Royal Canadian Navy : First Voyage of HMCS Ontario.

BELFAST to HONG KONG to ESQUIMALT, 1945. Department of National Defence Photographs.

Phil Hodgkin

William Philip Hodgkin joined the RCN in late 1941 when he was 17. He was 21 when HMCS Ontario sailed and was still considered to be RCN Volunteer Reserve at the time. His official title was "Writer". He retired from the Navy in 1966.

Phil's son (he was William Philip but was always known as "Phil") Russell Hodgkin, says his dad served on other ships and/or land bases before he joined HMCS Ontario. Russell is still searching through old documents and photos for details, but it is certain that in April, 1944, he joined the RCN's headquarters in Britain, HMCS Niobe, located in Greenock, Scotland, and worked in the Personnel Records Office there.

After WW2, he served twice on HMCS Cayuga -- the first time when she sailed in company with HMCS Athabaskan, Crescent, Antigonish, and HMCS Ontario, to Hawaii in Oct 1948. His second time assigned to HMCS Cayuga -- June 1951 to August 1952 -- was for her second tour in Korea. Men identified on HMCS Cayuga are: Fast, Hodgkin, West. See HMCS Cayuga photos.

This is an extract from the unpublished memoirs of William Philip Hodgkin. He comments about the following paragraphs: " (This) is taken from an official report of proceedings written by the ship's Captain or someone delegated by him. Since I was the typist for the Captain it was logical that I would at that time make a copy for my own use. "

HMCS Ontario was commissioned at Belfast on 26th April 1945, under the command of Captain H.T.W. Grant, DSO, RCN, the third naval vessel to bear the name. Her two predecessors having been commissioned in the Royal Navy in 1756 and 1818 respectively. The former was a single masted gaff-rigged fore and aft sloop launched at Oswego, on Lake Ontario, and was the second vessel to fly the British ensign on fresh water seas. The latter was an 18-gun sloop based at Plymouth and later in the West Indies.

HMCS Ontario built by Harland and Wolff at Belfast, was laid down in 1941 as HMS Minotaur, a cruiser of the Swiftsure class with a standard displacement of 8,000 tons and a length of 555'6. Her main armament consists of nine 6" guns mounted in triple turrets with a secondary armament of five twin 4" mountings and numerous light A.A. weapons. She also carried six 21" torpedo tubes in triple mountings.

A month after commissioning she sailed for the Clyde and thence to Scapa Flow for a short work-up.

Leaving the Clyde again on 30th June, she sailed for Malta, there to complete her full working up programme. From Malta, the ship proceeded to Ceylon, calling enroute at Alexandria, Port Said and Aden.

The 2,000-mile [sic] passage down the Red Sea between the two latter ports was not a pleasant one, being accompanied by a hot following wind which brought temperatures onboard to an uncomfortable average of 120 degrees. Arriving at Colombo on 19th August, Ontario stayed three days before leaving to join the fleet at Trincomalee.

Leaving Trincomalee on the last day in August, the cruiser sailed for Hong Kong with HMS Glengyle and HMIS Llanstephan Castle in company. Passing through the Malacca Strait minefield in daylight, 5th September, rendezvous was made with the remaining ships of the convoy, including the Escort Carrier HMS Smiter and minesweepers of the 6th Minesweeping Flotilla, who swept ahead of the convoy through the Singapore Straits.

On arrival at Hong Kong on Tuesday, 11th September, Ontario joined the flag of Rear Admiral C.S. Daniel, CB, CBE, DSO, commanding Task Group 111.2.

A week later Ontario landed three companies for the maintenance of order at Hong Kong. These companies took over the Taikoo Dock, Shouson and Fort Stanley. Very little trouble was experienced with the Chinese at these points and except for an occasional disturbance in the rice queues, they were most friendly.

On 1st October, all ships present in Hong Kong were ordered to sea as a precautionary measure, against an approaching typhoon. Whilst at sea, Ontario was ordered to the assistance of the crippled Admiralty Oiler, Wave King then in tow from Okinawa to Hong Kong, and now in further need of help owing to weather damage to her tug's steering gear and main engine.

Ontario arrived on the scene in the forenoon of 3rd October, but the weather was too heavy either to cast off the tow or pass a new line, and this was not attempted until the following day. The first line was passed in forty minutes, but unfortunately parted after two hours steaming. A second tow, which took two hours hard work to pass owing to the increasingly rough sea, held satisfactorily and speeds of six to eight knots were maintained until the ships arrived off Hong Kong on 5th October.

The RCN landing parties were re-embarked on relief by RN and Commando Units and on 28th October the ship sailed from Hong Kong for Manila on her first trip to Canada. Leaving Manila she sailed for Pearl Harbour, oiling enroute at Guam. From Pearl Harbour, where a stay of four days was made, Ontario set out on the final lap to Esquimalt, where she arrived on Tuesday, 27th November, 1945.

Shortly after the ship's arrival in Canada, Ontario was placed in a state of care and maintenance with a reduced complement, and in February 1946 was allocated to the Reserve Fleet. In March she was taken in hand for an extended refit which is due to complete by August 1947, when Ontario will relieve Uganda in the fleet.

The photos below are from the Al Brosseau, Edmund Ferris, Russell Hodgkin and Ken Johnson collections. Many photos show up in multiple collections, and the credit line tries to reflect the best copy available. The photos are listed in negative number order -- the "ON" series of official photographs were numbered in the order the photos were taken. However, the single digit series (1-1 to 11-5) are not necessarily in order and they have been listed last.

March, 2016 -- A list of the photographs was discoverd in William Philip Hodgkin's papers. The photos are listed in negative number order and include the date and photo description. Most photos listed were taken by Leading Photographer Sydney H. Draper, V-57990.

Corrected October 21, 2022.

Click on a thumbnail
to see a full size version.

Negative ON-0001 : 19 May 1945 :

Green ones breaking over foc'sle.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0002 : 26 May '45 :

Ship leaving shipyard at Belfast Northern Ireland, initial trip.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0003-1 : 27 May '45 :

Libertymen boarding Drifter at Greenock. Note the fellow in the lower left staring at the camera. He also did this in 0007.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0005-1 : 31 May '45 :

HMCS Ontario's motor boat proceeding ashore at Lamlash, Scotland.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0007 : 10 June '45 :

HMCS Ontario, Supply Division, march past -- Lt(S) K. Roy, RCN.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0007-4 : 10 June '45 :

Church service on the quarterdeck of HMCS Ontario.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0007-7 : 10 June '45 :

Ship's band on the foc'sle of HMCS Ontario.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0008 : 17 June '45 :

The canteen on HMCS Ontario. Men are Maki, Reed and Zeke.

Russell Hodgkin says: "I notice some of the items on the shelf are upside down, and the wood crate has been opened from the bottom. For decades a similar wood crate sat in our basement, opened from the bottom. Items I can read are: Crawford's Small Rich Tea. Players cigarettes, Kunzle Hot Chocolate Tablets, Kunzle Quality House Chocolates and Cakes, Sweet Caporal cigarettes, Craven A cigarettes, Lux Toilet Soap The Soap of the Screen Stars, Crispy Crunch. "

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0009-1 : 17 June, 1945 :

Letting go starboard anchor in River Mersey.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0009-2 : 17 June, 1945 :

Cleaning after oiling ship. The sailor standing at front, middle, right, has the name H. Agnew on his shirt.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0009-3 : 17 June, 1945 :

Same scene as above. H. Agnew is bending over at top, centre.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0009-4 : 17 June, 1945 :

Same scene as above. H. Agnew is bending over at left.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0010 : 23 June, 1945 :

UK Admiral Sir Henry Ruthven Moore is piped aboard HMCS Ontario.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0010-1 : 23 June, 1945 :

Captain of HMCS Ontario introduces UK Admiral Sir Henry Ruthven Moore and heads of departments. Moore was British Commander In Chief Home Fleet 1944 - 1945.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0011 : 26 June, 1945 :

British T-Class Submarine HMS Truncheon, alongside HMCS Ontario at Scappa Flow.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0013 : 5 July, 1945 :

Gibraltar, seen from HMCS Ontario.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0013-1 : 5 July, 1945 :

Gibraltar, seen from HMCS Ontario.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0014 : 7 July, 1945 :

North Africa, seen from HMCS Ontario.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0015 : 8 July, 1945 :

HMCS Ontario entering Grand Harbour, Malta.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0016 : 9 July, 1945 :

Being piped aboard is Vice-Admiral of Malta, Frederick Dalrymple-Hamilton. He became Vice-Admiral Malta and Flag Officer, Central Mediterranean, in April 1945.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0016-2 : 9 July, 1945 :

Vice-Admiral of Malta, Frederick Dalrymple-Hamilton. He became Vice-Admiral Malta and Flag Officer, Central Mediterranean, in April 1945.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0017 : 13 July 1945 :

HMS Bleasdale closing for fuel.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0017-2 : 13 July 1945 :

Line is fired from HMCS Ontario to HMS Bleasdale.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0017-3 : 13 July 1945 :

HMS Bleasdale closing for fuel.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0017-4 : 13 July 1945 :

The fuel line is about to be passed over to HMS Bleasdale.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0017-5 : 13 July 1945 :

The fuel line is about half way to HMS Bleasdale.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0017-7 : 13 July 1945 :

The fuel line is hauled aboard HMS Bleasdale.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0018 : 13 July 1945 :

Gun crew ramming the shells home.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0018-1 : 13 July 1945 :

4-inch gun. Russell Hodgkin says: "I realized "shoot" can be verb or a noun. The Ontario had five of these dual 4-inch guns. So the drill had an air of competition about it and Dad has noted it as a "shoot."

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0018-2 : 13 July 1945 :

"Y" gun crew. Russell Hodgkin says: "HMCS Ontario had three Mk XXIII turrets with three six-inch guns in each. These are the men who crewed "Y" turret. But I have no idea what letter designated the other gun houses." These men are described as "X" gun crew in the official list of photos.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0019 : 18 July 1945 :

HMCS Ontario in tow of HMS Belfast (evolutions).

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0020 : 20 July 1945 :

Hunt class destroyer HMS Chidingfold (L31) oiling from HMCS Ontario (abeam method).

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0021 : 20 July 1945 :

HMCS Ontario ship's crest.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0022 : 20 July 1945 :

Firing 'A' 21-inch torpedo.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0022-1 : 20 July 1945 :

Lowering whaler (torpedo recovery).

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0022-2 : 20 July 1945 :

Whaler leaves as HMCS Ontario starts to haul torpedo from the water.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0022-3 : 20 July 1945 :

Torpedo is about half-way up.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0022-4 : 20 July 1945 :

Torpedo is lowered to the deck of HMCS Ontario.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0023 : 20 July 1945 :

HMCS Ontario crew members at the catacombs in Rabat, Malta. The catacombs are connected to St. Paul's Cathedral (photo below).

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0023-1 : 20 July 1945 :

St Paul's Cathedral at Rabat, Malta.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0023-2 : 20 July 1945 :

HMCS Ontario rates swimming at bay, Ghain-Tuffieha, Malta.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0024 : 20 July 1945 :

HMCS Ontario leaving Valetta, Malta.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0024-1 : 20 July 1945 :

HMCS Ontario leaving Valetta, Malta.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0024-2 : 20 July 1945 :

HMCS Ontario leaving Valetta, Malta.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0024-3 : 20 July 1945 :

HMCS Ontario leaving Valetta, Malta.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0026-1 :

HMCS Ontario leaving Alexandria, Egypt with two Royal Navy destroyers manoeuvering for line ahead.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0028 :

Aden, Arabia.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0029 :

Interior of "Y" gun-house.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0030 or ON-0130 :

Leaving an unknown harbour.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0034-1 :

Leaving Trincomalee, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0037 :

Twin Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0037-1 :

Ack Ack gun crews.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0038 :

Raising or lowering a paravane mine-sweeper.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0039 :

Bay of Bengal and British troop transport.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0040 :

Captain A.W.S. Wood at the dentist.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0041 :

Master-At-Arms office.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0042 :

Men identified as: Lovick, Mearns, Fitz.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0043-2 :

Drill -- six-inch turret. "Yolanda" = the "Y" gun house.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0044 :

Music appreciation hour, broadcast by Rev. I.R. Edwards.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0046 :

Padre J.R. Edwards.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0046-1 :

Men are identified as Steenerson, Wall, Reed. It is assumed they are the men standing.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0047 :

Major-General (UK) Frank Festing, GOC Hong Kong, and Staff.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0047-3 :

Lt. Col. Leathes and Major-General (UK) Frank Festing, GOC Hong Kong.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0050 :

At sea in the Bay of Bengal. Russell Hodgkin comments: " There appear to be only two ships following, but Dad has commented there were three. The two visible would be the LCIL's (Landing Craft Infantry Large). What is not visible is HMS Smiter, but Dad has noted the name on the back of the photo. HMS Smiter was an escort carrier, built as USS Vermillion, and returned to the US Navy in 1946. There was another HMS Smiter -- a Tank Landing Ship. In WW2 it was LST 3514. It did not get named Smiter until 1947, after the carrier was returned to the US. "

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0051-2 :

Probably Hong Kong. Exact location unknown.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0051-3 :

Hong Kong and British submarine.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0052 :

Tony Banham identified this photo: "This photo was taken off Little Sai Wan (now Siu Sai Wan) in the Eastern approaches to Hong Kong harbour. Lyemun fort is on the left with Devil's Peak on the right. "

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0053 :

HMS Swiftsure off Hong Kong.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0054 :

Hong Kong. The tall building on the left is headquarters of the HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation).

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0055 :

HMCS Ontario anchored in Hong Kong harbour.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0056 :

Probably Hong Kong. Exact location unknown.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0058 :

At left is Capt. Harold Taylor Wood Grant, Commanding Officer of HMCS Ontario. Beside him is Major-General F.W. Festing, British Army, General Officer Commanding Hong Kong.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0062 :

Mjr Gen. F.W. Festing, CBE DSO, taking the salute as the ship's motor boat gets underway.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0068 :

Tha man is identified as Fred Mace. Hong Kong.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0069 :

Men coming ashore from motor launches. Definitely Hong Kong, possibly around Quarry Bay.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0072 :

Hong Kong, Connaught Road in Western. Sign on building says "Whitty Street". Crew mustered on a jetty with full gear. Others are waiting in a truck -- license plate is "56680 RN".

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0073 :

Headquarters ashore in Hong Kong.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0074 :

Mahjong.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0074-1 :

Street vendors, Hong Kong.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0074-2 :

Hill Road, Hong Kong.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0074-3 :

A chow stall (simple street cafe) possibly in Wanchai.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0075 :

Lieutenant T.A. Welch, RCNVR.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0079 :

HMCS Ontario ashore, Headquarters at Hong Kong.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0080 :

RCN patrol in Hong Kong.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0083 :

HMCS Ontario Headquarters in Hong Kong.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0084 :

L/S J.R. Bertrand cleaning his bayonet, A/B M.A. Desmazes on arm of chair.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0089 :

Labourers hauling heavy bags.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0090 :

Tony Banham identified this photo: " Government House (where the Governor lived). You can see the tower modified by the Japanese during the occupation. "

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0090-1 :

Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, Hong Kong.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0090-5 :

Salute, as the Union Jack is raised.
Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser.
Major General Pan Hua Kue (Chinese Observer)
Colonel Adrian Williamson (U.S. Observer)
Captain W.B. Creery RCN (Canadian Observer).

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0090-6 :

Hong Kong Peace Treaty ceremony.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0090-7 :

"The King" is being played at Hong Kong Peace Treaty ceremony.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0090-8 :

Rear Admiral C.H.J. Harcourt, Commander in Chief, Hong Kong, at Hong Kong Peace Treaty ceremony.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0091 :

Searchlights in Hong Kong.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0091-1 :

Fireworks in Hong Kong celebrating Japanese surrender.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0091-2 :

Fireworks in Hong Kong celebrating Japanese surrender.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0093 :

HMCS Ontario's barracks at Taikoo, Hong Kong. This might be a sick parade. Tents are pitched outside.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0094 :

A building in Stanley Internment Camp.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0097 :

Stanley Civilian Internment Camp. Note the battle damage in the Prison Officers' Club (bullet holes in the buildings).

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0099 :

Hong Kong -- Stanley. The prison is in the mid-ground.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0100 :

A Hong Kong/Macau/Canton ferry. Likely requisitioned by the Royal Navy. The location was the Aberdeen Docks south of the Island -- (info per Alfred Lai).

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0101 :

Body of an executed prisoner or civilian.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0102 :

Food set out, possibly in the wardroom. "Welcome to Residents of Hotel Prince Robert".

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0103 :

HMCS Ontario on the left with another naval ship to the right. Location identified as Hong Kong.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0103-1 :

HMCS Ontario in Hong Kong harbour.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0104-3 :

Clock tower at Kowloon station.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0110 :

Two Chinese women coming aboard HMCS Ontario.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0110-1 :

Two women doing laundry, presumably aboard HMCS Ontario.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0111 :

Goodsell's Orchestra on HMCS Ontario.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0113 :

Storm waves on HMCS Ontario.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0113-1 :

Storm waves on HMCS Ontario.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0114-2 :

Storm waves on HMCS Ontario.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0115 :

Throwing a tow line to the oiler Wave King.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0115-1 :

Throwing a tow line to the oiler Wave King.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0115-2 :

Throwing a tow line to the oiler Wave King.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0116 :

The oiler, Wave King.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0117 :

Passing tow rope from or to Wave King.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0117-1 :

Passing tow rope from or to Wave King.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0117-2 :

Passing tow rope from or to Wave King.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0117-3 :

Passing tow rope from or to Wave King.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0118 :

Crew watching recovery of Oiler Wave King.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0118-1 :

Crew watching recovery of Oiler Wave King.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0118-6 :

Oiler Wave King under tow.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0119 :

Painting.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0120 :

HMCS Ontario in Hong Kong harbour with a British(?) battleship in the distance.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0122-1 :

This seems to be the mail sorting area.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0122-2 :

Men receiving mail.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0123 :

Ceremonies at a cenotaph, the bottom of which is wrapped in white cloth.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0123-1 :

Ceremonies at a cenotaph, the bottom of which is wrapped in white cloth.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0124 :

Fairey Barracudas fly in formation over the Japanese surrender celebrations. The building is the headquarters of the HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation).

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0124-1 :

Japanese surrender parade. The building is the headquarters of the HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation).

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0124-2 :

Parade and review during the Japanese surrender celebrations.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0125 :

Parade and review during the Japanese surrender celebrations.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0125-1 :

A naval themed float in the Japanese surrender parade.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0125-3 :

A dragon float in the Japanese surrender parade.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0126 :

Probably the captains of the Chinese and Canadian baseball teams.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0126-1 :

A baseball game at Fort Stanley in Hong Kong. A paragraph from a document accompanying Ken Johnson's photos says in part: ". . . . In the afternoon a team from Ontario defeated a Hong Kong volunteer softball nine, who put up a very spirited performance, bearing in mind that it was their first game since being released from prison camp. The winners were presented with a trophy and medals inscrlbed in Chinese."

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0130 or ON-0030 :

Leaving an unknown harbour.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0132 :

Third from left is Paul Saint Pierre. The inspecting captain is Capt. Harold Taylor Wood Grant, who was captain of HMCS Ontario from 17 March 1945 to 31 December 1945. In 1946 he was promoted to Rear Admiral and in Sept 1947 he became the Chief of Naval Staff in Ottawa, a position he held until his retirement at the end of 1950.

From the Al Brosseau collection.

Negative ON-0139 :

Child being served tea. Unknown occasion.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0140 :

Sight-seeing in Hong Kong at the Japanese War Memorial (later blown up).

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0143 :

Overlooking Happy Valley, Hong Kong.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0144-1 :

Admiring Happy Valley, Hong Kong.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0145 :

Marching band, Hong Kong.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0145-1 :

Marching band, Hong Kong.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0152 :

Group in front of what seems to be a large garage or depot, probably in Hong Kong. Note the truck behind them with RN2608 or RN2G08 plate. Man front row centre is wearing an officer's cap. Are they motor mechanics?

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0153 :

An overview of the vehicle depot. The Japanese suicide boat shown in the photo below, can be faintly seen inside the door at the far left. The officer in the photo above is also in this one, standing between two Chinese men to right of centre.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0154 :

Group in front of a Japanese "Shinyo" suicide boat, with three Chinese men on top. The officer in the centre is the same officer as in Negatives #ON-0152 & ON-0153, above.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0162 :

Children being fed, Hong Kong.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0168-1 :

HMCS Ontario, ship's bell.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0169 :

Boxing match on board HMCS Ontario.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0169-8 :

Boxing match on board HMCS Ontario.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0171 :

Team sports of some sort.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0171-5 :

Team sports of some sort. Drummer is drumming in the background. Whaler racing?

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0172 :

Soccer game.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0173-1 :

Unknown people in boat.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0181 :

Touching up the ship's side.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0188 :

Blacksmithing in the engineroom.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0195 :

Stokers in the engineroom. Evidently the nickname of the man on the right was "Chesty".

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0197-1 :

Stokers in the engineroom.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0197-2 :

Stokers in the engineroom.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0198 :

Stoker in the engineroom.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0198-2 :

Enginroom.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0198-3 :

Enginroom.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0198-4 :

Enginroom.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0198-5 :

Stoker in the engineroom.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0201 :

HMCS Ontario, messdeck.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0211-1 :

Entering an unknown harbour.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0213 :

A group of Petty Officers of HMCS Ontario.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0214 :

This has previously been identified as taking place in Pearl Harbour, but Tony Banham says probably Hong Kong. Exact location still unknown.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0214-1 :

This has previously been identified as taking place in Pearl Harbour, but Tony Banham says probably Hong Kong. Exact location still unknown.

From the Al Brosseau collection.

Negative ON-0215 :

Full crew of HMCS Ontario.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0217 :

HMCS Ontario, below deck.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0217-1 :

HMCS Ontario, below deck.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0224 :

Unidentified group of officers and petty officers.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0234 :

Unidentified group of officers and petty officers. The officer front row centre is a Commander.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0238 :

Hula dancers in Hawaii.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0239 :

Hula dancers in Hawaii.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0240 :

Hula dancers in Hawaii.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0241 :

Hawaiian dancer in front of audience.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0242 :

Officer (the Executive Officer?) dancing with one of the girls.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0243 :

The Commanding Officer dancing with one of the hula dancers.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative ON-0245 :

Mixing bread dough.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0246 :

These men may be operating a deep fat fryer.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative ON-0247 :

Unknown petty officer. The calendar above his head shows Wednesday, November 21, six days before HMCS Ontario arrived in Esquimalt.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0248 :

Damaged whaler.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0249 :

The ship takes a bow wave.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0250 :

The ship takes a bow wave.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0250 :

Roll.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0251 :

Roll.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0252 :

At sea.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative ON-0253 :

Roll.

From the CPO W.P. Hodgkin collection.

Negative F-4754 :

Vice Admiral G.C. Jones, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), and Rear Admiral V.G. Brodeur, the Commanding Officer Pacific Coast (COPC), come aboard HMCS Ontario.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative F-4755 :

Overview of the assembled troops and officials on the quarterdeck of HMCS Ontario.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative F-4756 :

The Minister Of National Defence, The Hon. Douglas Abbott, addresses HMCS Ontario's ship's company.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative F-4757 :

HMCS Ontario about to tie up at the jetty in Esquimalt Harbour.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative F-4758 :

HMCS Ontario approaches the jetty in Esquimalt Harbour.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative F-4759 :

HMCS Ontario approaches the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative F-4760 :

HMCS Ontario approaches the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour, escorted by HMCS Matane.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative F-4761 :

HMCS Ontario approaching Esquimalt Harbour, Tuesday, November 27, 1945.

From the Edmund Ferris collection.

Negative F-4762 :

Capt. Harold Taylor Wood Grant, commanding officer of HMCS Ontario, speaks into CBC microphones.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative F-4764 :

HMCS Ontario in Esquimalt Harbour. The Tribal Class destroyer ahead of her has no number. Russell Hodgkin comments 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. "

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative F-4765 :

HMCS Ontario approaches the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative F-4766 :

A crowd of relatives greets the ship in Esquimalt Harbour.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

No Negative No. :

Unknown location. Hand-written "131" on the back of the print.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #1-1 :

HMCS Haida (G63) in an unknown location.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #1-2 :

RMS Queen Mary which was painted grey and used as a troop ship during the war.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #1-3 :

Unknown harbour with many naval ships anchored in it. Could this be the Clyde?

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #1-4 :

Unknown fields and building.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #1-5 :

RMS Queen Mary on the left with what may be a small aircraft carrier on the right.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #1-7 :

Negative number places it in Malta. Note the swimmer approaching the gondola.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #2-1 :

Leaving Valetta, Malta.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #2-2 :

Aircraft flying low.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #2-3 :

Aircraft flying low.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #2-4 :

Foc'sle of HMCS Ontario.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #3-1 :

Unknown tropical village.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #3-2 :

Damaged destroyer, pennant No. H59. This might be the remains of HMS Gallant which had her bow blown off when a mine detonated her forward magazines in January, 1941, killing 65 of her crew. She was towed to Malta and repairs were started but before they were finished, in 1943, she was further damaged in an air-raid and written off. She was sunk as a block ship in September, 1943.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #3-4 :

The sign says TOUSSOUM, which identifies it as a post on the Suez Canal.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #4-2 :

Victoria Gate in Valetta, Malta.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #4-3 :

Harbour of Valetta, Malta.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #4-4 :

Street with noticeable war damage in Valetta, Malta.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #5-1 :

Boy sleeping in the shadow of a pole.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #5-2 :

Street scene.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #5-3 :

Street scene -- woman carrying child.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #5-4 :

Tea-seller.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #5-5 :

Holy man?

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #6-1 :

Probably Alexandria, Egypt.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #6-3 :

Sign reads "Cinema Ferial". A google search shows it to be in Alexandria, Egypt.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #6-4 :

Street scene. Where?

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #6-5 :

Sunken ship. Manila? Pearl Harbour?

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #7-1 :

Street scene with small streetcar. "Colombo" is part of the streetcar sign.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #7-2 :

New Kathiresan Kovil (Temple). Gehan Pinto says: " There are three (Hindu) Kovils along Sea Street, but they all belong to the Kathiresan complex. Some renovations have been made so one of them now is called New Kathiresan. "

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #7-3 :

Street scene.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #7-4 :

A view of the Kathiresan Kovil (Temple), Sea Street, Pettah, Colombo.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #7-5 :

A view of the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, 2nd Cross Street, Pettah, Colombo.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #8-1 :

Street scene with taxi or small bus. Sign on vehicle reads "Kandy".

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #8-2 :

Street scene with vehicles parked outside the Grand Hotel. The sign on the large wagon is for a merchant, K. Podi Singho, illegible number on Stewart Street, Slave Island, Colombo. Gehan Pinto says: " The Hotel in the photograph is actually a local restaurant -- (large restaurants are usually named as Hotels in Sri Lanka). "

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #8-3 :

Hong Kong street scene.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #8-4 :

A view of the Saad Zaghloul Pasha Monument and Square, Alexandria, Egypt.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #8-5 :

Overlooking a harbour and buildings from a hillside. A naval ship can be seen in the distance.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #9-1 :

Canadian graves in Hong Kong. Surnames are Latimer, McIndoe, Rogers, Shore.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #9-2 :

Canadian graves in Hong Kong. Surnames are Begg, Black, Buxton, Smith, Whitney.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #9-4 :

Looking down at Admiralty, Wanchai, and Causeway Bay. The old building in the bottom left corner is the Bowen Road military hospital. The China Fleet Club (left) and the Missions to Seamen (right) buildings are the two large six storey buildings on the waterfront on the left of the photograph.

From the Ken Johnson collection.

Negative #10-1 :