NAC News – Edition 557
Your weekly national and international naval news for the week of March 22nd, 2024
Edition: 557 Quote: “Ladies and gentlemen, the times we are in are most consequential, and I fear that many Canadians do not fully understand just how dangerous the world has become — that they take for granted the peace and prosperity derived from our rules-based international order,” he warned. “For Canada, our competitive advantage is being part of a group of like-minded or like-minded enough allies, partners and friends who together can collectively deter aggression, imperialism, expansionism, to remain collectively strong.” For the NATO alliance to continue to succeed in an increasingly dangerous world, “all must do their part.” General Wayne Eyre, Chief of Defence Staff to the CDAI Ottawa Conference, 7/8 March 2024.
Rod Hughes: Editor NAC News rhughes@shaw.ca (Comments welcome to help improve this service.) Links to keep in touch with the NAC and RCN can be found at the bottom of this email. Contact Kevin Goheen executivedirector-nac@outlook.com if you wish someone to be added to the NAC News email distribution. (Influencer or good candidates to become a NAC member, and note the first year’s NAC/Branch membership dues are waived)
NOTICES
NEW 1 May 2024 18:00 – 23:00 Battle of Atlantic Gala – The Naval Association of Canada (NAC) and the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) will once again host the Battle of the Atlantic (BOA) Gala Dinner this year. This year we also acknowledge the 100th Anniversary of the RCAF. The event will take place at the Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa. For full details.
1-3 May 2024 NIBC’s Maritime Arctic 2024 conference (Editor – agenda and speakers at this link), Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour, Victoria, BC. This international two-and-a-half-day conference will consist of informative presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and panel discussions, bringing together key Canadian and international stakeholders in the maritime industry, environmental organizations, governmental transport authorities, coast guards, consultants, and technology providers. Social and professional networking opportunities will be embedded in the programme. NAC members are eligible for the “Affiliate” reduced rate. NAC-VI is helping sponsor this event.
03-05 May 2024 Canadian Naval Air Remembers (CANAR). Reunion to commemorate Canadian Naval Aviation. From 1914 until today. A memorial to involve all ranks, all services, civilians, and immediate family involved in shipborne/shore aviation roles. For details of events, memorial, accommodations and administration check the following links: Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and Shearwater Aviation Museum
14-16 May Mari-Tech 2024 St. John’s Convention Centre, St. John’s NFLD. Mari-Tech was created by the Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering (CIMarE) in 1976 and is the premier event for the marine engineering community in Canada. The conference has earned a respected position as a neutral, non-political event devoted to engaging the private sector, government, and academia. This year’s theme is “navigating sustainable marine transportation”.
________________________________________________________________
THIS WEEK’S SIGNIFICANT ARTICLES
Australia selects BAE Systems and ASC to build sovereign nuclear powered submarines
Russia considering withdrawal from UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in the Arctic
________________________________________________________________
CANADA
ABB Partners With Seaspan Shipyards On New Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker (Editor – ABB Azipod)
Boeing P-8 Poseidon: America’s Most Advanced Submarine Hunter (Editor – a good look at the interior, I wonder what weapons Canada is buying?)
The Canadian Air Force’s Incoming A330 MRTTs: What We Know So Far
Royal Canadian Navy ships prepare for Pacific Ocean operations (Editor – not very informative but good video of Winnipeg and Asterix in a 4:38 min video)
Final Economic Increase to be Applied in April (Editor – four-year average 2.88%, just matching inflation)
Ottawa moves to strip military of power to investigate sexual offences
Toronto Sun Guneterwed (Editor – just so you know it’s out there, a 4:57 min video) and similarly Who will be Canada’s next Chief of the Defence Staff? (Editor – Esprit de Corps magazine 4:53 min video)
Government of Canada partners with Inuit firm to enhance marine safety in the Arctic
Inside a FLOODING WARSHIP sailors use these specialized tools (Naval Fleet School: Pacific) (Editor – RCN 1:59 min video)
MarineLabs raises biggest seed funding in Canadian ocean technology
Major Fire on Historic Canadian Lake Bulk Carrier MV Cuyahoga
Statistics Canada states 40% of Canadian industries vulnerable to supply shocks
Family peer support (OSISS) Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) is a peer support network for CAF members, Veterans and their families experiencing an operational stress injury (OSI).
Editor – the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust has relocated to a new office space at 1903 Barrington Street, Suite 2065, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3L6.
NAC Children’s books are still available for sale (Editor – My new marketing expert gave me an improved sales pitch! “NAC has children’s books for sale. These books are a great way for children to learn about the navy and what it does. The illustrations are wonderful, and the stories are fun. And don’t forget to get a copy of the NAC graphic novel (“Hunter and Hunted: On Board a Canadian Corvette in the Battle of the Atlantic”) and learn all about what the RCN was doing in WWII.”)
Lookout: Volume 69, Issue 10, March 11, 2024
Trident: Monday 18 March 2024, Volume 58. Issue 6 includes HMCS Max Bernays heads west to join MARPAC
Change in items to NAC Niobe papers The ‘Deal of the Century’ or ‘A Most Improbable Project’ Acquiring the Upholder Submarines – Paul T. Mitchell (Editor – Please share with anyone you think may benefit from the knowledge, after all, that’s what our naval affairs programme is all about – enlightening Canadians)
________________________________________________________________
USA & AMERICAS
USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: March 18, 2024
US Navy christens new Virginia-class attack submarine USS Idaho
Aircraft Carrier Enterprise Delivery Delayed by 18 Months, Says Navy
HII Unveils New Video of U.S. Navy’s Next Supercarrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) Dead Loads Tests (Editor – more than just EMALS in a 8:14 min video)
New Navy Long-Range Shipbuilding Plan Details 19 Ship Decommissionings in FY 2025 and (Editor – and a 25:56 min video on the subject The U.S. Navy’s 30 Year Plan on Shipbuilding – 2024)
Boeing wins $1.1bn contract to bolster US Navy fleet with fighter jets
Report to Congress on Navy TAGOS-25 Ocean Surveillance Shipbuilding Program
Bollinger Shipyards delivers new fast response cutter to US Coast Guard
Report to Congress on Coast Guard Cutter Procurement (Editor – huge undertaking)
Battleship New Jersey Leaves Pier for First Time in More than 20 Years
Soaring Container Imports from China to Mexico Sparks Speculation of a ‘Backdoor’ into U.S.
UNICEF Says Essential Aid Container Looted At Haiti Port
Drought Threatens to Snarl Mississippi River Traffic for a Third Year
________________________________________________________________
INDO-PACIFIC
Taiwan Warns Off Chinese Coast Guard Again As Tensions Simmer
Inside a Top Secret U.S. Military Bunker as Tensions With North Korea Rise | WSJ (Editor – 5:55 min video)
America Amphibious Ready Group Completes Exercise Iron Fist
China Quietly Annexes Northeast Corner of Gulf of Tonkin
Philippines to Build Islands Port Near Taiwan
HMAS Choules fitted with CEAFAR radar
India in undersea race to mine world’s battery metal
________________________________________________________________
EUROPE
Ukraine:
Russia election: Putin hails illegal annexation of Crimea after claiming election win
Russia’s New Black Sea Base in Ochamchire, Abkhazia, Nears Completion (Editor – 10:46 min video)
How Ukraine’s boat drones sank a THIRD of the Black Sea Fleet and changed naval warfare forever (Editor – summary in a 13:12 min video)
Lessons on Low-Cost Deterrence and Drones From Ukraine (Editor – 5:11 min video)
Sleepy Greek Port Becomes U.S. Arms Hub for Transport to Ukraine & NATO’s Eastern Flank (Editor – force projection on display in a 8:05 min video)
Russia’s Massive Naval Problem – COMPILATION (Editor – this is a long one but intriguing, the hard naval portion starts 39 min in of a 3:18:07 hr video)
General:
Naval Group begins construction of first French Navy’s SNLE 3G
Naval Group wins deal for Dutch submarine replacement program
Russia starts development of 5th-generation strategic submarine set to surpass Arcturus-class
Russian Nuclear Sub That Can Dive 8200 Feet Set For Comeback After Fatal Fire On Last Mission (Editor – 4:37 min video)
Ten sailors given medical check after fire on Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth
Russian Oil Squeeze Tightens as Sovcomflot Admits Difficulties
The Collapse of Russian Arms Exports – Competitors, Ukraine & The Future of Russian Exports (Editor – not a naval item but of strategic interest in a 56:27 min video)
________________________________________________________________
MIDDLE EAST
Red Sea:
Houthis Agree to Give China and Russia Ships a Pass in Red Sea
US Military Says It Destroyed Houthi Drone Over Red Sea
French Navy AS565 Panther helicopter shoots down Houthi drone (Editor – this is different)
U.S. Maritime Administration Issues New Advisory Amid Rising Maritime Threats in Middle East
Behind the scenes of Royal Navy control centre keeping watch of turbulent Red Sea (Editor – includes a 2:41 RN video)
General:
Civilian Food Aid Ship Arrives in Gaza
U.S. Still Developing Gaza Pier Details as Crews Work to Prepare Components then MV Roy P. Benavidez Departs in Support of JLOTS Mission
Poland Joins Combined Maritime Forces in Middle East as 42nd Member
________________________________________________________________
GLOBAL INTERESTS
A New “Polar AUKUS” Can Save America’s Faltering Antarctic And Arctic Strategies
Indian Navy Rescues Hijacked ‘Ruen’ from Somali Pirates then India to Prosecute 35 Somali Pirates Over RUEN Hijacking
Greenpeace could be thrown out of UN deep-sea mining body
________________________________________________________________
SCUTTLEBUTT
Mystery solved after Guernsey divers find missing German U-boat
Where does the chain attach? (Editor – 30 sec video)
Naval Engineering – Ships and their Waves, Turns and Tricks (Editor – 23:06 min video)
Strangest Looking Most Highly Classified Aircraft Carrier Ever Built (Editor 13:30 min video)
________________________________________________________________
THIS WEEK IN RCN/MARITIME HISTORY
23 March 1965 Fifteen RCAF aviators are killed when their Argus patrol plane goes down in a night exercise off Puerto Rico.
24 March 1941 The Rush-Bagot Agreement of 1817, which restricted the number of naval vessels allowed on the Great Lakes, is modified to allow both American and Canadian naval vessels to operate on the Great Lakes in greater numbers.
26 March 1941 HMCS Otter was a civilian, steel-hulled yacht named Conseco that was converted for naval service and commissioned in Oct 1940. The ship was used as a training vessel and for anti-submarine patrols as part of the Halifax Local Defence Force. Otter was tasked to escort HMS Talisman into port and was await the submarine’s arrival near the Sambro Light Vessel when a fire broke out. While fighting the fire, the engines and electric pumps failed, and the Captain gave the order to abandon ship after the code books had been destroyed and the magazines had been flooded. The crew faced heavy seas and one lifeboat capsized while awaiting rescue. Two officers and seventeen ratings died in the incident, all were RCNVR/RCNR, and six Mentions in Despatches were awarded, three posthumously.
29 March 1940 The British ship Esmond inbound from St. John’s Newfoundland, rammed, and sank the Halifax pilot vessel Hebridean. Six pilots and three members of the crew were drowned.
29 March 1945 HMCS Teme (frigate) is torpedoed by U Boat 246 in the English Channel off Falmouth and declared a total lossdition: 556 Quote: “A strong and successful Alliance depends on the support and understanding of its citizens. NATO pursues this through tailored communications and engagement with a wide range of international media and key opinion formers, through digital outreach on multiple platforms, and through a clear and consistent brand identity. As well as explaining to citizens what NATO is and does, NATO also works to counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, including disinformation. NATO’s approach relies on fact-based and credible public communications.” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has released his Annual Report for 2023, 14 March 2024 (Editor – sage words, full report link in General Europe section)
Rod Hughes: Editor NAC News rhughes@shaw.ca (Comments welcome to help improve this service.) Links to keep in touch with the NAC and RCN can be found at the bottom of this email. Contact Kevin Goheen executivedirector-nac@outlook.com if you wish someone to be added to the NAC News email distribution. (Influencer or good candidates to become a NAC member, and note the first year’s NAC/Branch membership dues are waived)
NOTICES
23-24 April 2024 ABCMI & Coast Innovation Forum Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Pl. Vancouver BC. ABCMI in partnership with COAST will be providing two days of panels, speakers, and industry showcase presentations embracing emerging technologies and innovation in the ocean and marine space. Not only will this forum be for all those companies directly or indirectly involved in bringing innovative new products and services to market but also for all entrepreneurial businesses progressing through the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) spectrum from idea to commercialization. The event will also feature plenty of networking opportunities with government and private sector entities as a well as a small trade show for exhibitors wanting to show off their cutting-edge products.
1-3 May 2024 NIBC’s Maritime Arctic 2024 conference (Editor – agenda and speakers at this link), Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour, Victoria, BC. This international two-and-a-half-day conference will consist of informative presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and panel discussions, bringing together key Canadian and international stakeholders in the maritime industry, environmental organizations, governmental transport authorities, coast guards, consultants, and technology providers. Social and professional networking opportunities will be embedded in the programme. NAC members are eligible for the “Affiliate” reduced rate. NAC-VI is helping sponsor this event.
NEW 03-05 May 2024 Canadian Naval Air Remembers (CANAR). Reunion to commemorate Canadian Naval Aviation. From 1914 until today. A memorial to involve all ranks, all services, civilians, and immediate family involved in shipborne/shore aviation roles. For details of events, memorial, accommodations and administration check the following links: Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and Shearwater Aviation Museum
14-16 May Mari-Tech 2024 St. John’s Convention Centre, St. John’s NFLD. Mari-Tech was created by the Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering (CIMarE) in 1976 and is the premier event for the marine engineering community in Canada. The conference has earned a respected position as a neutral, non-political event devoted to engaging the private sector, government, and academia. This year’s theme is “navigating sustainable marine transportation”.
________________________________________________________________
THIS WEEK’S SIGNIFICANT ARTICLES
Defence of Australia: An isolationist fantasy, old and tired dream we struggle to wake from (Editor – a wakeup call that has eerie similarities with Canada)
Growing number of Canadians anxious about state of Canada’s military, polls show (Editor – 5:44 min video) plus The Canadian Armed Forces is facing a CRISIS | Ret. Lt.-Gen. Michel Maisonneuve (Editor – 30:09 min video)
________________________________________________________________
CANADA
Poor State of CAF Readiness Raised at CDAI Defence Conference
Gen. Wayne Eyre’s speech advocating for openness on defence issues is now secret (Editor – bizarre given the NATO Secretaries General’s quote at the top of this edition)
Canada faces a series of ‘crises’ that will test it in the coming years, RCMP warns (Editor – not a maritime article, but domestic instability inevitably must affect the CAF)
Federal Fleet Services installs MARSS NiDAR Counter-UAS system on the Combat Support Ship Asterix (Editor – fascinating 36:37 min video)
US Navy Launches Operation Ice Camp in Arctic Ocean (Editor – note Canadian involvement) and Canada showcases ability to defend Arctic amid global tensions
NATO: Who is (and isn’t) paying their way? (Editor – starts slow and a bit quirky but useful for perspective in a 22:49 video)
Physician assistant pushes practice to new depths
Farewell CT-155: RCAF Retires Hawks, Halting Pilot Training Within Canada (Editor – the RCAF has its challenges too)
Canada quietly marks 10 years since troops left Afghanistan
Damage control training for sailors in the Royal Canadian Navy | Go Bold S2 Ep4 (Editor – 48:10 min video)
Parks Canada Offers Free Daily Admission for CAF Personnel, Veterans, and their Families
Discussion Paper on Canada’s Navigable Waters Act
NAC Children’s books are still available for sale (Editor – My new marketing expert gave me an improved sales pitch! “NAC has children’s books for sale. These books are a great way for children to learn about the navy and what it does. The illustrations are wonderful, and the stories are fun. And don’t forget to get a copy of the NAC graphic novel (“Hunter and Hunted: On Board a Canadian Corvette in the Battle of the Atlantic”) and learn all about what the RCN was doing in WWII.”)
Lookout: Volume 69, Issue 10, March 11, 2024
Change in items to NAC Niobe papers Towards a Renewed Canadian Submarine Capability – Jeffrey F. Collins (Editor – Please share with anyone you think may benefit from the knowledge, after all, that’s what our naval affairs programme is all about – enlightening Canadians)
________________________________________________________________
USA & AMERICAS
USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: March 11, 2024
Venezuela now has more Iranian-made attack boats
Army Watercraft Depart for Gaza Port Mission, Navy Preparing East Coast Reserve Ship to Sail
New Navy Budget Seeks 6 Battle Force Ships, Decommissions 19 Hulls in FY 2025
Pentagon to release Arctic strategy that outlines tech, presence needs
SOUTHCOM Commander Warns of Risk of Chinese Investment in South America, Caribbean
US Navy’s CMV-22 Osprey fleet back in the air
How the US Navy’s new C-130s could end the world (Editor – something very different in a 8:49 min video)
New Anti-Drone Weapon & Boat vs. Barrier (Editor – two short video)
Pentagon Will Spend $1B on First Round of Replicator Drones
Oceanology International 2024: HII unveils UUV REMUS 130
Conrad to Build Another US Navy Berthing Barge
Labor Unions Propose Fees on Chinese-Built Ships Calling at U.S. Ports
U.S. Leads Global Oil Production for Sixth Straight Year
Panama Canal Increasing Daily Transit Slots Amid Improved Water Levels
US to pump $450 million into port infrastructure development
Royal Caribbean Suspends Stops in Haiti as Precaution Due to Civil Unrest (Editor – no brainer!)
________________________________________________________________
INDO-PACIFIC
Austal Australia delivers Guardian class patrol boat to Fiji Navy
1st MH-60R Squadron commissioned into Indian Navy
Philippines prepares to boost defence spending to $6.2bn by 2029
Japan Commissions Third Taigei-Class Submarine
One year along Australia’s optimal pathway to nuclear-powered submarines
________________________________________________________________
EUROPE
Ukraine:
Ukraine’s enhanced Sea Baby drone
RUSSIA – $300BN Frozen Russian Assets to be LIQUIDATED as USA & UK Demand Action is Taken (Editor – not a maritime story but pertinent to the war)
Ukraine’s New Weapon: Sweden-made Monstrously Powerful “CB90” Fast Assault Craft (Editor – 10:02 min video)
Why Ukraine Keeps Attacking This 12-Mile Bridge | WSJ (Editor – 4:38 min video)
General:
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has released his Annual Report for 2023
Sweden hoists its flag at NATO and will join Canadian brigade in Latvia
Sweden’s First Task in NATO: Defend Key Island on Baltic’s Sea Lanes
Oslo ups defence spending to 2 % of GDP
NATO task groups come together off Norway coast with Nato flexes its muscles as huge 15-ship formation is led by Royal Navy aircraft carrier (Editor – recce potpourri in a 1:08 min video)
Russia requests UNSC meeting on Nord Stream blasts
Türkiye’s first national frigate fires first missile from indigenous VLS
Denmark to start conscripting women for military service (Editor – unusual step)
Terrifying! Putin Visits New Tu-160M Bomber Factory (Editor – a plane with serious anti-ship capabilities 8:34 min video) and Russia ready to use nuclear weapons if threatened, Putin tells state media
The Royal Navy’s future vision for the underwater battlespace
thyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ New Submarine Production Facility in Kiel (Editor – another boat and support infrastructure for Canada to consider)
DragonFire – UK Laser Directed Energy Weapon shoots down a drone (Editor – RN 3:34 min video)
Russia Replaces Navy Chief, Fontanka Reports
Why QE Carriers are Considered a PART-TIME Fleet (Editor – disheartening 18:32 min video)
________________________________________________________________
MIDDLE EAST
Red Sea:
IMF PortWatch: Suez Canal Trade Cut in Half
Red Sea: US, UK and French destroy dozens of Houthi drones
U.S. Forces Strike Back After Houthi Attack on Merchant Vessel
Missile Woes For German Navy Amid Red Sea Operation (Editor – missilery is both demanding of people skills and technically complex, lessons to learn here)
Gaza Pier Announced by the US | How the US Military Builds a Pier | Joint Logistics Over the Sea (Editor – 31:58 min video) and then a few days later US Army Sets Sail on Some Slow Boats to Gaza
General:
China, Iran and Russia stage joint naval drills in Gulf of Oman
Canadian-led Combined Task Force 150 seizes 770 kg of methamphetamine in the Arabian Sea
DIMDEX 2024: Unmanned systems and counter drone solutions (Editor – 10:52 min video)
Qatar’s Al Zubarah-class corvette Damsah at DIMDEX 2024 (Editor – well armed corvette in a 4:38 min video) and Fincantieri to Support Qatar’s Naval Training
Royal Navy minehunting force in the Gulf looks to the future with autonomous systems (Editor – 4:43 min video)
________________________________________________________________
GLOBAL INTERESTS
Bulk Carrier ABDULLAH Hijacked in Indian Ocean then Hijacked Bulk Carrier Arrives Off Somali Coast
60 migrants die in dinghy in Mediterranean, survivors say
________________________________________________________________
SCUTTLEBUTT
USS Monitor – From Angry Raft to National Treasure (Editor – 1:46:45 hr video)
Canadian Destroyer Escort, HMCS Annapolis DDH 265 – AC Fuel Replenishment from USS Abraham Lincoln (Editor – this 15:25 min video will jog some memories, love the radar sweep interference)
Former HMCS Porte Dauphine for Sale
________________________________________________________________
THIS WEEK IN RCN/MARITIME HISTORY
16 March 1941 – SS J.B. White (Atlantic Transportation Company Ltd, Montreal), with a cargo of 2500 tons of steel and 4500 tons of newsprint, was one of 41 ships in the slow convoy HX-112, on route from Halifax to Liverpool. On the night of 15/16 March 1941 and about 215 nautical miles SE of Iceland, the convoy came under an attack by five U-boats. However, U-99, was the only U-boat to succeed in sinking any of the ships. U-99 sank the SS Venetia, Motor Tanker Ferm, Motor Tanker Beduin, MV Korshamn and the SS J.B. White. Two crew members from the J.B. White were killed. The 38 survivors were rescued by HMS Walker. The next day, on 17 March, HMS Walker and HMS Vanoc disabled and brought the U-99 to the surface. 39 of the crew surrendered and became POWs. The engineering officer and two of his men lost their lives when opening valves to scuttle their boat.
17 March 1945 HMCS Guysborough, a Bangor-class minesweeper, was sailing alone in the Bay of Biscay off Ushant when she was hit with an acoustic torpedo from U-868. It was early evening when she was hit, but Guysborough did not sink immediately and a second torpedo in the late afternoon at took Guysborough to the bottom. Two crew members were killed instantly in the explosions, the remaining crew abandoned ship onto five Carley floats because the ship’s motor cutter and the whaler were unusable. The survivors lashed four floats together and this became a temporary raft for 48 men. The fifth Carley float was overcrowded and drifted away. Guysborough was able to send a distress signal, but it took 19 hours for the frigate, HMS Inglis to arrive. In total, 49 men died of injuries or from exposure – 36 on the overcrowded raft. Two RCNVR sailors were recognized posthumously for their actions with Mentioned in Dispatches.
19 March 1941 Lt R.J.C. Pringle, RCNVR, appointed C.O. of HMCS Suderöy V, first RCNVR officer in command of an HMC Ship, a requisitioned Norwegian trawler.
20 March 1943 – World War II – UK destroyer commissioned into RCN as HMCS Griffin; 3 weeks later, renamed HMCS Ottawa; second of four now so named. Halifax, Nova Scotia
20 March 1945 HMCS New Glasgow commanded by LCDR Ross M. Hanbury, RCNVR was rammed by accident by U-1003 while snorkelling. The boat severely damaged her snort and conning tower, and part of New Glasgow’s hull plating and her port propeller. U-1003 limped seaward, but by the next morning of 21March had to abandoned and the crew took to the life rafts, where they were found the next day.
22 March 1944 – SS Watuka (Nova Scotia Steel & Coal Company, New Glasgow, NS) with a cargo of 1998 tons of coal, was one of five ships transiting from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Halifax in an unescorted convoy SH-125. The five ships departed Sydney on 21 March. The ships were approaching Halifax when U-802 fired a spread of three torpedoes at the overlapping ships and an acoustic torpedo was fired at one of the ships. Three detonations were heard but only Watuka was hit and she sank 15 nautical miles SE of Halifax. Two crew members were killed. However, the master, 22 crew members and two gunners were picked up by the trawler HMCS Anticosti.
SIGNIFICANT RCN DATES – If you see any omissions or errors please inform me, and any more modern significant dates are also welcomed. The list draws primarily from the Directory of History and Heritage’s comprehensive “Significant Dates in Canadian Military History”, the now defunct “Canada Channel”, “Legion Magazine”, The Naval Service of Canada, Its Official History Vol 1-3, NAC member Roger Litwiller’s excellent web site, encyclopedic guidance from NAC member Fraser McKee, the Uboat.net site, and anywhere else I can find credible information. For the merchant ship history, a special thanks to NAC member Bill Dziadyk for his able assistance and detailed work. The RCN lost 1,965 men and 24 ships during the War, most of them in the Atlantic. A comprehensive list of the staggering merchant losses – sunk, damaged, or lost – Canadian Merchant Ship Losses of the Second World War, 1939-1945 by Rob Fisher {Revised June 2001}, and for the loss of individual personnel RCN Ship Histories, Convoy Escort Movements, Casualty Lists 1939-1947)
Keep in touch with the NAC
If you are receiving NAC News, consider friends joining NAC – Membership and Renewal plus NAC Naval Affairs Papers, Briefing Notes, Niobe Papers, and much more.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navalassn/
Twitter: @navalassn
Should you wish to donate or leave a memorial: NAC Endowment Fund
NAC reference to assist veterans and/or seniors is located at Veteran’s Corner
Keep in touch with the RCN
Facebook – RoyalCanadianNavy | MarineRoyaleCanadienne;
Twitter – @RoyalCanNavy | @MarineRoyaleCan;
LinkedIn – RoyalCanadianNavy-MarineRoyaleCanadienne
Instagram – RoyalCanNavy | MarineRoyaleCan;
Flickr – RoyalCanadianNavy-MarineRoyaleCanadienne
YouTube – RoyalCanadianNavy | MarineRoyaleCanadienne
Vimeo – RoyalCanadianNavy-MarineRoyaleCanadienne
|
You are receiving this email because you are associated with NAC and have been receiving NAC News. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe by emailing executivedirector-nac@outlook.com
Copyright © 2024 Naval Association of Canada, all rights reserved.