In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

TOOPE, Charles (Charlie) - was born on July 28, 1897 to John and Harriet. He was raised at Ireland's Eye, Trinity Bay where he spent his early years assisting his father in the pursuit of the fishery. Seaman Charlie Toope began his training at the HMS BRITON on August 17, 1917.

His first orders were to report to the Royal Canadian Navy where he was assigned to the HMCS NIOBE, a Naval Depot located at Halifax. He arrived at the Halifax port 2 days after the Halifax explosion and would have witnessed the devastation caused by the collision of the Norwegian vessel SS IMO with the French cargo ship SS Mont-Blanc which was carrying a full cargo of high explosives. His initial stay in Halifax would have him involved in assisting the people. 

On June 1, 1918 he was deployed overseas with the British Navy at the HMS VIVID III, Devonport, England. The base was an accounting facility used for the Royal Naval Trawler Section. His pay was attached to this base until the end of his overseas duty. He was likely assigned to a coastal drifter or minesweeper but his records do not list a name of a vessel.

On October 5, 1919, he married Elsie Maud, of Ireland's Eye at the St. Mary's Church, St. John's.

By November 1951, Charlie made his final move to Corner Brook where two of his brothers were residing. He worked at the construction industry until he retired. He remained until his death in January 1975. His beloved wife died a month later. Both are buried at Corner Brook.

Ships served in:

* Loaned to the RCN 10 Dec 1917

HMCS NIOBE (Depot Ship Halifax) - Served in Niobe 10 Dec 1917 - 12 Apr 1918

* Returned to RN 13 Apr 1918

Research Credit:  Lester Green, Southwest Arm Historical Society