Member LoginDedication Service of the Motor Cutter Exhibit
The Legacy of HMCS HAIDA’s Motor Cutter (built in 1945)
- Saved eight sailors on April 29, 1944, when HMCS ATHABASKAN was sunk off the coast of France. (128 sailors lost)
- Able Seaman Jack Hannam, Leading Seaman William Maclure and Stoker William Cummings arrived safely in Penzance, England after the exhausting trip through the English Channel.
- Travelled 100 mile trip to England with 11 sailors saved from HMCS Athabaskan with the cranky engine.
- Seaman, William Cummings was awarded a Mention in Despatches for his efforts to fixing the engine.
- In 1990, the motor cutter was restored and it was exhibited in the Ontario place beside HMCS HAIDA.
- August 14th 2007, Parks Canada in conjunction with the Hamilton Port Authority restored the Motor cutter in Hamilton, Ontario.
- Friends of HMCS HAIDA, Parks Canada built the permanent storage space for the Motor cutter with help of local high school students and teachers.
- We send our special thanks to the students, schools and two dedicated teachers, Paul Cheeseman and Mike Marino for helping us to build the Motor Cutter Display and preserving the valuable naval history.
On November 5th, 2009 Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall visited HMCS HAIDA
Partnership with students and schools
Ancaster
Maxwell, Dillon
Penton, Julian
Glendale
Tav, Sophal
Saltfleet
Fountain, Ryan
Samson, Brad
Wood, Scott
Pawluk, Mike
Churchill
Green, Mackenzie
Rattray, Dillon
Hill Park
Clappison, Alex
Stewart, Brandon
Ross, Josh
SJAM
Duffin, Stephanie
Vida-Moore, Charlie
Delta
Haskins, Ryan
Maloney, Sadie
Highland
Kelly, Ryan
Westmount
Bramer, Wesley
Carey, Tom
Iarusso, Jeff
Gibson, Chris
Harris, Mike