2017 has been a very busy year on my social media. In January I started a campaign of posting “On This Day in RCNHistory,” in addition to my “RCN Photo of the Day”. This has lead to a very active year on my Twitter and Facebook feeds with over 2 million hits on Twitter alone. […]
Throwing Away Canadian History, ex-HMCS ATHABASKAN to go to Breakers!
With a simple internet post, another piece of Canadian history is about to be thrown away and the legacy of an entire era will be relegated into oblivion. This week on 2 November 2017, the Department of Public Works and Government Services Canada posted for tender, “Disposal of former ATHABASKAN (W8482-182411/A).” On the surface it […]
Safety Briefing -HMCS MONTREAL
Pre-sailing safety briefing to the families and invited guests, by CPO1 Lazotte, Coxswain of HMCS MONTREAL. Prior to the frigate slipping her lines for the at sea, Battle of Atlantic Service on 1 May 2016. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Roger Litwiller. (IMG_1868)
Ships For Victory -Can Canada Build Ships Today
This past week marked an incredible milestone in Canadian shipbuilding history. On 20 September 1943, twelve Canadian built ships were launched simultaneously from shipyards across the nation! During WWII, Canadian industry, mobilized to building for Victory. One of the largest and most important projects was a National Shipbuilding Program. Early in the war the enemy […]
RCN Fleet Operations
HMCS OTTAWA (foreground) steams with ASSINIBOINE, ATHABASKAN and NIPIGON in route to the Caribbean in January 1981. Photo taken from HMCS OTTAWA. Note: Scanned from original 110 Negative. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Roger Litwiller. (RTL-RTL300416016)
MAC Ship in Convoy
Merchant Aircraft Carrier (MAC) ship in convoy with two aircraft on her after flight deck, ready to launch. MAC ships were converted merchant tankers, given a flight deck and up to four fighter aircraft to ward off U-Boats. Photo taken from HMCS WASAGA in 1943. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Ross Milligan, RCNR. (RTL-REM146)
Mariner’s Park Museum, PEC -Talk
Join Roger at the Mariners Park Museum in Prince Edward County for a talk on the Royal Canadian Navy ships named for the Bay of Quinte Region on 16 July 2017 at 11 am. Roger will focus on HMCS HALLOWELL, a frigate named for Prince Edward County, served extensively during WWII and later in the […]
Ice Castles at Sea
In January 1943, HMCS WASAGA returns to Halifax, heavily covered in ice. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Ross Milligan, RCNVR. (RTL-REM072)
Merchant Ships in St. John’s, NF.
Tanker in St. John’s Harbour, NF in 1942. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Ross Milligan, RCNR. (RTL-REM050)
HMCS SHAWINIGAN (II)
HMCS SHAWINIGAN departing Halifax Harbour for the North Atlantic on 30 April 2016. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Roger Litwiller. (RTL06308)