The Canadian Naval Tribute Project
Lieutenant-Commander William (Bill) King Lowd “Lo” Lore RCN “First Chinese Canadian RCN officer and first officer of Chinese descent to serve in any of the Royal Navies of the British Commonwealth” Lore’s journey to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was anything but typical. Born on the 28th of February 1909, in Victoria, British Columbia, he …
Lieutenant-Commander William (Bill) King Lowd “Lo” Lore RCN Read More »
Quartermaster William Nelson Edward Hall VC, RN “Alone and surrounded by fire, execut“First Nova Scotian to win Victoria Cross for gallant conduct at a 24-pounder gun”ed all helm orders in fight against U-boat” William Neilson Edward Hall’s connection to the navy stems back to theemancipation of his parents, Jacob and Lucinda ‘Lucy’ Hall. How his …
Lieutenant-Commander Margaret Brooke MBE, NS “Braving frigid waters, displayed courage in attempt to save the life of another nursing sister” Since a young age, Margaret Martha Brooke wanted to do something to help others. Born on April 10, 1915, she grew up on an isolated Saskatchewan farm and, at an early age, became accustomed to …
Chief Petty Officer Max Leopold Bernays CGM, LSGCM, CD, RCNR “Alone and surrounded by fire, executed all helm orders in fight against U-boat” Chief Petty Officer Max Leopold Bernays was destined for a life in the navy. Bornon the 3 rd of January 1910, in Vancouver, British Columbia, his father was a veteran ofthe Royal …
Chief Petty Officer Max Leopold Bernays CGM, LSGCM, CD, RCNR Read More »
Commander Roland Bourke VC, DSO, RCNVR “Led his Motor Launch through enemy fire to rescue sailors” It’s unlikely that anyone would have expected a man like Rowland Richard Louis Bourke, with his small frame, meek nature, and poor vision, would become one of the RCN’s most decorated heroes. Born in London, England, on November 28, …
Commander Isabel Macneill OC, OBE, WRCNS “First woman to command a ship (Stone Frigate) in the British Commonwealth” Isabel Janet Macneill’s career was marked by many “firsts”. Born in the capital of Nova Scotia on June 4, 1908, she attended Halifax Ladies’ College, a “high class residential school for girls and young women”. She was …
“First Black Canadian enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy to be appointed Coxswain of a warship and recipient of the Order of Military Merit. ” Raymond Lawrence was born in New Brunswick, the son of Woodford Smith Lawrence and Augusta Emma Lawrence. His interests in the navy started at an early age and when he …
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Raymond Cecil Lawrence MMM, CD Read More »
“Toronto-born member of the Six Nations Upper Cayuga Band Served in both the Second World War and Korean War” George Edward “Ted” Jamieson was born in Toronto in 1922, a member of the Six Nations Upper Cayuga band. He joined the Sea Cadets in his early teens and then, despite being underage, persuaded his recruiter …
Chief Petty Officer 1st Class George Edward “Ted” Jamieson CD, RCN Read More »
“Hard-Over Harry: Legendary Ship Captain and Canada’s Nelson” The fact that most Canadians aren’t familiar with DeWolf’s name is truly baffling. One of the most effective and battle-hardened ship captains of any allied nation during the Second World War, the total number of enemy vessels sunk and/or damaged under his command rivals, and even surpasses, …
Vice Admiral Harry George DeWolf CBE, DSO, DSC, CD, RCN Read More »
“Provided Exceptional Leadership in organizing the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service during the Second World War.” On January 16, 1900, Adelaide Helen Grant Sinclair (née MacDonald) was born in Toronto. Both her parents were well situated – her father was a physician (who sadly died less than two years after her birth) and mother the …
Captain Adelaide Helen Grant Sinclair OC, OBE, WRCNS Read More »
Lieutenant-Commander John Stubbs DSO, DSC, RCN “Naval prodigy and master tactician who exemplified devotion to duty” The death of Lieutenant-Commander John Hamilton Stubbs might be the single greatest loss of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) during the Second World War. A naval prodigy, possessing unrivaled seamanship skills, he seemed to have it all – good …
Rear Admiral Walter Hose, CBE, RN, RCNVR “Saviour of the Royal Canadian Navy and Father of the Canadian Naval Reserve” The man who would be credited with saving the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was born on October 2, 1875 while aboard the P&O steamer Surat while it crossed the Indian Ocean. In the words of …
Lieutenant Robert Hampton Gray VC, DSC, RCNVR “Displaying valour, fighting spirit, and the most inspiring leadership in an aerial attack on an enemy destroyer” In the midst of the Great War, Robert “Hammy” Hampton Gray was born in the small city of Trail, British Columbia, on November 2, 1917 (Turner). His father established a business …
First Lieutenant Frédérick Rolette, RN “French Canadian Sailor, who when the captain of his ship was mortally wounded, assumed command with great skill and gallantry” Frédérick Rolette was born in historic Quebec city on September 23, 1785. Not much is known about his early years, as historical records dating back to that time are limited. …
The Canadian Naval Tribute Project (CNTP) is the brainchild of Lt(N) Mark B. Phillips, CD and Lt(N) Sean E. Livingston MStJ, CD, who sought a meaningful way to recognize a diverse, and largely uncelebrated, group of individuals for their historical contributions and impact they have made on the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). Whether by acts of valour, exemplifying service before self, or breaking gender and racial boundaries, their tenacity and resolve embodied the very spirit of the present-day RCN. They are part of a proud and important tradition, a legacy of service and a promise to keep our country strong and free. The CNTP is located at the world’s most multi-cultural and diverse city – Toronto – specifically on the grounds of the Naval Reserve Base: HMCS York. This monument focuses on the qualities of excellence, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The CNTP was officially unveiled at HMCS York, at a ceremony on April 29, 2023. For more information or to contact the CNTP team, please email: cdn.navaltributeproject@gmail.com