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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
WOOD, Mewburn Phillip - age 99, of Halifax, passed away at home on March 2, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.
Born near Coventry, England on February 7, 1922, he was the youngest son of Elsie Jennie (Allen) and William Wood. Mewburn was married for over 68 years to his beloved wife Patricia (Merifield). They shared a love of reading, animals, travel and music and were fortunate to experience many wonderful adventures together.
Mewburn carried on the Wood seafaring tradition as a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy. He was a distinguished veteran of World War II, mainly serving as a submariner. He even had a short stint as a U-Boat Captain, when he brought the surrendered German U-190 from Bay Bulls, Newfoundland to Halifax. Near the end of the war, Mewburn was assigned to HMS ALACRITY, based in the Far East.
He then worked with the Chinese Maritime Customs Service, where he was engaged in anti-piracy patrols and the rehabilitation of China's damaged navigational aids, including lighthouses. He demonstrated a facility for language learning, and was known to strike up conversations in Cantonese when given the opportunity. After leaving the RN, Mewburn immigrated to Toronto with his young family and eventually returned to Halifax to run a small business specializing in industrial cleaning and, later, environmental remediation. Mewburn was a born storyteller, whose bedtime stories instilled a love of reading in his children. He bridged generations by fascinating his grandchildren with his memories of the war and other amazing experiences. In his youth, Mewburn was a ferocious rugby player, a Navy boxer, and a fast bowler for a cricket team. He enjoyed watching football (Newcastle) and swore that a Guinness a day was the way to good health.
Finally, and most importantly, no one could have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Gone but never forgotten. Forever in our hearts. Predeceased by his parents, brothers Brian and Cedric, and cherished grandson, Wesley Moss. Survived by wife Patricia, son Bryan (Cathy), daughters Jane Lowe (Brian), Sally, Pippa (Richard DeWolfe), Susan Cannon (Geoffrey), and Alison (Bryan Moss). Grandchildren, Mark and Michelle Wood, Michael, Jennie, Patrick and Johanna Lowe, Vincent and Paul DeWolfe, Christopher Cannon, and Kathleen Moss. And ten great-grandchildren, with more on the way.
Sincere thanks to all the wonderful care workers from Bayshore, to Veterans Affairs, the VON, the medical and palliative care staff, especially Amber Gillis, Heather Jodrey, Claire Morton, and Dr. Allegra Lywood.
If so desired, donations in Mewburn's memory to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather.
I strove with none; for none was worth my strife, Nature I loved, and next to Nature, Art; I warmed both hands before the fire of life, It sinks, and I am ready to depart. (Halifax Chronicle-Herald 09 Mar 2021)
Ships served in: HMS L-26 HMCS U-190 - 1st Commanding Officer HMS ALACRITY
(MW01) 25 years later - Mewburn Wood presents the ensign from German U-boat U-190 to HMCS GRANBY (former HMCS VICTORIAVILLE). HMCS VICTORIAVILLE accepted the surrender of U-190 during the Second World War (MW02) Mewburn Wood recalls explosion aboard HMS/M L-26 during the Second World War (MW03) Article on Werner Hirschmann (former Chief Engineer of U-boat U-190) meets with survivors of HMCS ESQUIMALT aboard HMCS VANCOUVER 331 in 1993
(MW04) Werner Hirschmann (left) and Mewburn Wood meet for a drink in Halifax - 50 years after the end of the Second World War. Werner Hirschmann was the Chief Enginner aboard German U-boat U-190 when she surrendered after the War. U-190 was commissioned into the RCN for research and study. Mewburn Wood was the first commanding officer of HMCS U-190
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