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HMCS ATHABASKAN (foreground) breaking away from PROVIDER and GATINEAU off the coast of California in spring of 1977. WESTEX 77. ATHABASKAN was the first 280 in the Pacific Ocean
Courtesy of Michael Cowen / Photo restoration by Art Turner
Click on the above photo to view a larger image
Welcome to "For Posterity's Sake" - a site dedicated to the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy and the ships they lived and served in. This is a personal website and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada nor the Department of National Defence.
The goal of this site is to preserve and share the history of those who have sailed in the ships of the RCN. The history we all have buried in our basements or closets in boxes and photo albums - photos of grandparents and parents, aunts and uncles who have also taken pictures and told stories of there time in. This is the history you will not find on the government's historical pages - and its these photos and stories that we all have that I'm hoping to preserve here for posterity's sake.
If you would like to submit photos or stories to be posted here, please send me an EMAIL ( info@forposterityssake.ca ). With the help of all sailors past and present and their families this page can be made into a historical site for future generations to learn about our proud past. May you always have fair winds and following seas!
Don't forget to stop by and sign the Ship's Log (Guestbook)
Capt John Waters Jr. - “Few of their countrymen knew and even fewer now remember the desperate fight waged on the cold and cruel northern seas. But had it failed, the results would have been catastrophic. The clear measure of devotion and courage of these men shall always be that in that dark and bloody winter of crisis they did not fail.”
The Guelph Mercury 16 Nov 2015 - "The Canadian Navy … trained men with men who were scarcely trained themselves. It did everything under the pressure of desperate urgency. It learned to fight a war while fighting it. By all the rules, it should have been the most unholy hash to come out of the war. Somehow, things have turned out differently."
Seaman Campbell, HMCS Kootenay H75 - "There was nothing glorious or romantic about watching bodies and gear float to the surface after sinking a U-boat."
Photo collections: Annie Campbell photo collection - photos from the First World War Capital Iron and Metal - photos of ships from the Second World War being broken up Joseph Barr Champion Collection - A historical collection of photos and documents from the life of Joseph Barr Champion, RNCVR, RCN, RAN(R), Merchant Mariner Mary Lannon collection - photos of sailors during the Second World War Nick's photo collection - from his time on HMCS ONTARIO during the Second World War
Ultimate Sacrifice by Robert P. "Bob" D'Aoust
Those who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in the Royal Canadian Navy, The Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, and the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve 1939-1947 - a 3 volume 4 book set.
They Gave Their All - by Robert P. "Bob" D'Aoust
A 4 volume set on Canada's Merchant Sailors who died serving on Merchant ships from 1939 to 1947.
The Invasion Diaries - by Fred Turnbull, Combined Ops, RCNVR
A personal and historic account of the invasion of Sicily, Normandy, Southern France and the Liberation of Greece. Turnbull was a bowman on a Landing Craft
To order a copy of "The Invasion Diaries" please EMAIL Bill Gard
Webmaster's note: I've read Fred's book and thoroughly enjoyed it. It gives a unique insight into the role of Combined Operations from a personal point of view. A recommended read.
What's New - back to the top of the page 10 Apr 2021 - HMCS STONE TOWN K531 - 65 photos from the collection of Lt Richard (Dick) Simon have been added to her page 02 Apr 2021 - HMCS CANADA - a ship's company photo - Jun/Jul 1915 has been added 30 Mar 2021 - HMCS LACHINE J266 - A ship's company photo has been added 30 Mar 2021 - HMCS KINGS - A course photo for G.G. Division - 26 Jun 1943 has been added 17 Mar 2021 - HMCS ORANGEVILLE K491 - Thirty-one photos from the collection of Tom Coyle have been added to her page 16 Mar 2021 - HMCS CAMROSE K154 - Thirty-nine photos from the collection of Harry Brian have been added to her page 03 Mar 2021 - HMCS FERGUS K686 - Thirty-two photos from the collection of Barry Robinson have been added to her page 25 Feb 2021 - a page has been added on the history of the LONG SERVICE & GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL 24 Feb 2021 - HMCS MARGAREE 230 - A ship's company photo taken in San Juan in 1967 as been added 16 Feb 2021 - Documents and Manuals - A 7th Canadian Escort Squadron Fall Cruise 1966 booklet has been added Credits / Resources 1) Sailors - past and present and their families 2) ReadyAyeReady.com for ship's badges post 1949 3) The Naval History Net - Ship Histories, Convoy Escort Movements for Casualty Lists 1939-1947 4) Naval Museum of Manitoba - Crew photos and names for MTBs 5) THE FAIRMILES - CANADA'S LITTLE SHIPS by Spud Roscoe VE1BC Edited by Jerry Proc 6) German U-Boat Casualties in World War 2 - Information on U-Boats sunk by Canadian ships 7) The Ships of Canada's Naval Forces 1910-1981 by Ken Macpherson and John Burgess 8) The Ships of Canada's Naval Forces 1910-2002 by Ken Macpherson and Ron Barrie 9) Veterans of World War II, Langruth, Manitoba 10) RCN Fairmiles 11) A History of the West Coast Canadian Forces Auxiliary Fleet by Matthew Chapman 13) A List of the Ships Scrapped or Broken Up By Capital Iron & Metals Ltd. in Victoria BC. 14) The Bosun's Watch - The Fleetwood Steam and Sailing Trawler website 15) Arnold Hague Convoy Database 16) Ultimate Sacrifice by Robert D'Aoust 17) Designs of Distinction - Unofficial Insignia of the RCN 1910 - 1948 by David J. Freeman 18) The Nauticapedia - Celebrating the stories of the maritime heritage of British Columbia, western and northern Canada, and Canada's Naval Forces
Disclaimer The information on this site is for informational purposes only. This website is a compilation of information from many government website, books and and other resources such as wartime diaries and stories from the memories of those who served and may contain historical inaccuracies. For Posterity's Sake and those who submit information to this site are not responsible for any historical inaccuracies and accepts no responsibility for any costs / expenditures by those using this information. Anyone using information from this site should exercise due diligence and verify any information used.
This web site contains links to other web sites. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy or opinions expressed in such web sites, and such web sites are not investigated, monitored or checked for accuracy or completeness by us. Inclusion of any linked web site on or through this web site does not imply approval or endorsement of the linked web site by us. If you decide to access these sites, you do so at your own risk.
© For Posterity's Sake.
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