HMCS OTTER S04

Armed Yacht

HMCS OTTER

RCN Neg # IH 8575-09

Courtesy of the Naval Museum of Halifax

OTTER arriving at Halifax under the Red Ensign as Conseco. No photo of her as a naval vessel has been found. Photo description from "Ships of Canada's Naval Forces 1910-1981" by Ken Macpherson & John Burgess

Named Conseco, she was built in 1921 by Robert Jacob, City Island, NY. After acquired by the RCN, she was renamed OTTER. OTTER accompanied MOOSE to Quebec City for conversion and arming, returning to Halifax on 02 Oct 1940, to be commissioned two days later for service with Halifax Local Defence Force.  She was destroyed by accidental explosion and fire off Halifax Lightship on 26 Mar 1941, with the loss of two officers and 17 men.

Photos and Documents

Sinking of HMCS Otter in WW II Halifax remembered as 'dramatic tale of tension and heroics' - CBC News 22 Mar 2026

Commanding Officers

Lt Dennis Sinclair Mossman, RCNR - 04 Oct 1940 - 26 Mar 1941

     In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice    

     Lest We Forget     

     In memory of those who have crossed the bar    

They shall not be forgotten

(s) - Survived the sinking of HMCS OTTER

Former Crew Members

Photos and Documents

(OTR001) HMCS OTTER  //  Source: The Legion Magazine  //  Credit: Library and Archives of Canada PA 139114

(OTR002) HMCS OTTER Casualty List

(OTR003) Newspaper Article on the Sinking of HMCS OTTER  //  Hamilton Spectator, 27 Mar 1941  //  Source: Canadian Virtual War Museum

(OTR004) Newspaper Article on the Sinking of HMCS OTTER  //  Hamilton Spectator, 27 Mar 1941  //  Source: Canadian Virtual War Museum

(OTR005) Article on the rescue of HMCS OTTER survivors  //  Hamilton Spectator, 27 Mar 1941  //  Source: Canadian Virtual War Museum

(OTR006) Newspaper article on the sinking of HMCS OTTER  //  Globe and Mail 31 Mar 1941  //  Source: Canadian Virtual War Museum

Note from the Canadian Virtual War Museum - A list of the 19 sailors who died when an accidental explosion and fire destroyed the HMCS OTTER off Halifax, Nova Scotia on March 26, 1941. Note: The list has combined information on two of the sailors, Ronald Darrach and John Gibbs Drew. It should read Ronald M. Darrach, Motor Mechanic A/1964, son of John Thomas Darrach and Ethel Rose Darrach, of Halifax, Nova Scotia; husband of Ruby Roberta Darrach, of Halifax. John Gibbs Drew, Motor Mechanic A/2183, (next of kin) George Drew (brother), 112 Dunvegan Road, Toronto.

(OTR007) Article on the rescue of HMCS OTTER survivors  //  Globe and Mail, 29 Mar 1941  //  Source: Canadian Virtual War Museum

(OTR008) Romance Ends in Tragedy  //  HMCS OTTER Casualty due to be married

(OTR009) Article on the death of OS John Blyth and O/Sig Norman Woods  //  Courtesy of Operation Picture Me

(OTR010) Burial of OS John Blyth and O/Sig Norman Woods takes place in Winnipeg  //  Courtesy of Operation Picture Me

(OTR011) Newspaper article on two survivors and four casualties of HMCS OTTER  //  Survivors:  William E. Hunter, Signalman of Toronto, ON & William C. Clark, Stoker, of Oakville, ON.  //  Casualties: John G. Drew, Motor Mechanic, of Toronto, ON:  Lt Alan M. Walker, of Toronto, ON; Earle A. Day, Ordinary Telegrapher of Toronto, ON; and Dudley H. Mason, Stoker 1c, of Paris, ON  //  Courtesy of Operation Picture Me

(WTB021 - WTB024) Newspaper articles on the loss of HMCS OTTER and her crew (casualties and survivors)

From the collection of William T. Bennett, CPO.MM, RCNR

Courtesy of David Bennett

30 years ago ......

HMCS OTTER burns off Sambro Light

Halifax Mail-Star, Sunday, 03 Apr 1971, pg 7

Researched by / Courtesy of George Newbury