Ships served in:

HMCS ATHABASKAN - Survived the sinking of HMCS ATHABASKAN. Rescued / captured by German forces, and became a POW.

Memories of a POW:  Bill Green had met Bill Connolly while he (Bill Green) was the Executive Director of "Friends of HMCS HAIDA" in Hamilton, Ontario.  Bill Green accompanied Bill Connolly and his wife Vi (Lolanda) into High School history classes where he spoke about Canadian Second World War stories not found in the current textbooks. It was after one such visit, outside the class, that Bill Connolly told his story to Bill Green about his experience as a POW.

Bill Connolly said that following the sinking of the ATHABASKAN the German rescuers scooped up some papers floating in the water and they were able to identify Bill and four other members of the Communication branch of the ship. 

All five were questioned repeatedly first by the German Navy and later by the Gestapo in an attempt to learn/understand the Allied Naval Codes in use in April 1944 and "why are you wasting your time down here instead of up at Calais?"

All five refused to talk and after intense interrogation, Bill said that it was like a Hollywood Movie, he would sit back in his chair, blow cigarette smoke in my face and say "Look, your name is William Connolly, you are not Seaman, you are Signalman, Your wife Iolanda Connolly is living with your parents on .....St. in Hamilton Ontario!"

We want you to tell us "What are the Codes Canadian Warships are using in the Channel NOW?"

After a couple days of this, all 5 were marched outside the Interrogation room and put in front of a Firing Squad. The order was given Ready, Aim Fire! . . . And the rifles went "click" as they were not loaded.

All 5 were moved to the POW Camp for the rest of the War.

Bill Connolly also recounted to Bill Green about his time on HNoMS King Haaken VII - Bill had been a Lifeguard in Hamilton Harbour before enlisting when war was declared.  He was drafted to HNoMS King HAAKEN VII, a Norwegian warship, formerly USS PC 467. On his first trip on King Haaken VII, a Norwegian sailor was washed overboard and Bill leapt the side to rescue him.  The ship was stopped and the 2 men brought back on board ship.

Bill was taken up to the Captain cabin.  Bill said "The Captain took me into his cabin and said I can't put this in the log because we are not allowed to stop at sea on convoy duty."  Bill said, "But I wanted to save that mans life!'  The Captain said "Yes and Thank You for that, but I cant put it in the log, but here is a drink for your actions and gave me a drink of Gin!"

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