HMCS Ontario, Arrival in Esquimalt, 1945.
When I first started to scan the photos of the ceremony on HMCS Ontario's quarterdeck, I assumed they showed the announcement of the Japanese surrender. But after doing more photo sorting, I realized they show the ship's arrival at Esquimalt Harbour. The negative numbers are in the same series and more or less sequential, so they must all be related. These official "F" series negatives are unique to this photo collection. According to Wikipedia, HMCS Ontario arrived in Esquimalt on November 27, 1945.
Negative #F-4760: HMCS Ontario approaches the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour. The number on the ship on its port side is K444 (only readable in the original scan), which makes it HMCS Matane, a River Class frigate.
Negative #F-4765: HMCS Ontario approaches the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour.
Negative #F-4759: HMCS Ontario approaches the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour.
Negative #F-4764: HMCS Ontario in Esquimalt Harbour. The Tribal Class destroyer
ahead of her has no number.
Russell Hodgkin, whose father served on the same voyage, emailed me in part: ". . . .
but look at the stern of the Ontario. She is in full on emergency reverse to avoid a collision.
The Ontario I believe had the right of way, and there were some strong words spoken as a result of the
incident. "
Negative #F-4758: HMCS Ontario approaches the jetty in Esquimalt Harbour.
Negative #F-4757: HMCS Ontario about to tie up at the jetty in Esquimalt Harbour.
Negative #F-4766: A crowd of relatives greets the ship in Esquimalt Harbour.
Negative #F-4754: Two admirals come aboard HMCS Ontario. Leading is Vice Admiral G.C. Jones, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). He is followed by Rear Admiral V.G. Brodeur, the Commanding Officer Pacific Coast (COPC).
Negative #F-4756: The Minister Of National Defence, The Hon. Douglas Abbott, addresses HMCS Ontario's ship's company. The senior officers from right to left in the photo are Capt. H.T. Grant, the ship's CO, Vice Admiral G.C. Jones, Chief of Naval Staff, and Rear Admiral V.G. Brodeur, COPC.
Negative #F-4762: Capt. Harold Taylor Wood Grant, commanding officer of HMCS Ontario, speaks into CBC microphones, with the reporter standing behind him.
Negative #F-4755: Overview of the assembled troops and officials on the quarterdeck of HMCS Ontario.
Can you provide names, details or corrections?
Please email Charlie Dobie.