HMCS GROU K518

River Class Frigate

She was named for a French martyr of 1690 in lieu of the name Pointe-aux-Trembles, Que., the latter being considered overly long. Built at Canadian Vickers Ltd., Montreal, Que, she was commissioned at Montreal on 04 Dec 1943. She arrived at Halifax later that month, worked up in St. Margaret's Bay and in Mar 1944, was assigned to EG 6, Londonderry. In Apr 1944 she went to Kola Inlet and returned as escort, along with Waskesiu, Outremont and Cape Breton, to convoy RA.59 from North Russia, arriving at Loch Ewe on 06 May 1944. Based at various times at 'Derry, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, she was present on D-Day on A/S patrol. Grou left for home with convoy ON.285 on 17 Feb 1945, and on 04 Mar 1945 began a six-month tropicalization refit at Dartmouth, N.S. In Oct 1945 she left for the west coast, where she was paid off into reserve at Esquimalt on 25 Feb 1946. She was broken up at Victoria in 1948.

Photos and Documents

Commanding Officers

     In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice    

     Lest We Forget     

HOWELL, Ernest H.

Sto 1c, RCNVR

died - 02 Oct 1945

     In memory of those who have crossed the bar    

They shall not be forgotten

Former Crew Members

Photos and Documents

(GRU001 - GRU002) Cap and silk of Robert Broad V54696  //  Robert gave his cap and silk to Kevin Joynt, son of his best friend, John Joynt, when Kevin was 12 years old  //  Courtesy of Kevin Joynt

(GRU003) Robert Broad drew this cartoon caricature on the kit bag of his best friend, John Joynt, while they were in boot camp at HMCS CORNWALLIS. Robert went on to serve on HMCS GROU and John to ML Q072.  The kit bag with this drawing is in the possession of John Joynt's son, Kevin  //  Courtesy of Kevin Joynt

(GRU004) Newspaper article - Club Wishes HMCS GROU Godspeed

(GRU005) Newspaper article - Kiwanians Present $1,500 cheque to Crew of Frigate, HMCS GROU