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HMCS Haida docked in Hamilton, Ontario, as a museum ship
History
Canada
NameHaida
NamesakeHaida
Ordered5 April 1940
BuilderVickers-Armstrongs, Ltd., Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Yard number41
Laid down29 September 1941
Launched25 August 1942
Commissioned30 August 1943
Decommissioned20 March 1946
Recommissioned15 March 1952
Decommissioned11 October 1963
Out of service22 February 1964
Identification
  • G63 (August 1943)
  • DDE 215 (February 1952)
Honours &
awards
  • Arctic 1943–1945
  • English Channel 1944
  • Normandy 1944
  • Biscay 1944
  • Korea 1952–1953[1]
StatusMuseum ship
General characteristics
Class & typeTribal-class destroyer
Displacement
  • 1,959 long tons (1,990 t) standard
  • 2,519 long tons (2,559 t) deep load
Length377 ft (114.9 m)
Beam37 ft 6 in (11.4 m)
Draught13 ft (4.0 m)
Propulsion
  • 2 shafts; 3 × Admiralty 3-drum type boilers
  • 2 × Parsons geared steam turbines, 44,000 shp (33,000 kW)
Speed36.5 knots (67.6 km/h; 42.0 mph) (maximum), 32 knots (59 km/h; 37 mph) (service)
Complement259 (14 officers, 245 ratings)
Sensors &
processing systems
  • As G63 (1943–1952):
  • 1 type 268 radar
  • 1 type 271 radar
  • 1 type 291 radar
  • 1 × Mk.III fire control director with Type 285 fire control radar
  • 1 type 144 sonar
  • 1 type 144Q sonar
  • 1 type 147F sonar
  • As DDE 215 (1952–1963):
  • 1 SPS-6C air search radar
  • 1 Sperry Mk.2 navigation radar
  • 1 × Mk.63 fire control director with SPG-34 fire control radar
  • 1 type 164B sonar
  • 1 type 162 (SQS 501) sonar
  • SQS 10 sonar
Armament
  • As G63 (1943–1952):
  • 3 × 4.7-inch (119 mm)/45 Mk.XII twin guns
  • 1 × 4-inch (102 mm)/45 Mk.16 twin guns
  • 1 × quadruple mount 40 mm/39 2-pounder gun
  • 6 × 20 mm Oerlikon twin cannons
  • 1 quad launcher with Mk.IX torpedoes (4 × 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes)
  • 1 rail + 2 Mk.IV throwers (Mk.VII depth charges)
  • As DDE 215 (1952–1963):
  • 2 × 4-inch/45 Mk.16 twin guns
  • 1 × 3-inch (76 mm)/50 Mk.33 twin guns
  • 4 × 40 mm/56 Bofors guns
  • 1 quad launcher with Mk.IX torpedoes (4 × 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes)
  • 2 × Squid ASW mortars
Official nameHMCS Haida National Historic Site of Canada
Designated1984

HMCS Haida is a Tribal-class destroyer that served in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) from 1943 to 1963, participating in World War II and the Korean War.[2] She was named after the Haida people.[3] Haida was inspected by High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom Vincent Massey[4] shortly after her commissioning in 1943.

The only surviving Tribal-class destroyer out of 27 vessels constructed for the RCN, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Australian Navy between 1937 and 1945, Haida sank more enemy surface tonnage than any other Canadian warship and as such is commonly referred to as the "Fightingest Ship in the Royal Canadian Navy".[5][6]

Designated a national historic site of Canada in 1984, she now serves as a museum ship berthed next to HMCS Star, an active Royal Canadian Naval Reserve Division, in Hamilton, Ontario.[7][8] In 2018, Haida was designated the ceremonial flagship of the RCN.

Design and description

[edit]

The Tribals were designed to fight heavily armed destroyers of other navies, such as the Japanese Fubuki class.[9] Canada chose the design based on its armament, with the size and power of the Tribal class allowing them to act more like small cruisers than as fleet destroyers.[10] Haida was among the first batch of Tribal-class destroyers ordered by the RCN in 1940–1941. They were ordered with modified ventilation and heating systems for North Atlantic winter service. Haida's design was modified after deficiencies were noted in the lead ship of the Canadian Tribals, HMCS Iroquois.

Haida, as one of the British-built Tribal-class destroyers, was 335 feet 6 inches (102.26 m) long between perpendiculars and 377 feet (115 m) long overall with a beam of 36 feet 6 inches (11.13 m) and a draught of 13 feet (4.0 m). As built, the destroyer displaced 1,927 long tons (1,958 t) standard and 2,745 long tons (2,789 t) at deep load.[9][11] Haida had a complement of 14 officers and 245 ratings.[11]

The destroyer was propelled by two shafts driven by two Parsons geared turbines powered by steam created by three Admiralty-type three-drum boilers. This created 44,000 shaft horsepower (33,000 kW) and gave the ship a maximum speed of 36.5 knots (67.6 km/h; 42.0 mph). The destroyers could carry 505–516 long tons (513–524 t) of fuel oil.[9]

As built, Haida was fitted with six quick-firing 4.7-inch (119 mm) Mk XII guns placed in three twin turrets, designated 'A', 'B' and 'Y' from bow to stern.[note 1] The turrets were placed on 40° mountings with open-backed shields.[9] The ship also had one twin turret of QF 4-inch (102 mm) Mk XVI guns in the 'X' position.[9][11] For secondary anti-aircraft armament, the destroyer was equipped with four single-mounted 2-pounder "pom-pom" guns. The vessel was also fitted with four 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes for Mk IX torpedoes.[9]

Construction and career

[edit]

Haida's keel was laid down by Vickers-Armstrongs, Ltd. at their shipyard in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 29 September 1941 with the yard number 41.[12][13] The destroyer was launched on 25 August 1942 and commissioned into RCN service on 30 August 1943.[12] She underwent workups under her first commanding officer, H.G. DeWolf before reporting to the British Home Fleet at Scapa Flow in October 1943.

Haida during World War II

After commissioning Haida was assigned to the Royal Navy's Home Fleet.[12] On 15 November the convoy JW 54A sailed from Loch Ewe. Haida was among the destroyers that joined the escort from 18 to 24 November 1943. On 28 November Haida was among the destroyer escort for the Russian convoy RA 54B, protecting it until it reached Loch Ewe on 9 December without loss.[14] The convoy JW 55B sailed from Loch Ewe for Russia on 20 December. Haida was a member of its ocean escort.[15] The German battleship Scharnhorst was deployed to intercept the convoy. While the cruisers escorting the convoy kept the German vessel at bay, Haida and the other escorting destroyers shepherded the convoy away from danger until the German battleship was sunk by a British force.[16] On 23 December the convoy was attacked by Junkers Ju 88 bombers, but escaped unscathed. Haida joined the escort of RA 55B on the return journey to the UK which sailed from Kola Inlet on 31 December and arrived on 8 January 1944.[15]

Operations along the French coast

[edit]

On 10 January 1944, she was reassigned to the 10th Destroyer Flotilla at Plymouth and took part in the Operation Tunnel and Operation Hostile sweeps in the Bay of Biscay and along the French coast of the English Channel.[12][17] The 10th Flotilla, with the cruisers Black Prince and Bellona, formed Force 26.[18] By April, Haida had sailed on nineteen of the Operation Tunnel/Hostile missions.[17]

During the night of 25/26 April, Haida, with Black Prince and the destroyers Ashanti, Athabaskan, and Huron engaged the German 4th Torpedo Boat Flotilla comprising the German Elbing-class torpedo boats T29, T24 and T27. Despite the German designation as 'torpedo boat', the Elbings were essentially on a par with mid-sized Allied destroyers, having just slightly smaller armament. T27 was hit early and retired to Morlaix, Haida sank T29, and T24 was damaged before making St. Malo.[19]

Haida's motor cutter, which was used to rescue survivors of the sinking of HMCS Athabaskan on 29 April 1944

On the night of 28/29 April T24 and T27 attempted to move from St. Malo to Brest and encountered the destroyers Athabaskan and Haida off St. Brieux, which were performing a covering sweep as part of Operation Hostile. Athabaskan was torpedoed and sunk in the engagement. T24 is credited with the sinking the ship.[19] Haida ran T27 aground and set the vessel afire with shelling, to be later destroyed by MTB 673.[19] Of the Athabaskan's crew 128 were lost, 44 survivors were recovered by Haida, and 83 survivors became prisoners of war of the Germans in France.[20]

Haida continued the Operation Hostile sorties in company of sister ship Huron during the weeks leading up to Operation Overlord. The 10th Destroyer Flotilla were part of the covering force for surface attacks at the western entrance of the English Channel during the invasion of Normandy. On 8–9 June, Haida was part of Task Force 26 which engaged the German 8th Destroyer Flotilla, comprising Z32, Z24, ZH1 and T24 northwest of the Île de Bas. Haida and Huron combined to sink Z32 in the Battle of Ushant.[21] Following the fall of Cherbourg to the Allies, the German E-boats were transferred to Le Havre, freeing up the 10th Flotilla. The flotilla was then given the dual role of covering Allied motor torpedo boat flotillas, and search and sink missions against German shipping along the French coast.[22]

On 24 June, while on patrol in the English Channel off Land's End, investigated a 311 Squadron's Liberator bomber dropping depth charges on a target. Haida and the British destroyer Eskimo began their own depth charge attacks after being informed that a submarine had been spotted. After several attacks, the submarine surfaced and attempted to run. Haida and Eskimo fired all their guns and sank U-971;Haida rescued six survivors.[23][24] On 14/15 July 1944, Haida and ORP Błyskawica intercepted a group of German ships in the Île de Groix area near Lorient. The battle saw two submarine chasers, UJ 1420 and UJ 1421, destroyed, one German merchant ship sunk, and two others set afire.[25] On 5–6 August, Haida was part of a force engaged in an Operation Kinetic sweep. The force attacked a German convoy north of the Île de Yeu and sank the minesweepers M 263 and M 486, the patrol boat V 414 and the coastal launch Otto.[26] During the battle a shell exploded in one of Haida's turrets and started a fire, killing two and injuring eight, knocking the turret out of action. Staying in the line of battle, the destroyers were engaged by shore batteries when they attempted to take on a second convoy and were forced to withdraw without doing much damage to the German merchant vessels.[27]

Refit and northern operations

[edit]

Haida departed Western Europe on 22 September for Halifax, Nova Scotia, arriving on 29 September. The destroyer returned to Scapa Flow in mid-January 1945 after refitting to receive new radar. On 19 March Haida escorted aircraft carriers in minelaying operations off Granesund, Norway and assisted in attacks on shipping off Trondheim from 24 to 28 March.[28] On 7 April, Haida escorted seven anti-submarine warfare vessels from Greenock, Scotland destined for Soviet use at Vaenga, on the Kola Inlet. The destroyer was among the escort for convoy JW 66 that set out from the River Clyde on 16 April.[29] Haida experienced one of the last RCN engagements of the Second World War when she escorted convoy RA 66 from Vaenga from 29 April to 2 May. The convoy was attacked in transit, and Haida and Huron were attacked by torpedoes fired by U-boats, which narrowly missed. In the skirmish, two German U-boats and the British frigate Goodall were sunk, and the convoy escaped in a snowstorm.[30] Haida and Huron returned to Scapa Flow on 6 May and were assigned to relief operations at Trondheimsfjord, Norway on 17 May.[31] From 29 to 31 May, Haida, Huron, the cruiser Berwick and the 5th Escort Group were sent to Trondheim to take over custody of surrendered U-boats.[32]

Haida, Huron and Iroquois, left for Halifax on 4 June to refit as part of Canada's contribution to Operation Downfall. They arrived on 10 June and Haida started a tropicalization refit, that was suspended after the surrender of Japan later that summer. Haida was paid off on 20 March 1946.[12]

Cold War operations

[edit]
USS Buck transferring four-inch ammunition to Haida

Haida was in inactive reserve for approximately one year but was prepared for reactivation in 1947 and underwent a refit for updated armament and sensors. This involved replacing the main armament, with the 4.7-inch guns removed and two twin Mk XVI 4-inch gun mounts installed forward and a twin 3-inch (76 mm)/50 calibre gun mount installed aft.[note 2] The ship was given a Mk 63 fire control director for its guns. One turret was completely removed and replaced by two Squid anti-submarine mortars placed on the quarterdeck. A short aluminum mast was installed and the funnels were fitted with caps.[33]

Haida was equipped with Type 275, SPS-10, SPS-6, Type 293 and 262 radars and Type 140 and 174 sonars.[33] While in refit, fire gutted the wheelhouse and boiler tubes burst later during speed trials. She returned to the fleet, still carrying the pennant number G63, in May 1947.

Haida and her sister ship HMCS Nootka participated in exercises between the RCN's Atlantic Fleet and the United States Navy and Royal Navy over the next several years and were the first RCN ships to penetrate Hudson Bay in Fall 1948.[34] Haida was involved in assisting during the grounding of the aircraft carrier HMCS Magnificent off Port Mouton, Nova Scotia on 4 June 1949. In November 1949, Haida rescued the 18 members of the crew of a United States Air Force B-29 bomber that crashed in the Atlantic Ocean.[35] That December, Haida was downgraded to a depot and accommodation ship in Halifax.

When the Korean War started on 25 June 1950, Haida was once again activated for war duty. She was converted to a destroyer escort and began refit in July 1950, with various new armaments, sensors and communications systems. She was recommissioned on 15 March 1952 and carried the pennant DDE 215. She departed Halifax on 27 September for Sasebo, Japan, arriving there on 6 November after passing through the Panama Canal.[36]

Haida relieved Nootka on 18 November off the west coast of Korea, and had an uneventful patrol, performing aircraft carrier screening and inshore patrol missions, returning to Sasebo to replenish on 29 November. She patrolled off the east coast of Korea beginning on 4 December and took part with the destroyer escort USS Moore in shelling of a railway yard in Songjin, a coastal battery, and North Korean troops. On 18–19 December, Haida failed to join the exclusive "Trainbusters Club" when an enemy train she attacked managed to hide in a nearby tunnel.[37] Haida returned to patrol on 3 January 1953, escorting aircraft carriers and bombarding the coast. On 29 January, Haida entered the "Trainbusters Club", destroying a train north of Riwon. The destroyer eliminated a second train on 26 May, and detonated a drifting anti-ship mine on her return to Paengyang-do.[38] She departed Sasebo on 12 June, heading west through the Suez Canal and arrived in Halifax on 22 July 1953.[36]

Haida departed Halifax for a second Korean tour on 14 December 1953, passing through the Panama Canal and arriving in theatre on 5 February 1954. North Korea and China were not respecting the cease fire; infractions necessitated a naval presence around South Korea. The destroyer departed the Korean theatre on 12 September 1954 and headed for Halifax via the Suez Canal once again, arriving on 1 November.[36]

Following the Korean operations, Haida embarked on Cold War anti-submarine warfare duties with other NATO units in the North Atlantic and West Indies. In May 1956, Haida, accompanied by Iroquois and Huron made port visits to cities and towns along the Saint Lawrence River.[39]

Haida's aging hull and infrastructure was becoming troublesome, and in January 1958 she went into refit for hull repairs and protection for electronic equipment. Further refits in 1959 corrected various problems, and she sailed for the West Indies in January 1960; however, further equipment failures culminating in the failure of her steering gear on 3 April forced her to return to Halifax. A hull survey in May found extensive corrosion and cracking, forcing her into drydock for the remainder of the year. She undertook further repairs in June and July 1961 after further cracking was found during operations in heavy seas that March. More cracks were detected in March 1962, which forced a refit through February 1963.

Preservation

[edit]

With the writing on the wall, Haida undertook her last assignment, a summer tour of the Great Lakes. She departed Halifax on 25 April 1963 with a mobile television studio on board. She undertook various public tours and weapons training during the tour; one of the individuals to tour her was a former RCN rating named Neil Bruce.[40] Bruce foresaw that she was destined for scrapping and formed HAIDA Inc. with four others as a means of attempting to acquire her for preservation.[40] On 30 April 1963, the ship was paid off for the last time.[41]

Haida returned to Halifax and was placed in Category C reserve at the navy base HMCS Protector in Sydney. Crown Assets announced Haida would be scrapped in 1964 as part of cutbacks to the RCN.[42] HAIDA Inc. placed a bid of $20,000 and won possession on the grounds of restoration. After preparing the ship, the RCN towed the vessel to Marine Industries Limited shipyard at Sorel, Quebec where she became civilian property.[40]

The Naval Reserve Division HMCS York provided a skeleton crew for Haida as she was towed to Toronto by two tugboats. She arrived on 25 August 1964 with guest of honour, retired Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf, who was the destroyer's first commanding officer. Haida was restored and reacquired the pennant G63 while docked at the foot of York Street.[40]

HMCS Haida docked in Toronto in 1983

She opened as an attraction in August 1965 at the pier on York Street. Initially the city of Toronto had planned to build a "Serviceman's Memorial Park" near the Princes' Gates at nearby Exhibition Place to link with the Haida preservation efforts. The organization HAIDA Inc. ran into financial difficulties during the late 1960s and title to the ship was transferred to the provincial government for $1. In 1970, Haida was moved to Ontario Place at the west end of the Toronto waterfront, where it was turned into an attraction until 2002.[43] The guns on the vessel were fired whenever the Toronto Symphony played Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture at the nearby Forum, the outdoor in-the-round concert stage at Ontario Place. The vessel was also used as a Royal Canadian Sea Cadets training facility.

HMCS Haida National Historic Site

[edit]
Haida's propellers on display at the historic site

In 2002, at the urging of Hamilton, Ontario MP Sheila Copps, Parks Canada purchased Haida from the provincial government and towed her (with great difficulty) from her Ontario Place dock to a shipyard at Port Weller for a $5 million refit to her hull. She was taken to a new home on the Hamilton waterfront and arrived to an 11-gun salute from 31 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Lion and her 12-pounder naval field gun on 30 August 2003, the 60th anniversary of her commissioning into the RCN.[43] The destroyer is now a National Historic Site and is a museum ship on the Hamilton waterfront in front of Hamilton's Naval Reserve Division, HMCS Star.

In July 2006 Haida was "twinned" with the Polish destroyer Błyskawica in a ceremony in Gdynia, Poland. Both ships served in the 10th Destroyer Flotilla during the Second World War. The ceremony was attended by former crew members of both ships and the general public. The ship was visited in 2009 by Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and, on June 29, 2010, at Government House in Nova Scotia, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, presented to representatives of HMCS Haida the World Ship Trust Certificate.[44] In September 2016, the ship was towed to Heddle Marine to undergo repairs and upgrades. The repairs took until December 2016 to complete.[45] In February 2018, Haida was designated the ceremonial flagship of the Canadian Navy, now marked by the hoisting of a Haida tribal flag.[46]

Affiliations and organizations

[edit]

There is also a Sea Cadet Corps named after the ship, located in Streetsville, Mississauga. 186 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Haida, was established on 9 January 1963. The museum is affiliated with the Canadian Museums Association, Canadian Heritage Information Network, Organization of Military Museums of Canada and the Virtual Museum of Canada.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Arbuckle, p. 46
  2. ^ Brewster, Murray (26 August 2023). "HMCS Haida — the 'fightingest' ship in the Royal Canadian Navy — turns 80". CBC News. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  3. ^ "HMCS HAIDA G63 / 215 - For Posterity's Sake". www.forposterityssake.ca. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  4. ^ Section, Naval Historical; Headquarters, Naval; Ottawa; Ontario; histories, with special thanks to CPO2 Chris Fraser for retyping these official (24 July 2019). "HMCS HAIDA". CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum. Retrieved 13 December 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ "Canada to Honour "the Fightingest Ship in the Royal Canadian Navy" (Press release). Parks Canada. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
  6. ^ "RCN flagship: HMCS Haida, Canada's "fightingest ship"". Government of Canada. 23 October 2014. Archived from the original on 16 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  7. ^ "HMCS Haida". Directory of Designations of National Historic Significance of Canada. [dead link]
  8. ^ HMCS Haida National Historic Site of Canada. Canadian Register of Historic Places. Retrieved 1 July 2015.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Chesneau, p. 40
  10. ^ Tucker, p. 26
  11. ^ a b c Macpherson and Barrie, p. 59
  12. ^ a b c d e Macpherson and Barrie, p. 60
  13. ^ "Haida". tynebuiltships.co.uk. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  14. ^ Rohwer, p. 286
  15. ^ a b Rohwer, pp. 292–293
  16. ^ Sclater, p. 79
  17. ^ a b Schull, p. 250
  18. ^ Sclater, p. 81
  19. ^ a b c Rohwer, p. 318
  20. ^ Schull, p. 358
  21. ^ Rohwer, pp. 331–332
  22. ^ Sclater, p. 227
  23. ^ Rohwer, p. 333
  24. ^ Schull, pp. 302–303
  25. ^ Rohwer, p. 341
  26. ^ Rohwer, p. 347
  27. ^ Schull, pp. 349–350
  28. ^ Schull, p. 401
  29. ^ Rohwer, p. 410
  30. ^ Rohwer, p. 412
  31. ^ Schull, p. 406
  32. ^ Rohwer, p. 416
  33. ^ a b Gardiner and Chumbley, p. 41
  34. ^ "Plenty of Seatime". The Crowsnest. Vol. 1, no. 1. Ottawa: King's Printer. November 1948. p. 2.
  35. ^ "Haida Rescues Airmen Downed in the Atlantic". The Crowsnest. Vol. 2, no. 2. Ottawa: King's Printer. December 1949. p. 2.
  36. ^ a b c Thorgrimsson and Russell, p. 141
  37. ^ Thorgrimsson and Russell, pp. 114, 121
  38. ^ Thorgrimsson and Russell, p. 125
  39. ^ "HMCS Haida". The Crowsnest. Vol. 8, no. 9. Ottawa: Queen's Printer. July 1956. p. 18.
  40. ^ a b c d Langan, Fred (2 May 2017). "Veteran Neil Bruce saved the Haida — a storied Canadian warship". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  41. ^ Meyers, p. 44
  42. ^ Meyers, p. 45
  43. ^ a b "HMCS Haida arrives in Hamilton". CBC News. 30 August 2003. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  44. ^ Government of Canada. "2010 Royal Tour > Itinerary for 2010 Royal Tour of Canada". Queen's Printer for Canada. Archived from the original on 21 June 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
  45. ^ "HMCS Haida glides through Hamilton Harbour on way to drydock repairs". CBC News. 16 September 2016. Retrieved 16 September 2016.
  46. ^ Brewster, Murray (14 February 2018). "Fabled WW2 destroyer named as ceremonial flagship". CBC News. Retrieved 21 April 2018.

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

HMCS Haida

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
HMCS Haida is a that served in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) from 1943 to 1963, renowned for its combat actions during the Second World War and the , and preserved today as Canada's last surviving example of its class and a National Historic Site. Commissioned on August 30, 1943, after being built in , , the ship displaced 2,745 tons, measured 377 feet in length, and was armed with six 4.7-inch guns, torpedoes, and depth charges, enabling speeds up to 36 knots. With a crew of approximately 250 officers and ratings, Haida earned the nickname "Fightingest Ship in the Royal Canadian Navy" for its aggressive engagements and low casualty rate of only two personnel lost over two decades of service. During the Second World War, Haida escorted Arctic convoys to , contributing to the sinking of the German battlecruiser Scharnhorst and earning the "Arctic 1943–1945." In 1944, after joining the 10th Flotilla in Plymouth, it participated in operations in the , including the sinking of the German Z32 and several torpedo boats, as well as the rescue of 53 survivors from the torpedoed HMCS Athabaskan. Haida supported the D-Day landings at , blockaded German shipping in the , and later aided in the liberation of , accumulating battle honours for the , , and . In the Korean War, Haida completed two tours from 1952 to 1954 after conversion to a (DDE 215), conducting shore bombardments, protecting aircraft carriers, and interdicting enemy supply lines in operations known as "train busting," for which it received the battle honour "Korea 1952–1953." Post-war, it performed training exercises, Arctic patrols, and goodwill visits until decommissioning on October 11, 1963, after logging over 688,000 nautical miles. Acquired by in 2002 and opened as a in in 2004, Haida was designated a National Historic Site in 1984, serving as a to Canadian naval heritage and attracting visitors to explore its restored decks and exhibits.

Design and Construction

Class Design and Specifications

The Tribal-class destroyers originated in the Royal Navy's design efforts to create versatile warships combining speed with cruiser-level gunnery, while prioritizing anti-surface and anti-air capabilities. For the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the class was adapted starting in 1940, with modifications emphasizing (ASW) to suit North Atlantic convoy escort duties, including enhanced provisions and improved habitability features like better heating and ventilation for harsh winters. HMCS Haida, as part of this RCN variant, incorporated design adjustments identified after the lead ship HMCS Iroquois, such as refined internal layouts to address early operational deficiencies. Haida's specifications reflected the class's balance of firepower and endurance. She had a standard displacement of 1,927 long tons (1,957 t) and 2,745 long tons (2,789 t) at deep load. Her dimensions measured 377 ft (115 m) in length, with a beam of 37 ft 6 in (11.4 m) and a draft of 13 ft 6 in (4.1 m). Propulsion consisted of two Parsons geared steam turbines powered by three Admiralty three-drum boilers, delivering 44,000 shp (33,000 kW) to two shafts for a maximum speed of 36.5 knots (67.6 km/h); range was 5,700 nautical miles (10,600 km) at 15 knots. Armament centered on surface engagement and ASW roles, featuring six 4.7-inch (120 mm) QF Mark IX dual-purpose guns in three twin turrets (designated 'A', 'B', and 'X'), a quadruple mount of 21-inch (533 mm) tubes, and two racks with up to 45 charges. Later wartime modifications added the anti-submarine mortar for improved projection. The ship accommodated a of 259 officers and ratings. HMCS Haida was named for the , an Indigenous nation from (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) off British Columbia's coast, honoring their seafaring heritage and cultural significance in Canadian history. The ship's badge depicted a two-headed Thunderbird from Haida legend—a mythical creature symbolizing thunder from its flapping wings and lightning from its eyes—often incorporated into a carved named Hosaqami, meaning "an honorable man who keeps account of his potlatches," presented as a cultural emblem.

Building and Commissioning

HMCS Haida was ordered as part of the Royal Canadian Navy's 1939 naval expansion program, aimed at acquiring modern destroyers suitable for patrolling Canadian waters and supporting Allied operations. The contract for her construction was awarded to the British firm Vickers-Armstrongs Limited at their shipyard in , , reflecting the RCN's reliance on UK yards during the early wartime period when domestic capacity was limited. Her was laid down on 29 , amid the intensifying demands of the , which prioritized resource allocation for urgent naval builds across the Allied shipyards. Haida was launched on 25 August 1942, sponsored by Lady Laurie, the wife of the Canadian High Commissioner to the . The subsequent phases of builder's trials and encountered delays due to wartime material shortages and competing production priorities, extending the timeline from launch to completion by nearly a year—a common challenge for Tribal-class destroyers built during this period. On 30 August 1943, Haida was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy at the yard under the command of Commander Harry George DeWolf, a distinguished who would later rise to prominence in the RCN. Following commissioning, she conducted initial builder's trials on 17 September 1943 off , , where minor defects in equipment and systems were identified and rectified during the subsequent weeks. Haida then undertook her in waters, honing crew proficiency amid challenging autumn conditions, before transferring to on 18 September to join the 17th for operational readiness and assignment to duties.

World War II Service

Arctic Convoys

Following her commissioning on 30 August 1943, HMCS Haida was assigned to the British Home Fleet at and conducted initial operations in waters, including the relief of the garrison in October 1943. Her first major convoy escort duty began on 18 , when she joined the close ocean escort for JW 54A, which had departed on 15 November bound for the Soviet ports of and with 21 merchant ships carrying vital supplies. As part of a group including HMS Impulsive, Onslaught, Onslow, Orwell, and sister Tribal-class ships HMCS Huron and , Haida performed anti-submarine screening and duties to protect against German threats in the . The convoy encountered the German U-boat wolfpack "Eisenbart," consisting of five submarines patrolling the area, but Haida had no direct engagements; U-995 torpedoed and heavily damaged the American freighter SS Horace Bushnell on 20 November, though the ship was later towed to port, and the convoy arrived safely at Kola Inlet on 24 November without further losses. Haida remained in northern Soviet waters briefly before joining the return escort for Convoy RA 54B on 26 November 1943, departing Kola Inlet and providing close escort protection from 28 November until detaching on 5 December, with the convoy reaching on 9 December. Continuing her roles in and radar surveillance alongside the same destroyer group (with HMS Iroquois departing early on 4 December), Haida faced severe weather conditions, including gales and near-constant winter darkness that complicated navigation and operations. No attacks or air raids materialized during the passage, attributed in part to the adverse weather suppressing German aerial reconnaissance and strikes, though some escorts were temporarily unavailable due to storm damage. The Tribal-class design proved well-suited to these cold-weather operations, with Haida's robust hull and de-icing capabilities aiding performance in icy conditions. The convoy missions resulted in minor structural damage to Haida from heavy seas but no personnel casualties or significant operational disruptions. Haida continued operations with Convoy JW 55A, departing on 12 December 1943 and arriving at Kola Inlet on 20 December without loss. During this deployment, Haida served as part of the close escort screen for the convoy, which prompted the German sortie of the battlecruiser Scharnhorst; although Haida did not directly engage the German ship, the convoy's protection contributed to the conditions leading to Scharnhorst's interception and sinking by the main Allied battle force in the on 26 December 1943. Haida then joined the return Convoy RA 55A, departing 31 December and arriving in the UK on 9 January 1944, marking the effective end of her primary convoy duties.

English Channel and Biscay Operations

In , HMCS Haida was transferred to Plymouth Command and the 10th Destroyer Flotilla, where she participated in Operation Tunnel sweeps to clear the in preparation for the Normandy invasion. These operations involved aggressive patrols to intercept German naval forces and disrupt coastal defenses along the French coast. On the night of 25–26 April 1944, Haida, operating as part of Force 26 alongside HMCS Athabaskan, HMCS Huron, HMS Ashanti, and HMS Black Prince, intercepted three German Elbing-class torpedo boats—T24, T27, and T29—off the Île de Batz in the English Channel. In a fierce gun duel, Haida and her consorts sank T29 north of Île de Bas at position 48°53'N, 03°35'W, with 135 German crew killed; T24 and T27 withdrew heavily damaged. Haida sustained minor damage during the engagement but pressed the attack relentlessly. The action continued on 28–29 April 1944 during Operation Hostile 26 (also known as ), when Haida and accompanying ships engaged T24 and between St. Malo and Roches Douvres. Haida contributed to heavy damage on both vessels, forcing to run aground and burn at Pontusval, , effectively destroying it; T24 escaped but was later pursued. Tragically, HMCS Athabaskan was torpedoed and sunk by T24 during the battle at 48°43'N, 04°31'W, with 128 lives lost, though Haida assisted in rescue efforts. During the Normandy landings, on 8–9 June 1944, Haida joined Task Force 26 in a patrol off Brittany, engaging a German force including destroyers Z32, Z24, ZH1, and torpedo boat T24. In the ensuing Battle of Ushant, Haida and HMCS Huron heavily damaged Z32 with gunfire, driving it aground on rocks off Île de Batz where it was later destroyed by Royal Air Force Beaufighter aircraft; meanwhile, HMS Tartar, Ashanti, and Eskimo sank ZH1 with torpedoes, while Z24 and T24 fled damaged. HMS Tartar suffered 17 casualties in the action. On 24 June 1944, Haida, paired with HMS Eskimo, detected and depth-charged the German Type VIIC U-971 in the at approximately 49°01'N, 05°35'W. After a two-hour hunt involving attacks and depth charges, U-971 surfaced and was engaged with gunfire, resulting in her sinking with 49 crew lost; Haida rescued 52 survivors, including the captain. This marked Haida's first kill. Haida's operations extended into the on 14–15 July 1944, when she and the Polish destroyer ORP Błyskawica intercepted a German convoy near Île de Croix off . In a night action, they destroyed two auxiliary submarine chasers, UJ 1420 and UJ 1421, along with a 2,000-ton vessel, disrupting evacuation efforts and inflicting heavy casualties on German troops aboard. Two other auxiliaries were damaged but escaped. Throughout these 1944 campaigns, Haida was credited with sinking four German warships (T29, , ZH1, and Z32), one (U-971), and multiple auxiliary vessels, establishing her reputation for aggressive combat. For her service, she earned battle honours for the 1944, 1944, and 1944.

Post-War Refit and Korean War Service

1945 Refit and Pacific Intent

Following successful engagements in the during the summer of 1944, HMCS Haida continued patrol and escort operations in the region until August. In September 1944, she sailed from Plymouth to Halifax for a major refit, which lasted until January 1945 and included the installation of the Type 293 air search on the foremast to improve detection capabilities. This upgrade enhanced her surface and air warning systems, allowing for better coordination in fleet operations amid evolving threats from German U-boats and aircraft. Upon completion of the refit, Haida conducted post-refit trials and returned to Plymouth in , rejoining the 10th for continued service in European waters. By March 1945, she had transferred to , where she escorted convoys to and participated in sweeps off the Norwegian coast in support of the liberation efforts. These missions underscored her role in the final phases of the European campaign, but with Germany's surrender in May, attention shifted to the ongoing in the Pacific. In mid-1945, as part of Canada's contribution to the Allied effort against , Haida was assigned to the (BPF) under her existing G63. On 4 June 1945, she departed , , in company with HMCS Huron and HMCS Iroquois, arriving in Halifax on 10 June to begin a specialized tropicalization refit. This modification aimed to adapt the Tribal-class for operations in the humid, corrosive conditions of the Pacific theater, including adjustments to ventilation, schemes, and to withstand high temperatures and saltwater exposure during potential support for invasions of Japanese-held islands. The refit was intended to equip her for screening aircraft carriers and conducting in BPF task forces. However, work on the tropicalization was abruptly suspended following Japan's surrender and V-J Day on 15 August 1945, rendering the Pacific deployment unnecessary. Haida saw no active service in Pacific waters and no combat engagements there, marking the end of her operational career without realizing the intended transfer. She remained in Halifax through the autumn, where she was decommissioned and paid off on 20 March 1946. She was subsequently placed in Category C reserve at the naval base HMCS Protector in . This transition placed her in inactive status amid postwar demobilization, preserving her for potential future reactivation.

Korean War Deployments

HMCS Haida was recommissioned on 15 March 1952 after a comprehensive refit that converted her to a destroyer escort (DDE 215) with updated armaments, sensors, fire control systems, and communications equipment to meet modern warfare requirements. She departed Halifax on 27 September 1952 for her first tour of duty in the Korean War, transiting the Panama Canal en route to Sasebo, Japan, where she arrived on 12 November. Assigned to the United Nations blockade force under Commonwealth Naval Forces, Haida relieved HMCS Nootka on 18 November and immediately began patrols along the Korean coast. During this deployment, Haida focused on shore bombardments targeting enemy infrastructure and forces on the east coast, including railway yards, coastal gun batteries, troop concentrations, and supply lines to disrupt North Korean logistics. On 4 December 1952, she conducted a joint operation with the U.S. USS Moore, shelling a railway yard, a coastal battery, and enemy troops near the front lines. Haida also engaged in high-risk "train busting" missions, using her 4.7-inch guns to halt communist supply trains traveling between tunnel sections along the coast; she joined the exclusive Trainbusters Club on 29 January 1953 by destroying a train north of Riwon, and achieved a second confirmed kill on 26 May 1953 near Tanch'on, derailing an engine and multiple cars in a nighttime engagement that equated to disrupting approximately 100 loads of supplies. Additionally, Haida detonated an anti-ship mine during a . She departed the operational area on 12 June 1953—shortly after the —and returned to Halifax on 22 July via the . Haida's second tour commenced with her departure from Halifax on 14 December 1953, arriving in the operational area on 5 February 1954 to reinforce UN efforts. With the in effect, her duties emphasized enforcement of the , protection of aircraft carriers, and responsive shore bombardments against reported violations by North Korean or Chinese forces, including intermittent for ground operations and of coastal routes. These patrols maintained pressure on enemy supply lines while minimizing escalation risks in the post- phase. Haida left Korean waters on 12 September 1954 and returned to Halifax on 1 November via the , concluding her Korean commitments. Across both tours, Haida fired thousands of 4.7-inch shells in support of objectives, contributing to the interdiction of enemy movements without sustaining significant damage or casualties from enemy action, though she occasionally drew return fire from shore batteries. For her service, she was awarded the "Korea 1952–54," recognizing her role in the naval campaign.

Cold War Operations

NATO and Training Missions

Following her return from Korean War service in 1954, HMCS Haida shifted focus to peacetime training duties within the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), embarking on midshipmen training cruises in 1955 that included visits to the United Kingdom and a month-long deployment in the Mediterranean alongside HMCS Magnificent, HMCS Huron, and HMCS Micmac. These cruises provided essential operational experience for University Naval Training Division (UNTD) cadets and gunnery personnel, emphasizing navigation, seamanship, and fleet maneuvers in European waters. In July 1955, Haida also conducted a training visit to Bar Harbor, Maine, further honing skills in joint exercises with Allied forces. In September 1955, Haida participated in NATO's Exercise Sea Enterprise off the coast of as part of 301, practicing convoy protection and (ASW) tactics against simulated threats. The following year, after spring work-ups and ASW exercises in the and a cruise along the , she joined Exercise New Broom VI in September 1956, a major NATO operation in the North Atlantic that tested interoperability among Allied navies in escorting carrier groups amid simulated Soviet submarine attacks. These non-combat missions underscored Haida's role in enhancing RCN readiness for contingencies, particularly ASW patrols to counter potential Soviet incursions. Haida underwent a refit in 1956, completing trials in March 1957, after which she joined 's Standing Naval Force Atlantic (SNFL) for ongoing anti- exercises in the North Atlantic. This assignment involved collaborative operations with U.S. and British naval units, focusing on rapid response to submarine threats and fleet coordination without direct engagement. By the late , however, Haida's II-era design highlighted growing obsolescence amid the RCN's shift toward missile-equipped vessels, limiting her to training and patrol roles despite her contributions to NATO interoperability.

Final Active Service

In the early 1960s, HMCS Haida continued her role in cadet and reserve training within the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), serving as a platform for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Naval Reserve personnel. From 1959 to 1963, she conducted annual summer training programs, including tours of the to support and hands-on naval for young officers and enlisted members. These missions emphasized practical and discipline, drawing crowds at ports like , where she hosted local Sea Cadet units such as RCSCC HMCS Hallowell in June 1963. Haida's operational tempo declined amid her aging hull and machinery, with participation limited to minor Atlantic patrols. She underwent a refit in 1962. Her final major exercise came in , a farewell tour departing Halifax on April 25, which served dual purposes of reserve training and public goodwill visits while equipped with a mobile television studio for broadcasting naval recruitment efforts. Crew complements were progressively reduced during this period to align with operational necessities, exacerbating maintenance challenges from wear accumulated over two decades of intensive service. By mid-1963, Haida faced obsolescence amid broader RCN fleet reductions driven by budgetary constraints and early planning for the unification of Canada's armed forces, leading to her designation for disposal. She undertook her in , to , where she was decommissioned on October 11, 1963, after exactly 20 years of active service. Over her career, the had steamed more than 688,534 nautical miles, equivalent to circumnavigating the globe 27 times, a testament to her endurance despite the mounting mechanical strains that rendered her unsuitable for modern fleet roles.

Decommissioning and Preservation

Decommissioning Process

In July 1963, as part of broader cost-cutting measures within the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), HMCS Haida was announced for disposal following the completion of her final active service patrols. The ship was formally paid off on 11 October 1963 at , where her crew was dispersed to other RCN vessels to maintain operational readiness across the fleet. This marked the end of her active naval career after two decades of service, during which she had accumulated over 688,000 nautical miles and was deemed obsolete due to advancing technology and maintenance demands. Following decommissioning, Haida was placed in Category C reserve and towed for lay-up and evaluation, initially at facilities associated with RCN bases before formal surplus proceedings. In early 1964, amid an ongoing Defence Department economy drive, Crown Assets Disposal Corporation declared the vessel surplus and prepared her for auction, with initial plans favoring sale for scrap to international buyers, including firms from . An auction was tentatively scheduled for April 1964, reflecting the RCN's shift away from aging steam-powered destroyers toward modern diesel-electric and gas turbine designs. The decommissioning process sparked significant public and veteran outcry, with former crew members and naval enthusiasts mobilizing to highlight Haida's storied history, ultimately preventing the scrapping and leading to her transfer to preservation interests. As the last surviving Tribal-class destroyer in the RCN, her disposal symbolized the closure of the steam propulsion era in Canadian naval operations, where these high-speed vessels had defined wartime and early escorts.

Rescue and Early Museum Efforts

Following its decommissioning on October 11, 1963, HMCS Haida faced imminent scrapping, prompting a group of former crew members, veterans, and businessmen, led by Neil Bruce, to form HAIDA Inc. in late 1963 as a non-profit dedicated to acquiring and preserving the vessel. The initiative was spurred by the ship's storied history and a public farewell tour of the earlier that year, which galvanized support to prevent its auction by Crown Assets for scrap. HAIDA Inc. successfully negotiated the purchase from the Department of National Defence for $20,000, payable in interest-free installments over ten years, averting the ship's destruction. With the acquisition secured in 1964, Haida was towed from Sorel, Quebec, to , arriving on at Pier 6 on the waterfront, where initial efforts focused on basic stabilization and cleanup to make it seaworthy for display. Over the fall of 1964 and spring of 1965, volunteers repainted the hull in its wartime G63, removed non-essential fittings, and performed essential preservation work to restore aspects of its appearance while adapting spaces for public access and Sea Cadet training. The ship was relocated to Coronation Park in spring 1965 and opened to visitors that August as a static exhibit, with a nominal entry fee to support ongoing maintenance; interpretive displays featuring wartime artifacts and signage were added to educate the public on its . Financial pressures mounted on HAIDA Inc. due to towing costs of approximately $6,000 (partially offset by donations) and accumulating debts nearing $30,000 for upkeep, leading to government intervention. In 1971, amid the opening of , the Province of Ontario acquired Haida for a symbolic $1 and had it towed a short distance to a permanent berth there as a public attraction and provincial historic site, ensuring its continued role as an educational exhibit. Basic restoration continued at this new location, including further repainting and protective measures against environmental exposure, with the ship fully accessible to visitors by 1972. Early museum operations were not without challenges; the open-air mooring at Toronto's waterfront exposed Haida to , accelerating , while incidents of damaged fittings and required constant vigilance from volunteers. Despite these issues, the efforts of HAIDA Inc. and subsequent provincial oversight laid the foundation for Haida's enduring status as a naval memorial, predating its later ceremonial designation as the Royal Canadian Navy's flagship in 2018.

Relocation and Modern Upkeep

In 2003, HMCS Haida was removed from the water at Ontario Place in Toronto for extensive hull repairs necessitated by severe corrosion that had compromised the ship's structural integrity after decades of exposure. The vessel was then relocated to Hamilton, Ontario, where it was dry-docked at Pier 9 in Hamilton Harbour for refurbishment under federal oversight. Parks Canada acquired Haida in 2002, assuming responsibility for its preservation and transferring ownership effective October 1 of that year, before the move was completed on August 30, 2003—the 60th anniversary of the ship's commissioning. Following these repairs and upgrades, the ship reopened to the public as a museum in 2004, marking its transition to a permanent berth in Hamilton. Throughout the 2010s, undertook targeted restorations to enhance Haida's interpretive value, including revival efforts in the engine room to restore original equipment and displays for educational purposes, ensuring the space reflected its operational history without attempting full mechanical reactivation due to deteriorated components like boilers and piping. In 2023, the site hosted events commemorating the ship's 80th anniversary, including waterfront celebrations and guided tours that highlighted its legacy, as covered by . These initiatives built on ongoing federal investments, such as a nearly $1 million allocation in for infrastructure improvements. As of November 2025, HMCS Haida is closed for the winter season and scheduled to reopen in 2026, operating seasonally from May to to align with weather conditions and maintenance needs. Prior to closure, the site attracted approximately 50,000 visitors annually in peak years, contributing to its role as a key educational attraction. Modern features include interactive exhibits throughout the ship, such as hands-on displays in the engine and radio rooms, alongside tours available online through partnerships like , allowing remote exploration of decks and historical contexts. Preservation efforts are federally funded by to cover hull inspections, deck repairs, and exhibit updates, ensuring the ship's longevity as Canada's last surviving Tribal-class destroyer. These funds support routine dry-docking and corrosion mitigation, preventing further degradation observed in earlier years.

National Historic Site Status

Designation and Parks Canada Management

HMCS Haida was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984 by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizing its pivotal role in naval combat operations during the Second World War and the , as well as its status as the last surviving Tribal-class destroyer. This designation underscores the ship's historical significance in representing Canada's contributions to Allied naval efforts and its unique engineering and design features among wartime destroyers. Ownership of HMCS Haida was transferred to in 2002, formally integrating it into Canada's and historic sites system as a preserved vessel open to the public. Under 's administration, the site operates according to a comprehensive management plan approved in 2011 and reviewed periodically, supplemented by annual departmental plans that outline operational priorities for preservation, visitor services, and resource allocation. Conservation practices follow the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in , which align with international principles established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) to ensure the ship's structural integrity and authenticity are maintained for future generations. Parks Canada facilitates public engagement through structured visitor programs, including guided tours that allow exploration of the ship's decks, armament, and living quarters, providing immersive insights into daily naval life. Educational outreach extends these experiences with school programs, interpretive presentations, and online resources focused on Canada's naval heritage, emphasizing themes of service, sacrifice, and technological innovation. In 2018, amid celebrations of its 75th anniversary, HMCS Haida was officially named the ceremonial flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy by the Chief of the Naval Staff, symbolizing its enduring legacy within the modern fleet. Post-2018 management has incorporated strengthened Indigenous connections, including initiatives to honor the Haida Nation's cultural ties to the ship's name and advance reconciliation through collaborative storytelling and recognition of Indigenous contributions to Canadian history. In February 2025, the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada announced a landmark agreement recognizing Haida Aboriginal title across Haida Gwaii, including the foreshore, further strengthening these cultural ties and reconciliation efforts.

Affiliations and Cultural Significance

HMCS Haida is managed by as a National Historic Site, ensuring its preservation and public access while highlighting its role in Canadian naval history. The ship maintains affiliations with youth and educational organizations, including the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets through RCSCC Haida, which draws inspiration from the vessel's legacy to promote naval training and discipline among young Canadians. Additionally, it collaborates with institutions like the Naval Museum of Halifax as part of broader efforts to document and share heritage across Canadian maritime sites. The ship's name honors the Haida Nation, the Indigenous peoples of on Canada's west coast, reflecting a connection to First Nations heritage that underscores themes of cultural recognition in Canadian military history. This tie emphasizes efforts, with Haida serving as a platform for interpreting Indigenous contributions and perspectives within the context of . As a symbol of Canadian naval prowess, Haida—often called the "fightingest ship" in the Royal Canadian Navy for its combat record—embodies the transition from War destroyer operations to escort duties, representing evolving 20th-century maritime warfare strategies. Its enduring legacy has been featured in media, including a 2023 CBC special marking the ship's 80th anniversary, which celebrated its wartime achievements and ongoing cultural relevance. The Friends of HMCS Haida Inc. provides ongoing advisory support to , focusing on educational outreach, veteran engagement, and legacy preservation to connect the ship's with contemporary naval traditions. Public engagement includes annual commemorations, such as commissioning anniversary events and D-Day remembrances, alongside school programs that introduce students to naval through guided tours and interactive sessions on wartime contributions. These initiatives foster community involvement and highlight Haida's status as a National Historic Site dedicated to commemorating Canada's naval past.

References

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