HMCS GRIFFON

Port Arthur Division RCNVR

Thunder Bay, Ontario

First established on 03 May 1937 as the RCNVR Half-Company Port Arthur, it shared quarters with the Lake Superior Regiment at the Port Arthur Armoury.  She was commissioned as and RCNVR Division on 02 Apr 1940. On 01 Nov 1941, she was re-named HMCS GRIFFON and commissioned as a tender to HMCS NADEN. On 01 Sep 1942 she was re-commissioned as an independent shore establishment. HMCS GRIFFON moved into its current location at 125 Algoma St North in 1944.

With no home of its own, the division originally shared space with militia at the Port Arthur Armoury, and then another interim location before moving to its current quarters in 1944. During the war, sailors recruited from the prairies were often routed through Griffon on their way east for training.

Located at the western end of the Great Lakes, Griffon provides an important connection to the navy far inland, frequently hosting Kingston-class vessels and other units of the Atlantic fleet when they deploy to the Lakehead. In addition, the shipping activity in the area provides its sailors ready access to practical training for operations in a busy maritime environment.

MOTTO: “Prima in lacubus” (First on the Lakes)

Photos and Documents

RCNVR DIVISION PORT ARTHUR

First Draft, Port Arthur, ON, 1939

Click on the above photo to view a larger image

(11) Donald V. Hynes

From the collection of Donald V. Dynes

Courtesy of Bill Dynes

Article from the Port Arthur News-Chronicle, Monday 11 Aug 1941

Big Naval Draft Leaves Here For Training At East Coast

Front: L-R: J. Parker, G.M. Cameron, D.C. Corner, A. Stewart, Stoker 11 A.E. Laframboise, J.B. McDonald, M. Adams, J. Elvish, Stoker II O. Hickey, A.P. Shewchuk, C. Scotia, Stoker II J. Yatcheson, S.E. Maley, H. Hamilton, L. Peppard, Stoker II D. McLeod

2nd row: L-R: Stwd P. Connelly, J. Coutts, W.A. George, Stwd H. Nicol, D.G. Straughan, P. Carroll, I.L. Andrychuk, Stoker II D.F. Silvagi, A. Leon, W.C. Ansley, R.E. Young, J. Mihichuk, N. Zrobok, S. Buick, Cook F. James

Back Row: L-R: Stoker II J. McKee, F. Gaving, Stoker II K. Grown, M. Naydo, Stoker II P. Sargent, A. McRie, Stoker II R. Findlay, R. Webster, A. Kukko, H.J. Ksoki, C.F. Brooks, W. Dawson, B. Sawchuk, W. Jarva and D. Murray.

 ** J. Paker and H.J. Koski, shown in the photo did not go.  They were replaced in the draft by G. Gauthier and F.L. Brickson, not in the picture.

RCNVR DIVISION PORT ARTHUR - New Entry Photo

Jun 1941

(41) John Clifford (Bud) Watters

From the collection of John (Bud) Watters, RCNVR

Courtesy of Kathleen Millen