HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

Naval Training Base

 


 

 

HMCS CORNWALLIS, named after the founder of Halifax, was established in HMC Dockyard Halifax on 01 May 1942. At the same time, construction began on the future location of the training base between Clementsport and Deep Brook in Annapolis Valley, NS. The new buildings were constructed during the winter of 1942 - 43 and the training facility officially moved from HMC Dockyard on 14 Apr 1943, the date the base was commissioned. After the war, HMCS CORNWALLIS was declared surplus and closed down on 28 February 1946. Re-commissioned 01 May 1949 (as per Navy List Jan 1955), HMCS CORNWALLIS was again the recruit training centre for the RCN and later the Canadian Forces. In 1966 the base was re-named CFB CORNWALLIS.  The based remained the main recruiting centre for the CF until it was shut down in 1994 and training moved to St. Jean, Quebec.

 


 

 New Entry / Recruit Course Photos          Leadership Course Photos          Trade Course Photos

 

Staff Photos

 


 

The significance of the ship's badge

 


 

RCN Memories:     HMCS CORNWALLIS

 


 

Training brochure sent to families of recruits

Courtesy Brian Lapierre

Recruit Handbook

25 Nov 1982

CFB Cornwallis

Directory 1989

 



 

HMCS CORNWALLIS Photo Albums

 

Courtesy of the Naval Museum of Halifax

 

 



 

Newspaper articles on the opening of HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

PJ51

(PJ51) Navy "City" at Deep Brook to Training Fighting Seamen - The Halifax Herald, 08 Jul 1943

 

PJ52

PJ53

PJ54

PJ55

PJ56

(PJ52-PJ53) Article on the opening of HMCS CORNWALLIS - Halifax Herald, 08 Jul 1943  (PJ54) Captain J.C.I. Edwards and G. McClintock, CO and XO of HMCS CORNWALLIS - The Evening Telegram, Toronto, 07 Jul 1943  (PJ55) The gym at HMCS CORNWALLIS under construction - The Evening Telegram, Toronto, 07 Jul 1943  (PJ56) Pal, the mascot of HMCS CORNWALLIS with Wrens Kay Reyburn and Joan Warren and Chief Gunner's Mate V. Burd  

 

PJ57

PJ58

PJ59

PJ60

PJ61

(PJ57) Empire's Largest Navy Base was Hayfield Year Ago - The Evening Telegram, Toronto, 07 Jul 1943  (PJ58-PJ61) Training at HMCS CORNWALLIS - The Evening Telegram, Toronto,  07 Jul 1943

 

(PJ61) Paul James' position indicated in the photo

 

From the collection of Paul James, Stoker, RCNVR

 

Courtesy of Gary James

 



 

"The Ship's Badge"

 


 

(CRN001-CRN017) Postcards that were for sale at the canteen at HMCS CORNWALLIS in the mid 1940s either as souvenirs or for recruits to send to their families

 

CRN001

CRN002

CRN003

CRN004

CRN005

(CRN001) West Gate at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(CRN002) Divisions on the old parade square

(CRN003) PT on the new parade square at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(CRN004) The Band at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(CRN005) Gunnery school at HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

CRN006

CRN007

CRN008

CRN009

CRN010

(CRN006) The Gun Battery building at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(CRN007) The Gun Battery at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(CRN008) Base Commander's House at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(CRN009) Marching to daily divisions at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(CRN010) Daily Divisions at HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

CRN011

CRN012

CRN013

CRN014

CRN015

(CRN011) The Quarterdeck at HMCS CORNWALLIS - Note the dais in the upper left of the photo

(CRN012) Mike, the mascot for HMCS CORNWALLIS leads the march past the dais 

(CRN013) ASDIC school

(CRN014) Monarch Block

(CRN015) H-hut accommodations

 

CRN016

CRN017

(CRN016) Marching to Gunnery School

(CRN017) Mike - Mascot for HMCS CORNWALLIS

 


 

CRN0018 / ND02

CRN019

CRN020

(CRN018) Recruits at HMCS CORNWALLIS during the Second World War  //  From the collection of Norman Donaldson

(CRN019) Photo of a barrack block at CORNWALLIS in 1968 //  Courtesy of John Hawley

(CRN020) This document appears to refer to Ottawa Division 2/59 // Courtesy of Robert DeWolfe

 

CRN021 / DK10

CRN022 / TC01

CRN023 / RR22

CRN024

(CRN021) Dedication of the Chapel at HMCS CORNWALLIS 07 Dec 1943   //  From the collection of Dalton Kaye, Tel, RCNVR  //  Courtesy of Steve Kaye

(CRN022) Christmas Menu - 1944 - HMCS CORNWALLIS  //  From the collection of Thomas Cotnam  //  Courtesy of Andrea Woods

(CRN023) View of HMCS CORNWALLIS viewed from the PMQ area  //  From the collection of Reg (Smokey) Rhymes  //  Courtesy of Gordon Rhymes

(CRN024) Recruits battle bushfires at HMCS CORNWALLIS - 1965  //  Courtesy of Don Ballantyne

 



 

NMoH-CRN-001

NMoH-CRN-002

NMoH-CRN-003

NMoH-CRN-004

NMoH-CRN-005

(NMoH-CRN-001) ML Q076 at HMCS CORNWALLIS during work-ups c1944

(NMoH-CRN-002) HMCS HUSKY S06 at HMCS CORNWALLIS during the Second World War

(NMoH-CRN-003) HMCS SANS PEUR Z52 at HMCS CORNWALLIS  during the Second World War

(NMoH-CRN-004) HMCS SANS PEUR at HMCS CORNWALLIS with HMS/m UNSEEN, L23 and SEAWOLF secured along side her during the Second World War

(NMoH-CRN-005) RCAF Crash Boat Bras D'Or at HMCS CORNWALLIS during the Second World War

 

NMoH-CRN-006

NMoH-CRN-007

NMoH-CRN-008

(NMoH-CRN-006) HMS/m SEA WOLF N47, L23 and UNSEEN P51 shift berth at HMCS CORNWALLIS  during the Second World War

(NMoH-CRN-007) HMS/m UNSEEN P51 and UPRIGHT N89 at HMCS CORNWALLIS during the Second World War

(NMoH-CRN-008) HMS/m UNSEEN P51, UPRIGHT N89 and UNRUFFLED P46 secured to a buoy at HMCS CORNWALLIS during the Second World War

 

(NMoH-CRN-009) Wrens on parade at HMCS CORNWALLIS post Second World War - undated

 

(NMoH-CRN-010) HMCS CORNWALLIS' Band - 1951

 

NMoH-CRN-011

NMoH-CRN-012

NMoH-CRN-013

NMoH-CRN-014

NMoH-CRN-015

(NMoH-CRN-011) HMCS CORNWALLIS Frobisher Block, new entries block, 1948. Looking NE along road that circles base  //  LCdr David Freeman Collection  //  RCN Neg # DB-0071-5)

(NMoH-CRN-012) HMCS Cornwallis - Aerial View of the Base's Housing Development

(NMoH-CRN-013) Detention Block at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(NMoH-CRN-014) HMCS Cornwallis early '50s, Main Street on Base  //  D. Findlay Collection

(NMoH-CRN-015) HMCS Cornwallis early 1950s, Physical and Recreation Training School  //  D. Findlay Collection

NMoH-CRN-016

NMoH-CRN-017

NMoH-CRN-018

NMoH-CRN-019

NMoH-CRN-020

(NMoH-CRN-016) The Canteen at HMCS CORNWALLIS early 1950s  //  D. Findlay Collection

(NMoH-CRN-017) Fire hall at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(NMoH-CRN-018) Barracks at HMCS CORNWALLIS 1942-43  //  Mr. Mackay Collection

(NMoH-CRN-019) The Gun Battery at HMCS CORNWALLIS 1942-43  // Mr. Mackay Collection

(NMoH-CRN-020) Wardroom at HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

NMoH-CRN-021

NMoH-CRN-022

NMoH-CRN-023

NMoH-CRN-024

NMoH-CRN-025

(NMoH-CRN-021) Rifle and Pistol Range at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(NMoH-CRN-022) Communications School at HMCS CORNWALLIS early 1950s

(NMoH-CRN-023) Drill with rifles at HMCS CORNWALLIS during the Second World War  //  Murray Halkett 89.91.84

(NMoH-CRN-024) Seamanship training at HMCS CORNWALLIS on an unknown ship (postcard)

(NMoH-CRN-025) Unknown building at HMCS CORNWALLIS - Second World War (postcard)

Courtesy of the Naval Museum of Halifax

 



 

RTL-HA028

RTL-HA105

RTL-HA106

RTL-HA107

RTL-HA108

HMCS CORNWALLIS - Halifax, 22 Sep - 23 Nov 1942

(HA28) Howard Abbott at HMCS CORNWALLIS, middle row, second from left

(HA105) Howard Abbott in HMCS CORNWALLIS

(HA106) RCN recruits outside barracks at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(HA108) Howard Abbott in HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

RTL-HA109

RTL-HA110

HMCS CORNWALLIS - Halifax, 22 Sep - 23 Nov 1942

(HA110) Howard Abbott (centre) at HMCS CORNWALLIS

From the collection of AB Howard Abbott, RCNVR

Courtesy of Roger Litwiller

 



 

RB01

RB02

RB03

RB04

RB05

Training at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(RB01) Raymond Burton

(RB05) Raymond Burton and Tom

 

TB06

TB07

Training at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(TB06) Drill with rifles on the parade square at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(TB07) Unknown building at HMCS CORNWALLIS

These photos are from the wartime photo collection of Raymond Burton . They have been provided for use on For Posterity's Sake on the page for HMCS CORNWALLIS These photos are not for reproduction, distribution or sale.

Copyright Elizabeth Wagner

 



 

Royal Canadian Naval School of Physical and Recreational Training

 

HB01

HB02

HB03

HB04

HB05

(HB01) C. MacDonald

(HB02) Reg Mylrae

(HB03) Roy Anger

(HB04) Bob Greene

(HB05) Johnny Rowland

 

HB06

HB07

HB08

HB09

HB10

(HB06) Jim Arnott

(HB07) Johnny Altman

(HB08) Bill Harmon

(HB09) Danny Seaman

(HB10) Gus Vickers

 

HB11

HB12

HB13

HB14

HB15

(HB11) Red Burchel

(HB12) HMCS CORNWALLIS New Entry Sports Award jacket patch

(HB13) Reg Mylrae

(HB14) Johnny Rowland

(HB15) Mike - mascot for HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

HB16

HB17

HB18

HB19

HB20

(HB16) Ron Sallis

(HB17) Bee (top) - Sallis, Gardner, Lobby, Rowland (horizontal) - Baldwin, Goldfinch, Magnan, Barron, Phillips, Janes (standing)

(HB18-HB20) Training Instructors conducting classes on the beach at HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

HB21

HB22

HB23

HB24

HB25

(HB21-HB22) Training Instructors conducting classes on the beach at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(HB23) The Gang at Deep Brook

(HB24) Simpson

(HB25) Sallis

 

HB26

HB27

HB28

HB29

HB30

(HB26) Bourque, (Summerfield ) Murphy, Burton

(HB27) Bourque, Henderson & Charles

(HB28) Back - R. Sallis, A. Goldfinch, F. Jones, P. Magnan, I. Barron, R. Phillips; Front - V. Baldwin, B. Gardner, Bee, Park, J. Rowland, L. O'Brien

(HB29) New Entry Staff - 1943

(HB30) P&RT School Staff & Qualifiers July 1943-44

 

HB31

HB32

HB33

HB34

HB35

(HB31) no caption

(HB32) P&RT School Staff - 1943

(HB33) Frank Janes - 1943

(HB34) H.W. - 1943

(HB35) Bill Gardner, Harry Hine, H.W. - 1943

 

HB36

HB37

HB38

HB39

HB40

(HB36) Harry Hine - 1943

(HB37) Bill Gardner, Harry Hines, Frank Janes

(HB38) Bill Gardner

(HB39) - Bill Gardner, Frank Janes, Harry Hine

(HB40) No caption

 

HB41

HB42

HB43

HB44

HB45

(HB41) H.W. (referee)

(HB42-HB45) no caption available

 

 

HB46

HB47

HB48

 

(HB46-HB48) no caption available

 

From the collection of Harold W. Bee, PO, Training Instructor, RCNVR

 

Harold Bee was a Training Instructor at HMCS CORNWALLIS c1943-1944

 

Courtesy of Steven Kaye

 



 

GS15

GS16

GS17

GW18

GW19

(GS15) Canteen at HMCS CORNWALLIS - c1945

(GS16) Dining Hall at HMCS CORNWALLIS - c1945 

(GS17) Whaler and boat falls on the jetty at HMCS CORNWALLIS - c1945

(GS18) Recruits on the parade square at HMCS CORNWALLIS - c1945

(GS19) View from the rifle range at HMCS CORNWALLIS - c1945

 

GW20

GW21

GW22

GW23

GW24

(GS20) Base Commanders residence at HMCS CORNWALLIS - c1945

(GS21) Train Station at HMCS CORNWALLIS - c1945

(GS22) Jetty and Boat shed at HMCS CORNWALLIS - c1945

(GS23) OS Walsh's platoon at HMCS CORNWALLIS - c1945

(GS24) Holdstead at HMCS CORNWALLIS - c1945

 

GW25

GW26

(GS25) "Shock" at HMCS CORNWALLIS - c1945

(GS26) CORNWALLIS recruits on board HMCS Toronto 319

From the collection of Gerald Francis (Gerry) Walsh, VS, RCN

Courtesy of Mike O'Keefe

 



 

JJJ28

JJJ29

(JJJ28) On parade at HMCS CORNWALLIS - PO1 Joly Platoon PO (left side of photo)

(JJJ29) PO1 Joly receiving a trophy award at HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

From the collection of CPO2 Fin Clk J.J. Joly, RCN / C.A.F.

 

Courtesy of Jean-Marc Joly

 



 

EH15

EH16

EH17

(EH15) Barracks at HMCS CORNWALLIS, Apr 1943

(EH16) New construction at HMCS CORNWALLIS, Apr 1943

(EH17) "The Navvies" - Work crew at construction site at HMCS CORNWALLIS, Apr 1943.  Ervin Hall first on left

From the collection of Ervin HalL, EA3c, RCNVR

Courtesy of Susan McPhedran

 



 

MH01

MH02

(MH01) CORNWALLIS platoon photo

(MH02) Marven Hatter and unknown friend in front of St-Laurent block in CORNWALLIS

From the collection of Marvin Hatter, RCN

 



 

JT01

JT02

JT03

(JT01) Portait of Joe Tanner

(JT02) Joe Tanner in the barracks at HMCS CORNWALLIS

(JT03) Recruits at HMCS CORNWALLIS with unknown Wren - 1952

From the collection of Joe Tanner

Courtesy of Steve Hlasny

 



 

GM-CRN-002

GB-CRN-003

GB-CRN-004

GB-CRN-005

GB-CRN-006

Running the obstacle course at HMCS CORNWALLIS

 

GB-CRN-007

GB-CRN-008

Running the obstacle course at HMCS CORNWALLIS

From the collection of Gordon A. Broster, RCN

Courtesy of Cathy Robinson

 



 

AS10

AS11

(AS10) Alvin Schlosser and friends - HMCS CORNWALLIS - 1961

(AS11) Alvin's bunk - Assiniboine Division - HMCS CORNWALLIS - 1961

 

AS12

AS13

AS14

AS15

(3) Assiniboine Division

(4) HMCS CORNWALLIS, Main gate

(5) Assiniboine Division Building

(6) HMC Physical and Recreational Training School

From the collection of Alvin Schlosser, Air Fitter, RCN

Courtesy of Judy Malic

 



 

GM-CRN-001

GM-CRN-002

GM-CRN-003

GM-CRN-004

GM-CRN-005

HMCS CORNWALLIS on Tour  //  Naval Tattoo Display at Dorval, Montreal, Quebec, Jul 1962

 

GM-CRN-006

GM-CRN-007

GM-CRN-008

GM-CRN-009

The Flag Ceremony crew, the Gun crew and the Band practiced all summer long - 1965

 

GM-CRN-010

GM-CRN-011

GM-CRN-012

GM-CRN-013

The Flag Ceremony crew, the Gun crew and the Band practiced all summer long - 1965

 

GM-CRN-014

GM-CRN-015

GM-CRN-016

GM-CRN-017

GM-CRN-018

Ceremonial Divisions, HMCS CORNWALLIS, Jul 1965

 

GM-CRN-019

GM-CRN-020

GM-CRN-021

GM-CRN-022

GM-CRN-023

(GM-CRN-019) HMCS CORNWALLIS band off base - Jul 1965

(GM-CRN-020) The Gunroom with attached beer garden, HMCS CORNWALLIS - 1965

(GM-CRN-021) The Gunroom, HMCS CORNWALLIS - 1965

(GM-CRN-022) Sailing the whalers off base - HMCS CORNWALLIS - 1965

(GM-CRN-023) Out pipes. UNTD Cadets to Friday Ceremonial Divisions - July 1965.  Jones in front. A. Geeraert on his left shoulder

 

GM-CRN-024

(GM-CRN-024) Sikorsky Helo landing in front of the wardroom at HMCS CORNWALLIS - believed to be off HMCS BONAVENTURE

From the collection of Gary Medford

Courtesy of Gary Medford

 

 

 

Staff Officers and Gunners' Mates - May 1944

 

Staff Photo - Unknown Department / School - 1945

 

 

New Entry / Basic Recruit Course Photos

 

 

New Entry Courses during the Second World War

 

New Entry - HMCS Cornwallis (Halifax) - c1941

 

Frobisher - HMCS Cornwallis (Halifax) - 25 Nov 1941 - 10 Feb 1942

 

New Entry (Grad photo) - HMCS Cornwallis (Halifax) - Jan-Apr 1942

 

Hood Division - HMCS Cornwallis (Halifax) - 08 Jun - 10 Aug 1942

 

Hood Division - HMCS Cornwallis (Halifax) - 19 Aug - 25 Oct 1942

 

"U" Class, New Entry Course photo - HMCS Cornwallis (Halifax) - 1942

 

New Entry Course photo - HMCS Cornwallis (Halifax) - date unknown

 

New Entry Course photo - HMCS Cornwallis (Halifax) - date unknown

 

New Entry - HMCS Cornwallis (Deep Brook) - Winter 1943-1944

 

Frobisher - HMCS Cornwallis (Deep Brook) - date unknown

 


 

New Entry Courses Post Second World War

 

1949

Sioux - May 1949

 

1950

Athabaskan - c1950

Crusader - 1950

Fraser - Aug 1950 - Jan 1951

Haida 2/50

Nootka - c1950

 

1951

Annapolis 1951-1952

Nootka 1/51
Sioux - May 1951

 

1952

Crusader - Jun 1952

Kootenay - Mar-Jul 1952

Niagara - Mar-Aug 1952

Restigouche - Jan-Jun 1952

St Laurent - Mar-Jul 1952

 

1953

Crusader - 1953

Niobe - 1953-1954

 

1954

Aurora - Jul 1954

Canada Jun-Oct 1954

Conestoga 17 - Sep-Oct 1954

Iroquois - 1954

Vancouver - 1954

 

1955

Champlain V - Aug-Dec 1955

Niobe VI - 1955-1956

Vancouver V - 1955

 

1956

Haida XVI - 1956

Iroquois XVII - 1956

Ottawa XVI - 1956

 

1957

Chaudiere Nov 1957 - Apr 1958

Ottawa - Nov 1957 - Apr 1958

MicMac - Oct 57 - Mar 58

Restigouche - Nov 1957 - Apr 1958

Vancouver X - 1957

 

1958

Athabaskan Jun-Nov 1958

Kootenay Jul-Nov 1958

Ottawa 2/58

Skeena  3/58

Terra Nova Jul 1958

Terra Nova Nov 1958

 

1959

Assiniboine 2/59

Cayuga 1/59

Chaudiere - Jul 1959

Fraser 2/59

Gatineau - Feb-Jun 1959

Margaree - Dec 1959

Ottawa 1/59

Restigouche 1/59

 

1960

Assiniboine 2/60

Fraser 2/60

Gatineau - Fall 1960

Kootenay 3/60

Margaree 2/60

St Laurent 1/60

Terra Nova 2/60

1961

Assiniboine - 1961

Assiniboine 4/61

Fraser 2/61

Kootenay 1/61

Kootenay 2/61

Ottawa 1/61

Restigouche 1/61

Skeena 2/61

 

1962

Assiniboine 3/62

Columbia 1/62

Columbia 2/62

Mackenzie 2/62

Ottawa 3/62

St Laurent 2/62

St Laurent 3/62

Terra Nova 3/62

 

1963

Assiniboine 2/63

Columbia 1/63

Fraser 2/63

Gatineau 3/63

Terra Nova 1/63

Terra Nova 2/63

Margaree 3/63

Saguenay - 1963

Restigouche - Aug/Oct 1963

1964

Assiniboine 2/64

Kootenay 2/64

Kootenay 3/64

Ottawa 1/64

St Laurent 1/64

Terra Nova 1/64

Terra Nova 2/64

 

1965

Gatineau 2/65

Gatineau 3/65

Margaree 2/65

Restigouche - 1965

Restigouche 2/65

Restigouche 3/65

Terra Nova 2/65

 

1966

Fraser 3/66

Gatineau 2/66

Kootenay 1/66

St Laurent 1/66

St Laurent 2/66

Terra Nova 1/66

Terra Nova 2/66

 

1967

Assiniboine 1/67

Mackenzie 1/67

Ottawa 1/67

Skeena 2/67

St Laurent 1/67

Terra Nova 2/67

 

1968

Skeena  1/68

 

 


 

New Entry Courses for Wren's - post Second World War

 

1st Course of post-wartime Wrens

 


 

Canadian Forces Recruit School - English Division

 

Basic Recruit Training Course Photos - Post Unification

 

6807    6814  6818     6819     6822     6923

 

7034     7036     7045     7201     7204     7231     7302     7304     7849B

 

8247     8316     8320

 

Unknown Crse #

 

Leadership Course Photos

 

Junior Leadership:

Junior Leadership Course 2/66 - RCN(R)

Junior Leadership Course - Jun 1967 - RCN(R)

 

Petty Officers:

Leadership Course - 02 Jun 1950 - 20 Jul 1950

Leadership Course - 1950

Leadership Course - 1958

Leadership Course - 1959

Leadership Course - #117 - 06 Nov 1961 - 15 Dec 1961

Leadership Course - Oct 1962

Leadership Course - Mar-Apr 1964

Leadership Course - 1965

Leadership Course Red 6/66 - 20 Sep 1966 - 20 Oct 1966

Leadership Course - Apr 1967

Leadership Course Red 6/67 - 19 Sep 1967 - 20 Oct 1967

Leadership Course - 1967

 

Leadership Course - Unknown date #1

Leadership Course - Unknown date #2

Leadership Course - Unknown date #3

 

Officers:

Officers' Leadership Course - Jan 1964

Officers' Leadership Course - Oct 1966

Officers' Leadership Course - Aug 1967

 

Officers' Leadership Course - Unknown date #1

Officers' Leadership Course - Unknown date #2

Officers' Leadership Course - Unknown date #3

Officers' Leadership Course - Unknown date #4

 


 

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