HMCS York

HMCS York plaque at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds in Toronto

HMCS York is a Canadian Forces Naval Reserve Division located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It serves as a training unit to 200 full-time and part-time naval personnel. It is located on Lake Shore Boulevard West, east of Exhibition Place, on the shore of Lake Ontario.

History

The unit was established in 1942 to replace the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve Half Company created in 1923.[1] During World War II, it was a premiere naval recruiting depot in the British Commonwealth through which over 17,000 personnel passed during the years of the war.

York is home to the Canadian Forces Sailing Association's Toronto establishment.

Athletics

During the Second World War, Toronto HMCS York fielded a football team in the Ontario Rugby Football Union (ORFU). Some of the notable players and coaches associated with the team were: Royal Copeland, Steve Karrys, Bob Stewart and the coach Teddy Morris.

Facilities

Although located on the Lake Ontario shoreline, York has no facilities for naval ships. Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) are deployed at the Division, but the mooring facilities to the south of HMCS York belong to Toronto's branch of the Canadian Forces Sailing Association, National Yacht Club and Alexandra Yacht Club, and are for pleasure craft and such working vessels as serve the Clubs.

Prior to 1947 the Division was located at two other locations:

York moved to the current base at 659 Lake Shore Boulevard West in 1947.

HMCS York parades one of the five Royal Canadian Naval Reserve Ship's Bands in Canada. The band is a professional brass and reed band with approximately 30 members. Their primary operational and training period is from September to May. The band can parade soloists, flute duets, brass quintets, jazz combos, small ensembles, a Big Band stage band, a concert band and a parade band. The band is often the most visible naval presence in the GTA with annual parades, concerts and services.

Motto

The ship's motto is "Bon Espoir" ("Good Hope”).

Personnel

Current Commanding Officer is Commander Robert Johnston, CD.

Lodger units at HMCS York:

Notable former members

References

  1. ↑ http://www.torontohistory.org/Pages_PQR/Royal_Canadian_Naval_Volunteer_Reserve.html

External links

Coordinates: 43°38′03″N 79°24′10″W / 43.6342°N 79.4028°W / 43.6342; -79.4028

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