HMCS SAGUENAY H03 / D79 / I79

 

River Class Destroyer

 


 

HMCS SAGUENAY D79

Source: Flickr photo collection of Ron Bell

 

Battle honours and awards:  Atlantic  1939-45

 

 

Launched: 11 Jul 1930

Commissioned: 21 May 1931

Paid off: 30 Jul 1945

Fate: Broken in 1946

 

SAGUENAY and her sister, SKEENA, were the first ships built for the RCN. SAGUENAY was built by Thornycraft, England for the cost of £670,000. Her hull was strengthened to withstand ice pressure which made her ideal for deployments in Newfoundland waters. She was commissioned on 22 May 1931, at Portsmouth and made her maiden arrival at Halifax on 03 Jul 1931. On 05 Jan 1935, HMCS SKEENA and HMCS VANCOUVER departed Esquimalt for exercises in the Kingston, Jamaica area with HMCS CHAMPLAIN and HMCS SAGUENAY. In Jan 1938, SAGUENAY once again sailed south on a Spring Cruise with port visits at in Bermuda; Puerto Culebra, Costa Rica; Talara, Peru; Acapulco, Mexico; and Panama and San Diego, Calif. With the outbreak of the Second World War she escorted local convoys until late Sep 1939, when she was assigned to the America and West Indies Station, and based at Kingston, Jamaica. 

 

On 23 Oct 1939, in the Yucatan Channel, she intercepted the German tanker Emmy Friederich, which scuttled herself. She returned to Halifax in mid-Dec 1939 to resume local escort duty until 16 Oct 1940, when she sailed for the U.K. to join EG 10, Greenock.

 

On 01 Dec 1940, while escorting convoy HG.47, she was torpedoed by the Italian submarine Argo 300 miles west of Ireland. With her bows wrecked and 21 dead, SAGUENAY made Barrow-in-Furness largely under her own power, and was under repairs until 22 May 1941. She left Greenock on 23 May 1941, and arrived on 07 Jun 1941 at St. John's, where she joined the NEF, which was then forming. From Jun 1941 to Jan 1942 she escorted convoys to Iceland. From Jan 1942 to Jun 1942 she was assigned to WS convoys.

 

[Historical note: WS convoys were iron ore carriers traveling between Bell Island (located in Conception Bay Nfld - just north of St. John's) and Sydney, Nova Scotia. The Dominion Oil and Steel Company (DOSCO) at Sydney, Cape Breton, NS, owned the iron ore mines on Bell Island at Wabana, and the Steel Mills at Sydney NS. At that time they were producing one third of Canada's total steel output. Prior to the WW II, Germany was their biggest foreign customer for iron ore. The letters 'W' (for Wabana) and 'S' (for Sydney) were assigned to convoys between the two locations.]

 

From 19 Apr 1942 to 02 Nov 1942 she was assigned to the Newfie - Derry run (convoys from St. John's, NFLD to Londonderry, Ireland). During the months of Sep - Nov 1942, U-boat activity increased off Newfoundland. On 04 Sep 1942 a U-boat sank 2 ore carriers at their loading docks at Wabana. On 14 Oct 1942, the ferry Caribou was sunk with the loss of 137 lives. On 02 Nov 1942 (in broad daylight) 2 more ore carriers were sunk at the moorings at Bell Island and the ore carrier PML27 was torpedoed shortly after leaving Bell Island. With the increase in sinkings, an increase in escort vessels was made to the WB convoys and SAGUENAY was re-assigned to the WB convoys. On 15 Nov 1942 HMCS SAGUENAY was escorting convoy WB13. At a distance of approximately 12 miles South of St. John's and 50 miles South East of Cape Spare, HMCS SAGUENAY was struck in the stern by the freighter SS Azra. Depth charges from HMCS SAGUENAY were dislodged overboard and exploded beneath both ships. The SAGUENAY had her stern blown off and the Azar her bow. Damage to the Azar was sufficient to cause her to sink at the site. The SAGUENAY stayed afloat and took Azar's crew members onboard. The collision occurred within sight of Cape Spear near the entrance to St. John's harbour and the naval command center at HMCS AVALON dispatched an RCN Tug (possibly W 47) to tow the damaged SAGUENAY to the graving dock in St. John's harbour. Once in the graving dock, the stern was sealed to enable the ship to be towed to the ship yards at Saint John, N.B.. After further repairs at Saint John, N.B., she was then taken to Cornwallis in Oct 1943, to serve as a training ship. Paid off 30 Jul 1945, she was sold for scrap in 1945 to International Iron and Metal in Hamilton, Ontario and was broken up in 1946. (note: another ref has her sold on 17 Jul 1948 and broken up.)

 


 

RCN Memories:      In memory of a veteran - John Francis Lipton, DSM

 


 

Photos and Documents          Ship's company photos          The Ship's Bell

 


 

HMCS SAGUENAY provides the Royal Guard at the Unveiling of the Vimy Memorial, 1936

 


 

Commanding Officers

 

Cdr Percy Walter Nelles, RCN - 22 May 1931 - 06 Jun 1932

Cdr Leonard Warren Murray, RCN - 07 Jun 1932 - 22 May 1934 (D79)

Cdr Ronald Ian Agnew, RCN - 23 May 1934 - 05 May 1936

Cdr William James Robert Beech, RCN - 06 May 1936 - 29 Jun 1938

LCdr Frank Llewellyn Houghton, RCN - 30 Jun 1938 - 07 Jul 1939

LCdr G.R. Miles, RCN - 08 Jul 1939 - 21 Apr 1941

Lt Phillip Edwin Haddon, RCN - 22 Apr 1941 - 07 Apr 1942

A/Cdr Dickson Carlisle Wallace, RCNR - 08 Apr 1942 - 14 Jan 1943

Lt John William McDowall, RCN - 15 Jan 1943 - 11 Mar 1943

Lt J.H. Ewart, RCNVR - 14 Oct 1943 - 17 May 1944

Lt Wesley Coburn Hawkins, RCNVR - 18 May 1944 - 06 Oct 1944 (I79)

A/Lt William Errol Hughson, RCNVR - 07 Oct 1944 - 15 Apr 1945

Lt Kenneth Peter Blanche, RCNVR - 16 Apr 1945 - 30 Jul 1945

 


 

     In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice    

     Lest We Forget     

 

BAKER, William S.

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

BENNETT, Harry M.

AB, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

BROWN, Paul A.

AB, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

COOK, Albert C.

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

COWLING, Oliver

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

DOIRON, Elmer J.

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

DOUGAN, Harold E.

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

GORING, William A.

AB, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

GOUGEON, Joseph R.

AB, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

HARE, Harvey W.

AB, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

LE GARE, Hector

AB, RCNR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

LYNCH, Budd F.

VA, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

MAZIERE, George

AB, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

MORRISON, David A.

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

PURVIS, Henry

OS, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

ROSS, Duncan B.

Lt (E), RCNVR

MPK - 15 Nov 1942

SHEPPARD, Henry J.

AB, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

SPENCER, Frederick

OS, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

STRICKLAND, Stanley

AB, RCNR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

SWEENEY, Charles H.

LS LR2, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

TWEEDIE, John S.D.D.

AB ST, RCNVR

killed - 01 Dec 1940

TYNDALL, William D.

OS, RCN

killed - 01 Dec 1940

 

 

 

 


 

     In memory of those who have crossed the bar    

They shall not be forgotten

 

(s) - survived the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY on 01 Dec 1940

A

 

 

B

 

 

C

 

 

D

 

 

E

 

Ewart, John H.

 

 

 

 

 

F

 

 

G

 

 

H

 

 

I

 

Ireland, Stanley A.

 

 

 

 

 

J

 

 

K

 

 

L

 

 

M

 

 

N

 

 

O

 

O'Brien, John C.

 

 

 

 

 

P

 

 

R

 

 

S

 

 

T

 

 

V

 

Vander Haegen, George

 

 

 

 

 

W

 

 

Y

 

Young, Thomas W. (s)

 

 

 

 

 


 

Former Crew Members

 

(s) - survived the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY on 01 Dec 1940

 

Allen, Douglas Haig, Sto - 1940 (s)

 

Archibald,, Godfrey Thomas Alfred Sissener, Lt, RCNVR - 26 May 1942

 

Beck, William, War (E), RCNR - 05 Feb 1945

 

Bidwell, Rogeer Edward Shelford, LCdr (T), RCN - 23 May 1932

 

Blais, Joseph Daniel Albert, A/Paym/Lt, RCNVR - 08 Jul 1940

 

Branch, Charles C/Sto - 1940 (s)

 

Brooking, William, CERA - 1940 (s)

 

Browne, Lt, Submarine Detecting Officer - 1940 (s)

 

Buckley, AB - 1940 (s)

 

Campbell, Torpedoman - 1940 (s)

 

Carson, William, Sto PO - 1940 (s)

 

Clarke, Herbert - 1940 (s)

 

Cooper, Rex Harrop, Lt, RCNVR - 02 Jul 1942

 

Curry, Angus Downey Mathwin, Cdr, RCN - Jan 1933

 

Davidson, Geoffrey Huntley, Lt, RCN - 17 Apr 1940

 

Dryer, Kenneth (Ken) Lloyd, SLt, RCN - 01 Jun 1938

 

Finter, Lloyd - 1940 (s)

 

Francois, John Eugene, Lt, RCNR - 26 May 1942

 

Gardiner, William Douglas Haig, SLt, RCNVR - 10 Apr 1942

 

Gearing, Dan, Torpedoman - 1940 (s)

Godfrey, Valentine (Val) Stuart, LCdr, RCN - 22 May 1931

 

Hancock, John, LS - 1940 (s)

 

Hansen, Jack Henry, Midshipman, RCNR - 23 May 1940

 

Hart, Robert Shaw, Lt, RCNVR - 05 Mar 1942

 

Hope, Adrian Mitchell (Bommer), LCdr, RCN - 03 Apr 1931 (Stand by) / 22 May 1931

 

Howe, Lawrence, L/Sto - 1940 (s)

 

Jefferson, Frank Harvey, Cdr (E), RCN - 22 May 1931

 

Leal, Reginald, PO - 1940 (s)

 

Learmonth, Charles Mohn, Surg/Lt, RCNVR - 06 Apr 1942

 

MacDonnell, Malcolm M. - 1940 (s)

 

Martin, Victor 

 

McCullough, Eddie, Sto - 1940 (s)

 

McEuen, Charles Stuart, Surg LCdr, RCNVR - 28 Jul 1941

 

Moffat, William Purves, Lt, RCNVR - 12 Mar 1940

 

Moore, Dinty - 1938

 

Myers, J.F., LS - 1940 (s)

 

Nieuwstad, Pieter Cornelius, Lt (E), RCNR - Jan 1942

 

Owsianski, C., Sto - 1940 (s)

Paterson, George Alexander, A/Wt (E), RCN - 16 Apr 1943

 

Pierce, D., AB - Dec 1940

 

Protheroe, George Edward, Gnr (T), RCN - 27 May 1940

 

Robbins, Joseph C (Ginger), PO - 1940 (s)

 

Roberts, John (Johnny) William, SLt, RCN - Jan 1942

 

Rye, Harold, PO (s)

 

Saunders, Cook's Assistant - 1940 (s)

 

Savory, John Alfred, Lt (E), RCNVR - 05 Feb 1943

 

Schurman, Percy (Tiny), Sto PO - 1940 (s)

 

Sherlock, F.M. - 1940 (s)

 

Shilston, George, Gnr (T), RCN - 22 May 1931

 

Tisdale, Ernest Patrick (Pat), Lt (G), RCN - 20 Jun 1934

 

Tulk, Augustus, Lt (E), RCNR - 14 Feb 1944

 

Uss, L/Tel - 1940 (s)

 

Walkley, James, Sto PO - 1940 (s)

 

Warwick, Ralph Berton, Lt, RCNVR - 15 Feb 1940

 

Williams, Richard, PO, RCN - 1940 

 

Wright, Harold Hutchins, Lt (E), RCNVR - 07 May 1940 (s)

 


 

Photos and Documents

 

SAG001

SAG002

(SAG001) The launching of HMCS SAGUENAY - 11 Jul 1930  //  Courtesy of the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum

(SAG002) The Commander of Italy's Air Fleet is Welcomed to Canada - Shediac, New Brunswick. Making his first stop in Canada, General Italo Balbo (right), commander of the Italian Air Armada, is greeted by Capt. C. C. Murray of the H.M.S. SAGUENAY just after he had brought his fleet of twenty-four seaplanes down on Shediac Bay after a flight from Labrador. The flight started from Orbettelo, Italy and will end at the Worlds Fair in Chicago. July 14 1933.

 


 

Funeral service at sea for AB John Pulley - 04 Dec 1933

 

SAG003

SAG004

SAG005

SAG006

SAG007

SAG008

SAG009

(SAG003-SAG004) Casket with the body of AB John Pulley with guard by the stern gun of HMCS SAGUENAY D79

(SAG005) Engines stopped - lower the ship's ensign - committal party assembled on lee side of quarter deck - committal service commences

(SAG006) The body of AB John Pulley is readied for committal to the deep

(SAG007) Casket sliding from "committal board" to sea from under ship's ensign. "Caps off" by crew. " Lord God, by the power of your Word you stilled the chaos of the primeval seas, you made the raging waters of the Flood subside, and you calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee. As we commit the earthly remains of our brother John Pulley to the deep, grant him peace and tranquility until that day when John and all who believe in you will be raised to the glory of new life promised in the waters of baptism. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen"

(SAG008) A wreath is laid on the ocean grave of AB John Pulley

(SAG009) Newspaper article on the burial at sea of AB John Pulley from the Montreal Gazette, 05 Dec 1933

From the collections of Herbert Edward Dowling, RCN & James A. Senior, RCN

Courtesy of Bill Cummins and Bob Senior

 


 

SAG010

SAG011

SAG012

SAG013

SAG014 / TM09

(SAG010) Invitation to the 4th Annual HMCS SAGUENAY Ship's Company Dance at the Nova Scotian Hotel - 27 Nov 1934  //  Courtesy of Mike O'Keefe

(SAG011) Enveloped addressed to Miss L. Matthews, 59 Cayuga St., Brantford, ON from F.G. Macklin, HMCS SAGUENAY - postmarked 15 Feb 1938  //  The following is from the RCN Ledger sheets:  Name: Macklin, Francklin George Date of Birth: 1914-01-01 Occupation: Brass Spinner Service Number: 2536 Place of Birth: Brantford, Ontario Religion: United Church Volume: 4 Reference: RG 150 1992-93/170 Item Number: 3485

(SAG012) Post Card with HMCS SAGUENAY ship's stamp dated 12 Apr 1938

(SAG013) LS Johnny Hann and AB Aubrey Redden (right), HMCS SAGUENAY 1938-39  //  From the collection of C. Aubrey Redden, CPO1, RCN  //  Courtesy of Sherri Redden

(SAG014) Thomas G. Mosher on HMCS SAGUENAY, date unknown  //  From the collection of Thomas Mosher  //  Courtesy of Gordon Rhymes

 

SAG015

SAG016

SAG017

(SAG015) HMCS SAGUENAY I79 under tow - date unknown  //  Courtesy of Colin Litster

(SAG016) Personnel preparing to fire depth charges as the destroyer HMCS SAGUENAY attacks a submarine contact at sea, 30 Oct 1941  //  Source: Canada. Dept. of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-204329

(SAG017) HMCS SAGUENAY shortly after her collision with the SS AZAR  //  Courtesy of Roger Litwiller

 

SAG018

SAG019

(SAG018) The Saguenay Song //  Source: The Crow's Nest Magazine Apr 1956

(SAG019) A song about HMCS SAGUENAY losing her bow to a torpedo  //  From the collection of Charles Branch, RCN  //  Webmaster's Note: This song has a few historical inaccuracies as it was an Italian submarine that torpedoed HMCS SAGUENAY, not a German U-boat and they were 300 miles west of Ireland) not 600.  However, it was wartime and the write when by either what he believed to be true or by what made the words flow a little smoother. We shall not drop him in the rattle for his transgressions.

 

SAG020 / AD02

SAG021 / IJ05

SAG022

SAG023

SAG024

(SAG020) HMCS SAGUENAY D79 Christmas card  //  From the collection of Archie Dowling, Stoker RCN  //  Courtesy of Bill Cummins

(SAG021) Ira Johnson and shipmate on HMCS SAGUENAY circa 1939  //  From the collection of Ira Johnson, CPO LR2, RCN  //  Courtesy of Marie Paulowich

(SAG022) HMCS SAGUENAY seen from HMCS SACKVILLE K181  //  From the collection of Kenneth Medford, DSM  //  Courtesy of Gary Medford

(SAG023) HMCS SAGUENAY I79 with a disruptive paint scheme  //  From the collection of CPO Lloyd Wallace  //  Courtesy of Peter Hanlon

(SAG024) HMCS SAGUENAY  //  From the collection of Robert Macklem  //  Courtesy of Kelly Macklem

 



 

JS60

JS61

JS62

(JS60) HMCS CHAMPLAIN (left) and HMCS SAGUENAY (right) in the graving dock, Saint John, NB - date unknown

(JS61-JS62) Graving dock view from stern - SAGUENAY (left), CHAMPLAIN (right)

 

JS63

JS64

JS65

JS66

JS67

(JS63) HMCS SAGUENAY entering Willemstad Harbour, Netherlands Antilles, 1934 - In the winter of 1934, HMCS SKEENA, HMCS SAGUENAY, HMCS CHAMPLAIN and HMCS VANCOUVER took part in Winter exercises off South America

(JS64) SAGUENAY sailors ashore - Front left, James A. Senior, front right believed to be Herbert E. Dowling. Sailors in back unknown

(JS65) SAGUENAY sailors ashore - James Senior, standing, left

(JS66) HMCS SAGUENAY D79 entering Miami, Florida, USA Apr 1935

(JS67) HMCS SAGUENAY and HMCS Champlain, Miami, Florida, USA

 

JS68

JS69

JS70

JS71

JS72

(JS68) HMCS SAGUENAY and HMCS Champlain, Miami, Florida, USA

(JS69) Sailors off HMCS SAGUENAY on the beach on Saint Lucia, Eastern Caribbean - 1935.  James Senior, back row, centre

(JS70) Sailors on HMCS SAGUENAY, Haiti, 1935

(JS71) Sailors on HMCS SAGUENAY pulling in a shark off Haiti - 1935

(JS72) Sailors off HMCS SAGUENAY enjoying a drink ashore - James Senior on the right

 

JS73

JS74

JS75

JS76

JS77

(JS73) James Senior on HMCS SAGUENAY - 1936. Note the iceberg in the background

(JS74) James Senior relaxing on the upper decks on HMCS SAGUENAY - 1936

(JS75) HMCS SAGUENAY 5-oared whaler crew, 1936 - James Senior front right

(JS76) HMCS SAGUENAY 5-oared whaler crew, 1936.  L-R: Senior, unknown, Glover, unknown, unknown, Racine

(JS77) HMCS SAGUENAY 5-oared whaler crew, 1936 - James Senior, front, left

 

JS78

JS79

JS80

JS81

JS82

(JS78) Ship's whaler taking crew from HMCS SAGUENAY ashore to the beach - 1936.  James senior 2nd row furthest right

(JS79-JS82) R&R on the beaches in the sunny south - 1936.  Sailors of HMCS SAGUENAY on the beaches

(JS79) SAGUENAY sailors on the beach - James Senior falling, location unknown

(JS80) at La Guaira, Venezuela

(JS81) at La Guaira, Venezuela - James Senior, foreground

(JS82) at La Guaira, Venezuela - James Senior, centre

 

JS83

JS84

JS85

JS86

JS87

(JS83-JS87) R&R on the beaches in the sunny south - 1936.  Sailors of HMCS SAGUENAY on the beaches

(JS83) Unknown sailor posing on the beach.  Location unknown

(JS84) James Senior posing on the beach. Location unknown

(JS85) sailor by ship's whaler at Saguramus Bay

(JS86) James Senior by ships boat with an armload of coconuts at Saguramus Bay

(JS87) James Senior, left - location unknown

Note:  Saguramus Bay is Chaguaramas Bay, Trinidad

 

JS88

JS89

JS90

JS91

(JS88-JS91) R&R on the beaches in the sunny south - 1936.  Sailors of HMCS SAGUENAY on the beaches

(JS88) at Saguramus Bay - James Senior, centre, anchor

(JS89) at Saguramus Bay

(JS90) Fresh Water Club, Barbados

(JS91) Barbados - James Senior, front, right

Note:  Saguramus Bay is Chaguaramas Bay, Trinidad

 

JS92

JS93

JS94

JS95

JS96

(JS92) Alongside somewhere down south - 1936.  Sailors on HMCS SAGUENAY under the ships awning, escaping the sun and heat - laundry hanging to the left of the gun turret

(JS93) Dhobey (laundry) day on HMCS SAGUENAY - James Senior on the right

(JS94) James Senior (standing) on HMCS SAGUENAY

(JS95) James Senior on HMCS SAGUENAY - 1936

(JS96) James Senior (front) hiking in Haiti circa 1936

 

JS97

JS98

JS99

JS100

JS101

(JS97) Catch-of-the-Day. HMCS SAGUENAY, Ecuador, 1936

(JS98) Unknown sailor off of HMCS SAGUENAY

(JS99) A couple sailors of HMCS SAGUENAY sight-seeing

(JS100) HMCS SAGUENAY alongside - date and location unknown

(JS101) Unknown sailors off HMCS SAGUENAY with young girl in front of house - date and location unknown

 

JS102

JS103

JS104

JS105

JS106

(JS102) The dedication of the Vimy Memorial.  HMCS SAGUENAY provided the Royal Guard - 1936

(JS103) Canadian Lines

(JS104) German Lines 09 Apr 1917

(JS105) Moroccan Memorial

(JS106) Vimy Ridge - with direction sign to Arras

 

JS107

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JS110

JS111

(JS107) Vimy Ridge - No Man's Land

(JS108-JS109) Trenches at Vimy Ridge

 

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JS115

JS116

(JS112) Unknown Petty Officer on HMCS SAGUENAY circa 1937-1938

(JS113) Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY

(JS114) Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY

(JS115) Unknown sailors on HMCS SAGUENAY

(JS116) Unknown sailors on HMCS SAGUENAY - one has an injured knee

 

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JS120

JS121

(JS117) Unknown sailor from HMCS SAGUENAY - note the RCNVR cap tally

(JS118) Sailors off HMCS SAGUENAY - date and location unknown

(JS119) Sailor off HMCS SAGUENAY resting during maintenance of the graves at Croque, NFLD.  The French navy and RCN went there until the early 1970’s to do maintenance on the small French cemetery located there. The cemetery is still there but maintained by the local residents now.

(JS120) Unknown sailors from HMCS SAGUENAY ashore - date and location unknown

(JS121) Unknown HMCS SAGUENAY Stoker

 

JS122

(JS122) Newspaper article - HMCS SAGUENAY and HMCS SKEENA sail for the Coronation Review for King George the VI - 1937

 

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(JS123) Crossing the Line Certificate - Equator - 1330 hrs 04 Feb 1938 - HMCS SAGUENAY D79 for James A. Senior, RCN

(JS124) King Neptune's Court

(JS125-JS127) Crossing the Line Ceremony on HMCS SAGUENAY

(JS127) Officers of HMCS SAGUENAY being initiated into King Neptune's Realm

 

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(JS128-JS131) HMCS SAGUENAY D79 transiting the Panama Canal, Jan 1938

 

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(JS132) Stoker Petty Officer James Senior in the Andes Mountains, Peru - 1938

(JS133) HMCS SAGUENAY at anchor off Paita, Peru - 1938

(JS134) Unknown River Class destroyer at anchor of Callao, Peru - 1938

(JS135) Sailors on HMCS SAGUENAY - possibly during the 1939 Spring Cruise

(JS136) Three Petty Officers on HMCS SAGUENAY - 1939.  James Senior - centre

 

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(JS140) Unknown River Class destroyer - photo taken from HMCS SAGUENAY

(JS141) Unknown warship following astern of HMCS SAGUENAY

(JS142) Gun shoot - unknown ship firing forward guns - photo taken from HMCS SAGUENAY

(JS143) James Senior on HMCS SAGUENAY, Bermuda, date unknown

(JS144) PO James Senior on HMCS SAGUENAY

From the collection of James A. Senior, Wt (E), RCN

Courtesy of Bob Senior

 



 

HD19

HD20

HD21

HD22

HD23

(HD19) Herbert E. Dowling at Cape Haitian  //  HMCS SAGUENAY D79 - 1935 cruise to Jamaica and Haiti

(HD20) Herbert E. Dowling outside the tomb of King Henri Christophe at Cape Haitien, Haiti //  HMCS SAGUENAY D79 - 1935 cruise to Jamaica and Haiti

(HD21) Nelson Rutt and Herbert E. Dowling (right) posing in from of a pile of cannon balls at the Castle of Blood (Citadelle Laferriere), Cap Haitien, Haiti  //  HMCS SAGUENAY D79 - 1935 cruise to Jamaica and Haiti

(HD22) Herbert E. Dowling (left) and Jack Mackenzie on HMCS SAGUENAY in Kingston, Jamaica  //  HMCS SAGUENAY D79 - 1935 cruise to Jamaica and Haiti

(HD23) 1937 Coronation Fleet Review souvenir programme cover

 

HD25

HD26

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HD29

(HD24) HMCS SAGUENAY D79 at the 1937 Coronation Fleet Review

(HD25) Crossing the Line Certficate - Equator for Herbert Dowling - 1330 hrs 04 Feb 1938 - HMCS SAGUENAY D79 // Ships on this deployment - HMCS SAGUENAY D79, HMCS SKEENA D59, HMCS ST LAURENT and HMCS FRASER H48

(HD26) Herbert Dowling (left) in Lima, Peru  //  HMCS SAGUENAY D59 - 1938 Cruise

(HD27) Herbert Dowling (left) part time ships barber on HMCS SAGUENAY D79

(HD28) Newspaper article from the Halifax Chronicle Herald about the 1938 cruise

 

HD29

(HD29) Herbert Edward Dowling, L/Sto, RCN on HMCS SAGUENAY

From the collection of Herbert Edward Dowling, Leading Stoker, RCN

Courtesy of Bill Cummins

 



 

BR15

BR16

(BR15) HMCS SAGUENAY in a graving dock - location unknown

(BR16) HMCS SAGUENAY after being rammed by SS Azra 12 miles South of St. John’s and 50 miles South East of Cape Spare,15 Nov 1942, and lost her stern when her depth charges exploded

From the Rose family collection

Courtesy of Bud Rose

 



 

FR01

FR02

FR03

FR04

FR05

(FR01) Five crew of HMCS SAGUENAY, 09 Jan 1938, Bermuda  //  Fred Rowe standing, 2nd from left

(FR02) Meisner and Fred Rowe (right), HMCS SAGUENAY, Puerto Culebra, Costa Rica 1938

(FR03) Fred Rowe (right) and shipmate, Panama, HMCS SAGUENAY, 1938

(FR04) Fred Rowe on HMCS SAGUENAY, Acapulco, Mexico, 1938

(FR05) Fred Rowe (left) and Dinty Moore on HMCS SAGUENAY, Acapulco, Mexico, 1938

 

From the collection of Jean Martin

Courtesy of Jean Martin via Vignettes of Reta

 



 

CM01

CM02

 

(CM01) Colin MacKenzie on HMCS SAGUENAY

(CM02) Colin MacKenzie on HMCS SAGUENAY //  back of photo

 



 

HMCS SAGUENAY - South Cruise - Jan-Mar - 1939

 

LN01

LN02

LN03

LN04

LN05

(LN01) Unknown sailor on the flag deck of HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN02) Unknown sailors on the flag deck of HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN03) Chief Yeoman of Signals Pritchard  (LN04) Supermarine Walrus Mk I K8343 - appears to be taking off near HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN05) HMCS SAGUENAY'S boat crew "Going out the boom and into the whaler for a pull"

 

Historical note for photo LN04: 718 Sqn. FAA Royal Navy, Supermarine Walrus K8343, shipborne on the heavy cruiser HMS Exeter, was damaged beyond repair by shelling from the German pocket battleship Graf Spee during the Battle of the River Plate, South America and was jettisoned overboard on 13th December 1939 (together with HMS Exeter's second Walrus K8341)

 

LN06

LN07

LN08

LN09

LN10

(LN06) McIntyre on HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN07) Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN08) Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY in Jamaica  (LN09) US Flagship entering harbour, Kingston, Jamaica, Mar 1939. Photo taken from HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN10) Andy Greer on the flag deck of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

LN11

LN12

LN13

LN14

LN15

(LN11) HMCS SKEENA anchored off Saba Island. Photo taken from HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN12) Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY, Barbados, 11 Feb 1939  (LN13) Unknown sailors on HMCS SKEENA. One of the sailors is named Don  (LN14) Unknown sailor on HMCS SAGUENAY  (LN15) Unknown sailor on the flag deck of HMCS SAGUENAY, Grenada, 28 Jan 1939, South Cruise

 

LN16

(LN16) McIntrye (left) & Sutherland on HMCS SAGUENAY

 

Courtesy of Luc Normand

 



 

Second World War

 

JC01

JC02

(JC01-JC02) Front pages from the Halifax Herald on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

JC03

JC04

JC05

JC06

JC07

(JC03) Heroism Prevents Loss of Canadian Destroyer - Halifax Star, 11 Dec 1940.  Newspaper article on the actions of CERA William Brooking, Chief Stoker Charles Branch and LT Engineer Harold Hutching Wright

(JC04) Repair SAGUENAY - Newspaper article on the actions of Lt. G. Huntley Davidson and Joseph C. Robbins

(JC05) Helped Bring The SAGUENAY To Port - Newspaper article on L/Sto Lawrence How and Sto PO Percy Schurman

(JC06) Newspaper article on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

(JC07) Newspaper article on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

JC08

JC09

JC10

JC11

JC12

(JC08) Newspaper clipping on CERA William Brooking

(JC09) Newspaper clipping of LS John E. Lipton  //  Note: name should read John F. (Francis) Lipton

(JC10-JC11) Nova Scotia Heroes in Saving SAGUENAY - The Halifax Herald

(JC12) HMCS SAGUENAY Casualty List

 

JC13

JC14

JC15

JC16

JC17

(JC13) Newspaper article on HMCS SAGUENAY - The Halifax Herald

(JC14) Nova Scotian sailors who were wounded when HMCS SAGUENAY was torpedoed.  Herbert Clarke, J.F. Myers, Lloyd Finter and F.M. Sherlock

(JC15) Newspaper article on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

(JC16) Newspaper article on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

(JC17)  Newspaper article on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

JC18

(JC18) Tribute to those lost when HMCS SAGUENAY was torpedoed

Courtesy of Jim Courchene

 



 

 

Articles on the torpedoing of HMCS SAGUENAY

 

Courtesy of Operation Picture Me 

 



 

NP001

NP002

NP003

NP004

(NP001) Three Westerners Aboard the Torpedoed Saguenay  //  Article on SAGUENAY'S Casualty and Survivors  //  The Toronto Star Dec 1940  //  Mentioned in the article:  Sto PO William James Carson - survivor;  Richard (Dick) Williams - survivor, injured;  AB Harry Benny - killed

(NP002) Article on SAGUENAY'S Casualties and Survivors  //  The Toronto Telegram Nov 1940  //  Mentioned in article: OS A.C. Cook - Killed;  AB S.D. D. Tweedie - Killed;  OS T.W. Young - Wounded;  OS V.R. Osborne - Wounded; Lt G. Davidson - unhurt

(NP03) Article on SAGUENAY'S casualties and survivors from the Montreal area  //  The Toronto Star Dec 1940  //  Mentioned in the article:  F.E. Ross - survivor;  PO Harold Rye - presumed safe;  R.R. Sylvester - wounded;  W.A. Goring - missing;  Henry Sheppard - missing;  George Maziere - missing

(NP04) HMCS SAGUENAY Casualties from the Toronto Area  //  Mentioned in the article:  OS A.C. Cook - missing;  AB J.S.D.D. Tweedie - missing;  OS T.W. Young - wounder;  OS V.R. Osborne - wounded

 

NP005

(NP005) Newspaper article on PO Richard Williams who was injured when HMCS SAGUENAY was torpedoed  // The Daily Colonist, Victoria, BC 27 Jan 1945

 



 

AB14

RCN Neg # SY-161-7

AB15

RCN Neg # SY-161-6

HMCS SAGUENAY

From the collection of ERA Albert Baker, RCNVR

Courtesy of Anne Baker

 



 

FM873

FM874

(FM873) Battered SAGUENAY Is New Training Vessel  //  Article on HMCS SAGUENAY after her collision with SS AZAR

(FM874) Battered Veteran Is Still Serving Canada  //  Article on HMCS SAGUENAY after her collision with SS AZAR

From the collection of François Messier, AB, RCNVR

Courtesy of Denis Messier

 



 

 

AD70

AD71

AD72

 

(AD70) HMCS SAGUENAY after her stern was cut off in a collision with SS AZSRA on 15 Nov 1942, 50 miles south east of Cape Spear. The SAGUENAY'S depth charges detonated sinking the AZRA.  SAGUENAY rescued the AZRA'S crew.

(AD71-AD72) SAGUENAY passing a towline through her bullring to an unknown warship

From the collection of Allan Dougall, LCdr (E), RCN(R)

Courtesy of David Dougall

 



 

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