WW2 Canadian, Australian and New Zealand Transport

[Mike Cecil]

David,

I think that would be the Capo Noli, captured in the StL Seaway by HMCS Bras d'Or on 10 June 1940, and renamed the SS Bic Island. She was sunk by U224 on 29 October 1942, with the tragic loss of all hands and the rescued survivors of two other merchant ships.

I think you'll find there were a small number of prize vessels on the Canadian register during WW2 from a variety of countries: Finland, Denmark, Germany and Italy. I think this was the only Italian vessel. Carolus was ex-Finland, and MV Europa was ex-Danish. Vancouver Island was ex-German. Certainly an interesting period in shipping history!

Brian: what a great recollection! And gives us the ship that some of the Canadians travelled on, too. The MV Roseville is listed as a cargo ship with capacity for 12 first class passengers. Wonder how many they crammed into that space during the war.

Mike C