HMCS SAGUENAY H03 / D79 / I79

 

River Class Destroyer

 

 

HMCS SAGUENAY D79

Source: Flickr photo collection of Ron Bell

 

Battle honours and awards:  Atlantic  1939-45

 

 

Launched: 11 Jul 1930

Commissioned: 21 May 1931

Paid off: 30 Jul 1945

Fate: Broken in 1946

 

SAGUENAY and her sister, SKEENA, were the first ships built for the RCN. SAGUENAY was built by Thornycraft, England for the cost of £670,000. Her hull was strengthened to withstand ice pressure which made her ideal for deployments in Newfoundland waters. She was commissioned on 22 May 1931, at Portsmouth and made her maiden arrival at Halifax on 03 Jul 1931. On 05 Jan 1935, HMCS SKEENA and HMCS VANCOUVER departed Esquimalt for exercises in the Kingston, Jamaica area with HMCS CHAMPLAIN and HMCS SAGUENAY. In Jan 1938, SAGUENAY once again sailed south on a Spring Cruise with port visits at in Bermuda; Puerto Culebra, Costa Rica; Talara, Peru; Acapulco, Mexico; and Panama and San Diego, Calif. With the outbreak of the Second World War she escorted local convoys until late Sep 1939, when she was assigned to the America and West Indies Station, and based at Kingston, Jamaica. On 23 Oct 1939, in the Yucatan Channel, she intercepted the German tanker Emmy Friederich, which scuttled herself. She returned to Halifax in mid-Dec 1939 to resume local escort duty until 16 Oct 1940, when she sailed for the U.K. to join EG 10, Greenock. On 01 Dec 1940, while escorting convoy HG.47, she was torpedoed by the Italian submarine Argo 300 miles west of Ireland. With her bows wrecked and 21 dead, SAGUENAY made Barrow-in-Furness largely under her own power, and was under repairs until 22 May 1941. She left Greenock on 23 May 1941, and arrived on 07 Jun 1941 at St. John's, where she joined the NEF, which was then forming. From Jun 1941 to Jan 1942 she escorted convoys to Iceland. From Jan 1942 to Jun 1942 she was assigned to WS convoys.

 

[Historical note: WS convoys were iron ore carriers traveling between Bell Island (located in Conception Bay Nfld - just north of St. John's) and Sydney, Nova Scotia. The Dominion Oil and Steel Company (DOSCO) at Sydney, Cape Breton, NS, owned the iron ore mines on Bell Island at Wabana, and the Steel Mills at Sydney NS. At that time they were producing one third of Canada's total steel output. Prior to the WW II, Germany was their biggest foreign customer for iron ore. The letters 'W' (for Wabana) and 'S' (for Sydney) were assigned to convoys between the two locations.]

 

From 19 Apr 1942 to 02 Nov 1942 she was assigned to the Newfie - Derry run (convoys from St. John's, NFLD to Londonderry, Ireland). During the months of Sep - Nov 1942, U-boat activity increased off Newfoundland. On 04 Sep 1942 a U-boat sank 2 ore carriers at their loading docks at Wabana. On 14 Oct 1942, the ferry Caribou was sunk with the loss of 137 lives. On 02 Nov 1942 (in broad daylight) 2 more ore carriers were sunk at the moorings at Bell Island and the ore carrier PML27 was torpedoed shortly after leaving Bell Island. With the increase in sinkings, an increase in escort vessels was made to the WB convoys and SAGUENAY was re-assigned to the WB convoys. On 15 Nov 1942 HMCS SAGUENAY was escorting convoy WB13. At a distance of approximately 12 miles South of St. John's and 50 miles South East of Cape Spare, HMCS SAGUENAY was struck in the stern by the freighter SS Azra. Depth charges from HMCS SAGUENAY were dislodged overboard and exploded beneath both ships. The SAGUENAY had her stern blown off and the Azar her bow. Damage to the Azar was sufficient to cause her to sink at the site. The SAGUENAY stayed afloat and took Azar's crew members onboard. The collision occurred within sight of Cape Spear near the entrance to St. John's harbour and the naval command center at HMCS AVALON dispatched an RCN Tug (possibly W 47) to tow the damaged SAGUENAY to the graving dock in St. John's harbour. Once in the graving dock, the stern was sealed to enable the ship to be towed to the ship yards at Saint John, N.B.. After further repairs at Saint John, N.B., she was then taken to Cornwallis in Oct 1943, to serve as a training ship. Paid off 30 Jul 1945, she was sold for scrap in 1945 to International Iron and Metal in Hamilton, Ontario and was broken up in 1946. (note: another ref has her sold on 17 Jul 1948 and broken up.)

 

 

RCN Memories:      In memory of a veteran - John Francis Lipton, DSM

 

Photos and Documents          Ship's company photos          The Ship's Bell

 

HMCS SAGUENAY provides the Royal Guard at the Unveiling of the Vimy Memorial, 1936

 

 

Commanding Officers

 

Cdr Percy Walter Nelles, RCN - 22 May 1931 - 06 Jun 1932

Cdr Leonard Warren Murray, RCN - 07 Jun 1932 - 22 May 1934 (D79)

Cdr Ronald Ian Agnew, RCN - 23 May 1934 - 05 May 1936

Cdr William James Robert Beech, RCN - 06 May 1936 - 29 Jun 1938

LCdr Frank Llewellyn Houghton, RCN - 30 Jun 1938 - 07 Jul 1939

LCdr G.R. Miles, RCN - 08 Jul 1939 - 21 Apr 1941

Lt Phillip Edwin Haddon, RCN - 22 Apr 1941 - 07 Apr 1942

A/Cdr Dickson Carlisle Wallace, RCNR - 08 Apr 1942 - 14 Jan 1943

Lt John William McDowall, RCN - 15 Jan 1943 - 11 Mar 1943

Lt J.H. Ewart, RCNVR - 14 Oct 1943 - 17 May 1944

Lt Wesley Coburn Hawkins, RCNVR - 18 May 1944 - 06 Oct 1944 (I79)

A/Lt William Errol Hughson, RCNVR - 07 Oct 1944 - 15 Apr 1945

Lt Kenneth Peter Blanche, RCNVR - 16 Apr 1945 - 30 Jul 1945

 

 

     In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice    

     Lest We Forget     

 

BAKER, William S.

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

BENNETT, Harry M.

AB, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

BROWN, Paul A.

AB, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

COOK, Albert C.

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

COWLING, Oliver

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

DOIRON, Elmer J.

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

DOUGAN, Harold E.

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

GORING, William A.

AB, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

GOUGEON, Joseph R.

AB, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

HARE, Harvey W.

AB, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

LE GARE, Hector

AB, RCNR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

LYNCH, Budd F.

VA, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

MAZIERE, George

AB, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

MORRISON, David A.

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

PURVIS, Henry

OS, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

ROSS, Duncan B.

Lt (E), RCNVR

MPK - 15 Nov 1942

SHEPPARD, Henry J.

AB, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

SPENCER, Frederick

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

STRICKLAND, Stanley

AB, RCNR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

SWEENEY, Charles H.

LS LR2, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

TWEEDIE, John S.D.D.

AB ST, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

TYNDALL, William D.

OS, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

 

 

 

 

 

     In memory of those who have crossed the bar    

They shall not be forgotten

 

(s) - survived the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY on 01 Dec 1940

A

 

 

B

 

 

C

 

 

D

 

 

E

 

Ewart, John H.

 

 

 

 

 

F

 

 

G

 

 

H

 

 

I

 

Ireland, Stanley A.

 

 

 

 

 

J

 

 

K

 

 

L

 

 

M

 

 

N

 

 

O

 

O'Brien, John C.

 

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

R

 

 

S

 

 

T

 

 

V

 

Vander Haegen, George

 

 

 

 

 

W

 

 

Y

 

Young, Thomas W. (s)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Former Crew Members

 

(s) - survived the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY on 01 Dec 1940

 

Allen, Douglas Haig, Sto - 1940 (s)

 

Archibald,, Godfrey Thomas Alfred Sissener, Lt, RCNVR - 26 May 1942

 

Beck, William, War (E), RCNR - 05 Feb 1945

 

Bidwell, Rogeer Edward Shelford, LCdr (T), RCN - 23 May 1932

 

Blais, Joseph Daniel Albert, A/Paym/Lt, RCNVR - 08 Jul 1940

 

Branch, Charles C/Sto - 1940 (s)

 

Brooking, William, CERA - 1940 (s)

 

Browne, Lt, Submarine Detecting Officer - 1940 (s)

 

Buckley, AB - 1940 (s)

 

Campbell, Torpedoman - 1940 (s)

 

Carson, William, Sto PO - 1940 (s)

 

Clarke, Herbert - 1940 (s)

 

Cooper, Rex Harrop, Lt, RCNVR - 02 Jul 1942

 

Curry, Angus Downey Mathwin, Cdr, RCN - Jan 1933

 

Davidson, Geoffrey Huntley, Lt, RCN - 17 Apr 1940

 

Dryer, Kenneth (Ken) Lloyd, SLt, RCN - 01 Jun 1938

 

Finter, Lloyd - 1940 (s)

 

Francois, John Eugene, Lt, RCNR - 26 May 1942

 

Gardiner, William Douglas Haig, SLt, RCNVR - 10 Apr 1942

 

Gearing, Dan, Torpedoman - 1940 (s)

Godfrey, Valentine (Val) Stuart, LCdr, RCN - 22 May 1931

 

Hancock, John, LS - 1940 (s)

 

Hansen, Jack Henry, Midshipman, RCNR - 23 May 1940

 

Hart, Robert Shaw, Lt, RCNVR - 05 Mar 1942

 

Hope, Adrian Mitchell (Bommer), LCdr, RCN - 03 Apr 1931 (Stand by) / 22 May 1931

 

Howe, Lawrence, L/Sto - 1940 (s)

 

Jefferson, Frank Harvey, Cdr (E), RCN - 22 May 1931

 

Leal, Reginald, PO - 1940 (s)

 

Learmonth, Charles Mohn, Surg/Lt, RCNVR - 06 Apr 1942

 

MacDonnell, Malcolm M. - 1940 (s)

 

Martin, Victor 

 

McCullough, Eddie, Sto - 1940 (s)

 

McEuen, Charles Stuart, Surg LCdr, RCNVR - 28 Jul 1941

 

Moffat, William Purves, Lt, RCNVR - 12 Mar 1940

 

Moore, Dinty - 1938

 

Myers, J.F., LS - 1940 (s)

 

Nieuwstad, Pieter Cornelius, Lt (E), RCNR - Jan 1942

 

Owsianski, C., Sto - 1940 (s)

Paterson, George Alexander, A/Wt (E), RCN - 16 Apr 1943

 

Pierce, D., AB - Dec 1940

 

Protheroe, George Edward, Gnr (T), RCN - 27 May 1940

 

Robbins, Joseph C (Ginger), PO - 1940 (s)

 

Roberts, John (Johnny) William, SLt, RCN - Jan 1942

 

Rye, Harold, PO (s)

 

Saunders, Cook's Assistant - 1940 (s)

 

Savory, John Alfred, Lt (E), RCNVR - 05 Feb 1943

 

Schurman, Percy (Tiny), Sto PO - 1940 (s)

 

Sherlock, F.M. - 1940 (s)

 

Shilston, George, Gnr (T), RCN - 22 May 1931

 

Tisdale, Ernest Patrick (Pat), Lt (G), RCN - 20 Jun 1934

 

Tulk, Augustus, Lt (E), RCNR - 14 Feb 1944

 

Uss, L/Tel - 1940 (s)

 

Walkley, James, Sto PO - 1940 (s)

 

Warwick, Ralph Berton, Lt, RCNVR - 15 Feb 1940

 

Williams, Richard, PO, RCN - 1940

 

Wright, Harold Hutchins, Lt (E), RCNVR - 07 May 1940 (s)

 

 

Photos and Documents

 

 

SAG001

SAG002

(SAG001) The launching of HMCS SAGUENAY - 11 Jul 1930  //  Courtesy of the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum

 

(SAG002) The Commander of Italy's Air Fleet is Welcomed to Canada - Shediac, New Brunswick. Making his first stop in Canada, General Italo Balbo (right), commander of the Italian Air Armada, is greeted by Capt. C. C. Murray of the H.M.S. SAGUENAY just after he had brought his fleet of twenty-four seaplanes down on Shediac Bay after a flight from Labrador. The flight started from Orbettelo, Italy and will end at the Worlds Fair in Chicago. July 14 1933.

 

 

 

 

Funeral service at sea for AB John Pulley - 04 Dec 1933

 

SAG003

SAG004

SAG005

SAG006

SAG007

SAG008

SAG009

 

                  

(SAG003-SAG004) Casket with the body of AB John Pulley with guard by the stern gun of HMCS SAGUENAY D79

 

(SAG005) Engines stopped - lower the ship's ensign - committal party assembled on lee side of quarter deck - committal service commences

 

(SAG006) The body of AB John Pulley is readied for committal to the deep

 

(SAG007) Casket sliding from "committal board" to sea from under ship's ensign. "Caps off" by crew. " Lord God, by the power of your Word you stilled the chaos of the primeval seas, you made the raging waters of the Flood subside, and you calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee. As we commit the earthly remains of our brother John Pulley to the deep, grant him peace and tranquility until that day when John and all who believe in you will be raised to the glory of new life promised in the waters of baptism. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen"

 

(SAG008) A wreath is laid on the ocean grave of AB John Pulley

 

(SAG009) Newspaper article on the burial at sea of AB John Pulley from the Montreal Gazette, 05 Dec 1933

 

From the collections of Herbert Edward Dowling, RCN & James A. Senior, RCN

 

Courtesy of Bill Cummins and Bob Senior

 

 

HMCS SAGUENAY entering Willemstad Harbour, Netherlands Antilles, 1934

 

In the winter of 1934, HMCS SKEENA, HMCS SAGUENAY, HMCS CHAMPLAIN and HMCS VANCOUVER took part in Winter exercises off South America

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Invitation to the 4th Annual HMCS SAGUENAY Ship's Company Dance at the Nova Scotian Hotel - 27 Nov 1934

 

Courtesy of Mike O'Keefe

SAGUENAY sailors ashore

 

Front left, James A. Senior, front right believed to be Herbert E. Dowling. Sailors in back unknown

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

SAGUENAY sailors ashore - James Senior, standing, left

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

HMCS SAGUENAY D79 entering Miami, Fla, Apr 1935

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

 

HMCS SAGUENAY and HMCS Champlain, Miami, Fla

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Sailors off HMCS SAGUENAY on the beach on Saint Lucia, Eastern Caribbean - 1935

 

James Senior, back row, centre

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Sailors on HMCS SAGUENAY, Haiti, 1935

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Crew of HMCS SAGUENAY pulling in a shark off Haiti - 1935

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Herbert E. Dowling at Cape Haitian

 

HMCS SAGUENAY D79 - 1935 cruise to Jamaica and Haiti

 

From the collection of Herbert Dowling

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

H.E. Dowling outside the tomb of King Henri Christophe at Cape Haitien, Haiti

 

HMCS SAGUENAY D79 - 1935 cruise to Jamaica and Haiti

 

From the collection of Herbert Dowling

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

Nelson Rutt and H.E. Dowling (right) posing in from of a pile of cannon balls at the Castle of Blood (Citadelle Laferriere), Cap Haitien, Haiti

 

HMCS SAGUENAY D79 - 1935 cruise to Jamaica and Haiti

 

From the collection of Herbert Dowling

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

H.E. Dowling (left) and Jack Mackenzie on HMCS SAGUENAY in Kingston, Jamaica

 

HMCS SAGUENAY D79 - 1935 cruise to Jamaica and Haiti

 

From the collection of Herbert Dowling

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

Sailors off HMCS SAGUENAY enjoying a drink ashore - James Senior on the right

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

 

     

HMCS Champlain (left) and HMCS SAGUENAY (right) in the graving dock, Saint John, NB - date unknown

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

 

James Senior on HMCS SAGUENAY - 1936. Note the iceberg in the background

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

James Senior relaxing on the upper decks on HMCS SAGUENAY - 1936

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

HMCS SAGUENAY 5-oared whaler crew, 1936 - James Senior front right

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

HMCS SAGUENAY 5-oared whaler crew, 1936

 

L-R: Senior, unknown, Glover, unknown, unknown, Racine

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

HMCS SAGUENAY 5-oared whaler crew, 1936 - James Senior, front, left

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Ship's whaler taking crew from HMCS SAGUENAY ashore to the beach - 1936

 

James senior 2nd row furthest right

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

 

R&R on the beaches in the sunny south - 1936

Photos of sailors off HMCS SAGUENAY on the beaches

 

                    

 

           

 

(1) SAGUENAY sailors on the beach - James Senior falling, location unknown  (2) at La Guaira, Venezuela  (3) at La Guaira, Venezuela - James Senior, foreground (4) at La Guaira, Venezuela  (5) Location unknown  (6) James Senior, location unknown  (7) sailor by ship's whaler at Saguramus (?sp) Bay  (8) James Senior by ships boat with coconuts at Saguramus (?sp) Bay  (9) James Senior, left - location unknown  (10) at Saguramus (?sp) Bay - James Senior, centre, anchor  (11) location unknown  (12) Fresh Water Club, Barbados  (13) Barbados

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

 

Webmaster's note:  Saguramus Bay is actually Chaguaramas Bay, Trinidad

Alongside somewhere down south - 1936

 

Sailors on HMCS SAGUENAY under the ships awning, escaping the sun and heat - laundry hanging to the left of the gun turret

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Laundry day on HMCS SAGUENAY - James Senior on the right

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

James Senior (standing) on HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

James Senior on HMCS SAGUENAY - 1936

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

James Senior (front) hiking in Haiti circa 1936

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

HMCS SAGUENAY, Ecuador, 1936

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Unknown sailor off of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

A couple sailors of HMCS SAGUENAY sight-seeing

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

HMCS SAGUENAY alongside - date and location unknown

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Unknown sailors off HMCS SAGUENAY with young girl in front of house - date and location unknown

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

 

The dedication of the Vimy Memorial.  HMCS SAGUENAY provided the Royal Guard - 1936

 

 

Photos of Vimy Ridge - 1936

 

           

 

        

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

 

Unknown Petty Officer on HMCS SAGUENAY circa 1937-1938

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

 

Unknown sailors on HMCS SAGUENAY

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Unknown sailors on HMCS SAGUENAY - one has an injured knee

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Unknown sailor from HMCS SAGUENAY - note the RCNVR cap tally

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Sailors off HMCS SAGUENAY - date and location unknown

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Sailor off HMCS SAGUENAY resting during maintenance of the grave at Croque, NFLD

 

The French navy and RCN went there until the early 1970’s to do maintenance on the small French cemetery located there. The cemetery is still there but maintained by the locate residence now.

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Unknown sailors from HMCS SAGUENAY ashore - date and location unknown

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Unknown HMCS SAGUENAY sailor

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

HMCS SAGUENAY and HMCS Skeena sail for the Coronation Review for King George the VI - 1937

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

1937 Coronation Fleet Review souvenir programme cover

 

From the collection of Herbert Edward Dowling, RCN

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

HMCS SAGUENAY D79 at the 1937 Coronation Fleet Review

 

From the collection of Herbert Edward Dowling, RCN

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

 

Crossing the Line - Equator - 1330 hrs 04 Feb 1938 - HMCS SAGUENAY D79

 

Ships on this deployment - HMCS SAGUENAY D79, HMCS Skeena D59, HMCS St. Laurent H83 and HMCS Fraser H48

 

  

 

(Above) Crossing the Line certificates of Herbert Dowling and James Senior

From the collection of Herbert Edward Dowling, RCN //  James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bill Cummins // Bob Senior

 

        

 

(1) King Neptune's Court  (2 & 3) Crossing the Line  (4) Officers Crossing the Line

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

 

Note: In 2017, 79 years after the event,  the families of Herbert Dowling and James Senior are comparing notes about Herbert's and James' time on HMCS SAGUENAY.

 

HMCS SAGUENAY D79 transiting the Panama Canal, Jan 1938

 

     

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

HMCS SAGUENAY transiting the Panama Canal

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Herbert Dowling (left) in Lima, Peru

 

HMCS SAGUENAY D59 - 1938 Cruise

 

From the collection of Herbert Edward Dowling, RCN

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

James Senior in the Andes Mountains, Peru - 1938

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

HMCS SAGUENAY at anchor off Paita, Peru - 1938

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Unknown River Class destroyer at anchor of Callao, Peru - 1938

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Herbert Dowling (left) part time ships barber on HMCS SAGUENAY D79

 

From the collection of Herbert Edward Dowling, RCN

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

 

HMCS SAGUENAY D79 Christmas card

 

From the collection of Archie Dowling, RCN

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

Newspaper article from the Halifax Chronicle Herald about the 1938 cruise

 

From the collection of Herbert Edward Dowling, RCN

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

Enveloped addressed to Miss L. Matthews, 59 Cayuga St., Brantford, ON from F.G. Macklin, HMCS SAGUENAY - postmarked 15 Feb 1938

 

The following is from the RCN Ledger sheets:  Name: Macklin, Francklin George Date of Birth: 1914-01-01 Occupation: Brass Spinner Service Number: 2536 Place of Birth: Brantford, Ontario Religion: United Church Volume: 4 Reference: RG 150 1992-93/170 Item Number: 3485

Post Card with HMCS SAGUENAY ship's stamp dated 12 Apr 1938

LS Johnny Hann and AB Aubrey Redden (right), HMCS SAGUENAY 1938-39

 

From the collection of C. Aubrey Redden, CPO1, RCN

 

Courtesy of Sherri Redden

Herbert Edward Dowling, L/Sto, RCN on HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of Herbert Edward Dowling, RCN

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

Archibald William "Archie" Dowling, Stoker, RCN, HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of Archie Dowling

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

Sailors on HMCS SAGUENAY - possibly during the 1939 Spring Cruise

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Three Petty Officers on HMCS SAGUENAY - 1939

 

James Senior - centre

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Unknown River Class destroyer - photo taken from HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Unknown warship following astern of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Gun shoot - unknown ship firing forward guns - photo taken from HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

HMCS SAGUENAY after being rammed by SS Azra 12 miles South of St. John’s and 50 miles South East of Cape Spare,15 Nov 1942, and lost her stern when her depth charges exploded

 

From the Rose family collection

Courtesy of Bud Rose

HMCS SAGUENAY in the graving dock - location unknown

 

From the Rose family collection

Courtesy of Bud Rose

James Senior on HMCS SAGUENAY, Bermuda, date unknown

 

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Five crew of HMCS SAGUENAY, 09 Jan 1938, Bermuda

 

Fred Rowe standing, 2nd from left

 

From the collection of Jean Martin

Courtesy of Jean Martin via Vignettes of Reta

Meisner and Fred Rowe (right), HMCS SAGUENAY, Puerto Culebra, Costa Rica 1938

 

From the collection of Jean Martin

Courtesy of Jean Martin via Vignettes of Reta

Fred Rowe (right) and shipmate, Panama, HMCS SAGUENAY, 1938

 

From the collection of Jean Martin

Courtesy of Jean Martin via Vignettes of Reta

Fred Rowe on HMCS SAGUENAY, Acapulco, Mexico, 1938

 

From the collection of Jean Martin

Courtesy of Jean Martin via Vignettes of Reta

Fred Rowe (left) and Dinty Moore on HMCS SAGUENAY, Acapulco, Mexico, 1938

 

From the collection of Jean Martin

Courtesy of Jean Martin via Vignettes of Reta

PO James Senior on HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

Ira Johnson and shipmate on HMCS SAGUENAY circa 1939

 

From the collection of Ira Johnson

Courtesy of Marie Paulowich

Thomas G. Mosher on HMCS SAGUENAY, date unknown

 

From the collection of Thomas Mosher

Courtesy of Gordon Rhymes

HMCS SAGUENAY I79 under tow - date unknown

 

Courtesy of Colin Litster

 

 

 

CM01

CM02

 

(CM01) Colin MacKenzie on HMCS SAGUENAY

(CM02) Colin MacKenzie on HMCS SAGUENAY //  back of photo

 

 

 

HMCS SAGUENAY - South Cruise - Jan-Mar - 1939

 

LN01

LN02

LN03

LN04

LN05

(LN01) Unknown sailor on the flag deck of HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN02) Unknown sailors on the flag deck of HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN03) Chief Yeoman of Signals Pritchard  (LN04) Supermarine Walrus Mk I K8343 - appears to be taking off near HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN05) HMCS SAGUENAY'S boat crew "Going out the boom and into the whaler for a pull"

 

Historical note for photo LN04: 718 Sqn. FAA Royal Navy, Supermarine Walrus K8343, shipborne on the heavy cruiser HMS Exeter, was damaged beyond repair by shelling from the German pocket battleship Graf Spee during the Battle of the River Plate, South America and was jettisoned overboard on 13th December 1939 (together with HMS Exeter's second Walrus K8341)

 

LN06

LN07

LN08

LN09

LN10

(LN06) McIntyre on HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN07) Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN08) Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY in Jamaica  (LN09) US Flagship entering harbour, Kingston, Jamaica, Mar 1939. Photo taken from HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN10) Andy Greer on the flag deck of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

LN11

LN12

LN13

LN14

LN15

(LN11) HMCS SKEENA anchored off Saba Island. Photo taken from HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN12) Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY, Barbados, 11 Feb 1939  (LN13) Unknown sailors on HMCS SKEENA. One of the sailors is named Don  (LN14) Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN15) Unknown sailor on the flag deck of HMCS SAGUENAY, Grenada, 28 Jan 1939, South Cruise

 

LN16

(LN16) McIntrye (left) & Sutherland on HMCS SAGUENAY

 

Courtesy of Luc Normand

 

 

Second World War

 

HMCS SAGUENAY seen from HMCS SACKVILLE K181

 

From the collection of Kenneth Medford, DSM

Courtesy of Gary Medford

HMCS SAGUENAY I79 with a disruption paint scheme

 

From the collection of CPO Lloyd Wallace

Courtesy of Peter Hanlon

HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of Robert Macklem

Courtesy of Kelly Macklem

 

AB14

RCN Neg # SY-161-7

AB15

RCN Neg # SY-161-6

HMCS SAGUENAY

 

From the collection of ERA Albert Baker, RCNVR

 

Courtesy of Anne Baker

 

Front pages from the Halifax Herald on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

  

 

Individual articles below

Heroism Prevents Loss of Canadian Destroyer

Halifax Star, 11 Dec 1940

 

Newspaper article on the actions of CERA William Brooking, Chief Stoker Charles Branch and LT Engineer Harold Hutching Wright

 

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Repair SAGUENAY

 

Newspaper article on the actions of Lt. G. Huntley Davidson and Joseph C. Robbins

 

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Helped Bring The SAGUENAY To Port

 

Newspaper article on L/Sto Lawrence How and Sto PO Percy Schurman

 

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Newspaper article on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Newspaper clipping of CERA William Brooking

 

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Newspaper clipping of LS John E. Lipton

 

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Note: name should read John F. (Francis) Lipton

Nova Scotia Heros in Saving SAGUENAY (2 articles)

 

The Halifax Herald

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

HMCS SAGUENAY Casualty List

 

The Halifax Herald

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Newspaper article on HMCS SAGUENAY

 

The Halifax Herald

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Nova Scotian sailors who were wounded when HMCS SAGUENAY was torpedoed

 

Herbert Clarke, J.F. Myers, Lloyd Finter and F.M. Sherlock

 

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Newspaper article on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Newspaper article on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Newspaper article on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Tribute to those lost when HMCS SAGUENAY was torpedoed

 

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

Three Westerners Aboard the Torpedoed Saguenay

 

Article on SAGUENAY'S Casualty and Survivors

 

The Toronto Star Dec 1940

 

Mentioned in the article:  Sto PO William James Carson - survivor;  Richard (Dick) Williams - survivor, injured;  AB Harry Benny - killed

 

Article on SAGUENAY'S Casualties and Survivors

The Toronto Telegram Nov 1940

Mentioned in article: OS A.C. Cook - Killed;  AB S.D. D. Tweedie - Killed;  OS T.W. Young - Wounded;  OS V.R. Osborne - Wounded; Lt G. Davidson - unhurt

Article on SAGUENAY'S casualties and survivors from the Montreal area

 

The Toronto Star Dec 1940

 

Mentioned in the article:  F.E. Ross - survivor;  PO Harold Rye - presumed safe;  R.R. Sylvester - wounded;  W.A. Goring - missing;  Henry Sheppard - missing;  George Maziere - missing

HMCS SAGUENAY Casualties from the Toronto Area

 

Mentioned in the article:  OS A.C. Cook - missing;  AB J.S.D.D. Tweedie - missing;  OS T.W. Young - wounder;  OS V.R. Osborne - wounded

Newspaper article on PO Richard Williams who was injured when HMCS SAGUENAY was torpedoed

 

The Daily Colonist, Victoria, BC 27 Jan 1945

Personnel preparing to fire depth charges as the destroyer HMCS SAGUENAY attacks a submarine contact at sea, 30 Oct 1941

 

Source: Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-204329

 

The Saguenay Song

 

Newfoundland songs, unknown in Canada before the Second World War, were on the lips of thousands of Canadian sailors once RCN warships began operating from St. John's and other ports of the Old Colony. When the River class destroyer SAGUENAY acquired her own song, the words were set to the Newfoundland tune "The Ryans and the Pittmans", more often known by the first line of the chorus: "We'll rant and we'll roar like true Newfoundlanders". The SAGUENAY's song tells of ·the ship's torpedoing. Later she had her stern blown off by her own depth charges in a convoy collision and ended her service career as a training ship at Cornwallis. 

 

Oh, the Saguenay sailed through the blue Caribbean,
The Saguenay sailed o’er the old Spanish Main,
From Dutch Curacao to misty Balboa
Through the Yucatan passage and right back again.

 

Chorus: We’ll zig and we’ll zag all over the ocean,
We’ll zig and we’ll zag all over the sea,
Until we strike soundings in Halifax Harbour;
From Sambro to Sable in thirty-five leagues.

 

And then one dark night, while out on the ocean,
A speeding torpedo crashed into our bow,
Through luck and fair weather she held us together,
And kept us all safe till we got alongside.

 

Chorus

 

Source: The Crow's Nest Magazine Apr 1956

 

 

A song about HMCS SAGUENAY losing her bow to a torpedo

 

From the collection of Charles Branch, RCN

 

Webmaster's Note: This song has a few historical inaccuracies as it was an Italian submarine that torpedoed HMCS SAGUENAY, not a German U-boat and they were 300 miles west of Ireland) not 600.  However, it was wartime and the write when by either what he believed to be true or by what made the words flow a little smoother. We shall not drop him in the rattle for his transgressions.

 

HMCS SAGUENAY shortly after her collision with the SS AZAR

 

Courtesy of Roger Litwiller

Battered Veteran Is Still Serving Canada

 

Article on HMCS SAGUENAY after her collision with SS AZAR

 

From the collection of François Messier, AB, RCNVR

 

Courtesy of Denis Messier

Battered SAGUENAY Is New Training Vessel

 

Article on HMCS SAGUENAY after her collision with SS AZAR

 

From the collection of François Messier, AB, RCNVR

 

Courtesy of Denis Messier

 

 

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