Mr. Andrews describes training on the Twelve Pounder naval cannon, and his crew mates very close call while on target practice.
Underage Enlisting
Mr. Andrews describes his enlistment and how his physical maturity outweighed his being under aged. His training starts badly when he becomes ill in St. John's.
Medals Mean Something
Mr. Desmeules expresses the importance of engaging the youth about the service provided by our Veterans and the significance of their medals.
A New Feeling After Returning Home
Mr. Desmeules shares his personal experiences when returning home to his family.
Uniform Doesn’t Matter
Mr. Desmeules shares his story of returning to Navy service from Army yet not bothering to change uniforms.
Duties Onboard the Destroyer
Mr. Desmeules describes his daily routine aboard the HMCS Skeena providing administrative support to the captain.
Opportunities at Sea
Mr. Desmeules speaks about his opportunities in joining the navy and his
enjoyment aboard ship.
The Value of Military Service
Mr. Matheos discusses how his naval service shaped his sense of self-discipline.
Fine Captain and Officers
Mr. Matheos discusses having what he felt were a fine captain and group of officers, and attributes his success, and that of many others, to their ability to motivate their crews.
Training New Crew
Mr. Matheos describes the training of new recruits and the satisfaction of seeing them succeed. He discusses the fact that he didn't develop any lasting friendships because of the transience of the crew.
Stormy Seas
Mr. Matheos describes lifelines and the dire result of not using them in stormy seas – the loss of two sailors overboard. He also describes an innovative solution to a ruptured porthole.
HMCS Sans Peur Refit and Role
Mr. Matheos describes the donation of the Royal Yacht, Sans Peur, to the Canadian navy. He discusses her refit and subsequent role as a patrol and training vessel out of Halifax, Nova Scotia.