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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CRAIG, Henry Raymond, Patrolman, V63822, RCNVR - killed 185 Jul 1945, Halifax, Nova Scotia - Son of Charles and Jean Craig of Aberfeldy, ON; husband of Glennis Hilda Craig, of Harrow, ON. Patrolman Craig is buried in the Memorial Cemetery, Colchester, ON.
Mentioned in Despatches citation: CRAIG, Henry Raymond, Patrolman, V63822, Mention in Despatches (Posthumous) RCNVR - Awarded as per Canada Gazette of 5 January 1946. "For outstanding valour in the face of fire during the Magazine explosion at Halifax in July, 1945. this rating was on duty at the south jetty when the first explosion occurred. He turned in the necessary alarm and then attempted to proceed to the scene to help extinguish the fire. He was killed by the ensuing explosion before he could reach the scene. His bravery and resource were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Canadian Naval Service."
Patrolman Henry Raymond Craig, RCN, the only fatal casualty of the Bedford Basin explosions. At 1830 hrs, July 18th,a massive explosion was heard coming from the Halifax harbour, followed by a chain reaction of explosions that lasted for over 24 hours. Amazingly, there was only one fatality, a RCN dock worker, and a small number of minor injuries amongst the population of Halifax (Source: Mysterious Nova Scotia)
"Mr. Thompson probably owes his life to the fact that he ran to the south gate to give the alarm when the first outbreak of fire was noticed. He said that while he rushed to the gate, Craig ran down the jetty towards the fire. Henry was/is remembered fondly by his large family as avery loving young man. He grew up on a farm in Aberfeldy, Ontario and was one of twelve children." (From contemporary newspaper)
Ships served in: HMCS HUNTER - Enlisted 08 Jun 1943 as an Able Seaman, Shore Patrol. Commenced Active Service 23 Jun 1943. HMCS STADACONA - Served in Stadacona 17 Aug 1943 - 31 May 1944. Rated Patrolman 09 Oct 1943 HMCS SCOTIAN - Drafted to Scotian 01 Jun 1944 as a Patrolman, RCNVR
(HC01) Portrait of Patrolman Henry Craig (HC02) Article on the death of Patrolman Craig and injuries to Patrolman Hill (HC03-HC04) Henry Craig's Certificate of Service, pages 1 and 2 (HC05) Casualty report
(HC06) File entry for the posthumous award of M.I.D. to Patrolman Henry Craig. (HC07) Letter to Henry Craig's widow on the circumstances of his death
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