Current Biographies

Chief Petty Officer Max Leopold Bernays CGM, LSGCM, CD, RCNR “Alone and surrounded by fire, executed all helm orders in fight against U-boat” Quiet, calm, and tough, Chief Petty Officer Max Leopold Bernays was the epitome of a senior non-commissioned officer. Boasting that “the navy ran in his blood”, Bernays would become one of the […]

Lieutenant-Commander Margaret Brooke MBE “Braving frigid waters, displayed courage in attempt to save the life of another nursing sister” Margaret Martha Brooke was born on April 10, 1915, and spent her youth on the family’s remote Saskatchewan farm. From an early age, three things were abundantly clear about Brooke: she was hard working, bookish, and

Quartermaster William Nelson Edward Hall VC, RN “First Nova Scotian Awarded Victoria Cross for gallant conduct at a 24-pounder gun” William (Nelson/Neilson) Edward Hall’s connection to the navy stems back to the emancipation of his parents, Jacob and Lucinda ‘Lucy’ Hall. How his father came to Nova Scotia is a point of contention – while

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, mid-transit across the Indian Ocean. In the words of Captain(N)

“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

“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

Commander Roland Bourke VC, DSO, RCNVR “Led his Motor Launch through enemy fire to rescue sailors” Rowland Richard Louis Bourke was the last person anyone expected to be involved in a war, let alone hailed a hero. Small framed, with disproportionately large feet and thick-lensed spectacles, he looked awkward and decidedly unathletic. It was doubtful

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.

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

“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,