Bob is All at Sea
In the early morning hours of August 9, four members of the Bob Richardson Branch 469, Royal Canadian Legion, set off from Sydenham on a secret mission. Three of the members knew the ultimate destination, but the fourth, Kenneth Robert Stinson (known as Bob Stinson), did not. In fact, Bob had been intentionally deceived over several weeks as to the purpose of this road trip. Now, Legion road trips are not that uncommon, and trusting his colleagues, Bob agreed to join in, while realizing that promises of bungee jumping, or white-water rafting were not likely in the cards. Bob, by the way, is 84 years old.
Upon arrival at the parking lot, and being told that the group had arrived in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Bob did not immediately respond to the large sign that read ‘Haida’. It was not until the group walked a little further that the last remaining Tribal-Class destroyer came into view, and what a view it was. Bob then understood that he was not in Niagara-on-the-Lake, but on the shore of Lake Ontario in Hamilton, and about to visit the ship he served upon from October 1962 for almost exactly one year. He was thrilled.
Built in the same year that Bob was born, HMCS Haida served the Royal Canadian Navy through World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Known as Canada's "fightingest ship," she sank more enemy surface tonnage than any other Canadian warship. She was decommissioned in 1963, which corresponds with the end of Bob’s five-year naval career.
In addition to the Haida, Able Seaman Stinson served on five other ships, including another destroyer, the Athabaskan. That was the third ship to bear that name, as the original Athabaskan was sunk in 1944, and it was the Haida that came to rescue 42 members of its crew.
Bob was trained as a stoker, a common name for a member of the ship’s engineering department. He served in the engine room, the boiler rooms and worked with much of the outside machinery as well. He performed many other duties such as main guard and watch keeper.
During his tour of the ship, the former sailor walked up and down stairs, climbed up and down ladders, and navigated across walkways to inspect the torpedo launchers, main gun and anti-aircraft weapons. Inside, he recalled his sleeping arrangement, which consisted solely of a hammock and footlocker. He was therefore amazed to see the Captains quarters, which included a private ‘loo’ and a fireplace.
As he walked about, and spoke to his Legion friends regarding his time on board the Haida, many other visitors stopped to listen to him. Some parents beckoned their children to come and listen to Bob, and then thanked him for his service, and shook his hand. The ship’s volunteer guides were astounded to meet a former serving member of the Haida. Bob had more than his fifteen minutes of fame that day, and well deserved it was.
One of the most interesting, and poignant, moments in Bob’s Haida experience occurred only days after he arrived. On October 22nd, 1962 US President Kennedy announced that Soviet missiles had been discovered in Cuba, and the US navy mounted a naval blockade against incoming Soviet missile carrying ships. Canada’s response to this potential global conflict included increased military readiness, increasing maritime anti-submarine patrols off the East Coast, alerting NORAD forces, and assisting with allied intelligence operations. Canadian armed forces and naval ships prepared for conflict and monitored North Atlantic and coastal waters. As for Bob, he was ordered to don a helmet and flak vest and to be prepared for radioactive fallout. This must have been a terrifying moment (thankfully short-lived) for a 20-year-old sailor from Sydenham. Our day was capped off by a visit to the Burlington legion and a toast to Bob and the navy.
As the summer begins its inevitable closure, all Royal Canadian Legions will begin preparations for November 11, Remembrance Day. This is the one day of the year that people gather at their local cenotaph or other monument to honour and remember those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. At the same time, it is an opportunity to thank those who served and returned home, as well as those who continue to serve now. The concept of service is not something we hear much about in the news or online today. Yet, it is the very foundation of what makes Canada free, prosperous and secure.
While you are indeed welcome to join us at the Sydenham cenotaph on November 11, why not consider joining the Legion as a member now? This year the (small) dues are waived, as it is the 100th year since the Legion’s founding in Canada. Join us, and you will hear tales of service such as Bob’s, tales of long ago perhaps, but not so very far away. Mission accepted, mission accomplished. ■
Daniel Eustace is a member of the Bob Richardson Branch 496 RCL in Sydenham, and one of co-conspirators on the Haida mission.
