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.

Telegram, Percy Kelly, SS Lady Hawkins

This telegram to Ellen Kelly informed her that her husband, Percy Kelly, had arrived in Puerto Rico after his ship had been sunk.

Percy Kelly was Chief Officer aboard the Canadian National Steamships liner SS Lady Hawkins. After a German submarine sank the ship, Kelly for five days commanded a lifeboat overloaded with survivors until they were rescued and brought to Puerto Rico. The 71 people in Kelly's boat were the only survivors from the Lady Hawkins; some 250 other passengers and crew perished. Subsequently promoted to captain, Kelly also survived the May 1942 sinking of his ship the SS Lady Drake by a German submarine.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20040004-005_59