(FM02-FM05) Certificate of Service for François Messier

(FM06) François Messier, Les Fusiliers Mont Royal - 09 Oct 1940  (FM07) François Messier, Les Fusiliers Mont Royal   (FM08) Certificate of Enrollment into Les Fusiliers Mont Royal  (FM09) Letter of Recommendation from Les Fusiliers Mont Royal  

(FM08-FM10) 4th, 5th and 6th Victory Loan Certificates

FM11 - Victory Bond quota list for Harbour Craft  (FM12) RCN Draft Order from HMCS STANDARD COASTER to HMCS PEREGRINE for demobilization  (FM13-FM14) Instructions to Discharge Personnel  (FM15) Halifax in Wartime - A collection of drawings by Robert W. Chambers - Published in The Halifax Herald and The Halifax Mail Star

(FM16) François and Jeanette at Lafountaine Park, Montreal - Feb 1943. François was age 24 in this photo  (FM17) Brothers - Roland (left) and François Messier  (FM18) Jeannette Foisy and François Messier on their wedding day - 16 Jun 1945  (FM19) François in Dartmouth, NS  (FM20) Various badges that François collected

(FM21) François Messier (right) with unknown person  (FM22) François and Jeanette after the war  (FM23) François and ??  (FM24) François and his uncle Elziar  (FM25) Francois and ??

(FM26) Christmas card - undated

(FM27) François' cap tally

(FM28-FM29) Ordinary Seaman François Messier at HMCS CORNWALLIS in Halifax, NS - 30 Nov 1941

(FM30) Frobisher Division - HMCS CORNWALLIS - Halifax - 24 Nov 1941

Standing on left with no lanyard - Fryer, PO  //  1st to the right of PO Fryer is François Messier

Standing on right with no lanyard, LS H.W. Gosnell, RCN

The name of the SLt in the front row is written on the frame but his surname is not legible

Click here to view the photo with the matte frame

(FM31) CNR Train Station, Dauphin, MB - Oct 1941 (FM32) Court House in Dauphin, MB - Oct 1941  (FM33) City Hall, Dauphin, MB across from the cenotaph dedicated to those who died in the First World War - Oct 1941  (FM34) Train station Main St, Winnipeg, near the Fort Gary Hotel 12 Oct 1941  (FM35) Halifax War Memorial - Grand Parade, Halifax - undated

Webmaster's note: During the dates of the photos in Winnipeg and Dauphin, MB, François was drafted to CARTIER DIVISION RCNVR.  It appears during his time at CARTIER DIVISION he was sent by train west, likely to HMCS NADEN in BC for training as they CN rail line passes through Dauphin enroute to Saskatoon, Edmonton and then into BC to Vancouver.

(FM36-FM37) unknown sailors on a train

(FM38-FM40) St. John's Harbour, Newfoundland - 1942

Photographer unknown. Taken from unknown ship

HMCS STANDARD COASTER

The photos below are from François Messier's time serving in HMCS STANDARD COASTER.  Some are dated, some are not.  Those that are undated are below in the first section and are in no particular date sequence and have been grouped by their content where possible.

Any info on the back of the photos is added with the photo captions - and additional info from known events is added as historical notes.  Where no info is available on the back photo - a brief description of the contents has been added to aid those looking at the photo.  It is possible that for the photos with dates, the dates on some of the photo are developer's dates and not the date of the event in the photo

(FM41) HMCS STANDARD COASTER with an underwater microphone ready to be lowered  (FM42) François Messier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER, McNabb's Island, Halifax  (FM43) François Messier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM44) Unknown sailors on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM45) Unknown Petty Officer on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM46) HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM47) HMCS STANDARD COASTER with crew fallen in for and aft heading out of harbour  (FM48) HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM49) Harbour craft (in foreground) approaching HMCS STANDARD COASTER at her jetty on McNabb's Island

(FM50-FM51) HMCS STANDARD COASTER coming alongside the jetty on McNabb's Island  (FM52) Harbour craft / duty boat approaching the jetty on McNabb's Island  (FM53) Sunset at sea seen from HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM54) Unknown ship on fire in Halifax - seen from HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM55) Convoy departing Halifax  (FM56) François Messier (left) and unknown shipmate on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM57) Unknown Petty Officer on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM58) Possibly the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry seen from HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM59) George's Island with a covering of snow - the bow HMCS STANDARD COASTER in the foreground

(FM60-FM64) HMCS STANDARD COASTER in rough seas

(FM65) unknown sailors on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM66) Unknown Petty Officer on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM67) Lt Douglas Halford Bastin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM68) Unknown sailors on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM69) François Messier in the wheelhouse of HMCS STANDARD COASTER as Quartermaster

(FM70) François Messier as lookout on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM71) François Messier by the signal lamp on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM72) Sailors on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - L-R: Unknown, François Messier, Gaumont, Unknown  (FM73) François Messier (left) and Gaumont on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM74) François Messier by the binnacle on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM75) François Messier on the bridge of HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM76) Officers on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM77) François Messier by the signal lamp on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM78-FM79) Ross in the "Dress of the Day" (Webmaster's note: It appears that the uniform he is wearing is that of his bride to be.  Perhaps these two photos are leading up to a stag party)

Unknown officers on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

webmaster's note: for photo FM84 - an officer with a can of paint and a brush - we know that photo is staged

Wooden structure being built on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM85) Sig George Taylor  (FM86) François Messier (left) and Sig George Taylor  (FM87) François Messier (left) and Ross  (FM88) François Messier on the funnel (its not known what he is doing)

(FM89-FM92) HMCS STANDARD COASTER approaches debris in the ocean - presumably from a torpedoed merchant ship

(FM93-FM96) HMCS STANDARD COASTER approaching and securing alongside an unknown minesweeper at sea

(FM94) Sailor on HMCS STANDARD COASTER prepares to throw a heaving line  (FM96) Minesweeper breaks away and departs

(FM97) HMCS STANDARD COASTER alongside unknown ship  (FM98) Unknown sailor on the jetty at McNabb's Island with the catch-of-the-day.  The bow of HMCS STANDARD COASTER is visible on the left  (FM99) Puppy enjoying a rather large snack on the jetty.  Ship's mascot??  (FM100) MacDonald (left) and K. Ross after a bit of fishing off McNabb's Island  (FM101) "24 more like these in one hour" MacDonald on the jetty at McNabb's Island

(FM102) Buffet and MacDonald on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM103) The galley on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM104) Sig George Taylor and unknown shipmate relaxing on the fo'c's'le of HMCS STANDARD COASTER alongside McNabb's Island  (FM105) Sig George Taylor relaxing on the fo'c's'le of HMCS STANDARD COASTER alongside McNabb's Island (...) Unknown sailor on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

A bit of swimming and water-skiing

(FM107) Sig George Taylor front right and Cook Gaumont rear left  (FM108) Cook Gaumont, front

Close in combat and weapons training on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(webmaster's note:  it appears everyone is having a good time)

(FM114) Cook Gaumont, unknown, unknown and Ross

Sailors of HMCS STANDARD COASTER

Sailors of HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM120) Sig George Taylor (left) and Ross on HMCS STANDARD COASTER with an unknown 4-stacker in the background  (FM121) PO Tracey on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM122) Ross, the ship's Cox'n and an unknown PO on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM123) Sailors on HMCS STANDARD COASTER having a beer in the mess.  (note: they don't look overly excited)  (FM124...) Sig George Taylor on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM125) sunken tanker by McNabb's Island  (FM126) Tug alongside bow section of the sunken tanker  (FM127) John (Big John) Inglis on HMCS STANDARD COASTER taking his meal down to the mess deck  (FM128-FM129) Naval Funeral in Halifax - photos developed 16 Oct 1944

(FM 130-FM135)  Sextant training on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM134) Unknown 4-stacker destroyer passes by HMCS STANDARD COASTER during sextant training

(FM136) François Messier (right) and Raoul Bélanger on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Messier is working on a winch of some type.

Webmaster's note:  In photos FM136-FM138 it appears some type of device is being prepared to be lowered and trailed behind the ship.  In FM138, the sailor right at the stern has some type of pipe in his hand, possibly a hydrophone.  Sailor on right hand side of photo (port side of ship) possibly Raoul Belanger

Webmaster's note:  In photos FM139-FM141 it appears some type of device is being prepared to be lowered and trailed behind the ship.  In FM140, on of the sailors has something in his hand - those it is unclear what it could be

(FM142-FM144) Sailors on HMCS STANDARD COASTER putting out marker buoys

Webmaster's note:  There are no notes to say what is happening in these photos, but something is being prepared and lowered over the side of HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM149) Sig George Taylor (left) and François Messier on the bridge of HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM149) Sig George Taylor (right) and two unknown sailors on the bridge of HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM150) L-R: AB François Messier, Cook Gaumont, unknown and Sig George Taylor on the bridge of HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM151) Unknown sailor on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

Webmaster's note:  What is on that paper that they are reading in photo FM148 is unknown, but it made them all happy.  Perhaps the message on Germany's Unconditional Surrender

(FM152-FM154) Recovering the small craft used by HMCS STANDARD COASTER from the ice after a storm

(FM155) HMCS STANDARD COASTER passing by HALIFAX LIGHTSHIP  (FM156-FM157) HMCS STANDARD COASTER approaching SAMBRO LIGHTSHIP  (FM158) HMCS STANDARD COASTER passing George's Island, Halifax harbour

(FM159-FM160) Officers and ratings relaxing on the quarterdeck of HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM161) Unknown craft - possibly gate vessels at Halifax  (FM162) Mock-up of an aircraft on a raft - purpose unknown

(FM163) Sailors and Wrens aboard HMCS STANDARD COASTER, Halifax

(FM164-FM166) Stern section of a merchant ship being towed in Halifax harbour - undated

(FM167-FM168) Officers and ratings on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

The mast on HMCS STANDARD COASTER being re-rigged - 1942

  (FM169) Unknown sailors climbing HMCS STANDARD COASTER'S mast  (FM170)  "Petit mousse reinturant le mât"  (FM171) François Messier up top on the mast as it is being re-rigged  (FM182-FM173) François Messier (left) on top of the mast with unknown shipmate .... rigging done - time for painting

(FM174) Convoy departing Halifax - 28 Feb 1942  (FM175) François Messier at work on HMCS STANDARD COASTER, Shelburne, NS - 12 Mar 1942  (FM176) François Messier getting out an Aldis Lamp on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  - 05 Apr 1942  (FM177) Unknown sailor on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM179) Signalman Ross on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 05 Apr 1942  (FM180) Sig Ross on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 05 Apr 1942  (FM181) Unknown merchant ship sunk near off McNabb's Island, Halifax harbour - 08 Apr 1942  (FM182) Anti-Submarine Gates at the entrance of Halifax harbour  (FM183) Liberty Boat - taking sailors ashore in Halifax - 24 Mar 1942

(FM184) Sig Ross aboard HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM185) François (right) and unknown sailor on a harbour craft in Halifax harbour  (FM186) Sig Ross - 05 Apr 1942  (FM187) François Messier on the bridge of HMCS STANDARD COASTER, Halifax - 31 Mar 1942  (FM188) François Messier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER "par un gros frois", Shelburne, NS - 12 Mar 1942

(FM189-FM190) François Messier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 1942  (FM191) Unknown PO and CPO on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM192) Ship on fire, Halifax Harbour - Apr 1942  (FM193) Unknown sailor on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1942  

(FM194) Maring, Blair, McDonald on HMCS STANDARD  COASTER - 19 Feb 1942  (FM195) Unknown sailors on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 1942  (FM196) François Messier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM197) Unknown Petty Officer on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM198) Unknown officers on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM199) Unknown sailors in HMCS STANDARD COASTER'S boat  (FM200) Unknown sailors on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM201) L-R: François Messier, Tony, John, Ross, Blair - 1942  (FM202) François Messier "Petite chaloupe voguant sur l'eau" (in a small boat sailing in the water) - 1942  (FM203) Tony, Blair and François Messier - 1942  

(FM204) François Messier (right) and unknown shipmate on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1942  (FM205) Believed to be sailors of HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM206) Sailors going ashore on Liberty boat, Halifax - 22 Feb 1942   (FM207) HMCS STANDARD COASTER'S mascot  (FM208) Cunningham in the engine room of HMCS STANDARD COASTER, Shelburne, NS - 22 Mar 1942  

(FM209) Sig Ross on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 05 Apr 1942  (FM210) Sig Ross on the bridge of HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 05 Apr 1942  (FM211) George's Island, Halifax - 02 Apr 1942  (FM212) HMCS STANDARD COASTER encountering a destroyer - one of the lend lease 4 stackers - 05 Mar 1942  (FM213) Anti-Submarine Net at Mauger's Beach (McNabb's Island), Halifax - 04 Mar 1942

(FM214-FM215) Remnants of a burnt out tanker by McNabb's Island - 1942

(FM219) Frank Bennett onboard the remains of the burnt tanker - 1942

(FM220-FM221) HMCS STANDARD COASTER crew photo - 4th Victory Loan campaign - Apr/May 1943

(FM224-FM225) First glimpse of the German mine sighted off Halifax - 02 Jun 1943  (FM226-FM228) HMCS STANDARD COASTER recovers the first German magnetic mine found near Halifax - 02 Jun 1943  

(FM229) German mine being landed from HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 02 Jun 1943  (FM230) Cadran with the magnetic detonator from the mine  (FM231) Lt J.L. Cormier, CO of HMCS STANDARD COASTER examining the defused mine  (FM232) Lt Cormier (left) and SLt Bedard by the defused mine  (FM233) Defused and de-armed mines.  It is not known if either of the two in the photo are of the one picked up by STANDARD COASTER

(FM234) Unknown device being secured to a kisbee ring (FM235) François Messier securing second kisbee ring to the unknown device  (FM236) Unknown device being towed away from HMCS STANDARD COASTER

Webmaster's note:  My guess is that it is the magnetic detonator from the mine they recovered - so I placed the 3 photos here

(FM237) Unknown sailor on the wheel of HMCS STANDARD COASTER as Quartermaster  (FM238) HMCS STANDARD COASTER J10 - Oct 1943  (FM239-FM240) HMCS STANDARD COASTER recovering a torpedo.  Note that the warhead had been removed - Oct 1943  (FM241) Sunken tanker near McNabb's Island.  Believed to be the same ship in the 1942 photos.

(FM242) Martin Aircraft PBM Mariner in Halifax Harbour - Nov 1943  (FM243) François Messier (left) and shipmate on HMCS STANDARD COASTER looking too happy to be boxing for real  (FM244) François Messier (left) and the ship's cox'n on HMCS STANDARD COASTER with a merchant ship passing in the background  (FM245) Unknown Wren on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

Historical note on the PBM Mariner aircraft:  the RAF had 28 of them, all operated by 524 Sqn, under No.15 Group Coastal Command. And only between Oct-Dec 1943.

(FM246) Unknown officer on HMCS STANDARD COASTER holding what appears to be some type of hydrophone  (FM247) Unknown officers on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - one is holding some form of instrument/device  (FM248) Unknown officers on HMCS STANDARD COASTER with a very large dog - Nov 1943

(FM249-FM250) The Cock-of-the-Walk pennant being hoisted on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Oct 1943.  It is believed that this is for her achieving top ship in the Oct-Nov 1943 Victory Loan campaign  

(FM251) Christmas message from the Board of Admiralty

(FM252-FM254) HMCS STANDARD COASTER trying to make passage through an ice covered Halifax harbour - Feb 1944

(FM255) François Messier writing a letter to his fiancée in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 25 Feb 1944  (FM256) "Before becoming Captain, I was a sailor" - François Messier in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 25 Feb 1944  (FM257) Sig George Taylor in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 25 Feb 1944 (FM258) Coxswain Cookran of H.C. 48  in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 25 Feb 1944  (FM259) Bernier, Tomlinson and Taylor in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 25 Feb 1944

(FM260) George Taylor writing a letter in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 25 Feb 1944  (FM261) François Messier "sleeping comfortably in my hammock" on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 25 Feb 1944  (FM262) Bernier, Morin, Child, Tomlinson, Martin, Ross, Inglis, Siwak on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 26 Feb 1944  (FM263) François Messier's with his photography equipment - 26 Feb 1944  (FM264) François Messier in his hammock on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 26 Feb 1944

(FM265) George Taylor in his hammock on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 26 Feb 1944  (FM266) Amédéee Morin in his hammock on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 26 Feb 1944  (FM267) Ross in his hammock with Prince on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 26 Feb 1944  (FM268) Tomlinson, Roberts and Bernier in the CO's cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 27 Feb 1944  (FM269) Cook Gaumont and Seaman Bernier in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 27 Feb 1944

(FM270) Améedée Morin pouring himself a drink in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 27 Feb 1944  (FM271) "Ross Vn Stocher" in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 27 Feb 1944  (FM272) Ross, Gaumont, Bernier, Child, Raoul Bélanger and Inglis in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 27 Feb 1944  (FM273) Chief Jenkins, Sig George Taylor and Hanna in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM274) Chief Jenkins, Tel Roberts and Hanna "They are not too affected by their tot" in the C.O.'s cabin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM275) Harbour craft departing HMCS STANDARD COASTER during a storm - Feb / Mar 1944  (FM276) On the point of McNabb's Island, NS after a storm - Feb / Mar 1944   (FM277-278) HMCS STANDARD COASTER covered in ice after the a storm - Feb / Mar 1944  (FM279) Ross working on the ice covered decks of HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Feb / Mar 1944

(FM280-FM283) HMCS STANDARD COASTER covered in ice after the a storm - Feb / Mar 1944  (FM284) "A pair of snowshoes would be going for walking to the bridge" - HMCS STANDARD COASTER after a storm - Feb 1944

(FM280) Possibly François Messier

(FM281) François Messier (left) and Maurice Gaumond

(FM282) Maurice Gaumond (left) and Raoul Bélanger

(FM283) Raoul Bélanger

(FM285) Bernier, Overall, Morin ,Child, Pastorius on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM286) Gaumont, Morin and Bernier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM287) Gaumont on HMCS STANDARD COASTERS - Mar 1944  (FM288) Bernier at the wheel of HMCS STANDARD COASTER and Gaumont, Acting Captain - Mar 1944  (FM289) Ross, with the British Empire Medal and Amédée Morin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944

(FM290) Siwak, Morin and Gaumont on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM291) Shorty Macfarlane on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM292) Morin and Ross on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM293) Tomlinson on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM294) François Messier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  

(FM295) Bernier, Messier, Macfarlane, Morin, Siwak, Ross and Tomlinson on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Feb 1944  (FM296) Craddock playing the fool (dan ses folies) on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM297) A nighttime photo on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM298) HMCS STANDARD COASTER under sail - Mar 1944  (FM299) Pier 21 after a major fire that occurred on 05 Mar 1944 causing $250,000 in damage

(FM300-FM301) Ross practicing his boxing on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM302) Siwak on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 06 Mar 1944  (FM303) Ross (left) and Macfarlane on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 06 Mar 1944  (FM304) L-R: Amédée Morin, Ross and Siwak on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 06 Mar 1944

(FM305) Chief Jenkins on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM306) Maurice Gaumont on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM307) John (Big John) Inglis on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM308) George Taylor on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM309) Roman Siwak on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944

(FM310) François Messier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM311) Workers and watchers on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM312) Curran, Ross, McRae on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944  (FM313) Curran, Ross and mascot Prince on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Mar 1944

(FM314) Sig George Taylor by the sail on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM315) Craddock, Gaumont and Macfarlane by the sail on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM316) Gaumont (left) and Tomlinson on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM317) Gaumont (left) and Macfarlane on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM318) Gaumont (left) and Amédée Morin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944

(FM319) Amédée Morin on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM320) Sig Bob Curran on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM321) George Taylor on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM322) Sig Bob Curran on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM323) François Messier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944

(FM324) Sig Geoge Taylor on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM325) François Messier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM326) Sig George Taylor (left) and François Messier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM327) Tel Roberts on HMCS STANDARD COASTER Apr 1944  (FM328) Tel Roberts on HMCS STANDARD COASTER Apr 1944

(FM329) HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM330) "Not very big but comfortable" HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM331) HMCS STANDARD COASTER'S pendant number Z17 - Apr 1944  (FM332) Smith, Ross, McRae, Hanna, Douglas, Tracy, Tomlinson and Messier on the jetty at McNabb's Island - 1944

(FM333) In Bedford Basin - Apr 1944  (FM334-FM335) Kings Wharf, Dartmouth - Apr 1944  (FM336) Sunset, Halifax - Apr 1944  (FM337) A flying boat passes in front of the setting sun, Halifax Harbour - Apr 1944

(FM338) Ives Point, McNabb's Island - Apr 1944  (FM339-FM340) Messier (left) and McRae repairing the jetty on McNabb's Island - Apr 1944

(FM341) Amédée Morin with Ross in the background on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Apr 1944  (FM342) Macfarlane on HMCS STANDARD COASTER May 1944  (FM343) Craddock on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - May 1944  (FM344) Roberts on the signal lamp on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - May 1944  (FM345) Lt Carrett (Corrett?) on the signal lamp on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - May 1944

(FM346) Sig George Taylor on the signal lamp on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - May 1944  (FM 347) Sig George Taylor (left) and Tel Roberts on HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM348-FM349) Tel Roberts scraping paint on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - May 1944  (FM350) Sig George Taylor painting ship on HMCS STANDARD COASTER May 1944

(FM351) François Messier painting ship on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - May 1944  (FM352) Améedée Morin in the ship's dory of HMCS STANDARD COASTER - May 1944  (FM353) Amédée Morin, John Inglis and Pastorius painting ship from the dory of HMCS STANDARD COASTER - May 1944  (FM354) Sailors on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - May 1944  (FM355) François Messier by the engine room skylights on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - May 1944

(FM456) "A hot summer day in the icy water - François Messier on a small harbour craft used by HMCS STANDARD COASTER after a swim, Halifax - 21 Jun 1944  (FM357)  Vincent, Morin, Overall, Smith, Roberts on a small harbour craft used by HMCS STANDARD COASTER after a swim - 26 Jun 1944

(FM358-FM367) Diver coming out of the water and assisted aboard the diving tender.  The tender is secured alongside HMCS STANDARD COASTER circa May-Jun 1944

(FM358-FM367) Diver coming out of the water and assisted aboard the diving tender.  The tender is secured alongside HMCS STANDARD COASTER circa May-Jun 1944

(FM364) The diver sitting on the diving tender - with his diving helmet removed

(FM368) HMCS STANDARD COASTER coming alongside HMCS NIAGARA - Aug 1944  (FM369) HMCS STANDARD COASTER alongside at Ives Point,  McNabb's Island, Halifax, with a view of Dartmouth in the background - fall 1944  (FM370) A view of Dartmouth from McNabb's Island - 1944

(FM371-FM374) Pin-ups on the bulkhead in the mess deck on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Sep 1944

(FM375-FM379) HMCS STANDARD COASTER in the Dartmouth Slips for repairs - Sep 1944

(FM380) HMCS STANDARD COASTER in the Dartmouth Slips for repairs - Sep 1944  (FM381) Martin and Ross looking out through a kick-out panel on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Sep 1944  (FM382) Battery banks on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Sep 1944  (FM383) Engine Room of HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Sep 1944

(FM384-FM387) PO Tracey (left) and Hanna in the Engine Room of HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Sep 1944  (FM388) Ross with no shirt and PO Tracey in the Engine Room of HMCS STANDARD COASTER

(FM389-FM393) PO Tracey and Ross (with no shirt) in the Engine Room of HMCS STANDARD COASTER

Fire on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 1944

(FM394) Crew members of HMCS STANDARD COASTER attacking a fire in the funnel (FM395-FM396) Chief Douglas inspecting the funnel after the fire was put out.  Note the fire hose still on the deck  (FM397) Fire damage to funnel of HMCS STANDARD COASTER

Fire at Piercey's Supply Ltd, Dartmouth, NS - 09 Sep 1944 - seen from HMCS STANDARD COASTER

Historical note on the Piercey's fire from the Nova Scotia Archives: Taken from Exhibition Grounds looking north. The most disastrous conflagration since the 1917 Halifax Explosion levelled the sprawling 8-acre Piercey's Supplies Limited buildings in 1944 and caused $450,000 worth of damage. Halifax's Air Raid Precautions (A.R.P.) force proved its mettle and worth after its volunteers donned their brown steel helmets, brown coveralls, Red Cross garb and other uniforms to fight the fire. A.R.P. firemen fought alongside permanent firemen; wardens supervised the safe evacuation of residents and their furnishings from neighbouring houses; and messengers scurried through the fire area to transport instructions and messages to their senior workers. Auxiliary police and wardens regulated traffic, guarded dangerous areas, and prevented looting. Sandwiches and coffee were distributed to weary fighters from the H.C.E.C. Red Cross Emergency Canteen. Major O.R. Crowell later praised the A.R.P. workers who had carried out their duties so effectively.

Click here to view a photo of the Piercey's fire - photo credit: Nova Scotia Archives John F. Rogers Nova Scotia Archives 1995-370 19

(FM401-FM405) Conducting trials with a new depth charge aboard HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Oct 1944

(FM407-FM410) Weapons experiments / trials on a barge, Halifax - 1944

(FM409) HC 285 approaching the barge  (FM410) HC 295 alongside the barge where the weapon trials are being conducted

(FM411-FM414) Weapons experiments / trials on a barge, Halifax - 1944

(FM411) HMCS STANDARD COASTER (right, foreground) and HC 285 alongside the trials barge  (FM412) Unknown PO off HMCS STANDARD COASTER on the trials barge among the rat's nest of wires and cables for the weapon trials  (FM413) AB François Messier on the trails barge among the rat's nest of wires and cables for the weapon trials.  The barge is secured alongside McNabb's Island.  (FM414) Large spools of cabling on the trials barge.

(FM415-FM419) Weapons experiments / trials on a barge, Halifax - 1944

Setting up cameras to film the test firing of a rocket of the trials barge

(FM420) Unknown sailor setting up experimental equipment aboard HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 1944  (FM421) Experimental equipment on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 1944 (FM422) L-R: Vincent, Hanna (laying on settee), Messier and Gaumont - Oct 1944

(FM423) A sailor writing a letter, a Christmas tree in the mess deck, sailors in their hammock - and the pin-ups removed from the bulkhead  (FM424-FM425) A Christmas tree in the mess deck on HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 1944  

Undated photo of the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry GOVERNOR CORNWALLIS - before the fire

(FM427-FM429) HMCS STANDARD COASTER passes the burned out wreck of the Halifax-Dartmouth Ferry GOVERNOR CORNWALLIS - Jan 1945

Historical note on the GOVERNOR CORNWALLIS from the Nova Scotia Archives:  22 Dec 1944 - Ferry officials requested assistance from the Halifax Fire Department which sent a fire boat and a tug. The Governor Cornwallis was a mass of flames when towed from dock well down the harbour. Thousands of spectators watched from both Halifax and Dartmouth as flames rose high in the air and streams of water from the fire boats poured onto the ferry. The Halifax Mail, 23 December 1944, p. 5, reported "The complete loss of the Governor Cornwallis is a serious blow to ferry transportation, particularly at this time of year. Traffic will be tied up for an indefinite time with only two small boats in operation during the next week, perhaps longer."

(FM430) Manfils and François Messier on a harbour craft - Jan 1945  (FM431) Manfils from Granby (HMCS?) - Jan 1945  (FM432) Reception and dance on the 3rd anniversary of the commissioning of HMCS STANDARD COASTER - 19 Feb 1945 - Front:  François Messier, Mrs. McLennan, Mr. & Mrs. Tracy,  Mr. Craddock,  Mr. Parent Back: men only, L-R:  Pastorious, Martin, McRae, unknown  (FM433) François Messier on HMCS STANDARD COASTER in Halifax 02 Apr 1945  (FM434) RMS AQUITANIA seen from HMCS STANDARD COASTER  

(FM435-FM442) V.E. Day aboard HMCS STANDARD COASTER

HMCS U-889 - former German U-boat U-889

(FM443-FM445) HMCS U-889 arrives in Halifax, passing by HMCS STANDARD COASTER  (FM446) HMCS U-889 tied up alongside HMCS FORT FRANCES J396 with HMCS STANDARD COASTER (foreground) approaching HMCS U-889 to secure alongside  (FM447) Bow of HMCS U-889 - photo taken from her conning tower

HMCS U-889 - former German U-boat U-889

(FM448) HMCS U-889  (FM449) Taylor, Ross, Vincent, Gaumont, Pastorius and Smith on HMCS U-889  (FM450) Taylor, Gaumont, Ross and François Messier on HMCS U-889  (FM451) Ross, François Messier and Gaumont on HMCS U-889  (FM452) Skpr-Lt J. Lionel N. Cormier, CO HMCS STANDARD COASTER and Ross on HMCS U-889

HMCS U-889 - former German U-boat U-889

(FM453) Gaumont, François Messier, Ross and Taylor (with camera) on HMCS U-889  (FM454) Crew of HMCS FORT FRANCES on HMCS U-889  (FM455) Gaumont (left) and François Messier on the casing of HMCS U-889  (FM456) Gaumont (left) and Taylor on the casing of HMCS U-889  (FM457) Crew of HMCS STANDARD COASTER looking down at HMCS U-889 - François Messier looking up at the camera

(FM458) François Messier on McNabb's Island with HMCS STANDARD COASTER in the background.  Photo printed Aug 1945

Skating on Chocolate Lake, Halifax

(FM459) François Messier and shipmates  (FM460) François Messier front, centre  (FM461) François' friend/shipmate front, centre  (FM462) Group of skaters posing for a photo.  François and his friend / shipmate in the back row

(FM463) François Messier skating at an unknown location.  The ships in the background makes it possible that this is a cove on McNabb's Island  (FM464-FM465) Playing hockey - location unknown  (FM466) White, Sig George Taylor (on skates) and Craddock - FEb 1944

(FM467) Signalman Ross ashore - location unknown - 05 Apr 1942  (FM468) François Messier (left) with unknown friend / shipmate  (FM469) Unknown sailor with a couple ladies  (FM470-FM471) Unknown sailor with his girlfriend

(FM472) François Messier (left) with unknown friend and friend's girlfriend  (FM473) unknown friend/shipmate  (FM474) Tower at the Northwest Arm, Halifax -20 Jun 1942  (FM475-FM476) The Northwest Arm, Halifax

(FM477) Homes on the Northwest Arm, Halifax  (FM478) Lt Bastin from Vancouver - May 1944  (FM479-FM480) Macfarlane and George Taylor on a train. Photos printed Jun 1944

Public Gardens, Halifax

(FM481) François Messier (left) and Sig George Taylor  (FM482) Tel Roberts (left) and François Messier  (...) Tel Roberts (left) and Sig George Taylor

Fall 1944 on McNabb's Island

(FM483) Tel Roberts  (FM484) Sig George Taylor  (FM485) AB François Messier (FM486-FM487) Tel Roberts and Sig George Taylor

Fall 1944 on McNabb's Island

(FM488-fm489) AB François Messier, Sig George Taylor and Tel Roberts  (FM490)  Sig George Taylor with camera and Tel Roberts  (FM491) Tel Roberts and Sig George Taylor with camera  (FM492) Tel Roberts and Sig George Taylor

Fall 1944 on McNabb's Island

(FM493) Tel Roberts  (FM494) Sig George Taylor  (FM495) AB François Messier

 (FM496-FM497) François Messier (right) and friend / shipmate touring Fort Ives on McNabb's Island  (FM498-FM499) Friend / shipmate of François Messier on McNabb's Island

(FM500) François Messier (right) and friend / shipmate in an old gun tub on McNabb's Island  (FM501) François Messier by cannon at Fort Ives, McNabb's Island  (FM502) François Messier in a gun emplacement at Fort Ives, McNabb's Island  (FM503) Friend / shipmate of François Messier in a gun emplacement at Fort Ives, McNabb's Island  (FM504) Friend / shipmate of François Messier by a gun emplacement at Fort Ives, McNabb's Island 

* note: in photos FM502-504, the gun barrels appear to be fake.

(FM505 - FM 507) Army barracks on McNabb's Island 

(FM508) Tel Roberts on a cannon at Fort Ives, McNabb's Island  (FM509) Sig George Taylor by a cannon at Fort Ives, McNabb's Island  (FM510-FM511) Sig George Taylor at Fort Ives, McNabb's Island (FM512) Tel Roberts at Fort Ives, McNabb's Island

George Taylor and François Messier on McNabb's island

(Webmaster's note:  It looks like they are on a safari)

(FM513-FM514) Sig George Taylor  (FM515-FM516) François Messier  (FM 517) Sig Gerorge Taylor and François Messier

(FM518) View of the entrance to Halifax Harbour from McNabb's Island - 1944  (FM519) "Magnificent autumn scene on McNabb's Island" - 1944  (FM520) "Scene along the road on McNabb's Island" - 1944

(FM521) Train Station at Grand Pré, NS - Fall 1944  (FM522) Road sign directions to Grand Pré, NS  (FM523) Plaque honouring those who died during the Battle of Grand Pré which occurred 10-11 Feb 1747  (FM524) Cross erected at the Evangeline Memorial Park, Grand Pré, NS  (FM525) In the orchard at the Evangeline Memorial Park, Grand Pré, NS  

(FM526) François Messier by the memorial to the expulsion of the Acadian's (FM527) Memorial to the expulsion of the Acadian's in front of the Church at Grand Pré, NS  (FM528) Church at Grand Pré, NS  (FM529) Entrance to the Evangeline Memorial Park, Grand Pré, NS

(FM530) François Messier in Kentville, NS - Fall 1944  (FM531) OS Norman Pautler in Kentville, NS - Fall 1944  (FM532) Hotel Cornwallis in Kentville, NS  (FM533) Sign at the entrance to the town of Wolfville, NS  (FM534) Town hall, Wolfville, NS

(FM535-FM539) Sailors of HMCS STANDARD coaster celebrating Christmas at the home of an unknown officer

(FM537) Sig George Taylor (right)  (FM538) François Messier (right)

FM540) Mr. & Mrs. McLennan, the two Cormier brothers, Buffett, Carriere and Tomlinson.  Louis Cormier, standing 3rd from left. Normand Cormier, Merchant Marine standing, 2nd from right.  Normand's wife, Margaret Dumont, sitting, 2nd from right  (FM541) "The Lieutenants  Ha Ha" - Messier (AB), McLennan and Taylor (Sig)  (FM542) Lt McLennan and "Lt" George Taylor (Sig)

Photo FM540 - note:  Margaret Dumont was a cook and served in a merchant ship during the war.

(FM543-FM553) The Wedding and Reception of Mr. and Mrs. Ross - Oct 1944

The newly weds leaving the church and arriving at the reception

(FM543-FM553) The Wedding and Reception of Mr. and Mrs. Ross - Oct 1944

(FM549) "One Wren, two sailors and a barrel of rum" - Oct 1944  (FM550) Gaumont, Macfarlane, Craddock and Overall - Oct 1944  (FM551) Tomlinson and his friend, Mr. & Mrs. Ross, Mr. & Mrs. Cunningham - Oct 1944  (FM552)  McLennan, Keating, Douglas, Hanna and Messier at the reception after the wedding - Oct 1944  (FM553) Guests at the wedding reception. François Messier in the centre holding a sandwich

(FM554-FM563) Ship's Company Reception / Dance for HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Nov 1944

(FM564-FM563) Ship's Company Reception / dance for HMCS STANDARD COASTER - Nov 1944

(FM563) AB Messier and Lt Joseph Louis Cormier (C.O. of STANDARD COASTER)

(FM564-FM565) François Messier and friend posing with a newspaper for an "end of the war" photo

- - - - - - - - - -

(FM566-FM614) Civilians, sailors, soldiers and airmen alike watching parades, listening to music and dancing .......

and then the riots started .......

(FM615-FM620) - 3 photos and 3 newspaper articles on the riots

(FM621) HMCS WENTWORTH K331 and HMCS MATAPEDIA K112 alongside in Halifax  (FM622) Destroyers and Corvettes in Halifax - 1942  (FM623) HMCS MEDICINE HAT J256, unknown corvette and HMCS GROU K518 in Halifax  (FM624) Unknown Frigate and Corvette alongside  (FM625) Frigates at Jetty 3 in Halifax.  HMCS SAINT JOHN K456 outboard

(FM626) HMS MONTGOMERY G95 centre ship  (FM627) Fairmile MLs 109, 107 and 095 with unknown ship inboard, Halifax  (FM628) Unknown ships alongside in Halifax  (FM629) HMCS HAIDA G63 inboard destroyer, outboard destroyer unknown  (FM630) HMCS DUNDALK Z40 outboard of the frigate HMCS STRATHADAM K683, Jetty 3, Halifax - 1944

(FM631) HMCS MELVILLE J263  (FM632) Escort Carrier HMS PUNCHER  (FM633) Harbour craft HC 285  (FM634) RCAF High Speed Rescue Launch (Crash Boat) Banoskik B118  (FM635) Destroyer USS EARLE 430

  (FM636) Unknown US destroyer in Halifax - 26 Feb 1942  (FM637) Unknown Allied submarine in Halifax Harbour - 01 Apr 1942  (FM638) Unknown US cruiser  (FM639) unknown ships entering/leaving Halifax Harbour   

(FM640-FM641) HMS SEAWOLF N47  (FM642) HMCS MONCTON K139  (FM643) HMCS THUNDER J156 - 1942  (FM644) HMCS ANNAPOLIS I04 off the approaches to Halifax harbour

(FM645) Fairmile Motor Launch Q116  (FM646) HMCS MATAPEDIA K112 after she was rammed by off Sambro Lightship by SS Scorton on 08 Sep 1943  (FM647) HC 48 - Feb 1944  (FM648) Unknown 4-stacker destroyer - Oct 1943  (FM649) HMCS SACKVILLE K181 - undated

(FM650) HMCS SACKVILLE K181 firing a depth charge - Aug 1944 - photographer unknown  (FM651) HMCS DAWSON K104 - Apr 1944  (FM652) Unknown Fairmile Motor Launch - Apr 1944  (FM653) Unknown 4 stacker destroyer  (FM654)  HMCS CLAYOQUOT J174

(FM655) François Messier aboard HMCS AMBLER - 01 Mar 1942  (FM656) Fairmile Motor Launch Q112  (FM657) HMCS BELLEVILLE K332 passing the anti-submarine booms at McNabb's Island  (FM658-FM659) HMCS ROSTHERN K169 - alongside HMCS STANDARD COASTER - slipping and proceeding

(FM660) unknown corvette  (FM661) Coca Cola being loaded on HMCS CHARNY at jetty 3 in HMC Dockyard - Aug 1944  (FM662) HMCS CHARNY hard aground near Shelburne, NS with an unknown corvette attempting to free her.  Photographer unknown  (FM663-FM664) Unknown warship (convoy escort) conducting a stern fueling while in convoy. Photographer unknown

(FM665) L-R: Unknown harbour craft, Troopship USS WAKEFIELD tied up at McNabb's Island with HMCS MAHONE J159 on the right tied secured to a compass buoy - Sep 1942  (FM666-FM667) Unknown US ship with pendant number P24  (FM668) Merchant Aircraft Carrier  (FM669) Unknown 4-stacker destroyer, Halifax - 14 Feb 1942

(FM670) American battleship USS NEW YORK 34, Halifax - 06 Jun 1942  (FM671-FM674) British heavy Cruiser HMS BERWICK, Halifax - 10 Sep 1944  (FM675) 

Queen Elizabeth Class battleship - HMS MALAYA, Halifax - 1942  (FM676) unknown US Battleship    (FM677-FM678) Merchant Aircraft Carrier - Apr 1942  (FM679) US Landing craft by the Imperial Oil terminal, Dartmouth

(FM680) Merchant Aircraft Carrier with Swordfish ranged - Apr 1944  (FM681) Merchant Aircraft Carrier  (FM682) Merchant Aircraft Carrier at anchor in Halifax harbour - Mar 1944  (FM683) Merchant Aircraft Carrier - undated  (FM684) Merchant Aircraft Carrier at the Imperial Oil Jetty, Dartmouth

  (FM685-FM687) HMCS HURON G24, Halifax Harbour

(FM688-FM689) American icebreaker - 1944  (FM690) Unknown British cruiser  (FM691-FM692) Four American Corvettes, Halifax - 1945

(FM693-FM697) HMCS LACHINE J266 doing manoeuvers around HMCS STANDARD COASTER - circa Jul 1945

(FM698-FM701) HMCS LACHINE J266 doing manoeuvers around HMCS STANDARD COASTER - circa Jul 1945

(FM702) François Messier (left) and Louis Guay, HMCS WASAGA 28 Feb 1942  (FM703) Sailor in Crow's Nest on unknown ship, Halifax 28 Feb 1942 - believed to be HMCS WASAGA  (FM704) Louis Guay on HMCS WASAGA 28 Feb 1942  (FM705) François Messier onboard HMCS WASAGA - 1942

(FM706) HMCS ASSINIBOINE I18

HMCS ASSINIBOINE'S running battle with U-210

The photos of the battle with U-210 were not taken by François Messier. They are official RCN photos and were handed out throughout the fleet after the battle for propaganda purposes.

(FM707) U-210 off ASSINIBOINE'S port side  (FM708) Crew of HMCS ASSINIBOINE fight a fire caused by gunfire from U-210  (FM709-FM710)  U-210 along ASSINIBOINE'S port side trying to escape  (FM711) U-210 shortly before being rammed by HMCS ASSINIBOINE  (FM712) Survivors form U-210  (FM713) Burial at sea for OS Kenneth Watson - killed by shell fire from U-210  (FM714) Lt Stubbs, CO, on the bridge of HMCS ASSINIBOINE with battle damage visible directly below him on the face of the bridge

(FM715) HMCS OTTAWA H60 - photo taken from unknown destroyer.  Photographer unknown  (FM716) HMCS RESTIGOUCHE H00 passing under the Jacques Cartier bridge in Montreal, QC. Note: this photo has appeared in other collections as a postcard print  (FM717) HMCS RESTIGOUCHE H00 - 1942  (FM718) HMCS RESTIGOUCHE in the slips for repairs

(FM719) Unknown Fairmile Motor Launch  (FM720-FM722) Fairmile Motor Launch Q079

(FM723-FM727) HMCS NIAGARA I57.  Photo FM725 is dated Apr 1944

(FM728) HMCS NIAGARA jettisoning ammunition - Sep 1944  (FM729-FM731) Depth charges exploding astern of HMCS NIAGARA - Sep 1944. Photographer unknown (FM732) Looking aft from the mast of HMCS NIAGARA - Sep 1944. Photographer unknown

(FM733) Loading practice torpedoes on HMCS NIAGARA - Sep 1944.  Not the dents in the one torpedo on deck  (FM734) HMCS NIAGARA fires a practice torpedo  (FM735) The practice torpedo heads off in the direction of a merchant ship (the merchant ships is barely visible in the photo) - Sep 1944  (FM736) Its run complete, the practice torpedo floats on the surface - Sep 1944  (FM737) Practice torpedo being recovered

Note: in Mar 1944, HMCS NIAGARA became the Torpedo Firing Training Ship for the Torpedo Branch in Halifax

(FM738) HMCS NIAGARA hosting the practice torpedo back onboard - Sep 1944  (F,739) HMCS NIAGARA in the Dartmouth Slips for repairs - Sep 1944

Webmaster's note: it is not know if François Messier took the photos of the NIAGARA'S torpedo shoot as he did not serve in her, but may have been onboard her for certain training evolutions

(FM740) HMCS RENARD - 10 Apr 1944  (FM741) HMCS RENARD firing a torpedo - 1942  (FM741) HMCS U-889 near Halifax  (FM742) HMCS U-889 with HMCS U-190 astern  (FM743) HMCS U-190 near Halifax

(FM744-FM745) HMCS LEVIS K115 after being torpedoed 19 Sep 1941 - photographer unknown  (FM746) HMCS AGASSIZ K129  (FM747) HMCS MATAPEDIA K112  (FM748) unknown harbour craft

(FM638) HMS CHELSEA I35  (FM639-FM640) Unknown Fairmile ML

(FM751-FM752) With a crew of 57 officers and men, U-190 is commissioned 24 Sep 1942 - photographer unknown

These 2 photos appear in various collections and it is likely they were found onboard U-190 when she surrendered - with copies made and circulated

(FM753) Fishing schooner, Halifax - Mar 1944  (FM754) Fishing schooner - Feb 1944  (FM755) Fishing schooner - Mar 1944  (FM756) Fishing schooner - undated  (FM757) Royal Navy sailing vessel - Sep 1944

Troopships

(FM758A) Troopship RMS AQUITANIA  (FM758B) Troopship RMS AQUITANIA - Sep 1944  (FM758C) Troopship RMS AQUITANIA with unknown vessel forward  (FM758D-FM758E) Troopship RMS AQUITANIA

(FM759A) Troopship RMS AQUITANIA  (FM759B) Troopship RMS AQUITANIA arriving in Halifax - being greeting by a fire tug.  Photo likely on or after V.E. day  This photo was developed in Jul 1945  (FM759C) Troopship RMS AQUITANIA dressed.  This photo was likely taken on or shortly after V.E. Day. This photo was developed Aug 1945  (FM759D) Troopship RMS AQUITANIA with US Battleship ahead off to port

(FM760) Troopship RMS QUEEN MARY - 14 Aug 1943  (FM761) Troopship RMS QUEEN MARY in Halifax with Winston Churchill on board  (FM762) Troopship RMS QUEEN MARY - 10 Sep 1944  (FM763) Troopship RMS QUEEN ELIZABETH  (FM764) Troopship RMS QUEEN ELIZABETH

(FM765-FM769) The French troopship SS ISLE DE FRANCE

(FM769) SS ISLE DE FRANCES - Apr 1944  

(FM770) Unknown troopship dressed - possibly on V.E. Day  (FM771) Unknown Troopship  (FM772) Troopship RMS ANDES Mar 1944  (FM773-FM774) Troopship RMS ANDES

(FM775-FM778) Unknown troopships  (FM779) Unknown American troopship

(FM780-FM784) Unknown troopships

Troopship USS WAKEFIELD, heavily damaged after a fire at sea, forced aground at McNabb's Island, Halifax - Sep 1942

(FM785) L-R: Unknown harbour craft, Troopship USS WAKEFIELD AND, HMCS MAHONE J159 on the right, secured to a compass buoy - Sep 1942  (FM786-FM787) USS WAKEFIELD at McNabb's Island, Halifax

Historical note on the USS WAKEFIELD:   On 27 August 1942, Wakefield departed the Clyde estuary as part of Convoy TA-18, bound for New York.  While en route to her destination, on the evening of 3 September 1942, fire broke out deep within the bowels of the ship and spread rapidly. Ammunition was thrown overboard to prevent detonation, code room publications were secured, and sick bay and brig inmates were released. All crew and passengers not needed to man pumps and hoses were evacuated from the ship.  On 5 September 1942, towing operations commenced led by the Canadian salvage vessel Foundation Franklin and Wakefield was put aground at McNab's Cove, near Halifax, at 1740 on the 8th. When fire-fighting details arrived alongside to board and commence the mammoth operation, fires still burned in three holds and in the crew's quarters on two deck levels. Four days later, the last flames had been extinguished, and the ship was re-floated on the 14th. On 18 September 1942 the ship was purchased by the Navy.  While Wakefield was undergoing partial repairs in Halifax harbor, a torrential rainstorm threatened to fill the damaged ship with water and capsize her at her berth. Salvage crews cut holes in the ship's sides above the waterline, draining away the water to permit the ship to regain an even keel. For the next 10 days, the salvagers engaged in extensive initial repair work – cleaning up the ship, pumping out debris, patching up holes, and preparing the vessel for her voyage to the Boston Navy Yard for complete rebuilding.

(FM788-FM789) SS GEORGE WASHINGTON in Halifax - 14 Apr 1942

These photos would have been taken shortly before she was returned to the USA from Britain.

Historical note on the SS GEORGE WASHINGTON:  SS George Washington was an ocean liner built in 1908 for the Bremen-based North German Lloyd and was named after George Washington, the first President of the United States.  She saw service during the First World War.  After the war she served as a passenger ship until 1931 when she was laid up in the Patuxent River, Maryland.  She was reacquired for Navy use from the United States Maritime Commission on 28 January 1941 and commissioned as USS Catlin (AP-19) on 13 March 1941. It was found, however, that the coal-burning engines did not give the required speed for protection against submarines, and she was decommissioned on 26 September 1941. Because of their great need for ships in 1941, Great Britain took the ship over under Lend-Lease on 29 September 1941 as George Washington, but they found after one voyage to Newfoundland that her aging boilers could not safely maintain sufficient steam pressure to drive her otherwise serviceable engines. With the ship unfit for combat service the British returned her to the War Shipping Administration (WSA) on 17 April 1942. (Source: Wikipedia)

Troopships and Hospital Ships

(FM791-FM792) Hospital ships ALBA and LADY NELSON with Troopship RMS ANDES astern  (FM793) Hospital ship ALBA with Troopship RMS ANDES astern  

Hospital Ships

(FM793-FM797) Canadian Hospital Ship LADY NELSON

(FM795) LADY NELSON - 1945  (FM796) LADY NELSON with what appears to be a Merchant Aircraft Carrier astern  (FM797) LADY NELSON returning with the wounded - Feb 1944

(FM798) Lady Nelson - Apr 1944  (FM799) Lady Nelson - Sep 1944  (FM800) Unknown hospital ship  (FM801) Lady Nelson (right hand side of photo) with unknown troopship astern

British Hospital Ship HMHS NEWFOUNDLAND

(FM802) HMHS NEWFOUNDLAND  (FM803-FM804) Articles on the loss of the Hospital ship NEWFOUNDLAND

All these photos were taken in or near Halifax harbour

(FM805) An American tanker - 04 Mar 1944  (FM806-FM807) An American tanker with invasion craft - Mar 1944

(FM812)  Tanker transporting aircraft - Oct 1943  (FM814) Torpedoed oil tanker - Oct 1943

(FM815) Merchant ship on fire in Halifax harbour - 1942  (FM816) Torpedoed / mined tanker ship  (FM817-FM819) Unknown ships believed to be in Bedford Basin, Halifax

(FM820-FM821) Photos dated Oct 1943  (FM822-FM823) Merchant ship at anchor, dressed. Photos possibly taken on V.E. Day  (FM824) Photo dated 1942

(FM825) "The Gorilla" - 04 Apr 1942  (FM826) Torpedoed tanker  (FM827) Merchant ships arriving at the port of Halifax - Feb 1944  (FM828) Merchant ship at anchor, Halifax - Mar 1944  (FM829) Tanker arriving in Halifax - Mar 1945

(FM830) Swish merchant ship - Aug 1944  (FM831) Merchant ship with disruptive paint scheme  (FM832) Torpedoed tanker  (FM834) Torpedoed tanker, Halifax - 1942

(FM835-FM836) Severely damaged merchant ship in Halifax harbour - Apr 1944  (FM837) Tanker with small craft on upper deck as cargo - Oct 1943

These images were drawings dedicated to ships and sailors lost that appeared in the Halifax newspapers

(FM838) HMCS RACCOON  (FM839) HMCS OTTAWA H60  (FM840) HMCS FRASER, HMCS MARGAREE, HMCS BRAD D'OR, HMCS OTTAWA, HMCS LEVIS, HMCS WINDFLOWER, HMCS SPIKENARD  (FM841) HMCS WINDFLOWER  (FM842) HMCS ATHABASKAN G07

(FM843) HMCS WEYBURN  (FM844) HMCS MARGAREE, HMCS FRASER  (FM845) H.R.H. Duke of York  (FM846) HMS ARK ROYAL

(FM847-FM851) Newspaper articles on HMCS ASSINIBOINE'S battle with U-210 on 06 Aug 9142

(FM852-FM856) Newspaper articles on HMCS ASSINIBOINE'S battle with U-210 on 06 Aug 142

(FM857-FM859) Newspaper articles on HMCS ASSINIBOINE'S battle with U-210 on 06 Aug 1942

(FM860-FM864) Articles on the Battle of the North Cape - The sinking of the German Battlecruiser KMS SCHARNHORST on 26 Dec 1943

(FM865-FM867 Articles on the Battle of the North Cape - The sinking of the German Battlecruiser KMS SCHARNHORST on 26 Dec 1943

(FM868) Article on the loss of HMCS RACCOON and Casualty List  (FM869) Crew of 65 Rescued by HMCS KENOGAMI  (FM870) 357 Rescued by Corvette MORDEN  (...) HMCS PRINCE DAVID Has Face Lifted Again  (FM872) U-boat attacked by RCAF Liberator

(FM873) Batter SAGUENAY Is Now Training Vessel  (FM874) Battered Veteran Is Still Serving Canada  (FM875) Article "The Navy Fights" - 19 Sep 1942. The article mentions ASSINIBOINE, RACCOON and CHARLOTTETOWN  (FM876) US Coast Guard boat takes personnel and supplies to HMCS TRILLIUM which is carrying 160 survivors from torpedoed merchant vessels  (FM877) Article on minesweeping operations off Halifax harbour - 21 Sep 1943

(FM878) Drawing by Halifax Herald and Mail Star artist Robert Chambers on the Minesweeping Operations off Halifax  (FM879) Article on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT fighting off air attack against convoy to the UK  (FM880) Article on the grounding / wreck of HMCS SKEENA off Iceland   (FM881) HMCS GEORGIAN rescues crew of downed Flying Fortress

(FM882-FM883) Casualty list for HMCS VALLEYFIELD  (FM884) Stories of Heroism As Minesweeper is Lost - Article on the sinking of HMCS ESQUIMALT  (FM885) HMCS PORT COLBORNE surpasses the ship's quota in the 6th Victory Loan campaign  (FM886 ) Sig Gerald Enderton, RCNVR of Turner Valley, AB and L/Sig Joe Morton of Winnipeg lower the Royal Raspberry and raise the Cock of the Walk pennant during the 5th Victory Loan campaign

(FM887) HMCS ATHABASKAN G07 rescues survivors from a German U-boat sunk by a Wellington bomber - dated 31 Dec 1943  (FM888) Article on Gunner (T) G.D. Sigston and AB Eric J. Mengoni   (FM889) HMCS ATHABASKAN G07 back on duty after being struck by a glider bomb  (FM890) Headline - HMCS ATHABASKAN IS SUNK - dated 01 May 1944  (FM891) Article on the loss of HMCS ATHABASKAN G07

(FM892) A Gallant End - newspaper article on the loss of HMCS ATHABASKAN G07 with crew photo

 (FM893-FM895) three articles on the loss of HMCS OTTAWA H60  (FM896) Survivors of HMCS OTTAWA H60

(FM897) Harry Dewolf takes command of HMCS HAIDA  (FM898) HMCS HAIDA joined IROQUOIS and HURON  (FM899) HMCS HAIDA senior ship of Canada's Tribals  (FM900) HMCS MICMAC is launched  (FM901) HMCS CHAUDIERE is commissioned - LCdr C.P. Nixon is Commanding Officer

(FM902) At Sea Aboard the Frigate HMCS SWANSEA  (FM903) Article on the sinking of the French submarine SURCOUF by the US Navy  (FM904) Minesweeper survives wild Atlantic weather - Harold Conger Kingston was C.O.  (FM905) HMCS LLEWELLYN J278 and HMCS SUDEROY V J05 seen from the sweep deck of HMCS LLOYD GEORGE J279  (FM906) Divers on Diving Tender HC41 finds body of missing child - the Halifax Mail 03 Dec 1943

(FM907) Halifax Commander Has Two Scores To Settle - Cdr G.R. Miles' first ship, HMCS SAGUENAY was torpedoed, and his second ship, ATHABASKAN G07, was hit by a glider bomb - Cdr Miles managed to bring both ships back into port  (FM908) Four brothers are serving their country - Private Phillip Jones, RCOC;  LAC Ronald Jones, RCAF;  Albert Jones, cook, West Nova Scotia Reginment;  OS Maurice Jones, RCNVR  (FM909) Tug LAVALTRIE, sunk in a collision with a freighter in Halifax harbour, was raised  (FM910) Joseph Louis Nazaire Cormier awarded the M.B.E.  (FM911) LCdr Edward T. Simmons awarded the D.S.C.  

(FM912) Lt Clarence Hamilton (Mickey) Lanigan and Lt Charles (Charlie) Sweeney "... Now for the celebration."

(FM913-FM916) Articles on the loss of HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN K244 (1st of name) on 11 Sep 1942

(FM917-FM921) Articles on the sinking of U-94 by HMCS OAKVILLE K172

(FM922-FM926) Articles on the sinking of HMCS ST CROIX I81 on 20 Sep 1943

(FM927-FM931) Articles on the sinking of HMCS ST CROIX I81 on 20 Sep 1943

(FM932-FM934) Articles on the sinking of HMCS ST CROIX I81 on 20 Sep 1943

(FM746a-FM746b) Article on the surrender of U-889  (FM747) Article/photos on the surrender of U-889  (FM748) Article on U-889 being given to the United States  (FM749) Article on the surrender of U-190

Crossed the Bar Index

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