Canada - The Atlantic Convoys

[rlaughton]

As I begin my trek to learn more of my parents history serving on Corvettes in the Atlantic convoys, I thought it best to see who else has an interest in this topic. I know only the bare minimum of my father's WWII experience but only a few years ago I knew much less of my grandfathers' in WWI, so here we go!

Off to the attic I headed to pull out the box and there was a movie K225, the Hollywood version of the HMCS Kitchener in the North Atlantic. An old scratchy VHS copy of a 1943 classic - but it looks like a good place to start.

Some links I found so far:

The Convoy Web

The Ships of the Canadian Navy K225


I have now placed an order for the Military Records of both my parents, so it will be interesting to see what arrives from Ottawa. Other than that I have no idea how to track WWII service records and ship placements. Has anyone else been down this path??

[Andy in West Oz]

Never heard of that film, Richard, and as I'm a sucker for naval flicks, I'll keep an eye out for it.

I think Hugh might be best placed to help you in this matter.

Have a look at uboat.net as well. This gives some interesting details of ships lost/involved in the convoys. Probably best for anecdotal or "periphery" info.

[Hugh]

Hello Richard,

I do have an interest in this area although to be honest it is mainly in the Merchant Navy ships more than the military escorts - surprising maybe as I am ex RN myself.

The Convoy Web site is a great resource and well worth keeping for reference.

Have you seen this site: Naval Museum of Manitoba - HMCS CHIPPAWA - Winnipeg, Manitoba pictures of all three ships you mentioned in your introduction thread and also a forum to ask specific questions.

I quickly checked the UK National Archives earlier and didn't see much of interest but will have a more indepth search later and let you know.

Corvettes Canada: Convoy Veterans of Wwii Tell Their True Stories. - JOHNSTON, MAC.

Regards
Hugh

[rlaughton]

Thanks Andy & Hugh .... off to a good start. As I said, I am a true newbie when it comes to WWII.

Interesting to go to that site link and see K225 thrusting out of the water. An unknown number until a few days ago and now it pops up everywhere.

Why there is a Navy site out of Manitoba I have no idea but I will go and check out the details. Thanks kindly for the links.

Richard


p.s. now I need to find a White Ensign

[spidge]

Hi Richard,

What areas, ships and land bases were your parents involved with?

It is good to know as when you are researching other areas, interesting associations sometimes turn up.

Cheers

[rlaughton]

The war time ships (Corvettes) of Lt. C. V. Laughton R.C.N.

HMCS Arnprior K494
HMCS Agassiz K129
HMCS Cobalt K124

As best I know, my mother sailed the Pay Wicket out of Halifax. My father could escape all but one torpedo in the high seas and none of my mother's torpedoes in Halifax.

[Rick Adam]

Hello Richard,new member Rick Adam here I hope you got the photos I sent you earlier today.
I will have to learn how to get around in this group and how to add content to share as well. TTFN Rick

[rlaughton]

Originally Posted by Rick Adam

Hello Richard,new member Rick Adam here I hope you got the photos I sent you earlier today.
I will have to learn how to get around in this group and how to add content to share as well. TTFN Rick

They are in my mail box, many of them, will have a look after the Sunday Feast is over and the kids have gone back to their own nests!

Welcome aboard, seems like a great place.

Richard

[spidge]

Originally Posted by Rick Adam

Hello Richard,new member Rick Adam here I hope you got the photos I sent you earlier today.
I will have to learn how to get around in this group and how to add content to share as well. TTFN Rick

Welcome Rick,

Tell us a bit more about yourself in the introduction forum and let us know how you found us!

[sniper]

Super sites Richard, have added these to my faves. Plenty of research material in these and some real good reading.