During the Second World War, there were various messes around the city, but none were designated for naval officers, so Captain Rollo Mainguy decided to establish a Seagoing Officers Club. The Crow's Nest opened on January 27, 1942, as a safe haven for naval officers fighting in the Battle of the Atlantic. The club's name is believed to have originated when a Lieutenant Colonel in the Canadian Army, puffing and winded when he arrived at the top of the club's 59 steps, mopped his forehead and gasped, “Crikey, this is a snug little Crow’s Nest.” His companions were delighted with the observation and the name stuck.
On opening night the club had a contest for who could hammer a spike into the floor faster and it was won by the captain of HMCS Spikenard. They were torpedoed off Iceland on the night of February 10. During the war the club had a brass ring put around the spike in the floor and then after the war it was removed from the floor and put on the wall where it still remains.
As a memento before entering the theatre of war, many men visiting the club would scratch the name of their ship on the walls. Captain Mainguy gave each ship a space on the wall so they could put their gun shield there. Each ship had their own unique crest that they usually put on the gun shield of the four inch gun in the bow of their ship. Each gun shield in the club has its own story.
At the end of war, U-190 surrendered off the coast of Newfoundland on May 8, 1945, to HMCS Victoriaville and HMCS Thorlock. U-190 was brought into the Bay Bulls harbour because the submarine had sunk HMSC Esquimalt on April 16 and they were was afraid if they brought the crew to Halifax so soon after that, there could be some sort of public incident. The periscope was removed from the submarine and still remains in the club.
In the spirit of camaraderie, the club brought together officers from all nations to relax, share stories and develop solidarity. The Crow’s Nest reflects a rich body of naval tradition, preserves the memory of those who bravely escorted ships across the Atlantic, and honours their service.