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HMCS PRINCE ROBERT F56
Armed Merchant Cruiser
The third of the C.N. sisters, PRINCE ROBERT was purchased in Dec 1939, and fitted out as an AMC, commissioning at Vancouver 31 Jul 1940. She left in mid-Sep for patrol off Mexico and Peru, and on 25 Sep 1940 intercepted and captured the German freighter Weser. On 15 Dec 1940 she left Callao, Peru for Australia to act as escort to a Canada-bound troop convoy, and in May 1941 returned to the South Pacific for three months' escort and patrol duties under RN control on the New Zealand Station. She left Auckland on 28 Jul 1941 for Easter Island to investigate reports of a Japanese supply ship in the area, and arrived at Esquimalt on 24 Aug 1941 for a short refit. In Nov she escorted a shipload of ill-fated Canadian troops to Hong Kong and on her return rejoined Esquimalt Force. In Aug 1942, PRINCE ROBERT was placed under USN control for duty in the Aleutians, arriving back at Esquimalt on 04 Nov 1942. She was paid off on 02 Jan 1943, for conversion to an auxiliary A/A ship, and was re-commissioned on 07 Jun 1943 at Vancouver, leaving Esquimalt 12 days later for the Clyde via Bermuda. In Nov 1943, she was assigned to Gibraltar Command, Mediterranean Fleet, and employed as A/A escort to U.K.-Sierra Leone and U.K.-Mediterranean convoys. Though reassigned to Plymouth Command in Jan 1944, she remained at the same duties, and from Jun to Aug 1944 escorted Mediterranean convoys. In Sep 1944 PRINCE ROBERT left Plymouth for Esquimalt, and upon arrival underwent a refit that lasted until Jun 1945. She left Esquimalt 04 Jul 1945, for service with the British Pacific Fleet, arriving at Sydney, Australia on 10 Aug 1945. On 31 Aug 1945 PRINCE ROBERT entered Hong Kong, where her commanding officer had to honour to represent Canada at the surrender ceremonies, 16 Sep 1945. On 20 Oct 1945 she arrived at Esquimalt with repatriated Canadian prisoners from Hong Kong, and on 10 Dec 1945 was paid off and laid up in Lynn Creek, B.C. Sold in 1948, she became the merchant vessel Charlton Sovereign and, in 1952, the Italian-flag Lucania. Lucania operated in the Grimaldi fleet from 1951-1962. She may have been broken up in 1962.
RCN Memories: Flour Bombs Away!!
Photos and Documents Ship's company photos HMCS PRINCE ROBERT Tribute
The Three Princes - The Legion Magazine
Commanding Officers
They shall not be forgotten A
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F
G
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K
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P
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U
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Ship's Mascots
Former Crew Members
Photos and Documents
(PRT001) Crew of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT at sea circa 1940 (PRT002)HMCS PRINCE ROBERT passing under the Lion's Gate bridge - From the collection of John Diebel, Lt (E), RCNVR (PRT003) Crossing the Line Certificate (Equator) for I.W. Lawson, AB, HMCS PRINCE ROBERT, 25 Oct 1940. Courtesy of Jim Hopkins (PRT004) Crossing the Line Certificate (Equator) for James Stewart, ERA, HMCS PRINCE ROBERT, 14 May 1941. From the collection of James Stewart. Courtesy of Al Stewart (PRT005) Crossing the Line Certificate (Equator) for George Hughes, HMCS PRINCE ROBERT, 01 Aug 1945. Courtesy of Hugh Muir
(PRT006) Infantry men of "C" Company, Royal Rifles of Canada, aboard HMCS PRINCE ROBERT en route to Hong Kong, 15 Nov 1941. Source: Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-166999 (PRT007) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (PRT008) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - "Somewhere at sea". From the collection of E.A. Sellers. Courtesy of the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum (PRT009) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - date and place unknown. From the collection of LCdr Douglas Ford, RCNVR. Courtesy of Jay Ford (PRT010) Article on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT fighting off air attack against convoy to the UK. From the collection of François Messier, AB, RCNVR
(PRT011-PRT015) Postcards of Belfast, Northern Ireland
(PRT016) PRINCE ROBERT'S wardroom appears to be hosting WRENS - with an aboriginal theme to the gathering - Belfast, Northern Ireland (PRT017) Capt Adrian Mitchell Hope, 6th Commanding Officer, HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (PRT018) Sailors off HMCS PRINCE ROBERT visit Gibraltar. AB Leslie M. Osland and AB James Nicols both of Winnipeg. Crow's Nest newspaper - Apr 1944. Click here to see the photo used in the article (PRT019) Bugler on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - date unknown. From the collection of Rick Bridges, C2RPI, RCN (PRT020) PRINCE ROBERT Culinary Experts Fee 500 Men Daily. Sailors listed in the article: L/Cook William G. Clark; Paym-LCdr Kenneth Graham; L/Cook Earl Freeman; SA Robert Leckie. Courtesy of Kasey Hussey
(PRT021) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - Courtesy of Hugh Muir (PRT022) Three Windsorites Help Make PRINCE ROBERT "Sportin'est" Ship in Royal Canadian Navy. The Windsor Daily Star, 11 Aug 1944. Source: HMCS PRINCE ROBERT Tribute site (PRT023) Splicing the mainbrace: Ordinary Seaman Ernest Weir receives an extra rum ration during Victory over Japan celebrations aboard HMCS PRINCE ROBERT, Sydney, Australia, 16 Aug 1945. Source: PO Jack Hawes / Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-166428 (PRT024) Vancouver Chums on "ROBERT" - Newspaper article on Stokers 1st Class Andy Reid and Archie Smith, both serving in HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
(VH05-VH06) Crossing the Line Ceremony (Equator) on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
From the collection of Victor E. Henderson, CPO TGM, RCNVR
Courtesy of Vic Henderson
(HS01) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (HS02) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - Port side, looking aft (HS03-HS04) The boarding party of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT removed 8 Germans from the President Garfield - intercepted by HMCS PRINCE ROBERT on 29 Apr 1941 (HS05) TSS Awatea (after conversion to a troopship) with troops onboard. The Awatea, accompanied by HMCS PRINCE ROBERT, transported the Winnipeg Grenadiers and Royal Winnipeg Rifles to Hong Kong. Click here to read the history of the TSS Awatea From the collection of Henry Silvester Courtesy of Jim Silvester
(JS-PR01) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT circa 1940-1941 (JS-PR02) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT circa 1940-1941 From the collection of Jim Silvester Courtesy of Jim Silvester
(AN012) A view of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT from her fo'c's'le (AN013) Albert Osborne and shipmate somewhere down south (AN014) Albert Osborne somewhere down south (AN015) A "dip in the pool" on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT From the collection of Albert Osborne Courtesy of Terry Osborne
(RC065) HMCS Prince Rupert Joining Chit for Ordinary Seaman Roy T. Cardy dated 13 Jun 1942 (RC066) "Dhobey" Hart as Admiral on the Quarterdeck of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT, "X" gun, Nanoose Bay, Jun 1942. Webmaster's note: Looks as though they are having a Banyan (R067) P40s of 111 (F) Squadron RCAF. Location unknown - either at Patricia Bay, BC, or the US station at Kodiak, Alaska (RC068) "The boys of the Robert". Crew members of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT. Date and place unknown (RC069) "Chippy Chaps". Two unknown crew members of PRINCE ROBERT wearing some form of breathing apparatus. Location: on the Starboard aft bridge wing in front of the air intake
(RC070-RC071) AB Thomas doing evolutions at "A" gun on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT, Nanoose Bay, BC. "Fully kitted-out in the Canadian Army's latest combat harness.. tin hat, chest mounted gas mask bag, two ammunition pouches, and most useful of all, a bayonet the size of a sword ... for the Lee Enfield .303 rifle." (RC072) A/Capt Frank Llewellyn Houghton on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (RC073) 50 Cal, Afterdeck, HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (RC074) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - date and location unknown
Honour Guard on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT for the Lieut. Governor of British Columbia, William Culham Woodard - date unknown (RC074-RC075) The officer with the single stripe is our gunner or warrant officer (RC076) Roy T. Cardy is part of the guard and is first man on the right From the collection of Roy T. Card Courtesy of Dennis Cardy
(LF64-LF68) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT in the North Pacific
(LF069) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT somewhere in the North Pacific. Note her boarding party in the foreground (LF70-LF71) Burial at sea on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
Ordinary Seadog Mickey - Mascot of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF72) Lt Larry Fricke with Mickey. Mickey was presented to Lt Fricke by an admiral's daughter as the ship's mascot and stayed with him until his departure from HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (when this photo was taken) (LF73) OD Mickey Takes On the Dog Watch (LF74) Ordinary Seadog Mickey - 07 Jun 1943 (LF75) Ordinary Dog Joins Navy (LF76) Mickey, just after being drafted aboard PRINCE ROBERT
Ordinary Seadog Mickey - Mascot of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF77) Mickey, just after being drafted aboard PRINCE ROBERT (LF78) Msg on missing sailor - OD Mickey - 22 Mar 1944 (LF79) OD Mickey located on US warship Enterprise (LF80) PRINCE ROBERT Going To Dog (LF81) Mickey's Station Card
Ordinary Seadog Mickey - Mascot of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF82) Mickey enjoying some time ashore (LF83) Family portrait: Skipper, Mickey's father (left), Mickey (right) and Larry Fricke - no doubt Mickey had some interesting stories to tell his father about his time on PRINCE ROBERT (LF84) The two Mickeys - Miss Mickey Kennedy & Mickey Vancouver, June 1943
Officers of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT These officers were on board HMCS PRINCE ROBERT at some time during Lt Fricke's period of service on her (LF85) Capt A.M. Hope, 6th Commanding Officer (LF86) Cdr Philip John Brown Watts, X.O. (LF87) Cdr Lorenzo Lysons Atwood (LF88) Cdr (E) Elliott, E.O. (LF89) LCdr Robert Hendy, Gunnery Officer
Officers of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT These officers were on board HMCS PRINCE ROBERT at some time during Lt Fricke's period of service on her (LF90) Lt John Every Clayton, (Jackson), NavO (LF91) Lt Ned Colquhoun, (Zomb), Torpedo Officer (LF92) LCdr Douglas Kenneth Moody Graham, A.O. (LF93) Lt William Clement Harvey, (Bill) (Tiny) (Big Heap), 1943 (LF94) Lt Jack Eardley Koyl, (Killer)
Officers of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT These officers were on board HMCS PRINCE ROBERT at some time during Lt Fricke's period of service on her (LF95) Lt Bill Johnson, (Radar) (LF96) Lt Dacre Patterson Cole, (King) (LF97) Cd Bos'n Frederic Harold Moist, (Hal) (Big Joe) (LF98) Cd Gunner Frederick Freeman, (Little Joe) (LF99) Lt Glen McDonald
Officers of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT These officers were on board HMCS PRINCE ROBERT at some time during Lt Fricke's period of service on her (LF101) Lt Kenneth Birtwistle, (Ken) (Moose) (LF102) Lt Paul Gravel (LF103) Lt Roger Thompson Hager, (Rog) (Curly) (LF104) SLt (E) Harvey Carruthers (LF105) Lt (E) Reginald James LaCouvee
Officers of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT These officers were on board HMCS PRINCE ROBERT at some time during Lt Fricke's period of service on her (LF106) WT (E) George Aime Dufour (LF107) Lt (E) John Leslie Maw, (Johnny) (LF108) Lt (E) Ferris Durnin Sturdy (LF109) Paym-Lt Ian Norman Collins (LF110)Paym-Lt George Alexander Herring
Officers of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT These officers were on board HMCS PRINCE ROBERT at some time during Lt Fricke's period of service on her (LF111) Paym-Lt Peter Newill (LF112) Padre Claude Edward Hayward (LF113) Surg-LCdr Robert Laidlaw MacMillan, (Bob) (Beefy) (LF114) Surg-Lt Donald Mark Whitley (LF115) Lt (SB) Herbert Jessop Nott
Officers of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT These officers were on board HMCS PRINCE ROBERT at some time during Lt Fricke's period of service on her (LF116) Lt (E) George Gregory Janigan (LF117) Angus McDonald, "Pay" (LF118) SYO Barwick
(LF119) Mickey with 3 officers on board HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - Lt Fricke holding Mickey (LF120-LF122) Firing the 6-inch gun on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF123) "The Plumbers" - Officers of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - 1942. Front L-R: Lt I.J.L. Palmer, LCdr Elliott E.O., Lt Ferris Sturdy. Rear L-R: SLt Gardner, Davidson Cummings (Dave) Jennings, George V. Roche, Reinhold Rudolph (Roy) Schneider
(LR124-LF125) Away Seaboat. HMCS PRINCE ROBERT'S Seaboat is lowered and crew rows off (LF126) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT'S Landing Party in the ship's seaboat (LF127) Hockey on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF128) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT, date and place unknown
(LF129) A view of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT from her fo'c's'le (LF130-LF131) A "dip in the pool" on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF132) RCN photographer on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF133) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT'S mascot - name unknown
(LF134) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT'S mascot - name unknown (LF135-LF138) Firing a depth charge from HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
(LF139-LF143) Kodiak, Alaska Aug-Nov 1942
(LF144-LF148) Kodiak, Alaska Aug-Nov 1942
(LF149-LF150) Kodiak, Alaska Aug-Nov 1942
(LF151) HMCS Prince ROBERT in Dry dock (LF152) Canadian Warship PRINCE ROBERT Is Refitted into Ack-Ack Cruiser - from an unknown newspaper
The Christening of Lt William Irvine Boorman's daughter on board HMCS PRINCE ROBERT, Jun 1943, Esquimalt, BC (LF153) The side is piped as Lt Boorman and daughter come onboard (LF154) Lt Boorman, his wife and daughter (LF155) The Christening ceremony in the wardroom of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF156) The side is piped as the water from the baptismal font (the ship's bell) is poured over the side.
HMCS PRINCE ROBERT visits Horta, Azores, Oct 1943 (LF157) Article on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT'S visit to Horta (LF158-LF159) Horta as seen from HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF160) PRINCE ROBERT'S shore patrol with local authorities (LF161) Sailors from HMCS PRINCE ROBERT ashore in Horta. Note the hooded garb worn by the local women
HMCS PRINCE ROBERT visits Horta, Azores, Oct 1943 (LF162-LF166) Sailors from HMCS PRINCE ROBERT ashore in Horta. Note the hooded garb worn by the local women
HMCS PRINCE ROBERT visits Horta, Azores, Oct 1943 (LF167) Sailors from HMCS PRINCE ROBERT ashore in Horta (LF168-LF170) Mount Pico, opposite Horta (LF171) Postcard from Horta
HMCS PRINCE ROBERT visits Horta, Azores, Oct 1943 (LF172-LF176) PostcardS from Horta
(LF177) Local currency in Horta
(LF178) Inspection of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT by F.O.I.C. Greenock (LF179) Vice-Admiral Nelles addresses the crew of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF180) Visit of Vincent Massey, High Commissionaire to Britain and Capt F. Houghton, RCN to HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF181-LF182) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT shipping seas in the North Atlantic
(LF184-LF186) Photos in PRINCE ROBERT'S engine room (LF187) Lookout on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT in cooler weather (LF188) Lookout on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
(LF189) Sailor on watch by the search light on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF190) The ship's canteen on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF191) Jive session on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF192) Ship's news broadcast on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF193) Unknown diver
(LF194) Sailor on platform for the accommodation ladder on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF195) Sailor on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT repairing the scrambling net (LF196) Sailors on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT repairing / replacing the rope for the block and tackle (LF197) A taste test - officer on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT samples what's cooking
(LF198-LF200) the butcher ... the baker ... and the sandwich meat maker on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
(LF201) just a little off the back please (LF202) Sailors on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT relaxing on the upper decks (LF203) Sailors from HMCS PRINCE ROBERT going for a swim - it appears that the ship's boat is a bit low in the water (LF204) Unknown event on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - perhaps CO's requestmen (LF205) Ship's doctor on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT removing the patient's dressing checking how the incision is healing
(LF206) The ship's dentist at work on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF207) Sailor at work in the laundry room on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF208-LF209) Unknown officers on the bridge of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF210) "The lonesome polecat and CO on the bridge" of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
(LF211) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT conducting a light ling transfer (LF212) A lookout on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF213) Friendly aircraft approaching HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF214) Master and Arms and R.P.O. on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF215) Signalmen on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT sending or receiving a message
(LF216) Unknown rating with telescope on the bridge of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF217) Sleep .... whenever and wherever possible (LF218-LF219) PRINCE ROBERT'S Landing Party (LF220) A birthday celebration onboard HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
(LF221-LF225) Sailors on watch at various positions on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
(LF226) Sailors on the bridge wing of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF227-LF229) Mail call on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
(LF230-LF234) Wartime sketches of scenes on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT by Lt Ed. McNally Apr 1942 - Dec 1943
(LF235-LF239) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT escorting a convoy
At the ship's concert on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF241) Cdr Watts, XO at Broadcast and Concert (LF242) L-R: "Pete" McRitchie, Robert Ian "Bob" Hendy, Cdr Elliot, Cdr Philip J.B. Watts XO, Peter Stursberg (LF243) The ship's crew enjoying the concert
(LF244-LF246) Sunday Divisions on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
(LF247) Unknown Bangor Class Minesweeper in company with HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF248) 4-barreled pom-pom on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF249) Twin .5s on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF250-LF251) 20mm Oerlikon on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
(LF251-LF254) 20-mm Oerlikon practice firing
(LF255-LF257) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT'S main armament - gunnery drills
(LF258) Mel Butt, C.E.A. (LF259) P.O. Jack Levirs (Sails) (LF260-LF261) "The Guns" - Close up of one of the gun turrets on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT (LF262) Night action on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - Webmaster's note - this photo was damaged in the upper left and was repaired to the best of my rudimentary editing abilities. Click here to see the unedited copy
(LF263) Christening of John Christopher Maw on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT, Oct 1943 (LF264) Kit and Gloria Webmaster's note: these would have taken place in the UK.
Convoy battle in the Bay of Biscay - 19-22 Nov 1943 Photos taken from HMCS PRINCE ROBERT who joined the convoy escort in mid battle on 21 Nov 1943. This battle involved convoys SL.139 and MKS.30 destined for Liverpool, which merged on 16 Nov 1943. (LF265) Near miss on a merchantman - 23 casualties (LF266) Flak explosions (LF267) Near miss on corvette (left of explosion) - no casualties (LF268) The corvette steams on
(LF269-LF272) Newspaper articles on the convoy battle
(LF273-LF275) Admiral Borroughs F.O.G.M.A. inspects the crew of HMCS PRINCE ROBERT
(LF276-LF280) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT steams past the Rock of Gibraltar
(LF282-LF285) Postcards from Gibraltar
(LF286-LF288) Postcards from Gibraltar (LF287) the first warship on the left along the breakwater is a Queen Elizabeth class battleship, the middle one is HMS Hood and the 3rd is either HMS Renown or HMS Repulse. (LF288) The warship on the left is HMS Hood. The one on the right is either HMS Renown or HMS Repulse.
(LF289-LF294) Ceremony of the Keys - Gibraltar
(LF295) Travel documents allowing Lt Fricke to leave Gibraltar and enter Spain (LF296) Anti-Aircraft Cruiser Joins Canadian Navy - Newspaper article dated 18 Jan 1944 (LF297) PRINCE ROBERT'S Colourful Career Is Continued as Ack Ack Cruiser - Newspaper article dated 27 Jan 1944
Dunn - Collins Wedding, Plymouth, Eng, Feb 1944 Paymaster-Lt Ian Collins weds Leading Wren Evelyn Dunn (LF300) L-R: LCdr Graham, Lt Harvey, Paym-Lt Collins (groom), Lt (E), Maw, Lt McDonald, Lt Fricke
(LF303-LF307) Paint, Paint .... and more Paint. A bit of ship's husbandry on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - date unknown circa 1942-44
(LF308-LF311) Paint, Paint .... and more Paint. A bit of ship's husbandry on HMCS PRINCE ROBERT - date unknown circa 1942-44
HMCS PRINCE ROBERT, the first Canadian warship to visit Naples since it was liberated from the Germans - Jun 1944 (LF312) Isle of Capri LF313-LF314) Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius (LF315-LF316) Naples
(LF317-LF318) Newspaper article on PRINCE ROBERT'S visit to Naples
(LF319-LF333) Postcards from Naples, Italy
(LF334) HMCS PRINCE ROBERT'S Dance Orchestra (LF335) Souvenir certificate from the first PRINCE ROBERT crew reunion in 1988 (LF336) Cover of Reunion booklet From the collection of Laurence (Larry) Fricke, LCdr, RCNR Courtesy of Linda Carleton
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In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice
Lest We Forget
