In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

Gordon Arnold (Art) Broster, C.D.

 

Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class, Radar Plotter

 

8253-E, RCN / C.A.F.

 

Born: 19 May 1929, Elko, British Columbia

 

Died: 28 May 2020, Nelson, British Columbia

 

BROSTER, Gordon Arnold (Art) - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arnold (Art) Broster on May 28, 2020 at the age of 91, at Mountain Lakes Seniors Community in Nelson BC. Arnold was born in Elko BC at his grandmother's house on May 19, 1929. He was second oldest of 13 children.

After graduating from Fernie High School in 1947, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy in November 1948 and had a 25 year career taking him across Canada several times to Halifax Nova Scotia and serving in the Korean War. He married his High School classmate, Jean Broster (nee Tully) on July 30, 1954 in Vancouver BC and soon after they moved to Victoria, closer to Naden Naval Base.

After spending the later part of his navy career in Victoria, he retired in November 1973 as a Warrant Officer, with an unblemished service record. He began his second career as a Deputy Sheriff in Vancouver BC in 1974 and retiring again in 1990 as the Manager of the Sheriff's office in Nelson BC.

After his second retirement, Jean and Arnold spent several winters as "snowbirds" travelling to Sun City Arizona to enjoy sunny activities for a few months away from the Canadian winter. Here was where Arnold began to paint and he created paintings for members of the family of scenery, wildlife, ships, flowers and animals.

Arnold was known for his volunteerism in the community, having served as a 22 year member of the Nelson Kiwanis Club, as President, Area Lt. Governor and a committee member for planning and implementing the building of the Kiwanis Villas. He also served as President of the Eagles Lodge for 3 years. He headed the Nelson Leafs Hockey Security Team for 14 years and served as a volunteer in other capacities for over 25. He was awarded the Jim Kienholz trophy for most dedicated volunteer in March 2017. Other associations he volunteered for over the years were the Canadian Cancer Society, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, Security for the 1988 Winter Games, Red Lion's Girls Drum Corp, and the Vancouver Island Square Dance Association, and he was a 90 pint blood donor for the Canadian Red Cross.

Arnold enjoyed painting, wood working, sign making, travelling, calligraphy, square dancing and tinkering in his garage. He was also known for a corny joke, or a funny story. He was an excellent speech poetry writer and had no difficulty in being in front of a crowd, no matter how small or large.

Arnold is survived by his wife of 65 years Jean, daughters Linda Kurtz (Jim), Cathy Robinson (Jeff). Also five grandchildren, Sharleen Kurtz (Laura), Shannon McMichael (Jeff), Shelley Methorst (Mike), Tyler Peitzsche (Rebecca) and Erin Mason (Kevin) and eight great grandchildren, Brooklynn, Logan, Paige, Emma, Bella, Chloe, Iver and Charlotte. Brothers and sister Margaret (Tom) Paul, Salmo BC, Roy (Edna) Broster, Kimberley BC, Norman (Donna) Broster Morrison Colorado, and George (Linda) Broster, Union Bay BC and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Phillip and Florence Broster, sisters Catherine Broster, May Pascuzzi, Doreen Bossio, Dorothy Pachara, Inez Dyck, Audrey Broster, and Beverly Coulam, and brother Lloyd Broster.

"Wave goodbye to me from the jetty, and when the sun is over the yardarm, raise a tot to send me off on my next adventure"

Many thanks to Dr. Kirsten, Dr. Janz, the staff and health care workers at Mountain Lakes Seniors Community for their care and support in the last year and a half. There will not be a service or memorial at Arnold's request.

In lieu of flowers in memory donations may be made to the Chief's and Petty Officer's Association, C-1253 Esquimalt Rd, Victoria, BC V9A 3P4 and would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

 

CPO2 Art Broster served in the RCN / C.A.F. from Nov 1948 to Nov 1973

 

Awards and Decorations: United Nations Service Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, Korean Medal, Korean Voluntary Service Medal, Canadian Forces Decoration (C.D.) and Clasp, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal

 

Memorial Cross that was presented to Mrs. Jean Broster in memory of CPO2 Art Broster

Ships served in:

HMCS DISCOVERY - Enlisted at DISCOVERY

HMCS STADACONA (new entry)

HMCS MAGNIFICENT

HMCS ONTARIO - Served in ONTARIO in 1949 as an Able Seaman Radar Plotter

HMCS BEACON HILL

HMCS ROCKCLIFFE

HMCS CRESCENT

HMCS RACCOON (ML079) (Great Lakes Naval Reserve Summer Training vessel)

HMCS MOOSE (ML111) (Great Lakes Naval Reserve Summer Training vessel)

HMCS YORK

HMCS ATHABASKAN - Served in ATHABASKAN for her 3rd Korean War tour 1952-1953 as a Leading Seaman Radar Plotter

HMCS DISCOVERY

HMCS BONAVENTURE

HMCS STETTLER

HMCS CORNWALLIS

HMCS SUSSEXVALE

HMCS FRASER - Served in FRASER in 1964-65

HMCS MACKENZIE

HMCS SASKATCHEWAN

HMCS ST CROIX - Served in ST CROIX as a Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class

HMCS RESTIGOUCHE

 


 

HMCS STADACONA

 

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(GB-STAD-001) Unidentified sailors in front of the Seamanship Division at HMCS STADACONA 1949

(GB-STAD-002) Gordon Broster (right) and friends by the Seamanship Division Bldg at HMCS STADACONA 1949

(GB-STAD-003) Gordon Broster (middle) and friends by the Seamanship Division Bldg at HMCS STADACONA 1949

(GB-STAD-004) Gordon Broster by the Seamanship Division Bldg at HMCS STADACONA 1949

 



 

HMCS ONTARIO

 

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(GB-ONT-001) G.A. Broster (right) sitting on the secondary armament of HMCS ONTARIO - 1949

(GB-ONT-002) G.A. Broster (right) on HMCS ONTARIO - date unknown

(GB-ONT-003) G.A. Broster sitting on the secondary armament of HMCS ONTARIO - date unknown

(GB-ONT-004) HMCS ONTARIO entering San Diego Harbor 15 Feb 1949. Unknown aircraft carrier on her port side

(GB-ONT-005) Crew from HMCS ONTARIO going ashore as Magdalena, Mexico, Spring Cruise, Feb 1949

 

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(GB-ONT-006) ONTARIO sailors (L-R) John Hodascek, Al Thompson, Stan Hill and George (Shorty) Seright at a market in Acapulco, Mexico 1949

(GB-ONT-007) G.A. Broste sitting in the Captain's chair on the bridge of HMCS ONTARIO, Acapulco, Mexico 1949

(GB-ONT-008) G.A. Broster on the bridge of HMCS ONTARIO, Acapulco, Mexico 1949

(GB-ONT-009) George (Shorty) Seright on the bridge of HMCS ONTARIO, Acapulco, Mexico 1949

(GB-ONT-010) HMCS ONTARIO passing under the St Johns Bridge, Portland, Oregon 08 Jun 1949

 

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(GB-ONT-011) HMCS ONTARIO, Sydney, Australia

(GB-ONT-012) Train to Guantanamo, Cuba, Spring Cruise, 1949

(GB-ONT-013) Drinking in the mess deck on HMCS ONTARIO before the Christmas dinner - 1950

(GB-ONT-014) Certificate of C. Bisset from the Pylon Look-Out, Sydney Harbour Bridge - 09 Apr 1951

(GB-ONT-015) Forward gun turrets of HMCS ONTARIO

 

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(GB-ONT-016 - GB-ONT-017) HMCS ONTARIO in calm seas .... and then not so calm seas

(GB-ONT-018) HMCS ONTARIO off-loading the ship's jeep - location unknown - 1949

(GB-ONT-019) A couple sailors painting the yardarm on HMCS ONTARIO - 1949

(GB-ONT-020) Sailors from HMCS ONTARIO shopping in Pago Pago - 1949

 

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(GB-ONT-021) HMCS ONTARIO crew - Admiral's inspection - 07 Jul 1949

 

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HMCS ONTARIO'S visit to the Portland, Oregon for the Rose Festival, June 1949

(GB-ONT-022) HMCS ONTARIO approaching the 3rd bridge on her passage to Portland

(GB-ONT-023) HMCS ONTARIO arriving alongside Portland for the Rose Festival

(GB-ONT-024) Staging area for the parade floats

(GB-ONT-025) Butte Montana Band

(GB-ONT-026) Frankin High School Marjorettes

 

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HMCS ONTARIO'S visit to the Portland, Oregon for the Rose Festival, June 1949

(GB-ONT-027) HMCS ONTARIO Band

(GB-ONT-028) Hollywood Float

(GB-ONT-029) Laura Skelton Oshawa High School

(GB-ONT-030) National Bank Float

(GB-ONT-031) Sears Float

 

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HMCS ONTARIO'S visit to the Portland, Oregon for the Rose Festival, June 1949

(GB-ONT-032) The Rose Queen

(GB-ONT-033) The Sonnette Float

(GB-ONT-034) Woody the Woodpecker float

(GB-ONT-035) unknown float

 

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(GB-ONT-036) "The Sea Witch".  Winner of first prize for fancy boats at the Gorge Regatta held in Victoria May 24 was the entry from HMCS "Ontario." It was a scale replica of the famous clipper ship, the "Sea Witch." The powered model showed amazing workmanship and attention to detail. The little "Sea Witch" caught the fancy of the judges and the large crowd that thronged the sides of the Gorge waters during the naval regatta and Indian canoe races. (Caption from the Jul 1949 issue of the Crowsnest magazine)

(GB-ONT-037) Souvenir Certificate for HMCS ONTARIO'S Cruise 26 Feb - 04 Ju1 1951

(GB-ONT-038) Crossing the Line (Equator) Certificate for Gordon Broster on 09 Mar 1951 while enroute to Australia

 

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The visit of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh to HMCS ONTARIO - 03-05 Nov 1951

 

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The visit of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh to HMCS ONTARIO - 03-05 Nov 1951

 

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The visit of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh to HMCS ONTARIO - 03-05 Nov 1951

 

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(GB-0NT-051) Article on HMCS ONTARIO bound for the breaker's yard

The Lethbridge Herald, Monday, 13 Apr 1959

 



 

HMCS BEACON HILL

 

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(GB-BCN-001) Newspaper article on the collision between HMCS BEACON HILL 303 and HMCS NEW GLASGOW 315 off Hawaii - year unknown

(GB-BCN-002) HMCS BEACON HILL 303  //  From the collection of Gordon Arnold (Art) Broster

(GB-BCN-003) G.A. Broster (left) on HMCS BEACON HILL - date unknown  //  From the collection of Gordon Arnold (Art) Broster

 

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Christmas 1950 onboard HMCS BEACON HILL

(GB-BCN-004)  A bit of fun on Christmas morning. “A funeral for Don Hamilton. Boy was he suffering from a hangover.”  On Left: Stan Hill/Stan Stark.  On Right: John Hodaseck, George (Shorty) Don Lampert.  Under the flag and wreath is Don Hamilton

(GB-BCN-005) The other end of the table

(GB-BCN-006) The drinking session before the dinner Christmas 1950

 

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Christmas 1950 onboard HMCS BEACON HILL

(GB-BCN-007) Dishing out dinner. The server is Norm Dawe

(GB-BCN-008) Some of the boys preparing the meal. The 3 PO’s in the back served everyone

(GB-BCN-009) The Captain for the Day and the Captain – OS Tillie (CO for the Day) and LCdr Murdock

(GB-BCN-010) The 3 cooks that cooked the dinner.  Left: P.O. Ralph Caldwell, Right: holding cakes is Gordie Long. Two of the six tturkeys are on Ralph’s right.

 



 

HMCS ATHABASKAN

 

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(GB-ATH-001) Article on HMCS ATHABASKAN and HMCS CRUSADER in Kure, Japan - 02 Apr 1953

(GB-ATH-002) HMCS ATHABASKAN 219 - 1952

(GB-ATH-003) Jacket patches from HMCS ATHABASKAN'S 1952-53 Korean War Tour

(GB-ATH-004) US 7th Fleet of Korea during HMCS ATHABASKAN'S 3rd Korean Tour - 1952-1953

(GB-ATH-005) Coast of Korea - circa Jan-Mar 1953

 

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(GBATH-006) HMCS ATHABASKAN 219 off Chodo, Korea 1952-1953

(GB-ATH-007) HMCS ATHABASKAN in ice off Chodo winter 1952-1953

(GB-ATH-008) US Fleet Sasebo Harbour, Nagasaki, Japan

(GB-ATH-009) USS Badoeng Strait  //  Photo taken from HMCS ATHABASKAN 219

(GB-ATH-010) HMCS ATHABASKAN 219  //  DND / RCN photo

 

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(GB-ATH-011) Newspaper article on 700 lbs of ice cream owed to HMCS ATHABASKAN by the Yanks

(GB-ATH-012) Newspaper article on ATHABASKAN joining the Train Buster Club

(GB-ATH-013) Newspaper article on HMCS ATHABASKAN 219 completing her 3rd Korean War tour

(GB-ATH-014) Newspaper article on ATHABASKAN'S visit to Tokyo

(GB-ATH-015) Invitation to HMCS ATHABASKAN'S ship's dance - 14 Dec 1953

 

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(GB-ATH-016) HMCS ATHABASKAN'S Return to Esquimalt - 16 Dec 1953  //  L-R: AB Ed Knipstrom, AB Leroy Kullman, LS Art Broster

(GB-ATH-017) HMCS ATHABASKAN fueling from (believed to be) HMCS Ontario

(GB-ATH-018) ROK soldiers alongside Paenyang-Do

(GB-ATH-019) Helicopter from USS Bataan delivering mail

(GB-ATH-020) Newspaper article on HMCS ATHABASKAN'S Korean War ship's Company Reunion - 1973  //  Newspaper: Victoria Times 28 Jul 1973

 

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(GB-ATH-021) HMCS ATHABASKAN 219 - 1956

(GB-ATH-022) HMCS ATHABASKAN 219 - undated

 

 

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Souvenir pamphlet with autographs from HMCS ATHABASKAN'S Jul 1973 crew reunion

 



 

HMCS STETTLER

 

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(GB-STR-001) HMCS STETTLER 311 - date unknown

(GB-STR-002) HMCS STETTLER 311 - date unknown

(GB-STR-003) HMCS STETTLER 311 - date unknown

(GB-STR-004) Sailors from HMCS STETTLER 311 ashore at the Kam Inn, Hilo, Hawaii - date unknown

(GB-STR-005) HMCS Settler's Spring Cruise - Jan - May 1957

 

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(GB-STR-006) Concert progamme on board HMCS STETTLER during her 1957 Spring Cruise - 14 Apr 1957

(GB-STR-007) The Stettler Song - to the tune of Jamaica Farewell

 



 

HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

It is believed these photos were taken when Gordon was an Instructor at CORNWALLIS

 

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(GB-CRN-001) Leadership Course March Past at HMCS CORNWALLIS - 1959

 

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Running the obstacle course at HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

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Running the obstacle course at HMCS CORNWALLIS

 



 

HMCS SUSSEXVALE

 

 

 

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(GB-SXV-001) Sketch of HMCS SUSSEXVALE 313 by Edward Goodall

 



 

HMCS FRASER

 

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(GB-FRA-001) HMCS FRASER 233, Pearl Harbor, 1963

(GB-FRA-002) HMCS FRASER 233 northward bound through the channel to Juneau, Alaska - 1962

(GB-FRA-003) HMCS FRASER'S Hawaiians with Cdr Carle - time frame Aug 1964 - Jul 1965. Gordon Broster, 4th from left

 

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EXERCISE JET '64 (Far East Cruise) - HMCS FRASER, HMCS MACKENZIE and HMCS ST LAURENT

 

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EXERCISE JET '64 (Far East Cruise) - HMCS FRASER, HMCS MACKENZIE and HMCS ST LAURENT

 

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EXERCISE JET '64 (Far East Cruise) - HMCS FRASER, HMCS MACKENZIE and HMCS ST LAURENT

 

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EXERCISE JET '64 (Far East Cruise) - HMCS FRASER, HMCS MACKENZIE and HMCS ST LAURENT

 

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EXERCISE JET '64 (Far East Cruise) - HMCS FRASER, HMCS MACKENZIE and HMCS ST LAURENT

 

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EXERCISE JET '64 (Far East Cruise) - HMCS FRASER, HMCS MACKENZIE and HMCS ST LAURENT

 

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EXERCISE JET '64 (Far East Cruise) - HMCS FRASER, HMCS MACKENZIE and HMCS ST LAURENT

 

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EXERCISE JET '64 (Far East Cruise) - HMCS FRASER, HMCS MACKENZIE and HMCS ST LAURENT

 

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EXERCISE JET '64 (Far East Cruise) - HMCS FRASER, HMCS MACKENZIE and HMCS ST LAURENT

 

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(GB-FRA-047) Dignitaries boarding HMCS FRASER - believed to be during EX JET '64.  Gordon Broster 1st on left in honour guard

(GB-FRA-048) EX JET '64 Certificate for Gordon Broster

(GB-FRA-049) 2nd Escort Squadron - Ex Jet '64 Certificate

 

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Operation Sailor Hat - 06 Feb 1965

(GB-FRA-050) Operation Hat Certificate issued to P1RP G.A. Broster

(GB-FRA-051) Operation Hat Certificate issued to P1RP G.A. Broster

(GB-FRA-052) Operation Sailor Hat badge designed and painted by P1 Broster (right) before the shock trials

(GB-FRA-053) Operation Sailor Hat badge mounted on HMCS FRASER'S funnel

 

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Operation Sailor Hat - 06 Feb 1965

(GB-FRA-054 - GB-FRA-055) Dome of 4,500 lbs of explosives

(GB-FRA-056) HMCS FRASER (right), secured, awaiting detonation

(GB-FRA-057) Dome of explosives as seen from HMCS FRASER

(GB-FRA-059) After the explosion .... 

 

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Operation Sailor Hat - 06 Feb 1965

Photos of the explosion taken from various view points

 

 

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Operation Sailor Hat - 06 Feb 1965

Three newspaper articles on the Operation Sailor Hat shock trials / explosion

 

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(GB-FRA-067) HMCS FRASER 233 - undated

 

 

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The change from the White Ensign to the Canadian Flag on HMCS FRASER - 16 Feb 1965

The story behind the photos:  The CO decided that he wanted to try to stall as long as possible on the change. I am not sure where the ship location was at the time of the photos, but the CO ensured that this ship was the last one to change due to the time zones etc... so the last flying white ensign in the fleet!

 



 

HMCS MACKENZIE

 

 

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(GB-MAC-001) Two newspaper articles on the scuttling of the former HMCS MACKENZIE as an artificial reef

(GM-MAC-002) Schedule of events for the scuttling of the former HMCS MACKENZIE as an artificial reef

 



 

HMCS SASKATCHEWAN

 

 

 

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(GB-SKN-001) Spring Cruise 1967 Certificate

 

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(GB-SKN-002 - GB-SKN-005) The former HMCS SASKATCHEWAN being sunk as an artificial reef

 


 

HMCS ST CROIX

 

 

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(GB-STC-001) HMCS ST CROIX - undated

(GB-STC-002) HMCS ST CROIX - Certificate for ANZAC Cruise 1969

(GB-STC-003) crew list sometime during the period of 31 Aug 71 - 02 Jul 73 when LCDR R.C. Donaldson was CO

 



 

MISC

 

 

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(GB-MISC-001) Marching contingent from ship - location unknown. G.A. Broster far right of photo, 2nd person

(GB-MISC-002) Marching contingent from ship - location unknown.  G.A. Broster Guard Petty Officer

(GB-MISC-003) Either HMCS CRESCENT or HMCS CRUSADER

 



 

  

 

Gordon Broster visits CORNWALLIS in 1991

 

  

 


 

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