HMCS Owen Sound

By Justin Nippard-Kinzie

Permanent Exhibit

The image that you see above is a model of the HMCS Owen Sound Flower Class Corvette. This model was built by Ken Douglas and Brian Bertosa. The model is a 1:72 scale model of the original.  This article is not about the model, but the real HMCS Owen Sound that was a part of the Canadian Navy in World War Two.

The HMCS Owen Sound took part in the Battle of the Atlantic, protecting food, oil, men, and other supplies en route to Britain. The HMCS Owen Sound did her part to ensure Britain’s survival in the war, and our victory over Nazi Germany.

The HMCS Owen Sound was built at the Collingwood Shipyards in 1942. She was launched on June 15, 1943, and was commissioned on November 17, 1943. The HMCS Owen Sound was named after the City of Owen Sound, Ontario. The responsibility of commanding the HMCS Owen Sound was fellow Owen Sound resident John Manuel Watson.

In November 1943, the HMCS Owen Sound came to the Owen Sound harbour during her initial run from Collingwood. Many people from the area came to see the vessel. She stayed in Owen Sound for five hours before departing for active service.

The HMCS Owen Sound began escorting convoys across the Atlantic in early 1944.  On March 10, 1944, the HMCS Owen Sound participated in the sinking of the German submarine U-845 in the North Atlantic alongside the HMCS St. Laurent, HMCS Swansea and HMS Forester.

In 1945, the HMCS Owen Sound was sold to the United Ship Corp. of New York and in 1949 became the Greek-flag merchant ship Cadio, last appearing in Lloyd’s list for 1967-1968.

The flag that flew atop of the HMCS Owen Sound during World War Two is now an artifact at the Marine and Rail Museum in Owen Sound, Ontario. The flag is signed by the crewmembers.

I have always had an interest in the history of World War Two so it is no surprise that I would be interested in the HMCS Owen Sound.  I have much respect for the HMCS Owen Sound and her crewmen for their service. I am proud to have shared this story with you. Hopefully, you now have the same respect for the corvette that proudly held the name of our city.

If you want to learn more about the HMCS Owen Sound, I recommend that you visit the Owen Sound Marine and Rail Museum.