I have always had an interest in history, especially the stories and history of our Royal Canadian Navy. But never in my dreams did I ever think I would be gathering a large collection of historical photos from veterans of the RCN. This unexpected journey began in 1997, as commanding officer of a cadet corps […]
RCN History Sealed with a Kiss!
This week the Canadian frigate, HMCS WINNIPEG returned to Esquimalt after a historic eight month deployment. During this time the ship and the 250 men and women of her ships’ company participated in two operations, Op CARRIBBE and Op REASURANCE. She also participated in three exercises, Ex TRIDENT JUNCTURE, Ex JOINT WARRIOR and Ex NORTHERN […]
Royal Canadian Navy Pennant Numbers World War II
Destroyers, Frigates, Corvettes, Convoy Escorts, Minesweepers and Armed Yachts. Click on camera icon for photo of ship. Contact me to add your photos litwillerroger@gmail.com F Ships Name Type Class Remarks F56 PRINCE ROBERT Anti-Aircraft Ship Prince Ex-CNR passenger ship Prince Robert, taken over by RCN as an Armed Merchant Cruiser F70 PRINCE HENRY Landing Ship […]
“Crest is for Teeth, Ship’s Have Badges” and Other Poor Naval Grammar
As an author and historian of the Royal Canadian Navy I have experienced many examples of poor Naval grammar. One of my biggest pet peeves comes from the use of the word “crest,” when referring to a ship’s badge. When I hear this despicable word used, I explain “crest is for teeth, our ship’s have […]
First and last photos of HMCS TRENTONIAN
These two photos of HMCS TRENTONIAN tell an amazing story. They are the first and last photos of this historic Battle of Atlantic corvette. The first picture of TRENTONIAN was taken just before her commissioning on 1 December 1943, the Flower class corvette was newly built at Kingston, Ontario. She is finishing her acceptance trials […]
An Open Letter to Steven Harper, Justin Trudeau, Thomas Mulcair and Members of Parliament on Canada’s Maritime Affairs.
As fall comes to Canada, we find ourselves in another federal election and each of you is on the campaign trail, diligently working towards re-election or election to a seat in our House of Commons. The election will fall on 19 October; three days shy of the first anniversary of a horrific day in our […]
Sudbury Has Strong Ties to the Royal Canadian Navy
This Saturday, 11 July 2015, I have been invited by the Sudbury Chapters store on Kingsway to sign copies of my books, White Ensign Flying and Warships of the Bay of Quinte. When I travel around this country many ask, why should we be interested in the Canadian Navy? For many Canadians believe there is […]
The Historical Tragedy of Lac Manitoba Capsizing in the St. Lawrence River
Yesterday there was a tragedy on the St. Lawrence River at Cornwall, Ontario. While towing a large barge to the north span of the international bridge a tug boat and a landing craft capsized and sank in the river. Fortunately there was no loss of life and only the skipper of the landing craft received […]
10 Foot Model of RCN WWII Corvette TRENTONIAN
Yesterday I was fortunate to spend the day with Bill Cullen and his wife Sandra at their home outside Gananoque, Ontario. Bill is truly a Master Model Shipwright.Bill has built a scale model of the Royal Canadian Navy corvette, HMCS TRENTONIAN. The model is incredible, at 1/20 scale it measures an impressive 10 feet and […]
The Canadian Flag, Our Families History and Tradition
Today we celebrate the anniversary of Canada’s national flag. Our national symbol is a Canadian icon that we take foregranted. Flying high on so many flagpoles, tattered and unnoticed. But for many of us Canadians it holds a truly special place in our hearts. I always enjoyed when our flag was flown from a proper […]