HMCS STAR

Hamilton Half-Company RCNVR

Hamilton Division, RCNVR

Hamilton, Ontario

Canada's 2nd oldest Naval Reserve Division, HMCS STAR traces its official beginning to 15 Mar 1923, when Lt Ralph H. Yeates was appointed the first Commanding Officer of the Hamilton Half Company of the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve. Originally the Company offices were shared with the Navy League in the Imperial Building on the corner of Main Street East & Hughson Street South, but that winter the unit moved into a sail loft at the corner of Bay and Burlington Streets and stayed there until 1935 when a move was made to the old Williamson/Dominion Vinegar Works at 41 Stuart Street.

When the Second World War started, the Hamilton Division became a major recruiting depot for the navy with 7,490 officers, men and WRCNS enlisted there. Commissioned as HMCS STAR on 01 Nov 1941, the unit soon outgrew its old quarters and construction began on a temporary wartime home located in five acres of Eastwood Park bought from the City of Hamilton, moving there in the fall of 1943.

After the war from 1953 to 1966, STAR shared its premises with HMCS PATRIOT, the Headquarters of the Commanding Officer Naval Divisions (COND), located in Building #1, the current home of the 23rd Service Battalion and the 23rd Field Ambulance. Also sharing space was the Great Lakes Training Centre, or what would now be called Fleet School (Hamilton).

Having served for over fifty years, STAR’S Second World War temporary quarters were demolished in 1995 to make way for the present building, which was opened in 1997. (Source for the history of HMCS STAR:  Hamilton Naval Heritage Association)

     In memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice    

     Lest We Forget     

Photos and Documents          Course Photos

Commanding Officers

Lt Ralph Yates, RCNVR 15 Mar 1923 - unknown

Photos and Documents