True and Fascinating Canadian History
The Halifax Memorial
Halifax, NS
In Memory of RCMP. WWII. KIA
On board the Troopship SS 'Nerissa' April 30, 1941.
which sank after being attacked enroute overseas to England.
On the 'Nerissa' were seven RCMP members enroute overseas as No.1 Provost Corps re-enforcements;
Reg.#9512, Denton, suffered leg injuries,
Reg.#10063, Johnstone was lost at sea,
Reg.#12502, Currie suffered from exposure,
Reg.#12797, J. H. F. Mara suffered a sprained ankle,
Reg.#13015, Keelan was unharmed,
Reg.#13298, Nicholas suffered from exposure,
& Reg.#13760, MacPhee was unharmed.
Reg.#10063, Charles James Johnstone, RCMP Honour Roll#68., No.1 Provost Corps. WWII is commemorated on the Halifax Memorial, Halifax, NS. R. I. P.
He was lost at sea as a result of an enemy boat attack on the troopship 'Nerissa' April 30, 1941. SS 'Nerissa' sank enroute overseas to England. Crew were 8 ½ hours in life boat.
He held military rank of Corporal at time of death. Service #C.30759. Fifth Reinforcement Draft. March 4, 1941.
Reg.#10063, C. J. Johnstone (Panel 14)
(http://www.pointpleasantpark.ca/site-ppp/media/pointpleasantpark/HM%20Panel%2014.jpg)
Reg.#12130, J. W. Bonner (Panel 6)
Reg.#12168, P. R. F. Milthorp (Panel 6)
(http://www.pointpleasantpark.ca/site-ppp/media/pointpleasantpark/HM%20Panel%206.jpg)
Reg,12314, J. H. Cassidy (Panel 17)
(http://www.pointpleasantpark.ca/site-ppp/media/pointpleasantpark/HM%20Panel%2017.jpg)
Reg.#12828, A. W. Armstrong (Panel 4)
(http://www.pointpleasantpark.ca/site-ppp/media/pointpleasantpark/HM%20Panel%204.jpg)
A sixth member, Reg.#12223, D. E. Gillis was buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Halifax, NS.
Reg.#12438, A. P. J. Allard is listed in the graves database as "lost at sea, ship sunk by enemy submarine" but it is not known if a special memorial or monument exists in his name.
Reg.#12797, John Hugh Francis Mara described the WWII incident in his book 'Battle Dress Patrol'.
Reg.#12168, First Officer, Patrick Reginald Fairburn Milthrop. RCMP Honour Roll#71 is listed on Panel 6 of the Halifax Memorial. He was killed when HMCS 'Spikenard' was torpedoed and sunk. He too was lost at sea.
The Canada Veterans Affairs Site:
(http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canada/hfxmem)
