HMCS SWIFT CURRENT J254 / 185 - For Posterity's Sake

HMCS SWIFT CURRENT J254 / 185

Bangor Class Minesweeper

HMCS SWIFT CURRENT J254

Laid down: 01 Oct 1940

Launched: 29 May 1941

Commissioned: 11 Nov 1941

Paid off: 23 Oct 1945

Re-acquired: 1951

Paid off: 29 Mar 1958

Transferred to the Turkish Navy: 29 Mar 1958

Paid off: 1971

Fate: Unknown

Built at Montreal, she was commissioned there on 11 Nov 1941. She arrived at Halifax on 24 Nov 1941 and was based there for A/S training. In May 1942, SWIFT CURRENT was moved to Pictou in the same capacity, and continued in this role until Feb 1943, when she was transferred to Halifax Force. She went to Gaspé Force in Jun 1943, but returned to Halifax Force in Nov 1943. In Feb 1944, following a major refit at Lunenburg, she was transferred to Newfoundland Force, remaining there until Jun 1945. Miscellaneous duties occupied her until she was paid off at Sydney on 23 Oct 1945, and laid up at Shelburne. SWIFT CURRENT was placed in strategic reserve at Sorel the following year, but re-acquired by the RCN in 1951 owing to the Korean emergency. However, she was not re-commissioned and was handed over to the Turkish Navy on 29 Mar 1958. Re-named BOZCAADA, she remained in Turkish service until 1971.

The Ship's Bell Ship's Company Photos

Commanding Officers

LCdr A.G. King, RCNR - 30 Sep 1941 - 18 Apr 1942

Lt Ian Hunter Bell, RCNVR - 19 Apr 1942 - 27 Sep 1942

Lt J. Evelyn, RCNR - 28 Sep 1942 - 07 Apr 1944

Lt Kenneth David Health, RCNVR - 08 Apr 1944 - 13 May 1945

Lt John Newby Fraser, RCNVR - 14 May 1945 - 26 Jul 1945

Lt Philip Joseph Laurence, RCNR - 27 Jul 1945 - 23 Oct 1945

In memory of those who have crossed the bar