Yorke Island 1939
Number One gun was ready for action on September 4th, and with this began the lonely lookout watches maintained throughout hours of light and darkness, wind and rain, with eyes straining and voice ready to warn of the enemy's approach. Number Two gun was ready on September 9th, the day before Canada declared war. Although they were ready and could be fired, their effectiveness was seriously hampered as new auto-sight cams. which were custom-made for each particular gun site, were not ready. This problem arose from the guns originally having been mounted in Halifax at a different elevation above sea level- The 4.7-inch gun could fire a 45-pound projectile approximately five miles, enough to effectively close Johnstone Strait as it divided to the east and west of the Island. The first round fired in "anger" was a heave-to round which aimost ended in a sinking. When the alarm rang, almost the entire garrison rushed up to the fort to witness the event. The layer-for line on the gun normally put on a deflection which would place the round well in front of the offending vessel; however, in this case the correction was in the wrong direction. The round landed a few feet from the stern, sending up a plume of water and a cheer from the battery. The skipper not wishing another that close heaved to at once.
Vancouver Defended, Peter Moogk
Vancouver Defended, Peter Moogk
Many of the Photographs from Yorke island are due to the diligence of Ken Foote who brought his camera along to the island and then compiled an excellent photo album complete with descriptions. Thanks Ken for giving us this wonderful glimpse into the past.
Gun Drill #1 Gun Yorke island. #1 Gun (4.7") from O'Pip roof at last watch of night shift. Blinkensop Bay in background across Sunderland Channel.
#1 Gun with George? the dog . Windswept trees on Yorke island.
Comox at wharf first day on Yorke Is. Police boat alongside, tall figure on dock is Q.M. Lorne Woodward. Yorke from the N.W. showing #1 and #2 lights. O.Pip can be seen on hill.
Washing their plate, cup, bowl and 3 pieces of silver. Bombardier Ted Cuddeford in cookhouse door, Dick Jenkins, Bert Parrott, Don Atkins (Fritz) (elbowing), Pete Coburn (District Gunner) sleeves rolled up. Meat house in rear. Wood fatigue: outside cookhouse on Labour Day Sept 1939, Dick Jenkins at saw, Battery Sergeant Major (?) Buchanan resting.
Kitchen fatigue: Bert Parrott and Don Atkins (Fritz) with Fri fish head. QM stores to right. Sanitary fatigue: Pat O'Mally (trumpeter) and Lance Bombardier Bud Parker digging another one.
General Fatigue: Bob Luney & Don Adzick (Zeke) working on Sergeants Mess. O'Pip from rear. Emergency range dial on roof.
Bottom part of OP was signals watch, top used by DRF crew. Single yardarm & Officers' shack added in 1941.
Gun Drill #1 Gun Yorke island. #1 Gun (4.7") from O'Pip roof at last watch of night shift. Blinkensop Bay in background across Sunderland Channel.
#1 Gun with George? the dog . Windswept trees on Yorke island.
Comox at wharf first day on Yorke Is. Police boat alongside, tall figure on dock is Q.M. Lorne Woodward. Yorke from the N.W. showing #1 and #2 lights. O.Pip can be seen on hill.
Washing their plate, cup, bowl and 3 pieces of silver. Bombardier Ted Cuddeford in cookhouse door, Dick Jenkins, Bert Parrott, Don Atkins (Fritz) (elbowing), Pete Coburn (District Gunner) sleeves rolled up. Meat house in rear. Wood fatigue: outside cookhouse on Labour Day Sept 1939, Dick Jenkins at saw, Battery Sergeant Major (?) Buchanan resting.
Kitchen fatigue: Bert Parrott and Don Atkins (Fritz) with Fri fish head. QM stores to right. Sanitary fatigue: Pat O'Mally (trumpeter) and Lance Bombardier Bud Parker digging another one.
General Fatigue: Bob Luney & Don Adzick (Zeke) working on Sergeants Mess. O'Pip from rear. Emergency range dial on roof.
Bottom part of OP was signals watch, top used by DRF crew. Single yardarm & Officers' shack added in 1941.
The original 'Mad Gun Crew' poses for the camera: Lance Bombardier Charlie Snow (the egg), Bombardier George Darby (Link), Mel Cooper (the rabbi) and Bob Spring. This must have been Ken's detachment as they appear often in the photos, Link and Bob Spring looking over covered #2 mountains on Vancouver Island across Johnstone Straits.
Bombardier Bud Garrett also appears often, in this case shooting Buck Anderson with the Aldis signal lamp on the O'Pip roof. District Gunners (peacetime permanent force) Bill Barker and Pete Coburn cleaning the breech of #2 gun.
The everyday antics of living on Yorke Island includes Dick Jenkins on guard staying high and dry outside the powerhouse - the Battery sigs home in the fall and winter of 1939. It appears that the Canadian Scottish tested the local defence at times. In this case, Privates Stark and Farley Cooper have been taken prisoner by Dick Jenkins and George the dog. The wash basin may indicate a shortage of helmets or the troops simply clowning around. Officers quarters can be seen in the rear of the photo.
Bert Parrott appears to have also brought a camera along and is shown snapping a photo of Dr. Boltor and Doug Engelen (Limey) after the Medical Officer's inspection of #4 bunkhouse. Ken Foote carrying out weapon cleaning beside the Wet Canteen which is still under construction.
The group photo is that of Neville Cox, Charlie Snow, Second Lieutenant Mulherne, Battery Quarter Master Sergeant Vince Upton and George Darby outside the Wet Canteen. Gunner Percy Fox poses with the Battery Commander Major Jim Piercy on the dock.
Bombardier Bud Garrett poses with the navy sig Bert Saxon and Anderson on the stern of ex-vic.
With all the preparation taking place on Yorke Island, it must have seemed as if Christmas arrived quickly. This photo was taken by Coleman lantern in the 1st Headquarters hut with Lance Bombardier Neville Cox, Bombardier Norm Thurwell (Stinky), Doug Englen and Don Dashwood-Jones in the rear.
After lunch with a dessert of Bread, butter and syrup enjoyed by Dick Jenkins, J.K.A., and Bombardier Bud Garrett. The #2 searchlight and the cliff with the O'Pip 200 up and the #2 gun emplacement.
Bert Parrott wandering the tide pools of Yorke Island. The Army-Navy woodchopping contest outside of the cookhose. Army won! The Navy boys were off of the HMCS Armentiers. Percy Fox is in the doorway, Farley Cooper with the axe and Sergeant Jack Clark supervising.
Bombardier Bud Garrett also appears often, in this case shooting Buck Anderson with the Aldis signal lamp on the O'Pip roof. District Gunners (peacetime permanent force) Bill Barker and Pete Coburn cleaning the breech of #2 gun.
The everyday antics of living on Yorke Island includes Dick Jenkins on guard staying high and dry outside the powerhouse - the Battery sigs home in the fall and winter of 1939. It appears that the Canadian Scottish tested the local defence at times. In this case, Privates Stark and Farley Cooper have been taken prisoner by Dick Jenkins and George the dog. The wash basin may indicate a shortage of helmets or the troops simply clowning around. Officers quarters can be seen in the rear of the photo.
Bert Parrott appears to have also brought a camera along and is shown snapping a photo of Dr. Boltor and Doug Engelen (Limey) after the Medical Officer's inspection of #4 bunkhouse. Ken Foote carrying out weapon cleaning beside the Wet Canteen which is still under construction.
The group photo is that of Neville Cox, Charlie Snow, Second Lieutenant Mulherne, Battery Quarter Master Sergeant Vince Upton and George Darby outside the Wet Canteen. Gunner Percy Fox poses with the Battery Commander Major Jim Piercy on the dock.
Bombardier Bud Garrett poses with the navy sig Bert Saxon and Anderson on the stern of ex-vic.
With all the preparation taking place on Yorke Island, it must have seemed as if Christmas arrived quickly. This photo was taken by Coleman lantern in the 1st Headquarters hut with Lance Bombardier Neville Cox, Bombardier Norm Thurwell (Stinky), Doug Englen and Don Dashwood-Jones in the rear.
After lunch with a dessert of Bread, butter and syrup enjoyed by Dick Jenkins, J.K.A., and Bombardier Bud Garrett. The #2 searchlight and the cliff with the O'Pip 200 up and the #2 gun emplacement.
Bert Parrott wandering the tide pools of Yorke Island. The Army-Navy woodchopping contest outside of the cookhose. Army won! The Navy boys were off of the HMCS Armentiers. Percy Fox is in the doorway, Farley Cooper with the axe and Sergeant Jack Clark supervising.
Gunners Ralph Conner and John Layton sent off the island as they were found to be too young to be soldiers. Back to school for them! Bombardier Bud Garrett, in charge of arty signals, on the island launch "York". The boat was used to take supplies over from Kelsey Bay, Vancouver Island, 5 miles away.
Bob Kitching on guard duty at #3 Searchlight. The O'Pip can be seen in the distance. #3 Searchlight at dusk with Vancouver island in the distance 3,500 to 4,000 meters away.
Looking up Johnstone Strait toward Alert Bay. The Mission Ship "Columbia" leaving after Sunday church service by Captain Green.
Stranraer (whistling boxcar) lying in the channel between Hardwick and Yorke Islands after bring up some inspecting "Brass Hats." Camp buildings (L-R) include ablution hut with water heating drums in cement blocks, bunkhouse - #10 Downing Street, cookhouse behind, #3 bunkhouse and QM stores.
Yorke Island wharf on Oct 19 1939.
Machine Gun Detachment from 2nd Bn Canadian Scottish conducting firing practice from dock. Stark looking back, Don Atkins, Lance Bombardier Richardson and Percy Fox.
Pete Harris driving Yorke Island's only vehicle. The 'Mad Gun Crew' on a Vickers MG - George Darby, JKA, Pat Power, Murray Barker, Charlie Kitching and Bob Spring.
Bob Kitching on guard duty at #3 Searchlight. The O'Pip can be seen in the distance. #3 Searchlight at dusk with Vancouver island in the distance 3,500 to 4,000 meters away.
Looking up Johnstone Strait toward Alert Bay. The Mission Ship "Columbia" leaving after Sunday church service by Captain Green.
Stranraer (whistling boxcar) lying in the channel between Hardwick and Yorke Islands after bring up some inspecting "Brass Hats." Camp buildings (L-R) include ablution hut with water heating drums in cement blocks, bunkhouse - #10 Downing Street, cookhouse behind, #3 bunkhouse and QM stores.
Yorke Island wharf on Oct 19 1939.
Machine Gun Detachment from 2nd Bn Canadian Scottish conducting firing practice from dock. Stark looking back, Don Atkins, Lance Bombardier Richardson and Percy Fox.
Pete Harris driving Yorke Island's only vehicle. The 'Mad Gun Crew' on a Vickers MG - George Darby, JKA, Pat Power, Murray Barker, Charlie Kitching and Bob Spring.
Mel Cooper (the Rabbi), George the dog and Battery Sergeant Major Ed Lockhart cleaning leaves out of the eaves of the officers quarters - rain was caught on the roof and stored in a basement reservoir. 'Pop' from the Canadian Scottish filling the gas pump used to take water from the officers quarter's reservoir to the mess hall drums. Pete Coburn and Don Atkins in the window.
Jack Mills and Harry Willoughby (trumpeter) in #2 uniform; Fall mud on Yorke Island by one of the 'Joints.' Bombardier Jack Mills coming back from the new mess hall in October 1939.
Bombardier Jack Mills and Jimmy McGerigle at high tide. Photo taken from the end of the wharf. Dick Jenkins, Bert Parrott and Bombardier Bud Garret outside the powerhouse.
Searchlight trio: 'Slim' Gilson in the middle and Pat Power after the Clarence Island eagle expedition. Power house gang including Don Atkins and CXO's batman Lorimer.
Part of the 'Mad Gun crew' on night duty in crew shelter - Mel Cooper, Sergeant Doug Cox, Bob Spring, Bob Luney, Harry Willoughby, Bombardier Mackie (Searchlight) and George Darby. Skipper Scottie Neidh on the bridge of the ex-vic 'Van Isle' with searchlight personnel as relief to allow some of the Yorke Island Battery to have Christmas and New Years Leave, 19 December 1939.
Outside the army W/T shack. Tom Britton RCASC (skipper of the island boat) Bill Barker, RCCS chap, Pete Coburn and Ted (also RCCS). Examination vessel 'Alleverde' flying duty flag (white square on blue) in Johnstone Strait.
Jack Mills and Harry Willoughby (trumpeter) in #2 uniform; Fall mud on Yorke Island by one of the 'Joints.' Bombardier Jack Mills coming back from the new mess hall in October 1939.
Bombardier Jack Mills and Jimmy McGerigle at high tide. Photo taken from the end of the wharf. Dick Jenkins, Bert Parrott and Bombardier Bud Garret outside the powerhouse.
Searchlight trio: 'Slim' Gilson in the middle and Pat Power after the Clarence Island eagle expedition. Power house gang including Don Atkins and CXO's batman Lorimer.
Part of the 'Mad Gun crew' on night duty in crew shelter - Mel Cooper, Sergeant Doug Cox, Bob Spring, Bob Luney, Harry Willoughby, Bombardier Mackie (Searchlight) and George Darby. Skipper Scottie Neidh on the bridge of the ex-vic 'Van Isle' with searchlight personnel as relief to allow some of the Yorke Island Battery to have Christmas and New Years Leave, 19 December 1939.
Outside the army W/T shack. Tom Britton RCASC (skipper of the island boat) Bill Barker, RCCS chap, Pete Coburn and Ted (also RCCS). Examination vessel 'Alleverde' flying duty flag (white square on blue) in Johnstone Strait.
Group of signal types outside Naval W/T shack up the hill. Nielson with beard. Johnny North with pipe is from the army W/T (RCCS). December 20th 1939 on the CNR S.S. "Prince Rupert" going down on New Years leave. George Darby, Percy Fox and Chuck Kitching with a 'happy' civy that attached himself to the group.
Bombardier Bud Garrett and Bert Parrott 'on awakening' to another dreary morning at the powerhouse. The 'kick' as Bombardier Garrett fires his Lee Enfield .303
Bombardier Bud Garrett and Bert Parrott 'on awakening' to another dreary morning at the powerhouse. The 'kick' as Bombardier Garrett fires his Lee Enfield .303
Bombardier Bud Garrett demonstrating drill? with his Lee Enfield. Pictures are captioned, 'Stop,' 'Look' and 'Listen'. Bombardier Garrett on the bow.
Pat Power climbing a tree. Photo on board a ship is captioned J.K.A. with no explanation for the initials.
Harold Hammell prepares for a hunting expedition? Ed Confrey on guard at the headquarters.
Johnny Knight and Bob Waddy.
Charlie Snow and Dick Jenkins.
Percy Fox and an unknown member of the unit.
'Stick' Richardson and Doug Englen.
Jack Mills and Jack Clark.
Lance Bombardier George Darby.
Pat Power climbing a tree. Photo on board a ship is captioned J.K.A. with no explanation for the initials.
Harold Hammell prepares for a hunting expedition? Ed Confrey on guard at the headquarters.
Johnny Knight and Bob Waddy.
Charlie Snow and Dick Jenkins.
Percy Fox and an unknown member of the unit.
'Stick' Richardson and Doug Englen.
Jack Mills and Jack Clark.
Lance Bombardier George Darby.
