It is an excellent recount of a remarkable ship and Canadian icon. My Uncle used to recount to me as a young boy, the battles with supply trains during the Korean War, as they made their way up and down the east coast of the Korean peninsula during the often freezing blizzards. Battling it out with the fully armed North Korean supply trains, loaded with defensive and deadly artillery. Always proud of my brave Uncle; may he rest in peace.
You can only imagine the determination and rage of Haida being forced to abandon her sister's crew.... She honored Athabaskan's memory and avenged her with amazing ferocity. It's heartening to hear she was preserved by her crew, and has enjoyed a beautiful retirement.
I'm glad to hear such an incredibly successful ship, the HMCS Haida was saved for history. It's history that makes people, Canadians in this example, proud of the efforts and sacrifice of their military men.
I'm sad to say that we in New Zealand didn't save one of our warships for posterity. The Royal New Zealand Navy passed up an opportunity to save HMNZS Achilles. Although at the time of the Battle Of The River Plate, she was part of the NZ Division Of The Royal Navy, HMS Achilles (As she was known until Oct 1941) went into Battle Of The River Plate under the NZ Flag, and not the British Flag. She made history by becoming the first NZ ship to fly the NZ Flag in battle in the form of the large Battle Ensign from the main mast. HMNZS Achilles served in numerous campaigns during the war with distinction. After the war, she was sold to the Indian Navy. She visited NZ in 1969 as INS Delhi which sparked a debate in NZ regarding the ship becoming a museum ship once she retired, due to the fact she made history by being the first NZ ship to fly the NZ Flag in battle. The powers that be passed up the opportunity and she was formally decommissioned from the Indian Navy in 1978 and sent off to be turned into razor blades. Achilles 'Y' turret and her Director Tower were presented to the RNZN and they are today mounted as Gate Guardians at Aucklands Devonport Naval Base Main Gate. But a golden opportunity to preserve an important piece of NZ Naval history was wasted.
Darn@@10_rds_Fire_For_Effect. You are so right about the HMNZS Achilles. Imagine those who formerly served on that ship getting to revisit it, plus the thousands upon thousands of NZ residents who missed out taking in a part of their heritage over the years.
Sometimes it's not just how well armed, or how large a ship is, it's just how mad the crew gets when they feel slighted. The crew are a ship's antibodies, literally the blood of the beast, and they dictate the true prowess of any ship. In the case of HMCS Haida , her Crew kept her strong and healthy enough to fight above her weight class for years. Thank You to all those her served her, served Canada, the allies, and the free world.
Great words but present day Canada and it's government would probably shock and dishearten those crews. They would perhaps be in utter dismay at how their determination and sacrifice bears no resemblance to the corruption that exists there today.
@@GregCocks_kiwi Yes, Literally the only blood on a ship is in its crew and they travel through the ship keeping all internal functions healthy and repairing those that get damaged. The crew is LITERALLY the ship's blood.
My father served on the Haida during the Korean War and was part of the crew that destroyed a train. I was fortunate to tour Haida when it was still in Toronto back in 1978. She is at Pier 9 near Bayfront Park in Hamilton, Ontario now
Toured the ship when it was in Toronto, now that it moved to Hamilton, our grandsons will be able to tour it as well. In the '80's, there would be fireworks in Toronto Harbour that was accompanied by music. The Haida provided the cannon sound for the 1812 overture. Every time we listen to that piece we are grateful to have heard it with the support of the Haida.
My cadet unit was named for Haida, and we got to visit the ship with a couple sailors who had served on her. Very neat and memorable! Thanks for sharing this and making her war history more widely known!
I knew Harry DeWolffe. He was among the most approachable, down to Earth people that I have ever met. He didn't brag about his wartime career. The command he really liked to talk about was when he was CO of Canada's aircraft carrier, the HMCS Bonaventure. He had no pretensions but commanded respect. A good man.
Fiercely proud of our HMCS Haida, a testament to the fighting spirit of the Canadian peoples. I hope she ever remains so the young can see her and understand what it means to be Canadian.
From the uk. Have dived on HMS Maori in Malta I couple of times. Not a navy or military person but the tribal class destroyers seem to have been a very aggressive group of ships. Reading stories about RN engagements, they always seem to be a tribal involved. Sharp shis, very aggressive captain and brave crew. Especially the Canadians should be very proud of Haida.
Out of the 16 Tribal class destroyers in the RN, only four survived World War II. My father served in one of them, "lucky Tartar". Many years ago I happened to be passing through Toronto and was astounded to see a familiar shape which I recognised from the photo on the wall of our living room at home. I had no idea that HMCS Haida had been preserved. What a thrill to go aboard, well done the Canadians!
A friend of mine worked at the dry dock where her hull was replated. A very strange sensation to walk underneath a ship. Some of the original plates were so thin, a hammer would have punched a hole in them. She’s since been moved to a park in Hamilton, Ontario Canada and entertains thousands of visitors every year.
As a Canadian, thank you. I've walked her decks. My father sailed in the RCN for 26 years on the HMCS Bonaventure and the HMCS Magnificent. He'd be proud you included Canada in your series.
I went to visit this ship last year for my birthday. I never felt more patriotic to be on board of this awesome ship with a fighting spirit like few others.
My Father served on HMCS HAIDA during WW 2 and was so proud to have had his son ,me ,and his Grandchildren visit the ship when it was in Toronto.Every year at Remembrance myself and all his grandchildre n and gr.Grandchildren remember his sacrifice and all servicemen who served for our freedom.- Ed
My father served on HMS Sheffield during her Russian convoy task..... and took part in hunting down the Bizmark As a young boy I asked him if he was scared going after the Bizmark especially as she had sunk the much bigger Hood......he said not as much as being on escort duty in the north Atlantic......if you had to get into the water you had a minute or two before the cold took you, The Hyda would have have exactly the same fears .......yet she didn't get the same recognition as the royal navy..... I'm ex RN and well aware of the big engagements , and now I live in the Netherlands mostly in the southern province of zeeland....... It's only here that I have learned about the contribution Canadian soldiers made to remove the well prepared German units, and how many villages and towns they liberated..... the Dutch people are very grateful for the selfless bravery and courage and sacrifice of the Canadian soldiers,yet it's not celebrated like the British and American efforts..... the Canadians don't get the credit and acknowledgement they deserve...... it's a little known fact that the regions of Baverland and Walcheren were far more heavily defended than the Normandy coast..... because of how close the German border is, but most of all the delta by vlissingen is the sea route to Antwerp Belgium the vital port needed to supply the allies push to Germany....... The task to remove the Germans and clear the passage and open up Antwerp was given to the British, Canadian and Polish British landing vlissingen up to domburg the Canadian pushing from Bergen op zoom and the Polish tanks from Flanders side of zeeland. It's a story that matches anything on d day........ the Canadian military should be given much more credit and recognition.......
Totally agree, I’ve told numerous people that there were more Canadian and British soldiers landed on D day than American soldiers but the way it’s told you’d think it was only American soldiers who landed, I’ve visited Holland a few times and I know that the Dutch are eternally grateful for the Canadian forces liberation of their country
Thank you for sharing these pieces. I wish the History Guy channel would cover it. I do know from my own grandfather that a lot of Canadians were killed both in prep for and the actual Dieppe Raid. Thanks again.
@@johnmehaffey9953God … that’s the honest truth. I worked with US guys on Herrick and the ‘history buffs’ amongst them were totally ignorant to that fact. Hollywood products … Suited the Cold War agenda a more cynical man might suggest Edit: my grandfathers fought in Europe not Asia but were v unhappy that the Burma breaking of Japan is also given little coverage with the taking of the islands apparently the only battles of note courtesy of Hollywood.
some facts you missed. in 2018, HMCS Haida was named the ceremonial flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy, and the lead ship (and class name)of the RCN's newest class of ship, the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, has been named HMCS Harry DeWolf after Haida's first Captain, and HMCS Harry DeWolf just spend a week berthed beside HMCS Haida in Hamilton
True, though I would advertise too loudly the "ceremonial flagship" part. It's actually a damned lubberly thing for the RCN to do since a flagship means a warship that has a flag officer in it and is thus flying the admiral's flag. The RCN is using the term in the department store sense, meaning the "best one". That's not how the term is used in the Navy and the Commander RCN should have known better. Much better. The way the RN honoured the VICTORY was the correct way - she is the flagship OF the First Sea Lord. Now that's using the term in the correct Naval sense. As a Canadian Naval officer, I'm rather embarrassed at how unprofessional our Navy was in doing what they did. Any other Navy, upon hearing that we made the HAIDA "the ceremonial flagship" would likely think "what the hell?..." and shake their head sadly.
"..striking a train north of Riwon".....beyond belief, they hit a train from sea, landed a shell on a 6 foot wide target they probably couldn't even see from far out at sea. I bet the NK's on the train never saw that puppy coming. Absolutely incredible. God Bless the crew of Haida and all the men and women of The Greatest Generation. There will still be soldiers of Uncommon Valor, but there will never again be an entire Generation who made Uncommon Valor a common virtue.
Thank you for showcasing the Canadian Navy through the biography of HMCS Haida. It is also a needed example of Tribal Class destroyers. Although not really that great, they certainly played a pivotal role on convoy escort duties. The RN corvettes suffered and served and the crews suffered awful conditions on the winter Russian convoys. The arrival of the Tribal destroyers was just in time.
The Canadians are by and large a very polite people, but it is wise not to get on the wrong side of her armed forces. "We're terribly sorry to inform you that your presence must be removed from this area. It is the war, you understand."
The tribal class destroyers are considered a very successful and defining design. Generally they hold legendary status, Haida is well know for her exploits and Cossack needs no introduction if you are familiar with naval history.
@@razgriz380 When Canada launched a new generation of very powerful destroyers around 1970, they were given the designation "New Tribal Class" and Iroquois 280 and her sisters served for decades ending their careers as guided missile destroyers.. The next generation of Canadian warships about to be built will be the most powerful ever but alas, naming ships after tribes is no longer politically correct even though it was meant to be an honour in the 1930s.
The RCN provided many Corvettes for convoy duty. Although, a boost to the war effort, eight RCN Tribals class DDs were not even close to the main contribution to convoy escort duties: that honour goes to the Canadian “Corvette Navy”…the bulk of the RCN. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, the HMCS Sackville museum ship rightfully occupies a place of honour in perhaps the most important port from which convoys were staged in WWII’s longest battle - The Battle of the Atlantic (Sept 1939 - May 1945).
@@doogleticker5183 Tribls were not used as convoy escorts on the North Atlantic runs. They were way too fast and powerfully gunned to waste on being sheep dogs. They were used on the Murmansk Run because they had heavy antiaircraft cabinities and German aircraft flying fom Norway were as big a threat to convoys as the U-boats were. Canadaian shipyards built 122 Corvettes along with acquiring their first batch from th UK.and similar ships such as Bangor and Algerines were pressed into escort service. 68 of the more powerful River Class Frigates were the ultimate escort ships used by the RCN.
I'm former Royal Navy. I had the pleasure of working with RCN ships a few times. Great sailors and a real offensive spirit during exercises. I certainly wouldn't like to get on the wrong side of a Canadian ship!
My Grandfather was part of the Merchant Navy convoys, Frederick Warren Swan was Chief Steward on a Royal Merchant Navy ship The ship was torpedoed by a German ship in the Atlantic. The ship was sunk and men were rescued by the German Battle ship. Taken to France and after walking through France all the way to a German POW camp he spent the next 5 years in the camp in the middle of Germany. These ships that provided protection of Convoys took great courage of both men and Captains. Thank you all for your service. To those who gave the ultimate sacrifice may they all Rest in Peace. Thank you to all allies within the Commonwealth and beyond for your service..
A great ship! With a great crew! Commanded by a great leader! Such a ship is what legends are made of. Long live Haida! Long live the memories of her crew!
My grandfather served on a Tribal class destroyer, HMS Mashona. She was involved in the tracking of the Bismarck, escorting the Rodney when she was called back to try to stop Bismarck getting to France. Short of fuel, she was returning home when attacked and sunk by Luftwaffe bombers. Fortunately most of the crew was rescued, including my grandfather. He helped keep some injured crew afloat until they were rescued, earning a Distinguished Service Order as a result. He never spoke about the war, and used his medal to prop up the leg of an aquarium on an uneven floor.
Touring Haida is walking through history. She is magnificent, and may she be there to tell her story for many years to come. Remembering the lives lost on HMCS Athabaskan.
When I was a teenager I was in The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and the corp was RCSCC Haida in Streetsville Ontario. When it was decommissioned and placed at Ontario Place in Toronto we spent 2 weeks in the summer painting, polishing and giving tours. We had a field gun which we pulled in parades and at the opening of the Canadian National Exposition (CNE) during the last weeks of summer. So many good memories.
Pleasing to see that such a remarkable and resilient ship with such an amazing and distinguished history, was saved from the fate of so many ships in the scrap yard and preserved for posterity. Fully deserving her historic status and a fitting tribute to everybody who served on her ❤
You really do the ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY a great service. I never knew that Canada 🇨🇦 participated in the Korean War. Thanks for all of your interesting videos.
OF COURSE THEY DID, DUDE!!! In fact, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, it was the Royal Canadian Navy that picked up the slack of our Monroe Doctrine's edict of "No new colonies" here, in the Western Hemisphere!!! Hell, their Navy was the 4th. largest in the world, behind the United States Navy, the British Royal Navy and, the French Navy, respectively!!!! So, yeah. It comes as no surprise that they took part in the Korean War.
The biggest surprise is the fact that the Royal Navy enforced our Monroe Doctrine. If they couldn't have us, they wouldn't let anyone else have us. Britain always maintained the status quo.
one of my very favourite dark seas doc celebrating our canadian contribution to the second world war..and the valour of our fighting spirit thank you from them
My dad was a Leading Coder on HMCS Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and Huntsville. He always said that ton for ton the Tribal Class Destroyers were the best weapon system he ever saw in action. Like Arleigh Burke and others, DeWolf was one of those aggressive tin can sailors. Legends.
My Uncle, John Francis Lipton (DSM) severed on the Haida at this time. The ship was preserved. Moved as a floating museum from Toronto to Hamilton ON. I’ve had the pleasure of going onboard her several times. Lest We Forget.
I love the Haida storys, we have it preserved as a floating museum in Hamilton Ontario Canada, we just named a whole fleet of patrol vessels after Harry Dewolfe. Very proud of our Nations Navy❤
What a wonderful story of a brave and relentless ship and her courageous crew. I'm so glad that she was saved for future generations to see and learn about.
When he talked about the captain having to make a hard choice, I remembered a movie called "The Cruel Sea"...how that decision must have tormented him?! A brave ship, manned by brave men! LEST WE FORGET 🇦🇺🇨🇦
Captain are you Sad? You are thinking..... about the men...... in the water? The Men you had to Kill? You Had To Do It This Is War But.... there may be thoughts.... But for Thoughts - THERE IS GIN Skol!
The name of the ship in the film was the compass rose, my uncle was lost when his ship was attacked during the evacuation of Crete,, mum always cried watching this film as she knew that they couldn’t endanger the ship by stopping to pick up survivors, brave men all who served in their respective navies
@@johnmehaffey9953 I'm sorry for your families loss, I had an uncle that was caught on Crete, 3yrs a POW but at least he came home...that's what makes it so heartbreaking when I hear stories like your's; it's one of many stories I wish I could change! At the going down of the sun, we will remember them, LEST WE FORGET!
I was a good film and a better book, by Monserrat. Another good read is “The Corvette Navy” by Lamb. Sometimes the small ships accounted for big victories. They deserve to be remembered and honoured as well, often serving in far worse conditions than their fellow sailors posted to larger ships. I started my Navy time in a steamer DDE, well before missile technology was everywhere. I remember the Yanks had ASROC (Anti-submarine rockets) on deck…it held 8 nuke tipped stand-off weapons…but for air defense? LOL.
I visited more than 10 times while it was museum ship in Toronto and took many photos in order to make large scale model as it impressed me with history. Unfortunately I didn't progress further than rough hull, It's in Hamilton now but while at Toronto Ontario Place it participated at annual concert there by firing main guns in timing with Beethoven's 5th Symphony tympanic cannon sequence. Most impressive.
I can’t be prouder to say I’m Canadian whenever I hear someone speak of Haida, the RCN or our armed forces. Yes, we are kind, apologetic, compassionate people even, but if you hurt us or our allies, you’ll be saying soory and wishing you never trifled with us.
Thank you very much for keeping this fantastic heroic story alive! Great video, I appreciate and enjoyed it a LOT 👍 Greetings from the Netherlands ✌, T.
I'm glad you Canadians saved this great ship for a new generation to look up to. Here in the USA we have saved many also. I only wish Britain had done more to save their famous ships like the HMS Warspite.
The Tribals really were the beast destroyers of WW2. There were vastly more Fletcher class build, but the Tribal class really did kick ass in a way that puts everyone else's destroyers in the shade.
Another great video , my old man served 14 years in the Canadian Navy, I served 12 years in the infantry. Can't wait to go home and see my parents for Xmas in 3 weeks🎄, there was an HMCS Glace Bay named after my home town in Nova Scotia.
Canada joined the war long before the US. canadian merchant ships, corvettes and destroyers help keep England from falling before the US entered the war. Canada had the world's third biggest navy after the war. HMCS Haida is a wonderful ship to visit and not far from the US ships in the museum at Buffalo. Well worth the trip for naval buffs.
Visited several times....well worth the trip....especially the engineering spaces....hard to believe that men worked so close to boilers and engines with shells exploding above....brave men
Tribal class destroyers were true madlads. Drachinfel did a video recently about the HMS Eskimo which considered it's bow to be optional equipment in combat.
Huron lost hers to a French ship. Alas, the crew had to spend three months in Toulon wallowing in the Riviera's pleasures as the French shipyard welded Huron's bow back on (badly).
Glad to see the ship got saved and not scrapped. I'd say it's more than earned the right to a peaceful retirement in Canadian waters. I just visited USS New Jersey about a month ago and I'd like to get up to Canada to see this ship one day.
I’m a recently retired Royal Canadian Navy sailor and remember an experience with the USS New Jersey. I was posted to one of our Canadian patrol frigates, HMCS Fredericton, around 2009 and we made a rare port visit into Philadelphia. I was on the upper decks as we sailed up the Delaware River and remember looking over to the Camden NJ side at this absolute behemoth battleship docked there. No sooner than I said, ”Wow! Look at that!” to a fellow shipmate, then the New Jersey fired her saluting gun at us! (I jumped about 2 feet off the deck plates too!) But I was super impressed as a naval gun salute is usually only reserved for ceremonies and visiting heads of state, dignitaries or top navy brass. This was a huge gesture/mark of respect and was a pretty class thing for Miss Jersey to do. I still remember this fondly. My only regrets are that we didn’t have our own saluting gun rigged and ready to return the gesture and that I didn’t get a chance to make it over to Camden to visit that incredible piece of maritime history. Hope to get back someday.
When I was a lad - late 1950s - HMS Cossack was very well known, and I had an Airfix kit of her. She, of course went into the Norwegian fjord and recued the prisoners on the Altmark, supply ship for Graf Spee.
I rarely comment on videos but came to say this. I love to put documentary style videos on my 2nd monitor while I work but this music was so distracting I couldn't pay attention to either.
Excellent recount of the Haida's incredible career, her amazing crew and captain. Thorough as this was, it still is a brief summary of her mostly war-time career; outside of that, she did even more. She is now the flagship Royal Canadian Navy, moored in Hamilton for all to see.
Slight correction to Battle of Ushant. The Z-32 was a large, 1936 class Destroyer. While Tribal class Destroyers are beloved they were not all that great. They sacrificed torpedoes for gunnery and their main armament was hampered by lack of elevation to engage aircraft. Tribals suffered devastating losses because of this weakness.
Liverpool remembers the Royal Canadian navy here on the Pier head for their pivotal role in the battle of the Atlantic...Kudos to our Canadian friends...best wishes from the wirral peninsula,bounded by the mersey and the Dee and the Irish sea...geography and rhyme...😊😊
I toured the Haida in the 70s or 80s when it was moored in Toronto. She is now considered a National Historic Site and is maintained as such by Parks Canada in Hamilton, Ontario. Quite the history ... thanks for a super interesting story!
Thanks for posting this, I went on board HMCS Haida when she was a museum ship in Toronto. My father also served on her during her deployment to Korea, he told me the story about bombarding the train, at the time, they thought it was rather funny. The crew apparently painted a locomotive on the side of the gun turret.
GLAD TO SEE THE SHIP WAS SAVED FROM THE SCRAP YARD AND IS NOW A LIVING PART OF HISTORY TO THE BRAVE SAILORS NOT JUST ON HER DECKS, BUT ALSO TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO SERVED AND SERVES IN THE CANADIAN NAVY
Men of service working with each other, caring and enduring much for one another can accomplish great things - Hail HMCS Haida & her Crew ! God bless, jj
i visited her a few times when i visited toronto, she seemed like a runt of a battal ship to me at the time, but i had very little history of her and this video laid it all out for me, thank you 👍👍👍
Some ships do their duty some ships become a countries hope and somehow take on a life. Haida is one that has taken a countries hopes hope and moved from a steel hull to a war hero. Glad her former crew members saved her and helped Canada celebrate and fall for this beautiful ship. She has the personality of HMS Victory a ship a country will always love. 🇨🇦🇬🇧
Thank you for showing HMCS Haida's history. Also showing photos and film clips of her, however there were photos and film clips of ships, men and armaments of other types of ships, mainly U.S. Navy that are not relevant to HMCS Haida or Tribal class destroyers. I have noticed this in other naval ships that you have showcased. Sorry for being picky here, you do present a good story of each ship that you display.
She was tied up at Toronto for years where, as a young man I toured her several times. She is now still floating still at Hamilton, Ontario. An interesting tour and a worthwhile recipient of any donations which help maintain this icon of what was at one point, the 3rd largest navy in the world, the Royal Canadian Navy.
I love your videos! If I could provide a bit of constructive criticism in this case; I can’t say I feel the shredding guitar rock quite fit this one. Just a suggestion for future consideration. Keep up the good work!
I tried to join the navy when I was a teen in the 1960's. But had medical issues and wasn't accepted. I've been a boat and ship lover all my life. But am talking about real ships, not the floating apartments that are out there now with amusements parks and hold 10.000 people. When Haida was docked at Toronto, I took a tour of her and read of her accomplishments. I could understand why her crew was to proud and attached to her. Brave men with an awesome ship.
I toured Haida in 1978 with my class, I believe, as a youngster. I remember she was a beautiful ship in excellent condition. For fifteen years afterwards it fostered in me a love of creating line drawings of historic warships such as Prinz Eugen, Queen Elizabeth (1943), Royal Oak and many more. Thanks for making a video about my countries' last surviving ww2 museum ship. Ed. Corrected to destroyer. Thanks. 😊
@RossEphgrave I have to correct you on your comment about HMCS Haida being Canada’s last surviving WW2 museum ship. There is a Flower class corvette (not just the last existing flower class corvette in the RCN but the last existing one, period). Her name is HMCS Sackville and she is based at her home port here in Halifax Nova Scotia. She is the oldest surviving RCN warship and is also a Royal Canadian Navy Memorial and National Historic Site. She is open to visitors every summer on the Halifax waterfront. Fun fact: She was also used as a CGI model for the fictional RCN ship HMCS Dodge (callsign “Dicky”) in the 2020 naval war movie “Greyhound” starring Tom Hanks.
@@OoavastoO I was unaware of that. Thanks. It's great to know one of the Flower class is preserved. In the 80s I knew an old veteran who was on one which sank in the Atlantic and went on to finish the war serving in them.
As a recently retired RCN sailor myself and having sailed in the North Atlantic in the winter on a much larger frigates and a destroyer, It never fails to amaze me to see just how small and basic these little work horses of the Battle of the Atlantic were and what the brave crews had to endure daily. The extreme weather would have been daunting enough without also having the constant enemy threat thrown into the mix. It’s extremely humbling. They, (the ships and the crews), definitely punched above their weight. If you ever find yourself in Halifax during the summer, I highly recommend a visit and tour.
I really enjoy these series. Kind critique, the background music is overpowering and makes the narration difficult to hear. Additionally, if a monument to history has been saved please tell us the location. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication to tell the untold naval, air power and military history and all the hero's involved.
It's well worth the trip to Toronto Canada to see not only the last of the Tribal class destroyers but also the most famous. Canada hasn't been good at preserving historic ships but the St. Roch in Vancouver, the Sackville in Halifax, and, of course the Haida in Toronto are must sees for any fans of Canadian naval history.
I got to tour this absolute beast today in all her glory! What an absolute beautiful menace she is! Canada's fightingest ship and our flagship to this day.
The Haida is berthed in my hometown, and is a popular tourist attraction. 2:08 That little kink in her bow has been there a long, long time, it seems, almost from the beginning. For those who won't or cant see it, it's a dent and the bow has this little kink. You can see it in all sorts of pictures. Interesting factoid: Canada had the world's 4th largest navy at the end of WW2.
I have fond memories of visiting HMCS Haida while she was moored in Toronto. They moved her to Hamilton a few years back though. I'm long overdue for another visit.
Very enjoyable video. Having sailed on 40+ year old Coast Guard Cutters I relate to the love of your ship. Great music by the way. USCG ETC (Ret) (58 yrs of age, 😎 sends
Renaming them "destroy escorts" makes sense to me because they were rather "small". I served aboard the DD-528 and DD-845 during the Cold War. They were quite a bit bigger. Both are now resting on the bottom of the ocean with fish resting in my bunks.
people complain about your chioice of music or how loud rhe background music is. Well i love heavy rock loud guitars & i have no problem hearing you over the background music. love your channel keep up the fantastic work.🙏👍👍👍👍👍👍
It is an excellent recount of a remarkable ship and Canadian icon. My Uncle used to recount to me as a young boy, the battles with supply trains during the Korean War, as they made their way up and down the east coast of the Korean peninsula during the often freezing blizzards. Battling it out with the fully armed North Korean supply trains, loaded with defensive and deadly artillery. Always proud of my brave Uncle; may he rest in peace.
The Haida became one of the few "trainbusters" during the korean war. It managed to take out 2 of those trains.
You can only imagine the determination and rage of Haida being forced to abandon her sister's crew.... She honored Athabaskan's memory and avenged her with amazing ferocity. It's heartening to hear she was preserved by her crew, and has enjoyed a beautiful retirement.
I'm glad to hear such an incredibly successful ship, the HMCS Haida was saved for history. It's history that makes people, Canadians in this example, proud of the efforts and sacrifice of their military men.
I'm sad to say that we in New Zealand didn't save one of our warships for posterity. The Royal New Zealand Navy passed up an opportunity to save HMNZS Achilles. Although at the time of the Battle Of The River Plate, she was part of the NZ Division Of The Royal Navy, HMS Achilles (As she was known until Oct 1941) went into Battle Of The River Plate under the NZ Flag, and not the British Flag. She made history by becoming the first NZ ship to fly the NZ Flag in battle in the form of the large Battle Ensign from the main mast. HMNZS Achilles served in numerous campaigns during the war with distinction. After the war, she was sold to the Indian Navy. She visited NZ in 1969 as INS Delhi which sparked a debate in NZ regarding the ship becoming a museum ship once she retired, due to the fact she made history by being the first NZ ship to fly the NZ Flag in battle. The powers that be passed up the opportunity and she was formally decommissioned from the Indian Navy in 1978 and sent off to be turned into razor blades. Achilles 'Y' turret and her Director Tower were presented to the RNZN and they are today mounted as Gate Guardians at Aucklands Devonport Naval Base Main Gate. But a golden opportunity to preserve an important piece of NZ Naval history was wasted.
Darn@@10_rds_Fire_For_Effect. You are so right about the HMNZS Achilles. Imagine those who formerly served on that ship getting to revisit it, plus the thousands upon thousands of NZ residents who missed out taking in a part of their heritage over the years.
Sometimes it's not just how well armed, or how large a ship is, it's just how mad the crew gets when they feel slighted.
The crew are a ship's antibodies, literally the blood of the beast, and they dictate the true prowess of any ship.
In the case of HMCS Haida , her Crew kept her strong and healthy enough to fight above her weight class for years.
Thank You to all those her served her, served Canada, the allies, and the free world.
wow..brillant prose..
Great words but present day Canada and it's government would probably shock and dishearten those crews. They would perhaps be in utter dismay at how their determination and sacrifice bears no resemblance to the corruption that exists there today.
Bang on, they had right on their side which helped greatly
literally? ;)
@@GregCocks_kiwi Yes, Literally the only blood on a ship is in its crew and they travel through the ship keeping all internal functions healthy and repairing those that get damaged.
The crew is LITERALLY the ship's blood.
My father served on the Haida during the Korean War and was part of the crew that destroyed a train. I was fortunate to tour Haida when it was still in Toronto back in 1978. She is at Pier 9 near Bayfront Park in Hamilton, Ontario now
Thanks for adding her location ....the music background choice for this video is terrible.
Thank you for sharing and bless you and your family this and every Christmas Season!
Seriously, I don’t give a $hit about your father. Everyone has their own. But you don’t see everyone talking about their father.
Our Dads will have been ship mates in Korea.
Toured the ship when it was in Toronto, now that it moved to Hamilton, our grandsons will be able to tour it as well. In the '80's, there would be fireworks in Toronto Harbour that was accompanied by music. The Haida provided the cannon sound for the 1812 overture. Every time we listen to that piece we are grateful to have heard it with the support of the Haida.
My cadet unit was named for Haida, and we got to visit the ship with a couple sailors who had served on her. Very neat and memorable! Thanks for sharing this and making her war history more widely known!
I knew Harry DeWolffe. He was among the most approachable, down to Earth people that I have ever met. He didn't brag about his wartime career. The command he really liked to talk about was when he was CO of Canada's aircraft carrier, the HMCS Bonaventure. He had no pretensions but commanded respect. A good man.
I served under him in the 50's on the Bonnie. Definitely a good man.
I served under DeWolf on the Bonnie.
Fiercely proud of our HMCS Haida, a testament to the fighting spirit of the Canadian peoples. I hope she ever remains so the young can see her and understand what it means to be Canadian.
From the uk. Have dived on HMS Maori in Malta I couple of times. Not a navy or military person but the tribal class destroyers seem to have been a very aggressive group of ships. Reading stories about RN engagements, they always seem to be a tribal involved. Sharp shis, very aggressive captain and brave crew. Especially the Canadians should be very proud of Haida.
Both my father and I served in the Royal Canadian Navy. He passed this June and would have loved your telling of Haida's story. She is a Legend.
Sorry for your loss. But as a former USN Sailor myself, I thank you both from the bottom of my heart for your service.
Thanks shipmate@@waylonswartz3850
What an honourable tribute to the crew and their ship. Thank-you.
Out of the 16 Tribal class destroyers in the RN, only four survived World War II. My father served in one of them, "lucky Tartar". Many years ago I happened to be passing through Toronto and was astounded to see a familiar shape which I recognised from the photo on the wall of our living room at home. I had no idea that HMCS Haida had been preserved. What a thrill to go aboard, well done the Canadians!
I think my Grandfather served on the Tartar at some point during the war.
A friend of mine worked at the dry dock where her hull was replated. A very strange sensation to walk underneath a ship. Some of the original plates were so thin, a hammer would have punched a hole in them. She’s since been moved to a park in Hamilton, Ontario Canada and entertains thousands of visitors every year.
This ship DESERVED to be saved, and I’m glad to know that she still serves her country with distinction to this day.
As a Canadian, thank you. I've walked her decks. My father sailed in the RCN for 26 years on the HMCS Bonaventure and the HMCS Magnificent. He'd be proud you included Canada in your series.
I went to visit this ship last year for my birthday. I never felt more patriotic to be on board of this awesome ship with a fighting spirit like few others.
My Father served on HMCS HAIDA during WW 2 and was so proud to have had his son ,me ,and his Grandchildren visit the ship when it was in Toronto.Every year at Remembrance myself and all his grandchildre n and gr.Grandchildren remember his sacrifice and all servicemen who served for our freedom.- Ed
My father served on HMS Sheffield during her Russian convoy task..... and took part in hunting down the Bizmark
As a young boy I asked him if he was scared going after the Bizmark especially as she had sunk the much bigger Hood......he said not as much as being on escort duty in the north Atlantic......if you had to get into the water you had a minute or two before the cold took you, The Hyda would have have exactly the same fears .......yet she didn't get the same recognition as the royal navy..... I'm ex RN and well aware of the big engagements , and now I live in the Netherlands mostly in the southern province of zeeland.......
It's only here that I have learned about the contribution Canadian soldiers made to remove the well prepared German units, and how many villages and towns they liberated..... the Dutch people are very grateful for the selfless bravery and courage and sacrifice of the Canadian soldiers,yet it's not celebrated like the British and American efforts..... the Canadians don't get the credit and acknowledgement they deserve...... it's a little known fact that the regions of Baverland and Walcheren were far more heavily defended than the Normandy coast..... because of how close the German border is, but most of all the delta by vlissingen is the sea route to Antwerp Belgium the vital port needed to supply the allies push to Germany.......
The task to remove the Germans and clear the passage and open up Antwerp was given to the British, Canadian and Polish
British landing vlissingen up to domburg the Canadian pushing from Bergen op zoom and the Polish tanks from Flanders side of zeeland.
It's a story that matches anything on d day........ the Canadian military should be given much more credit and recognition.......
Canada is highly recognised in Britain for its contribution during WWII. There is a deep affection for Canadians in Britain.
Totally agree, I’ve told numerous people that there were more Canadian and British soldiers landed on D day than American soldiers but the way it’s told you’d think it was only American soldiers who landed, I’ve visited Holland a few times and I know that the Dutch are eternally grateful for the Canadian forces liberation of their country
The Dutch remember and honor those who fought for them. It was very gratifying to a young Dutch-American soldier! So very appreciated in return!
Thank you for sharing these pieces. I wish the History Guy channel would cover it. I do know from my own grandfather that a lot of Canadians were killed both in prep for and the actual Dieppe Raid. Thanks again.
@@johnmehaffey9953God … that’s the honest truth. I worked with US guys on Herrick and the ‘history buffs’ amongst them were totally ignorant to that fact. Hollywood products … Suited the Cold War agenda a more cynical man might suggest
Edit: my grandfathers fought in Europe not Asia but were v unhappy that the Burma breaking of Japan is also given little coverage with the taking of the islands apparently the only battles of note courtesy of Hollywood.
some facts you missed. in 2018, HMCS Haida was named the ceremonial flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy, and the lead ship (and class name)of the RCN's newest class of ship, the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship, has been named HMCS Harry DeWolf after Haida's first Captain, and HMCS Harry DeWolf just spend a week berthed beside HMCS Haida in Hamilton
True, though I would advertise too loudly the "ceremonial flagship" part. It's actually a damned lubberly thing for the RCN to do since a flagship means a warship that has a flag officer in it and is thus flying the admiral's flag. The RCN is using the term in the department store sense, meaning the "best one". That's not how the term is used in the Navy and the Commander RCN should have known better. Much better.
The way the RN honoured the VICTORY was the correct way - she is the flagship OF the First Sea Lord. Now that's using the term in the correct Naval sense. As a Canadian Naval officer, I'm rather embarrassed at how unprofessional our Navy was in doing what they did. Any other Navy, upon hearing that we made the HAIDA "the ceremonial flagship" would likely think "what the hell?..." and shake their head sadly.
Anything related to how the Canadian government treats our military cannot be described as department store, more like dollar store.
@@richardthompson6366 Touche!
Epic 👌
"..striking a train north of Riwon".....beyond belief, they hit a train from sea, landed a shell on a 6 foot wide target they probably couldn't even see from far out at sea. I bet the NK's on the train never saw that puppy coming. Absolutely incredible. God Bless the crew of Haida and all the men and women of The Greatest Generation. There will still be soldiers of Uncommon Valor, but there will never again be an entire Generation who made Uncommon Valor a common virtue.
Thank you for showcasing the Canadian Navy through the biography of HMCS Haida. It is also a needed example of Tribal Class destroyers. Although not really that great, they certainly played a pivotal role on convoy escort duties. The RN corvettes suffered and served and the crews suffered awful conditions on the winter Russian convoys. The arrival of the Tribal destroyers was just in time.
The Canadians are by and large a very polite people, but it is wise not to get on the wrong side of her armed forces. "We're terribly sorry to inform you that your presence must be removed from this area. It is the war, you understand."
The tribal class destroyers are considered a very successful and defining design. Generally they hold legendary status, Haida is well know for her exploits and Cossack needs no introduction if you are familiar with naval history.
@@razgriz380 When Canada launched a new generation of very powerful destroyers around 1970, they were given the designation "New Tribal Class" and Iroquois 280 and her sisters served for decades ending their careers as guided missile destroyers.. The next generation of Canadian warships about to be built will be the most powerful ever but alas, naming ships after tribes is no longer politically correct even though it was meant to be an honour in the 1930s.
The RCN provided many Corvettes for convoy duty. Although, a boost to the war effort, eight RCN Tribals class DDs were not even close to the main contribution to convoy escort duties: that honour goes to the Canadian “Corvette Navy”…the bulk of the RCN. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, the HMCS Sackville museum ship rightfully occupies a place of honour in perhaps the most important port from which convoys were staged in WWII’s longest battle - The Battle of the Atlantic (Sept 1939 - May 1945).
@@doogleticker5183 Tribls were not used as convoy escorts on the North Atlantic runs. They were way too fast and powerfully gunned to waste on being sheep dogs. They were used on the Murmansk Run because they had heavy antiaircraft cabinities and German aircraft flying fom Norway were as big a threat to convoys as the U-boats were. Canadaian shipyards built 122 Corvettes along with acquiring their first batch from th UK.and similar ships such as Bangor and Algerines were pressed into escort service. 68 of the more powerful River Class Frigates were the ultimate escort ships used by the RCN.
This ship, her crew and legendary captain all have heavens approval! Bravo 👏
I'm former Royal Navy. I had the pleasure of working with RCN ships a few times. Great sailors and a real offensive spirit during exercises. I certainly wouldn't like to get on the wrong side of a Canadian ship!
Salute 🫡 to the HMCS HAIDA and all who served aboard.
Incredible story and I sighed in relief when you said HAIDA had been saved.
What a excellent video and a fitting tribute to the brave men who sailed on her that she was preserved .
I'm so glad that the crew managed to save her for posterity!
My Grandfather was part of the Merchant Navy convoys, Frederick Warren Swan was Chief Steward on a Royal Merchant Navy ship The ship was torpedoed by a German ship in the Atlantic. The ship was sunk and men were rescued by the German Battle ship. Taken to France and after walking through France all the way to a German POW camp he spent the next 5 years in the camp in the middle of Germany. These ships that provided protection of Convoys took great courage of both men and Captains. Thank you all for your service. To those who gave the ultimate sacrifice may they all Rest in Peace. Thank you to all allies within the Commonwealth and beyond for your service..
Proud ship, awesome crew, amazing achievements!!! Deservedly so to be a museum ship!!!
Retired ship sounds better
A great ship! With a great crew! Commanded by a great leader! Such a ship is what legends are made of. Long live Haida! Long live the memories of her crew!
My grandfather served on a Tribal class destroyer, HMS Mashona.
She was involved in the tracking of the Bismarck, escorting the Rodney when she was called back to try to stop Bismarck getting to France.
Short of fuel, she was returning home when attacked and sunk by Luftwaffe bombers.
Fortunately most of the crew was rescued, including my grandfather.
He helped keep some injured crew afloat until they were rescued, earning a Distinguished Service Order as a result.
He never spoke about the war, and used his medal to prop up the leg of an aquarium on an uneven floor.
Touring Haida is walking through history. She is magnificent, and may she be there to tell her story for many years to come. Remembering the lives lost on HMCS Athabaskan.
When I was a teenager I was in The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and the corp was RCSCC Haida in Streetsville Ontario. When it was decommissioned and placed at Ontario Place in Toronto we spent 2 weeks in the summer painting, polishing and giving tours. We had a field gun which we pulled in parades and at the opening of the Canadian National Exposition (CNE) during the last weeks of summer. So many good memories.
Well done lad.
Pleasing to see that such a remarkable and resilient ship with such an amazing and distinguished history, was saved from the fate of so many ships in the scrap yard and preserved for posterity. Fully deserving her historic status and a fitting tribute to everybody who served on her ❤
This little warior is more heroic, than most of battleships. Heroic ships deserve to be preserved.
You really do the ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY a great service. I never knew that Canada 🇨🇦 participated in the Korean War. Thanks for all of your interesting videos.
OF COURSE THEY DID, DUDE!!! In fact, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, it was the Royal Canadian Navy that picked up the slack of our Monroe Doctrine's edict of "No new colonies" here, in the Western Hemisphere!!! Hell, their Navy was the 4th. largest in the world, behind the United States Navy, the British Royal Navy and, the French Navy, respectively!!!! So, yeah. It comes as no surprise that they took part in the Korean War.
The biggest surprise is the fact that the Royal Navy enforced our Monroe Doctrine. If they couldn't have us, they wouldn't let anyone else have us. Britain always maintained the status quo.
You know that Brother
one of my very favourite dark seas doc celebrating our canadian contribution to the second world war..and the valour of our fighting spirit thank you from them
My dad was a Leading Coder on HMCS Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and Huntsville. He always said that ton for ton the Tribal Class Destroyers were the best weapon system he ever saw in action. Like Arleigh Burke and others, DeWolf was one of those aggressive tin can sailors. Legends.
My Uncle, John Francis Lipton (DSM) severed on the Haida at this time. The ship was preserved. Moved as a floating museum from Toronto to Hamilton ON. I’ve had the pleasure of going onboard her several times. Lest We Forget.
I love the Haida storys, we have it preserved as a floating museum in Hamilton Ontario Canada, we just named a whole fleet of patrol vessels after Harry Dewolfe.
Very proud of our Nations Navy❤
What a wonderful story of a brave and relentless ship and her courageous crew. I'm so glad that she was saved for future generations to see and learn about.
Glad to see this ship has survived and would love to visit someday. My uncle was lost on the Cossack.
I am so glad that the Canadians saved Haida from being scrapped. She flies the flag for all of the Tribal Class ships that were part of her class.
We accidentally preserved a Flower Class Corvette as well.
When he talked about the captain having to make a hard choice, I remembered a movie called "The Cruel Sea"...how that decision must have tormented him?! A brave ship, manned by brave men!
LEST WE FORGET 🇦🇺🇨🇦
Captain are you Sad?
You are thinking..... about the men...... in the water?
The Men you had to Kill?
You Had To Do It
This Is War
But.... there may be thoughts....
But for Thoughts - THERE IS GIN
Skol!
The name of the ship in the film was the compass rose, my uncle was lost when his ship was attacked during the evacuation of Crete,, mum always cried watching this film as she knew that they couldn’t endanger the ship by stopping to pick up survivors, brave men all who served in their respective navies
@@johnmehaffey9953 I'm sorry for your families loss, I had an uncle that was caught on Crete, 3yrs a POW but at least he came home...that's what makes it so heartbreaking when I hear stories like your's; it's one of many stories I wish I could change!
At the going down of the sun, we will remember them, LEST WE FORGET!
I was a good film and a better book, by Monserrat. Another good read is “The Corvette Navy” by Lamb. Sometimes the small ships accounted for big victories. They deserve to be remembered and honoured as well, often serving in far worse conditions than their fellow sailors posted to larger ships. I started my Navy time in a steamer DDE, well before missile technology was everywhere. I remember the Yanks had ASROC (Anti-submarine rockets) on deck…it held 8 nuke tipped stand-off weapons…but for air defense? LOL.
I visited more than 10 times while it was museum ship in Toronto and took many photos in order to make large scale model as it impressed me with history. Unfortunately I didn't progress further than rough hull, It's in Hamilton now but while at Toronto Ontario Place it participated at annual concert there by firing main guns in timing with Beethoven's 5th Symphony tympanic cannon sequence. Most impressive.
Wow. What a ship. What a captain. What a crew. God bless Canada from a grateful Brit.
I can’t be prouder to say I’m Canadian whenever I hear someone speak of Haida, the RCN or our armed forces. Yes, we are kind, apologetic, compassionate people even, but if you hurt us or our allies, you’ll be saying soory and wishing you never trifled with us.
Thank you very much for keeping this fantastic heroic story alive! Great video, I appreciate and enjoyed it a LOT 👍
Greetings from the Netherlands ✌, T.
I'm glad you Canadians saved this great ship for a new generation to look up to. Here in the USA we have saved many also. I only wish Britain had done more to save their famous ships like the HMS Warspite.
The Tribals really were the beast destroyers of WW2. There were vastly more Fletcher class build, but the Tribal class really did kick ass in a way that puts everyone else's destroyers in the shade.
Another great video , my old man served 14 years in the Canadian Navy, I served 12 years in the infantry. Can't wait to go home and see my parents for Xmas in 3 weeks🎄, there was an HMCS Glace Bay named after my home town in Nova Scotia.
Hello me son. Spent many a leave (RCN) in Cape Breton in the 1950's. Great memories.
Thank you for enlightening me I had never realized the vital role that Canada played in World War II. God bless you Northern Neighbors
Canada rocks
Not to be contentious, but we joined ww2 in September 1939; we finished the war with the 3rd largest navy in the world. 🇨🇦
@@kerriwilson7732 glad to be neighbors
Canada joined the war long before the US. canadian merchant ships, corvettes and destroyers help keep England from falling before the US entered the war. Canada had the world's third biggest navy after the war. HMCS Haida is a wonderful ship to visit and not far from the US ships in the museum at Buffalo. Well worth the trip for naval buffs.
Visited several times....well worth the trip....especially the engineering spaces....hard to believe that men worked so close to boilers and engines with shells exploding above....brave men
Fr though. That engine room is cramped
Tribal class destroyers were true madlads. Drachinfel did a video recently about the HMS Eskimo which considered it's bow to be optional equipment in combat.
Love that channel - thanks for the heads up!
Huron lost hers to a French ship. Alas, the crew had to spend three months in Toulon wallowing in the Riviera's pleasures as the French shipyard welded Huron's bow back on (badly).
Terrific. I teared up a little watching this, though I grieve for those the Haida could not save.
Glad to see the ship got saved and not scrapped. I'd say it's more than earned the right to a peaceful retirement in Canadian waters. I just visited USS New Jersey about a month ago and I'd like to get up to Canada to see this ship one day.
I’m a recently retired Royal Canadian Navy sailor and remember an experience with the USS New Jersey. I was posted to one of our Canadian patrol frigates, HMCS Fredericton, around 2009 and we made a rare port visit into Philadelphia. I was on the upper decks as we sailed up the Delaware River and remember looking over to the Camden NJ side at this absolute behemoth battleship docked there. No sooner than I said, ”Wow! Look at that!” to a fellow shipmate, then the New Jersey fired her saluting gun at us! (I jumped about 2 feet off the deck plates too!) But I was super impressed as a naval gun salute is usually only reserved for ceremonies and visiting heads of state, dignitaries or top navy brass. This was a huge gesture/mark of respect and was a pretty class thing for Miss Jersey to do. I still remember this fondly. My only regrets are that we didn’t have our own saluting gun rigged and ready to return the gesture and that I didn’t get a chance to make it over to Camden to visit that incredible piece of maritime history. Hope to get back someday.
When I was a lad - late 1950s - HMS Cossack was very well known, and I had an Airfix kit of her. She, of course went into the Norwegian fjord and recued the prisoners on the Altmark, supply ship for Graf Spee.
THE MUSIC MUST STOP! Love your narration, love your content. It speaks for itself, it doesn't need music.
You call that music? It's just a noise, and is terrible!
I like the heavy metal
I rarely comment on videos but came to say this. I love to put documentary style videos on my 2nd monitor while I work but this music was so distracting I couldn't pay attention to either.
Music was good it was just too loud
@@jake4194 I agree. Don't mind the music, just lower the volume a bit.
Excellent recount of the Haida's incredible career, her amazing crew and captain. Thorough as this was, it still is a brief summary of her mostly war-time career; outside of that, she did even more. She is now the flagship Royal Canadian Navy, moored in Hamilton for all to see.
These are always informative, interesting, and usually, inspirational. This one was all of that, and more. Thanks much.
Slight correction to Battle of Ushant. The Z-32 was a large, 1936 class Destroyer.
While Tribal class Destroyers are beloved they were not all that great. They sacrificed torpedoes for gunnery and their main armament was hampered by lack of elevation to engage aircraft. Tribals suffered devastating losses because of this weakness.
Haida came along late enough that she had a twin mount 4 inch for anti-aircraft elevations inserted instead of the third 4.7
Liverpool remembers the Royal Canadian navy here on the Pier head for their pivotal role in the battle of the Atlantic...Kudos to our Canadian friends...best wishes from the wirral peninsula,bounded by the mersey and the Dee and the Irish sea...geography and rhyme...😊😊
I toured the Haida in the 70s or 80s when it was moored in Toronto. She is now considered a National Historic Site and is maintained as such by Parks Canada in Hamilton, Ontario. Quite the history ... thanks for a super interesting story!
Thanks for posting this, I went on board HMCS Haida when she was a museum ship in Toronto. My father also served on her during her deployment to Korea, he told me the story about bombarding the train, at the time, they thought it was rather funny. The crew apparently painted a locomotive on the side of the gun turret.
GLAD TO SEE THE SHIP WAS SAVED FROM THE SCRAP YARD
AND IS NOW A LIVING PART OF HISTORY TO THE BRAVE SAILORS NOT JUST ON HER DECKS,
BUT ALSO TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO SERVED AND SERVES IN THE CANADIAN NAVY
I am glad that they saved HER. She deserves to be held in high regard and seen by everyone.
Men of service working with each other, caring and enduring much for one another can accomplish great things - Hail HMCS Haida & her Crew ! God bless, jj
i visited her a few times when i visited toronto, she seemed like a runt of a battal ship to me at the time, but i had very little history of her and this video laid it all out for me, thank you 👍👍👍
Some ships do their duty some ships become a countries hope and somehow take on a life. Haida is one that has taken a countries hopes hope and moved from a steel hull to a war hero. Glad her former crew members saved her and helped Canada celebrate and fall for this beautiful ship. She has the personality of HMS Victory a ship a country will always love. 🇨🇦🇬🇧
Thank you for showing HMCS Haida's history. Also showing photos and film clips of her, however there were photos and film clips of ships, men and armaments of other types of ships, mainly U.S. Navy that are not relevant to HMCS Haida or Tribal class destroyers. I have noticed this in other naval ships that you have showcased. Sorry for being picky here, you do present a good story of each ship that you display.
She was tied up at Toronto for years where, as a young man I toured her several times. She is now still floating still at Hamilton, Ontario. An interesting tour and a worthwhile recipient of any donations which help maintain this icon of what was at one point, the 3rd largest navy in the world, the Royal Canadian Navy.
I love your videos! If I could provide a bit of constructive criticism in this case; I can’t say I feel the shredding guitar rock quite fit this one. Just a suggestion for future consideration. Keep up the good work!
After reading about the Haida and all it accomplished during its tenure, I’d say she definitely earned her preservation
What a wonderful ship. I am glad she is a museum and will look forward to visiting her.
This is definitely one of your better videos. Keep up the good work
You forgot to mention the entire crew was made honorary Texans for American B-29 they rescued.
Thank you for that video. Too often Canadian's participation in various wars is overlooked.
Wonderful story and God Bless the men who served on her! 😊
That is one beautiful ship. Thank you for this synopsis of her proud history.
I tried to join the navy when I was a teen in the 1960's. But had medical issues and wasn't accepted. I've been a boat and ship lover all my life. But am talking about real ships, not the floating apartments that are out there now with amusements parks and hold 10.000 people. When Haida was docked at Toronto, I took a tour of her and read of her accomplishments. I could understand why her crew was to proud and attached to her. Brave men with an awesome ship.
I toured Haida in 1978 with my class, I believe, as a youngster. I remember she was a beautiful ship in excellent condition. For fifteen years afterwards it fostered in me a love of creating line drawings of historic warships such as Prinz Eugen, Queen Elizabeth (1943), Royal Oak and many more. Thanks for making a video about my countries' last surviving ww2 museum ship. Ed. Corrected to destroyer. Thanks. 😊
@RossEphgrave I have to correct you on your comment about HMCS Haida being Canada’s last surviving WW2 museum ship. There is a Flower class corvette (not just the last existing flower class corvette in the RCN but the last existing one, period). Her name is HMCS Sackville and she is based at her home port here in Halifax Nova Scotia. She is the oldest surviving RCN warship and is also a Royal Canadian Navy Memorial and National Historic Site. She is open to visitors every summer on the Halifax waterfront. Fun fact: She was also used as a CGI model for the fictional RCN ship HMCS Dodge (callsign “Dicky”) in the 2020 naval war movie “Greyhound” starring Tom Hanks.
@@OoavastoO I was unaware of that. Thanks. It's great to know one of the Flower class is preserved. In the 80s I knew an old veteran who was on one which sank in the Atlantic and went on to finish the war serving in them.
As a recently retired RCN sailor myself and having sailed in the North Atlantic in the winter on a much larger frigates and a destroyer, It never fails to amaze me to see just how small and basic these little work horses of the Battle of the Atlantic were and what the brave crews had to endure daily. The extreme weather would have been daunting enough without also having the constant enemy threat thrown into the mix. It’s extremely humbling. They, (the ships and the crews), definitely punched above their weight.
If you ever find yourself in Halifax during the summer, I highly recommend a visit and tour.
I really enjoy these series. Kind critique, the background music is overpowering and makes the narration difficult to hear. Additionally, if a monument to history has been saved please tell us the location. Thank you for all the hard work and dedication to tell the untold naval, air power and military history and all the hero's involved.
When Canada STOPS saying "Sorry", Geneva has to hold another Convention!!!
If you're not picking up what I'm putting down.....
Thanks. ✌🏻👊🏼
It's well worth the trip to Toronto Canada to see not only the last of the Tribal class destroyers but also the most famous. Canada hasn't been good at preserving historic ships but the St. Roch in Vancouver, the Sackville in Halifax, and, of course the Haida in Toronto are must sees for any fans of Canadian naval history.
Not in Toronto anymore, moved to Hamilton, and don't say Hamilton is Toronto......thems fightin' words in the Hammer😂
Astonishing history. I get to see this beautiful ship regularly in Hamilton and it's always a sight to behold.
I got to tour this absolute beast today in all her glory! What an absolute beautiful menace she is! Canada's fightingest ship and our flagship to this day.
Got the chance when I was a kid to visit her in the 90s. Glad she's still around.
The Haida is berthed in my hometown, and is a popular tourist attraction.
2:08 That little kink in her bow has been there a long, long time, it seems, almost from the beginning.
For those who won't or cant see it, it's a dent and the bow has this little kink. You can see it in all sorts of pictures.
Interesting factoid: Canada had the world's 4th largest navy at the end of WW2.
The part about the crew buying her was really inspiring. People dont often have that spirit anymore.
The atlantic convoy war was heavily overshadowed in ww2 glad it was featured and recognized in this series
Excellent remembrance.
I got to meet de wolf’s son two months back hearing his stories about his father was amazing
Another fine and informative presentation, Thank You!
Hello from New York.. Canadians kicked ass in WWII !
I have fond memories of visiting HMCS Haida while she was moored in Toronto. They moved her to Hamilton a few years back though. I'm long overdue for another visit.
This is a great story. I don't think Canadian naval vessels get enough attention, credit and praise for their services.
Thank you for sharing
🏆🏆🙏🤗
Very enjoyable video. Having sailed on 40+ year old Coast Guard Cutters I relate to the love of your ship. Great music by the way. USCG ETC (Ret) (58 yrs of age, 😎 sends
Renaming them "destroy escorts" makes sense to me because they were rather "small". I served aboard the DD-528 and DD-845 during the Cold War. They were quite a bit bigger. Both are now resting on the bottom of the ocean with fish resting in my bunks.
BRAVO ZULU HMCS HAIDA!!!
people complain about your chioice of music or how loud rhe background music is. Well i love heavy rock loud guitars & i have no problem hearing you over the background music. love your channel keep up the fantastic work.🙏👍👍👍👍👍👍