Roger and his wife Rhonda at the Crowsnest in St. John’s, NF. Behind them are just a few of the historic items from the officer’s of the RCN ships decorating the walls of the club.

On 20 June, Roger and his wife visited the historic Crowsnest Naval Officers Club in St. John’s, NF.

Roger was invited to speak to the members of the Naval Officer’s Club and present his book Warships of the Bay of Quinte. During the visit he signed several copies of the book and donated a copy for the clubs library.

Following the meeting, Roger and Rhonda were invited to return to the club for a special presentation on 23 June. Vice-Admiral McFadden, Chief of Maritime Staff was at the Crownest from Ottawa to present a framed 100th Anniversary Flag from last years Centenary of the Canadian Navy.  Mounted in the frame was also one of the 100th Anniversary medallions.

Vice-Admiral McFadden (right) presenting the Crowsnest with the 100th Anniversary Flag and Medallion.

Vice-Admiral McFadden addressed the group and spoke of how the Crowsnest is a special and unique part of the living history of Canada’s Navy, and how the club holds a special bond with the sailors from the past and the sailors of today. He described today’s sailors as the present caretakers of the Navy.

Following the presentation the Admiral was able to make the rounds with everyone at the Crowsnest, taking the time to speak with almost everyone present.

Once the crowd thinned, Roger and Vice-Admiral McFadden were able to speak at great lengths on his research for Warships and the Admiral told Roger a few stories from his own career. Roger presented the Admiral with a signed copy of his book.

The Crowsnest was a warehouse on the north side of the harbour, given to the Canadian Navy as an Officer’s Mess during WWII. The officers of the ships escorting convoys could have a place to relax after returning to port following many long weeks on the North Atlantic. The officers began to decorate the loft with items identifying their ships. These artifacts have been kept in place ever since and is a historically significant site.

Since WWII, ships of the Canadian Navy have continued to add to the collections on the walls and many of our currently serving ships can be found hanging on the walls next to some of our most famous ships of the past.

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