Second World War (1939-1945)
The Navy in European Waters  - Coastal Operations: United Kingdom and European Waters

The Royal Canadian Navy, employed on coastal patrols, convoy escort duty, and support operations, made an important contribution to the naval war that raged in the waters around the United Kingdom and off the nearby European coast.

Loss of HMCS Athabaskan

James A. Martin drew this sketch of the sinking of HMCS Athabaskan while he was held in a German prisoner of war camp.

During a period of intense action against German naval forces in the English Channel, a torpedo launched by an enemy vessel hit Athabaskan, starting a fire that detonated one of the ship's ammunition magazines and sank the destroyer. HMCS Haida began to rescue survivors but had to withdraw from danger with only 42 saved. 128 of Athabaskan's crew perished, while more than 80 were captured. Six others managed to return to England in a motor boat crewed by Haida sailors.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19820062-001_p13