“We Fight as One”

Seventy-two years ago, on 29 April, 1944, HMCS ATHABASKAN, G07, was torpedoed and sunk in position 48° 43’N 4° 32’ W, about five miles north/north-east of Ile de Vierge.  One hundred twenty-eight men were lost, forty-two were rescued by HAIDA and eighty-three were taken prisoners by the Germans.  Six other ATHABASKANS were rescued by HAIDA’s motor cutter which made its own way back to England.  There were ten STAR’s aboard, five of whom were lost, three rescued and two taken prisoner.

Every year the Friends of HMCS HAIDA hold a memorial service at the ship in Hamilton, Ontario on a convenient date close to the anniversary of the loss of HMCS ATHABASKAN I to commemorate that unhappy event.  This year’s ATHABASKAN Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, 24 April at 13:30 on board the former HMCS HAIDA with a reception to follow in the messes of HMCS STAR.

HMCS ATHABASKAN III held a service at the site of the sinking last October while taking part in Exercise Trident Juncture, and Cdr Couillard, the current CO, and members of the ship’s company have been invited to participate in our service.