Cdr. Robert Ferguson (left) and Lieut. Chris Chalmers of the Canadian Navy presented Mayor David Raven with a special plaque commemorating the His Majesty's Canadian Ship Revelstoke, which sailed against the Axis powers during the Second World War. The presentation to mark the Canadian Naval Centennial includes a photograph of the Llewellyn Class minesweeper, a picture of the ship’s badge and a short history of the ship’s service. Built by Star Shipyards Ltd. of New Westminster, HMCS Revelstoke was commissioned in the Canadian Navy July 4, 1944. She was assigned to the Local Defence Force and was continuously employed on precautionary sweeps of the approaches to Esquimalt and Prince Rupert Harbour. Initially she was paid off on Nov. 1, 1945 and sent to Halifax where she served as a guard ship. Paid off again she was restored to service in the summer and fall of 1952 and 1953 for use as a tender at St. John’s and was finally paid off on Oc. 23, 1953, and transferred to the Department of Indian Affairs. Similar presentations are being made across Canada, to bring attention to the Canadian Naval Centennial and highlight the connection the Navy has with communities large and small in every corner of the country. Since 1910 Canada has put over 850 warships to sea under the naval ensign. Over 300 ships have been named for communities from coast to coast to coast. Members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 46 and the members of the 2584 Rocky Mountain Ranger of the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps also attended the event. David F. Rooney photo
