The Rear-Admiral Walter Hose, CBE, RCN plaque was rededicated on 31 January 2023, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve. Hose is recognized as the “Father of the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve”. The plaque is located on the quarterdeck of HMCS Hunter 2nd, the Naval Reserve Division in Windsor, Ontario.
Three identical bronze memorial plaques were cast in 1967 by the officers and sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve as a tribute to a great and gallant sailor – warrior. The first plaque was erected at the southernmost edge of Point Pleasant Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia looking out to sea. The second was mounted at St. Paul’s Church in Esquimalt, British Columbia and the third was on the quarterdeck of HMCS Hunter 1st.
When HMCS Hunter 1st was paid off in 2014, the plaque was relocated to the new HMCS Hunter 2nd. However, after 55 years, the plaque needed a refit before being displayed in the new facility, a project that was taken on by the Royal Canadian Naval Association Admiral Hose Branch in collaboration with the command team in HMCS Hunter.
Rear-Admiral Hose resided in Windsor from 1950 until his passing in 1965. He was a frequent visitor and guest at HMCS Hunter during those years. Six Chief Petty Officers from HMCS Hunter were the pallbearers at his naval funeral in Windsor. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Naval Association Windsor Branch which was renamed Admiral Hose Branch following his passing. Hose was a staunch supporter of youth groups, especially the Sea Cadet Corps.
