January-March 1942

Jan 15 1942 Thursday

To-night is the night of January 5th (Thursday) 1942. We are now on our third trip over the waves of the Broad Atlantic. This time it may be Londonderry we go to but we're never sure till we drop anchor at the end of the trail. Last time it was Iceland and it was a good trip but many things have happened since then. I could never remember them all but among the more important, U.S.A. is now our complete Ally and an active belligerent on the side of Democratic freedom. Japan is at war with U.S., us and China. Her first act was a treacherous one as she sank the Prince of Wales, Repulse and other ships, bombed and torpedoed Hawaii killing over 2000, attacked Hong Kong and other British & U.S. possessions, all without any warning before declaring war and while still on the surface negotiating for peace with the U.S.A. War was declared on about Dec 7th.

Xmas 1941 has passed and it was a merry one for most of us considering that none of us were where we wanted to be. We had arrived back in port at St Johns Nfld., on Xmas Eve after our trip to Iceland. The trip going over was smooth and mild and uneventful except for the first two days when we outrode a storm and in doing so took on our first coating of ice. The ship looked beautiful, white and phantom like as the bright moon shone down on it lighting the sea all around with a silvery glow. Then in the morning most of the boys went wild with cameras.

Iceland appeared to us on our first glances as a huge iceberg as snow covered mountains, some extinct volcanic (sic), rose from the sea miles away and seemed to blend with the white cloudy sky. We didn't visit Reykjevik, the city, but carried on miles up the fiord, dropping anchor at a naval base. Here we saw the Rodney, a couple of cruisers of the Southampton class and many of the Yankee & British patrol craft, both large and small.

While we were there we received our second lot of mail and much of the snow blew or melted from the mountains, revealing them in all their barren bleakness. The only signs of life ashore here are culvert type metal army barracks of the Allied Iceland defence corps. We stayed at that particular port for six days then headed out to meet a fast convoy for home base.

Most of the return journey was very rough but after outriding the worst part, the convoy commodore issued the signal, Convoy disperse and make for home ports with all speed possible. This was to enable as many ships as could to spend Xmas in port. During the storm two ships had been damaged and the Trail was left in charge till help arrived. As we arrived there was much reason for merriment.

Xmas grub was piled aboard with turkeys, plum pudding and all the trimmings, then there was mail and parcels for all of us and shore leave to top it all off. St Johns that evening was filled with very drunk sailors all cafes & restaurants were closed. One restaurant, a Chinese place, was attacked and almost demolished by sailors of the Niagara, but most of the boys confined their gaiety to their own parties on ships.

Our ship was a wild one all night through and the next day. I couldn't really be merry here, so got the most kick possible out of doing my best on a whopping Xmas dinner. It was hard work but a real pleasure when all the fellows came & thanked me. Lots even gave me presents.

We stayed in St Johns till after New Years day, during which interval minor repairs and improvements were made to the ship. I amused myself mostly by going to movies and made a phone call to Ruthie. It was a great thrill.

On New Years Eve (during the day) I went aboard the Greenwich and passed examination for my hook. (Rank) It was a tiresome day, so I slept for most of the evening then got up in time to celebrate the birth of 1942 with our Captain, Mr Leveque and some of the boys.

I had sent telegrams to Ruthie and Mom. I received loads of mail from Ruthie and others, but only two letters and a parcel, all a month old, were all that came from home. Fifteen hundred pounds of mail were lost at North Sydney, so that may be the reason.

Our first trip out was a short one, just a day and a night on Asdic trials but when we returned we were sent right out again to escort a damaged ship back to port. This latter trip was short but rough and stormy. We found the ship but lost it again during the blinding snow of the stormy night. As we returned to port next morning, coated heavily with ice, we were photographed by hundreds and the local paper published a picture of the Sherbrooke on its front page.

Next morning Saturday Jan 10th we sailed out to meet a convoy bound for overseas, the one we are now trying to catch. The day was a stormy one and the storm continued till Monday morning. On Saturday night about midnight we picked up distress signals from a ship which had been rammed by another.

Soon frantic flashes asked immediate help in removing its crew as it was expected to go down before daylight. However it did not go down and we had real excitement from 6AM until nightfall rescuing its crew of about 32 men, a few at a time, over the tossing icy waters. A couple of men drowned right before our eyes and a couple more were just dragged from the jaws of death by Harvie and Richie, two of our seamen who jumped overboard, risking their own lives. The whole adventure is one we all will always remember.

The ship, bound from Boston to Russia, was loaded with explosives, 6 twenty ton tanks, army trucks and planes. It was slowly going down as water seeped or splashed through the cut in its side, but we circled it for another 36 hours till a tug came out and took it under tow for port. The ship was the Africanda of Panamerican registry, formerly the Anssi of Italy, but seized in an American port.

Again we spent a night in St Johns and had a few hours to clean up and return to normal after our survivor passengers were taken ashore. At 7AM next morning, Wed Jan 14 we steamed out again into rough waters but now, just about 36 hours later, the sea is comparatively smooth and the air mild. Two enemy surface raiders are reported on the loose on the North Atlantic and two Allied escort vessels have been reported sunk. We may see action before this journey ends.

To-night Starky cut all my hair off, jailbird style to see if it will grow in thicker. I look like a Hiney and feel half naked.

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My first view of Newfy Johns was in the dimming shadows of sundown so the lights held all the attraction. Next morning, however, it revealed itself as a fairly large city, fairly scattered round the inner slopes of a mountain enclosed bay. The harbour is small but quite busy and the town filled with British and American soldiers, sailors and airforce men. Restaurants all close at 11PM but there are three new canteens and loads of theatres. The canteens have dances, movies, parties etc most every night, but the rest of the town is very dead. The Business & largest residential sections are on the opposite side of the bay from which we dock. Streets run in all directions but most of the useable roads for auto traffic run parallel along the hill side or zig zag at angles connecting the parallels. Most streets running at right angles off the main (Water) street are like block long stair ways.

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Jan 17

Yesterday, Jan 16th was very smooth or gently rolling and we thought the remainder of our trip was going to be a pleasant one, but early to-day the wind &waves began to whip up and the good ship Sherbrooke is rolling and pounding with no respect for our feelings. All during both days we've been hearing of reported subs, or torpedo attacks within a few miles of St Johns & Halifax. We all hope they are not true, but probably won't know till our return in about a month.

To-night had a long talk with Ralph Whittaker, Chief E.R.N. I learned a lot about chemicals & motors, as he used to work in a large chemical mfg co. But what interested me most was his plans for after the war. Apparently he is a widower, about 29 or 30 yrs, and having no responsibilities to dependents and being fed up with the monotonous routine of industrial work and city life, he joined the Navy with this plan in the back of his mind for his civilian life after the war.

He'll find some little town on the edge of the small lakes of Central Ontario, buy a bit of land, get himself a boat and build a bit of a workshop. He'll be the town's handyman and do odd jobs here and there, just earning enough to buy the things he needs. He'll work his own garden and fish, hunt or sail when he likes. He is just the type of chap who could live such a life too ­ cause he's quiet & doesn't talk much with the rest of the crew. Likes to think. He knows his work and does it well. He is first a mechanic but also a steamfitter, plumber, tinsmith, electrician and chemist all in one and expert in each. Many of the chaps don't like him but I do and did from our first meeting - cause he thinks before working then does his work well.

Jan 21

This is the 21st day of January and the first day of smooth sailing we’ve had since leaving Nfld. Gee what a pleasure. The reason is that we have been nearing Ireland and are now within the straits which lead to Lake Foyle and our destination, Londonderry.

Water temperatures have been around 50 degrees for the past few days and the air has been so warm for most of this trip that we've found it difficult to sleep. We may even be able to go for a swim.

I found out two very interesting things to-night, first the reason for delay in Canada's declaration of War was to allow her destroyers to pass from Esquimalt BC down the American coast and through the Panama Canal on their way to Halifax. The last to pass through was the Saguenay and just a few minutes later war was declared on our behalf. Secondly, the destruction of our submarine H.M.S. Salmon, one with a victorious record, was brought about by the Saguenay when she dropped 3 patterns of 7 depth charges, after challenging the Salmon and receiving no reply. It was lost with all hands, just a few miles out of Scapa Flow. [NOTE: Officially Salmon was lost to a mine - RNP] To-morrow we'll see Ireland but we may not be allowed ashore.

Jan 22

Strange that I should find myself on my first day in Ireland without any other than green ink, anyway we have finally tied up ship on the Londonderry waterfront.

To-day we wakened to find ourselves steaming along a small lake on smooth even keel. Along both sides of us were low rolling hills covered with neat cultivated fields in patchwork design. Just imagine bright green grass in January. There's lots of it here. The people seem to work every bit of workable land. Some fields are newly ploughed dark brown earth, while right alongside you'll find others growing with contrasting green All the divisions seem to be dark green or red tinted hedges making the whole landscape look to us like a patchwork quilt. Here and there along the waters edge we passed clusters of square stone houses, usually near the lightly wooded sections. Way back in the distance the hills rose to mountain height and their snow tipped peaks blended into a few low hanging soft clouds.

The boys of our crew lined the decks for a couple of hours just admiring the beauty, then all of a sudden as the ship steamed round a bend we found ourselves back in smoky, dirty civilization. Londonderry, a city of crowded, closely built houses & business buildings and docks lay on our right along the banks of the river Foyle, and the sky above was dotted with barrage blimps.

Once to-day, while we stopped along the way for oil, some of the natives of the Free State rowed out in boats, trying to sell us butter, eggs, cream, etc. Then as a side line they began to drag out ladies silk stockings, panties and stuff. Seemed strange that all these things should be plentiful and unrationed while right next door the same articles can’t be had.

Jan 30

Our stay in this city has lasted just over a week and during that time we all had 8 hrs leave, during which I, like most of the other chaps went to Belfast. It had suffered a bit from bombings, but not for quite a while. 8000 Yankee (illegible) had arrived on the day of my visit there and although they were not around much the U.S. Sailors, who had brought them, were all over town. Souvenirs are becoming scarce and are no longer being made in the Br. Isles. Cigarettes are being sold in bulk and sometimes men stand in line for more than an hour to buy five.

Belfast is a bit like Glasgow, only the people are not quite so friendly. They resent any allied occupation for fear that they will attract Hitler. Girls in Belfast are pretty and good in general but in Londonderry they are sloppy in their appearance. They are of very religious and morally straight laced parents. Most of our boys like the latter place worse than any visited so far. It is an important terminus on this side for Atlantic convoy escorts. There must have been over 100 in during our visit.

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SUBMARINE ATTACK

Brrrring goes the gong and we leap from our nicks. Some of us are still asleep till we hit the deck but we frantically yank on a few warm clothes and run for our action stations. The hour is mid-night and a ship of our convoy has been torpedoed. We have known for hours that we were being shadowed, so the attack is no complete surprise. Seconds after the alarm, two shattering cracks shake our ship from stem to stern and everything loose smashes or falls to the deck. They tell us that our duty watch is already on the job and dropping charges but had we not known it would surely seem that our ship had been struck.

The reports merely speed us on and as we reach our positions in this little machine of submarine destruction, every man is on his toes ready for the signals. We on the upper deck strain our eyes in the murky blackness for anything unusual and a thrill runs through our blood as our masthead light signals that we're "going in to attack".

Our Asdic operators have located the (illegible) and we're after him. The Cap'n orders full speed ahead and as we steam over the spot where our enemy hides, his command sends depth charges hurdling astern and both sides of us. Seconds pass and waters behind us become an inferno. We circle and a few minutes later recover the spot and repeat the action.

Now we stand by for any signs of the effect. Maybe a few bits of wreckage will come floating to the surface, maybe some oil, maybe even a mangled corpse or maybe we’ll just be left wondering and never really know if the prowler has been destroyed or successfully slunk away to return again and bother us some other day.

My most interesting observation was the way fear was completely forgotten and overshadowed by the thrill of go & get in the "attack"" of this big-game-like hunt.

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Jan 29-31

On Thursday the 29th of Jan our leave was cut to 2330 and we expected to shove off next morning, however the same happened the next evening & we finally set out on the morning of the 31st. We are to sail down to the south of Ireland and meet our convoy a few hundred miles off the coast then continue across by the southern route along the 45th Parallel to near Halifax. We're hoping, on account of enemy subs, we may go right to Halifax but nobody knows yet.

There are 7 corvettes in our flotilla with our ship in command. (Buctouche, Barrie, Moosejaw, Dianthus [British - RNP], Alysse [Free French - RNP], Hepatica and Sherbrooke) and our first few days of sailing has been smooth and without mishap. The convoy has been picked up and is a slow one (6 knots).

Admiralty reported the loss of two escort ships in a convoy ahead of our last one. We believe them to be the Napanee and Polyanthus [Polyanthus actually survived until 20 September 1943 when she was sunk by U641 or U-952. Napanee survived the war - RNP] but aren't sure. Reports also to effect that we're being shadowed by subs & we have D F'd them sending out code about 40 & 50 miles astern.

Feb 7

On Sunday morning (7th) Moosejaw reported contact & dropped several patterns. Admiralty reported sinking of 17,000 ton Swedish tanker off New York and shelling of Merchantman by sub 35 miles off Chebucto head. Sunday night we are called to action stations at midnight and sped to a contact point. When ready to drop charges we found the Barrie close astern and then lost contact. The Alysse had been torpedoed [by U654 - RNP] and is now being towed to St Johns by the Moosejaw & Hepatica. There are about 24 survivors.

Feb 8

Monday night we were all on the jump and had hardly turned in when the bell called us to posts again. I was in the mess quickly dressing when two sharp blasts seemed to hit our ship and shook everything loose. They had been charges dropped by us and a few minutes later three more were dropped then a sub was reported surfacing dead ahead. Our Cap'n ordered full ahead and rammed, but object proved to be two large life rafts when we turned spots on them.

During the morning of the same day twelve ships left convoy and headed for the West Indies. About 4 hours later one of them (Empire Fusilier) was torpedoed and this was her life rafts. All the men had transferred to the whalers and were picked up by the Barrie and Dianthus.They have now headed for St Johns and we are left alone with the remaining 27 ships ships of the convoy.

The Buctouche had earlier returned to Ireland with a casualty, then went direct to St Johns. The Amherst had replaced her but ran short of oil & also went to Nfld. Now we are running short and may be relieved by the Buctouche and others being sent out from Nfld.

So far no relief has come and we now expect to continue escort duties right to Halifax. We are making very poor headway as our convoy has been chasing in all directions in order to shake off the subs which are shadowing it. At night the Cap'n takes no chances since the Alysse incident. He changes course about every 3 minutes.

Feb 12 (approx)

For a few days now our sailing has been smooth and eventless. We continue to change course often and may possibly have rid ourselves of our enemies. We're still in doubt as to our destination but we are running short of fuel, water and food. Other escorts are supposed to take over and allow us to go to our base, but orders are indefinite. The Barrie has returned and is sweeping a flank while we continue on our forward sweep.

Feb 14

On the night of Feb 14 we calculate our position to be about 50 miles out of Halifax, so we must be going right in. Looks like it'll just be for oil, then right out. That'll be a heart-ache for more than just me... However we'd been forgetting that this was Valentines day and the mail hadn'''t arrived yet.

Adolph remembered and at about 1030PM we heard a rumble as our stern ship caught a fish squarely amidships. It was a Greek ship and was travelling a bit behind all the way over. A lookout aboard her spotted a surfaced sub, not far off, trying to gain way into the convoy's centre. Instead of manning her gun and trying to get a shot in, the Greeks tried to signal us and the sub immediately gave them the works.

So near to home & safety we had no thought of attack and were catching up that lost slumber. First we struck something gently or a dummy fish hit us. Whatever it was scraped the ship's bottom and jarred us gently, then came the bell and we rushed in on the sinking ship and the Barrie circled us dropping charges.

Moans, wails & cries were coming from it and it's crew was flashing lights dangerously all over the place. We picked up a boat containing about 14 people, five were German Jewish refugee passengers going to Cincinnati Ohio. Attempts to rescue others were fruitless and we nearly lost 2 of our own boat crews, first by suction of the hulk going down, then by ramming from the Barrie who mistook our boats, in the dark, for a surfacing sub.

Soon we were on our way again and at 830AM tied up to Jetty 4, Halifax. The Barrie remained only a few hours but we spent 13 happy days there. It would take pages to recount all the things I did in the time but I did see the Cornett and its crew and phoned home. Practically my every spare minute was spent at Walkers or with Ruth. This meant more to me than a months leave could.

Feb 28

Our sailing was indefinite but we finally left with a convoy at 830AM Jan 31st. [Why Ron has entered this date is unclear. It is not likely that he was mixed up about Feb 14th, so that would make his sailing date as Feb 28 if he spent 13 days in Halifax harbour - Brian] New equipment was tried out before leaving the harbour, then we were on our way again. For 3 days we sailed up the coast then left the other ships and headed for St Johns. We arrived there at about midnight, took on mail, I got 3 parcels and lots of letters. Stayed up all night answering some. More came on Wednesday 4th (March). Most of us got payed but I missed.

Mar 6/7

We sailed again at 6PM after only the few hours stay. Our crew is much changed and not so nice as before. I expect to be leaving after this trip. We've been two whole days at sea now and in company with the St Laurent & Kamsack are trying to regain the convoy we lost. We've already lost the Eyebright which apparently lost its way in a heavy fog of the first night. We've now regained the convoy and the Eyebright has been in R.T. Communication with us. It should join us soon.

Mar 13

Friday the 13th looked bad - cause right off for a start a tanker had steering troubles and was left adrift of the convoy with us to guard her. Luckily she was repaired quickly and we caught up again. Then the Montcalm (icebreaker enroute to Russia) lost a man overboard and we had to stay behind with her. No sooner was this over than two ships had to transfer a doctor so again we were left behind. Now however, we're catching up and everything's rosey. We should be in by Monday the 16th.

Frenchy Julien at the wheel & was checked up for a 10 degree reading off course. No difference said he "Sa beeg ocean. What the heck?"

Mar 16

We did arrive in Derry on the 16th and were tied up by about 300PM. The boys were all very happy at the sight of land - cause our Asdic had been out of order for the last couple of days. Our arrival was on a bright sunny day so old Ireland looked very pretty with her bright green hills. We lined the deck to watch the sights all along the river and rolls of film were used up.

Mar 21

Our stay in Derry was short and we sailed out down to the tanker on the morning of the 21st of March. Our 17th had been celebrated in the country of St Patrick but proved to be very quiet. During our stay the Asdic, R.D.T. & main engine were repaired. During the run down the river a new bearing in the engine burnt out. It was repaired at the tanker by our own engineers and we stayed there for the night.

Gee what a beautiful day and evening for the first day of spring. Bum boats came out to us from Eire trying to sell butter, cheese, eggs, etc. They wanted to buy tea & would gladly have paid 5 shillings per pound for it. (Must be very scarce).

Mar 22

Set out for Hebrides coast on morn of 22nd and by 7PM had picked up full convoy of 26 ships. Escorts are Sherbrooke, Trillium, Rimouski, Eyebright & Kamsack.

Mar 26

Sea has been very smooth to date 26th. On the night of 23rd we were called to action stations and three escorts reported contacts and dropped charges. We dropped one pattern of 10 after being called up second time. Charges had been freshly painted & greased and we all were awful messes after.

Remainder of night was tense & we remained ready. 24th at 530PM charges were dropped by another corvette so we rushed to posts but were told to secure.

We've been taking advantage of good weather & everybody's painting. Galley was almost done when an oily sack caught on fire & blackened the whole works. Rest of ship is being camouflaged, Blue, White & Green.

Last night 25th, Kamsack picked up German transmitters broadcasting nearby at six frequencies. Believed to be subs.

Cap'n has been talking with others to-day re same & had to ask each how they liked our new funnel (paint job). Referring to commercial attractive look he quoted "Convoys safely economically escorted anywhere anytime, day & night service." Once said his poor mind was at a loss what to do but he'd like to bugger off & get the blighters if they were enemy subs.

To-night all the boys are tense and jumpy, most are staying on deck for the night. Some are sing songing. We in the P.O. Mess have been discussing bad dreams. Ralph Whittaker takes the cake with his dream of playing poker with 3 skeletons & when called to get up he said just a minute boys I'll be right back. We do expect attack to-night but who knows. Someone was calling us all last night on R.T. But we did not answer because of the Spikenard experience.

She was called by R.T. one night. "Spikenard, calling Spikenard." "Hello. Spikenard calling." and a minute later, whoomph, torpedo explosion & about 8 survivors. It had been an enemy sub calling when the Spikenard answered her R.T. was used as a beam by D.F. by which to aim the torpedo.

This is the end of the journal portion of Ron's diary. The final installment is an overview of his service and what being a cook in the RCN entailed.