|
It’s not a
well-known fact, but at the end of the Second World War, the Royal
Canadian Navy was the third largest navy among the allied powers with more
than 400 warships.
It was not a navy of
large ships, of battleships and aircraft carriers, but one of small
warships that carried out important, though unglamorous, tasks.
The RCN's main area
of operation was in the Battle of the Atlantic, the six-year long struggle
to escort convoys of ships carrying essential supplies and men to England
from North America. It was a long and bitter struggle combating both the
elements and the unseen U-boat menace.
One of the ships
developed for this task was the corvette, a small, specialized escort
vessel. They weren't big or glamorous, or for that matter, even
comfortable, but they got the job done. Hundreds were built and served
with honor and distinction in the American, British and Canadian navies.
At war’s end the
corvette's services, like those of other veterans, were no longer needed.
They were demobilized. Some found service with a variety of new owners and
operators in a myriad of roles. Most, however, were scrapped.
Several years ago a
group of Canadian Naval veterans found and saved the former corvette, HMCS
(Her Majesty's Canadian Ship) Sackville, from the wrecker's yard after
still more years of faithful service. A decision was made to restore her
as a living, floating tribute to all the ships and men who had served.
Money was raised from generous donations, and the world was searched for
missing bits and pieces to restore this old warrior to her formal
splendor.
The HMCS Sackville
is now moored once again, dockside in Halifax Harbour, more than 50 years
since she last escorted convoys from here. In the bright white and blue
dazzle camouflage paint scheme she once wore in the North Atlantic, she
seems at ease among the giant container ships, pleasure boats and her
modern day counterparts. This distinguished veteran has found an
appropriate place to spend her final years.
HMCS Sackville is
open to the public during the summer months (June to October) for a
nominal donation to the HMCS Sackville Fund that goes to her upkeep.
Guests are invited to stroll around the ship, touring her boiler rooms,
bridge and mess decks. It provides a fascinating glimpse into an important
period in Canada's history. It is an important exhibit, and it’s an
enjoyable way to pass an afternoon.
During the winter,
she is moved from her mooring up harbor to a berth at the Canadian Navy
Dockyard. Here, among her modern descendents, the ship receives annual
maintenance. It is still possible to tour the Sackville in the off-season
by appointment. Access to Canadian Forces Bases will require photo ID.
In addition to the
ship, there is a theatre where a short audiovisual presentation on
Canada's role in the critical Battle of the Atlantic can be viewed. A
small park nearby includes a memorial to Canadian sailors.
If You Go
Halifax Tourism
www.halifaxtourism.ca
www.halifaxinfo.com
|
There is no doubt
that Canada is a nation of immigrants. During the later half of the 19th
Century and first half of the 20th, Canada’s population swelled as wave
after wave of immigrants hit the nation’s shores.
Most of them came
from Europe. Some came for freedom from oppressive regimes and/or
religious persecution; others came for cheap land and the chance to start
a new life. Almost all of them arrived by sea on the large passenger
liners of the era at Pier 21 in Halifax Nova Scotia.
From 1928 until
1971, this was the main entry point for immigrants coming into Canada.
During that period, it’s estimated that more than one million new
Canadians passed through the doors of Pier 21 on their way to their new
lives.
Those numbers
include 100,000 refugees and those seeking asylum, as well as 3,000
children evacuated from England during World War II, some of whom either
stayed or came back to Canada after the war’s end. After the end of the
World War II, almost 50,000 war brides, British and other European woman
who had married Canadian servicemen during the war, came “home” to Canada,
as well. With them came some 22,000 children.
By the 1970s, air
travel had overtaken sea travel in terms of cost, time convenience and
popularity. The era of the great liners was at its end. The nature of
immigrants to Canada was also changing. Now the majority was not arriving
from Europe, but from Africa and Asia. Pier 21 quickly fell into disuse.
The venerable old
building was resurrected and declared a National Historic Site and
reopened on July 1, 1999. Now Pier 21 serves as a museum and living
memorial to Canada’s immigrants. The top floor of the building has been
turned into three separate areas devoted to the immigrant experience.
The central area,
the Chrysler Canada Welcome Pavilion, serves as the entrance. It contains
a couple of small temporary exhibits, as well as a cafeteria and gift
shop. The pavilion also offers a panoramic view of Halifax Harbor
including Georges Island and McNabb Island through a floor to ceiling
windows.
The centerpiece of
Pier 21 is the Rudolph P. Bratty Exhibition Hall. A series of interactive
and audiovisual displays guide visitors through the entire process that an
immigrant to Canada would have experienced. Displays, artifacts,
narratives and contemporary photographs all help to assist the visitor.
There are seven
stages in an immigrant’s passage to Canada, and all are covered by a
different series of displays. Areas include the often-painful decision to
leave home and the long ocean voyage endured. Then upon arrival in Canada,
the new immigrant had to go through Customs and Immigration. The visitor
can experience what this was like, including the interview with a period
Immigration Official.
For most of the new
arrivals, Halifax was only the start of the journey. From here they would
board trains for the long voyage to Ontario or the western provinces and
their ultimate destinations. Another interactive display covers this
aspect of the journey, including a mock up of a period passenger train car
that visitors can sit in while they watch the displays. An actual restored
period rail car is located outside the building.
Not everyone using
Pier 21 was entering Canada. During the Second World War almost a half a
million Canadian servicemen and women departed for overseas duty through
here. More than 40,000 would not return home. A
Special exhibit pays
tribute to them.
Pier 21 is more than
a museum. The exhibits and displays are living history in more ways than
one. Immigrants to Canada, including many who entered the country
elsewhere, have been actively solicited for their support and their
memories to build a database of memories.
In an ironic twist,
Pier 21 has a new lease on life— and not just as a museum. The main, or
ground, floor of the pier is now used as the terminal for the dozens of
cruise ships that visit Halifax during the summer months.
Pier 21 is located
at 1055 Marginal Road Halifax (902-425-7770) in the south end of the city
near the VIA Rail Station and the Hotel Nova Scotian. It is a 20-minute
walk from the historic properties and the center of the downtown area. The
Pier is open five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday.
Admission is
CAD$7.75 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, children and
groups. |
