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The Second World War
The Merchant Navy  - Serving with the Merchant Navy

During the Second World War, Canadian and Allied merchant mariners faced the constant hard work of operating and maintaining their ships, the threat of enemy attack, and the dangers of accidents and storms.

MV Nipiwan Park
MV Nipiwan Park

German U-Boat (submarine) U-1232 torpedoed and badly damaged the Canadian tanker MV Nipiwan Park off Halifax, Nova Scotia, in January 1945.

The MV (Motor Vessel) Nipiwan Park was one of six small tankers built for coastal and Great Lakes service, and was part of a coastal convoy heading from Saint John, New Brunswick to Halifax. U-1232's torpedo killed two crew members and badly damaged the ship's bow (right), which broke off and sank. The rest of the ship remained afloat, and was salvaged, repaired, and returned to service.

Model Ship, Coastal Tanker
CWM 20040032-001





Merchant Navy War Service Badge, Somer Oscar James
Painting a Life Raft, SS Temagami Park
Engine Room, SS Kelowna Park (CAN)
Shaft Tunnel, SS Kelowna Park (CAN)
Merchant Navy Uniform, Clovis Ira Bordeleau
Balaclava, Clovis Ira Bordeleau
Christmas Card, SS Lady Rodney
Identity Bracelet, Robert Bush
Torpedoed, North Atlantic
Burning Oil Tanker
Torpedo Damage, SS Samtucky
Torpedo Damage, MS Kronprinsen
Storm Damage, SS Joel R. Poinsett
MV Nipiwan Park
Memorial Cross, Third Engineer Alfred Henry Perry, SS Fort Longueuil
Rescuing Survivors
HMCS Longueuil Rescues Survivors
Port of New York Identity Card, Ernest Shackleton
Ordinary Seaman Somer Oscar James
Telegram, Percy Kelly, SS Lady Hawkins
Chief Officer Percy Kelly