In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

ROBBINS, Benoni (Ben) - was the son of Eleazer and Belinda Robbins of Hatchet Cove. Ben's older brother, Elias, was the first to sign up with the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve in 1915 followed by Ben in 1917. He completed his training with the HMS BRITON and was drafted to the decoy ship (Q-ship) AMY B. SILVER, a fishing schooner and spent several months sailing on the Grand Banks.

He was then transferred to the HMCS NIOBE at Halifax and assigned to the coastal drifter CD-69 where he served for the next several months. His next assignment was to the HMCS SEAGULL where he served aboard the trawler TR-34 and patrolled the waters of St. Lawrence. He received demobilization on April 2, 1919 and returned home to Hatchet Cove. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Eli John and Magdalene King , in December 1924. He passed away in June 1990 and was buried at Hatchet Cove.

Ships served in:

* Loaned to the RCN 23 Nov 1917

HMCS NIOBE (Depot Ship Halifax) - served in Niobe 23 Nov 1917 - 13 Jun 1918

CD-69 - Served in CD-69 14 Jun 1918 - 31 Aug 1918

TR-34 - Served in TR-34 01 Sep 1919 - 21 Dec 1918

HMCS NIOBE (Depot Ship Halifax) - Served in Niobe 21 Dec 1918 - 25 Dec 1918

* Returned to the RN 26 Nov 1918

Research Credit:  Lester Green, Southwest Arm Historical Society