S.S. Fort Halkett loaded with military cargo

[sapper740]

Ever wondered how all those great Canadian vehicles made it to the battle zones? Aboard Canadian ships of course! Here is info on the disposition of the cargo aboard the S.S. Fort Halkett, a DEMS (Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship) built in my home town of Vancouver, B.C. The diverse cargo of softskins, armour and stores are divided amongst three decks in the 5 holds. The S.S. Fort Halkett was sunk by U-185 off Recife, Brazil after delivering this cargo to Bone, Algeria.

[PPS]

Let us not forget those of the Merchant Navies of all nations who made the supreme sacrifice in support of our fighting forces

The poem at the end of this site makes good reading:-

http://www.mastermariners-capital.ca/veterans.htm

Paul.

[hrpearce]

Had breakfast while link downloaded on dial up but worth the wait. Verry interesting to see layout of cargo thank you for the opertunity to view this.

[sapper740]

Originally posted by hrpearce
Had breakfast while link downloaded on dial up but worth the wait. Verry interesting to see layout of cargo thank you for the opertunity to view this.

You're all very welcome! I found the pic just as interesting also, not just for the arrangement of the cargo, but how varied it was. Rather than being all armour or softskins, or just kit it was quite a mix. Which makes sense when you think about it...if the ship is lost, then you've not lost a substantial quantity of one type of kit. If the ship makes it through, then, you have a little of everything you need.
Paul's comments are especially appreciated. Canadian Merchantmen fought long and hard to get recognition from the Canadian government for the extremely dangerous job they did during the war.