Storm at Sea

Mr. Keith recalls the worst storm he sailed though, at the wheel 2 hours on, 2 off for 4 days.

David MacLeod Keith

Mr. David Keith was born on January 2, 1923, in Macklin, Saskatchewan. At age 3 his family moved to Outlook, where his father - a Veteran of the First World War, having served with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry - after the war he worked as a school inspector.

In 1940, at age 17, Mr. Keith began to attend university but after struggling through the first year, the dean of the university suggested he take a year off. After receiving permission from his father Mr. Keith decided to enlist in the navy, he accidentally signed up for 7 years with the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve.Following 3 months training in Regina and an anti-sub course in Toronto, Mr. Keith was posted to the Thunder out of Halifax on July 14, 1942.

During the next three years he sailed on the Thunder, Dunvegan, and Mahone patrolling and escorting convoys.Returning home on August 18, 1945, he returned to university, later graduating with his BA in Education. After returning to the navy in 1949 for 2 years with UNTD as a staff officer, he became a teacher in 1951 and retired in 1983.

Medium:

Video

Owner:

Veterans Affairs Canada

Duration:

02:16

Person Interviewed:

David MacLeod Keith

War, Conflict or Mission:

Second World War

Location/Theatre:

Canada

Branch:

Navy

Rank:

Able Seaman

Copyright / Permission to Reproduce