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Two new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships named in honour of Canadian naval heroes

May 29, 2022 | 12:36 PM

HALIFAX — Members of the Royal Canadian Navy and federal and provincial government dignitaries gathered on the Halifax waterfront today for the naming ceremony for two of Canada’s new Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships. 

The HMCS Margaret Brooke and HMCS Max Bernays are named after two Canadian naval heroes.  

Margaret Brooke enrolled as a nursing sister dietician in 1942, and during her 20 years in the navy she rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander. 

 In October 1942 off the coast of Newfoundland, the ferry SS Caribou was sunk by a German submarine, and while fighting for her own survival, Brooke did everything possible to save the life of a colleague and friend.   

Despite her heroic efforts, her friend succumbed to the frigid water.  

In August 1942 Max Bernays was acting chief petty officer and was the coxswain aboard HMCS Assiniboine.  

Despite a fire that engulfed the bridge and wheelhouse of the Assiniboine during a fierce battle with a German submarine, Bernays was able to ram the submarine and sink it.  

The HMCS Margaret Brooke was delivered to the navy last summer, while the HMCS Max Bernays will be delivered this fall.

The Canadian Press