier (MDN009) HMCS MORDEN K170 // From the collection of George Smith, AB, RCNVR // Courtesy of Matthew Smith
(IK11-IK13) HMCS MORDEN'S gunshield art - painted by LS Ian Kerr From the collection of Ian Kerr, LS, RCNVR
(LR08) Larry Restall on HMCS MORDEN. Note the gunshield art painting to the right of the photo (LR09) A few of the crew of HMCS MORDEN
(LR09-LR12) Survivors from SS Winnipeg, sunk by U-443 on 22 Oct 1942, rescued by HMCS MORDEN K170
From the memoirs of Larry Restall - "Picked up 194 survivors from torpedoed liner SS Winnipeg in 13 lifeboats Picked up two gunners from torpedoed ship. Picked up one man completely soaked in black oil with only his eyes visible
From the collection of Larry Restall, Radar Operator, RCNVR
Courtesy of Clay Restall
(DD93-DD95) HMCS MORDEN K170 approaching HMCS OWEN SOUND K340 From the collection of Dan L. Dunbar, AB, RCNVR Courtesy of Dan Dunbar
(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) From the collection of Ross Somerville, Leading Coder, RCNVR Courtesy of Kathy Somerville
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In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice
Lest We Forget 
