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Do any of you remember Buddy Rushton? I certainly do - I remember him flopping out of 3 mess on a Friday afternoon, changing into his best lumbershirt and heading out to the highway to thumb home to Springhill for the weekend. Sometimes he would make it back for Monday morning, sometimes not!!! Always mild mannered and ready to help anyway he could. So I now work at Springhill Prison and low and behold who do I see one day inside the fence - Buddy. No - he is not an inmate - his brother has worked here for years and helped buddy get his foot in the door here. Same bushy red beard, same smile and laugh - it was good to see him again. Started talking about old times - lots of memories come rushing back. I was fortunate to have guys like buddy and Wayne Gammie tech me the ropes when I was an OSER - worked hard /played hard and earned there rank and respect. The things they taught me I still use today. Was great to see him and I said I would pass along a hello from buddy to you all. Take care

Rick Doane CISSP, CCNA, MCSE
IT Client Services Technician / Technicien, Services à la clientèle de TI
Information Management Services (IMS) / Services de gestion de l'information (SGI)
Correctional Service Canada / Service correctionnel du Canada
Springhill Institution / Établissement de Springhill
(902) 597-0204
(902) 597-8651 ext 3175
Ê (902) 597-0205
Email: doanerw@csc-scc.gc.ca

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I served as an ABEM on H.M.C.S. Columbia, Yukon and Ottawa (When flight deck was added) between 1963 - 1966 and would love to hear from any former wingers. It was interesting to read the discussion about civilian qualifications and recognition of RCN training and service.
I attribute the experience and training I had in the RCN to kick-starting my working career. Because of all the politics surrounding integration of the forces in the mid 60's I decided that I would be better off leaving the RCN in 1966 even though I had no plans or job in site. Within the month, I wrote the Quebec 4th Class stationary Engineer's license and was in business. I landed a job with Canadian Pratt & Whitney located on the South Shore from Montreal. I was hired for watchkeeping and performing maintenance in three of their boiler plants which supplied heating and manufacturing process steam as well as low and high pressure compressed air for manufacturing equipment and aircraft engine test cells. CPW was manufacturing the navy CHSS-2 Sea King helicopters at the time as well as a wide range of aircraft engines.
I went back to school at night, got my high school diploma and started university courses. I then moved into the sales department at CPW until I left in 1970 to join Bell Canada in Ottawa where I retired after 29 years as an Associate Director for Business Development at the end of 2001. I then worked for a business intelligence company here in Ottawa as a senior product manager for performance management software and formally retired in August of 2004.
I have many fond memories of my time on the deck plates and not so fond memories of scrubbing them especially when my mate puked on the deck plate right in front of me one night.
Up Spirits Everyone!
Don MacNeil
Ottawa, On

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Fellow Stokers,
I served in the Canadian Armed Forces (Sea Element) from 71-76, mainly on the Annapolis, Skeena, Cape Scott and the Port St. Louis as a Mar.Eng.Tech. 311. They called us the new breed of stokers, Technicians who would operate the old steamers and carry on to be the future watch keepers for the new gas turbine driven Tribals.
Although I never did get to serve on the new Tribals, my naval career albeit short-lived, was a very exciting time in my life. As a young man I was able to learn a good trade and get to travel to exotic places. It was during this tenure that I was married to my high school sweetheart. For the 2 years and 10 months of this marriage, I was home for 10 months. With the NATO commitments, and the "Fishing Patrols", not much time was spent in harbour.So needless to say, this relationship did not last even after leaving the "Forces" to be home more. I don't blame the Forces for this but I realize that it takes a special woman to become a navy wife.
I met some very interesting people while on the ships, such as Yacky Duck Fraser (C/ERA), BOO-BOO Bournival, Pierre Lessard, Brian Miliken, Buck? a French Canadian with a red beard and a penchant for the grog, Soupy Campbell (I know, I know there was many, but this guy had a beautiful red Pontiac Laurentian convertible. Unfortunately he put turbine oil in the crankcase (to try to save a buck) and fried the engine. And I have to mention a P2ER who was the only one to believe me that the "Vapour-Clarkson" coil tube boiler that turned cherry red on my watch was not my doing. The feed water valve had failed shut, the low water cutout and hi temperature cut outs did not shut down the boiler. He proved this to the C/ERA the following day and I was absolved of any wrong doing. I later admitted to him that the Fairbanks-Morse opposed piston diesel had lulled me to sleep while I was sitting at the boiler console.
I met some other very good people including a C2ER who was born with a harelip. One night he called me while I was on watch, and recognizing his voice I immediately said "Yes Chief" to which he responded in a very distinct speech impeded manner "How did you know it was me?"
The training I received in the Forces, served me very well. I pursued my Stationary Engineer papers to eventually became a Chief Stationary/Operating Engineer 1st Class, returned to school to finish my grade 13, became certified in management (C.I.M.) and as an engineering technician (C.E.T.)
If someone out there remembers me, please communicate at the email address enclosed. At Cornwallis I was part of the course 7136 and this group was composed of Stokers and Med As. I did my engineering training at Stadacona.

Daniel (Danny) M. Touchette, (Former ABER)
dmttjt95@aol.com

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Authors Note:
I remember my father telling me some of the most happiest days of his life were spent in the Navy (RCNVR During WW II) as he sailed with some of the finest men this country had to offer and they came from all parts of this country. For some time now I have known that I have felt the same way, Dad taught classes on the first Sagueney in Cornwallis and was C/ERA of three ships H.M.C.S OAKVILLE, NAPANEE AND ST.STEPHEN and I was the C/ERA of my last three ships at one point or another. I have listed all my ships, as our reading audience is as vast and deep as the North Atlantic itself.

C/ERA David Bakody 1960-1990
H.M.C.S. OUTREMONT, CAP DE MADALANE, BONAVENTURE , NEW WATERFORD, CHGNECTO, BONAVENTURE, CHALEUR, QU'APPELLE , FRASER , SAGUENAY, NIPIGON, MARGAREE, AND SKEENA.

There is only once place for a sailor and that is on a ship and of course there is only one place for a ship and that is at sea and land is merely a navigational hazard.

Author: unknown

Preface:
The stories I share are from my memory and the names are changed to protect the innocent and resemblance to the truth is strictly coincidental. Some were passed down while for the most part were my experience. I served during a most fortunate time as there were many WW II types finishing their career, and for that I am truly grateful.

Tot time story #1
That old analogy that the more things change the more they remain the same, this of course is true about life at sea. Life alongside or ashore has changed and for the most part, for the best in my early days we worked Saturday morning and were duty every four days and in my case found oneself in the rattle just too often…. The killick of the mess was chosen for several reasons one of the most important was leadership and his ability to handle himself in rough quarters i.e.; a scrap.
I was a young AB on the" Bonnie" and worked for a P2ER that was just one of those guys his name was Gill Hay and he was a good Nova Scotia lad and from what I observed a fine tradesman. He of also played hockey and was never shy about scarping. One day we telling stories and he told us about the time he was the killick of the mess on Frigate and he and a few of wingers were having a damp or two after tot time. In those days when a few senior killicks were going to have damp or two in the corner of the mess you a. stayed clear and most important b. kept your mouth shut, no need to know anything else. Well, they were in harbour and as was the case it was no uncommon for a stoker to either come aboard or leave as the drafting depot was in "STAD" and we were all just a phone call from going one place or another if "Chiefy Pooh" made a call.
As Gill said they were having a damp or two when unexpectedly they heard " bingo bongo boom" and a kit bag hits the deck at the foot of the ladder. Then they saw a pair of shinny boots coming down the ladder. Now all you old timers know who is in those boots………an OD fresh out of Cornwallis, remember aboard a ship in those days spit shinning was left for "STAD" guard duty or if you were really in the rattle other than that a good shine with a brush would get you ashore. As Gill was the kllick of the mess he knew he would have to take charge and set the young lad straight about how to carry a kit bag down the ladder in a proper and seaman like manner. WELL when the young lad hit the deck he had his cap ON ! and the tally read; H.M.C.S Cornwallis. Now all hell was about to break out. L/S Hay slowly got up went over to young lad and said. "Listen up Ode first you never throw you kit bag down a ladder, you carry it. Second you do not wear your cap in the mess, now take your f#@#### Cap OFF !! " to wit the young OD said " Do not talk to me like that if you want me to take my cap off ask me politely, if not, and you want the hat off you will have to take it off yourself " By this time this brand new OD had the full attention of everyone in the mess and Gill along with ever other stoker knew two things,
a. the new OD was fresh out of Cornwallis and appeared to be a good size and of course in good sober shape, and
b. L/S Hay was as good as his word and something was going to happen quick and it was not going to pleasant for the new OD. Well as fast as rattle snake could strike L/S Hay took his first shot at the new OD, bingo bongo boom in just the same amount of time L/S Hay was laying on the deck. From the mouth of PO Hay he said, " That was the last time I ever challanged an OD fresh out of Cornwallis to take his cap off or any other for that matter , you never know when an undefeated boxing champion is drafted aboard your ship and you are the first fool to open your yap in a cocky manner……

Postscript
Life aboard a ship is a wonderful experience, especially when you have time and you do, to sit around and have a few damps (regular bar hours of course) and spin salty dips. I never forgot that one and treated all new messmates with respect until I got to know them. Or better still……

It is better sometimes to keep your mouth shut and let everyone think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

Mark Twain

David Bakody
CERA ret'd
(Submitted 22 Mar 2005)  Ed Note: Thank you for your contribution David, we look forward to hearing more tales of the past from you in the future.

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I have spent about an hour looking through your web page and found it to be absolutely terrific. I am a bit of a fraud though because I was in the British Royal Navy as a stoker and not with you Canadians. I served from 1969 at the tender age of 15 to 1978. I served on HMS Hermes (outside machinery), HMS Hardy (Boiler Room/ Allens 750KW), HMS Hermione (Evaporator Watchkeeper), HMS Dido (Outside Machinery /Tig welder) and I also did a bit of a stint on the Polaris boat HMS Repulse as board operator in the control room. Also Fleet Maintenance Group (Boiler Clean Section) at Portsmouth (UK). Royal Naval Reserve - HMS Orwell. Diesel Electrics. I never rose above the rank of Leading Stoker during my 9 year stint in the mob but thoroughly enjoyed my times with the greatest branch of all. Those are my credentials. I didn't think that I would join your site as I don't think that I would be that welcome. I just thought that I would say how good the site was. Please keep up the good work and I shall come back from time to time to see how you are getting on.

Thanks.

Tony (Pincher) Martin

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Well the 2nd annual STOKER BBQ/RETIREMENT FUNCTION  was a great success.  We had over 150 people in attendance and everyone had a great time.  I'd like to thank all the people who came and those behind the scenes that made the event the success it was.  Keep your eye on the website as the pictures from the bash should be there in short order.  Stay tuned for info on the Christmas Bash.

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BONNIE/MAGGIE REUNION 2003 

The Bonnie/Maggie reunion was held this week–end and in a word it was a “SUCCESS” but or course there is more.  The organization of this event was two years in the making,  Peter Kent,  (ex killick stoker) deserves a great amount of credit as committee chairman supported by his wife Ann.   

The format for the reunion was the standard meet and greets a Saturday night dance with a get-a-away Sunday morning greeting.  As carriers are classified as truly 250 stokers or more (All ranks) support “Capital Ships” there is a large compliment and the Ships Company and friendships with the Naval Air trades and traditional branches were not uncommon. 

As I was able to move freely about the crowd I noticed many old shipmates and was always delighted when old friends met shipmates and their wives form many years past.  We are fortunate as stokers to have belonged to such a large branch because we have had the opportunity to sail in close quarters with many Canadians from coast to coast to coast.  

This event drew ex-navy types from all across Canada and the USA, I had the pleasure and the privilege of escorting our gracious Lt. Governor and her husband as she worked the floor to personally greet all and greet them she did in fine Nova Scotia Tradition.  I was surprised to here just how many told her where they had traveled from in Canada to attend the reunion.    

Admiral Landymore and his wife were guests of honor and many old shipmates were able to stop by and say hello.  In special attendance were Bonnie Patterson and her daughter

(a now serving Lcdr) who’s husband and father was LS Don Patterson one of four that were lost during a tragic Avgas accident off the coast of Boston in the late sixties.  Also invited was the son of Garry Swim one of the four stokers lost.  Saturday evening Dona Swim, widow of Garry Swim dropped in for a visit, many of the stokers who lived in the same messes were present to talk with these fine people.  Sailors and shipmates have a special bond and this was evident and appreciated by these families I am sure. 

The Saturday-night dance was an overwhelming success and the band played all that good old music we old sailors could appreciated and my wife Anne stated to me that many of these old sailors still have good rhythm on the dance floor as it was crowed from the opening salvo.  During the intermission a s special guy named “ELVIS” appeared and entertained to a full house.  

I had two separate drafts to the “Bonnie” and sailed with some fine sailors of all ranks even some Air Types ha ha.  They were all good and very talented in their chosen trade, flying and maintaining aircraft form a land base is one thing but from a thousand foot platform at sea is quite another story.  For those of us who listened in heard many stories of just how hard it was. The one of a famous son flying a rented plane aboard and the boys running under it to bring it down, ya right! . As we grow older and meet new fiends as well as old ones who have moved home and have met our family members and friends we see just how closely we are tied together in the vast wonderful country.   

I like to pay a special thanks to the vendors and especially the PMC of the “Fleet Club”

MS Bruce Lilly whose professional deportment was in evidence from the beginning and supported by his fine staff made the entire weekend an overwhelming success. 

To all sailors the next time you see a reunion advertised get in touch with some old shipmates or family members and join in the fun it is well worth the effort.  To all stokers see ya soon at the summer Bar-b-que. And support your Fleet Club with your wife or girl friend, many stated how much fun it was to dance again on a Saturday night. 

David Bakody 

CERA-retired

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Hi,
I wasn't sure who to contact, but maybe you do . The veterans license plates in N.S. really look great . I haven't heard if they are available in other provinces that only use one plate.   My thought is , if it is feasible and not too costly ,is to have another license plate made up complimenting the Veterans one , but designed around the Stoker ring .   Maybe someone can look into it !!

Regards,

Barry McEntee
C2ER Ret'd

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Hey Guys

I would like to get in touch with Bob Powell. He was a PO1 on Vancouver last time we talked. If anybody knows where he's at ask him to contact me at

pleonard2@cogeco.ca

Thanks Pat

 

Here are some pics of Kootenay undergoing major repairs after the collision with the bulk carrier Nordpohl. I cant remember the exact date but it was some time late 80's early 90's.

 

 

Ian Ball P1 ERA Ret