HMCS TORONTO K538 / 319

River Class / Prestonian Class Frigate

Laid down as HMCS GIFFARD, she was renamed and commissioned on 06 May 1944, at Lévis as HMCS TORONTO. She arrived at Halifax on 28 May 1944 leaving on 18 Jun 1944 for a month's working-up in Bermuda. In Aug 1944 TORONTO was allocated to EG 16, Halifax, but for the next few weeks operated principally from Sydney. Following repairs in Nov 1944 she joined Halifax Force and was employed locally until May 1945, when she began five months' training duty at HMCS CORNWALLIS. Paid off on 27 Nov 1945, she was placed in reserve at Shelburne, but was re-commissioned on 26 Mar 1953, after conversion to a Prestonian class ocean escort. She was paid off for the last time on 14 Apr 1956, having been lent to the Norwegian Navy, which renamed her HNoMS GARM. She was permanently transferred in 1959, and re-classed in 1965 as a torpedo boat depot ship - simultaneously renamed HNoMS VALKYRIEN, she served a further 13 years before being disposed of.

Photos and Documents          Ship's company photos

Commanding Officers

     In memory of those who have crossed the bar    

They shall not be forgotten

Former Crew Members

(CC) = Commissioning crew

Photos and Documents

(TNT001) The launching of HMCS TORONTO K538 - 18 Sep 1943  //  From the collection of Thomas J. Simpson

(TNT002) HMCS TORONTO K538 in Annapolis Basin - 1944  //  DND- RCN Photo

(TNT002) Don Lovell on HMCS TORONTO K538, Halifax, Jetty "0", 1945  //  From the collection of Don Lovell, Telegraphist, RCNVR  //  Courtesy of David Barlow

(JWH002) HMCS TORONTO K538 Christmas Card - 1944

(JWH003) Jacket Patch from HMCS TORONTO K538

From the collection of John Hainsworth

Courtesy of Nancy Goede

(HSM004) Wedding of Emma (Judy) and Harry Marshall onboard HMCS TORONTO 17 Mar 1945  //  Courtesy of Maggy - daughter of Charlie Thomas  //  (L-R) Pauline (Polly) Thomas, bride Emma (Judy) M. Marshall, groom Harry S. Marshall and Charles (Charlie) Thomas. Pauline and Charie were bridesmaid and best man. The WRENs Polly and Judy, were stationed at Stadacona. Charlie was a Lt on HMCS TORONTO

(HSM005) Wedding party of Lt Harry Marshall and Wren Emma Maud (Judy)  //  Morrow on HMCS TORONTO 17 Mar 1945  //  Wren Pauline Kennedy and Lt Charles Thomas were the maid of honour and best man.  //  2nd row L-R:  unknown, Charles Thomas, Pauline Kennedy, Judy and Harry Marshall, unknown  //  Back Row: 3rd from right - William J.J. Wade, Ch Skpr, RCNR

(HSM006) Officers on HMCS TORONTO K538, Bermuda, Jun-Jul 1944  //  Harry Marshall - centre

(HSM007) Sailors on the quarterdeck of HMCS TORONTO K538, Bermuda, Jun-Jul 1944  //  Harry Marshall only officer in group, standing on left

From the collection of Harry Marshall, Lieutenant (E), RCNVR

Courtesy of Jeff Marshall