The exhibit 'Our Ship' opened on
Battle of the Atlantic Sunday,
04 May 2003.


This exhibit was developed to mark the 60th anniversary of the commissioning of 'Our Ship' in 1943. It also marked the release of the book 'The Saint and The Sparrow'. The Commanding Officer of HMCS Brunswicker, Saint John's naval reserve unit, consented to allow this display to remain in place until 2005.

Remarks At The Opening Of the Exhibit:

Today is a day of solemn remembrance. We recognize and mark the 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. We observe the 93rd anniversary of the Canadian Navy, and we celebrate the 80th birthday
of HMCS Brunswicker. At this point in today's observances we are now going to celebrate the 60th birthday of one of the Royal Canadian Navy's frigates of the Battle of the Atlantic, our ship, HMCS Saint John.

Today's exhibit came about in a round about way. It began about two years ago when the wreck of Saint John's second U-boat kill, U-309, was found. I was asked to provide nformation for a book about the Saint John. During that process I was privileged to speak with and meet the surviving crew of the Saint John and with some of the families of her crew. I wish to acknowledge the support and contributions of her crew and these families. This exhibit was also supported by the NB Museum, the City of Saint John, and of course, Commander Henderson of Brunswicker. All these individuals are identified in the exhibit and to all, a sincere thank you.

While all of the surviving crew wished to be with us today, distance and age prevented that from happening. However, shortly we will meet one crew member and the families of anither. The family of Lt. Commander Stacey, Saint John's Commanding Officer, asked me to pass on these words:

"I have grown up with the great history of Saint John and her crew. My brother, who was old enough to visit Saint John in Halifax during the war, and I have always kept its memory alive. The fine words that we
still hear about the ship and our father continue to strengthen us.
While it has been some 42 years since his passing,I am fortunate to be able to keep our fathers medals, and a painting of the Saint John in a special place in our Family Room.
I wish to extend the very best wishes of the Stacey
family to those attending todays unveiling.
To those who served in Saint John, please know that
your efforts, courage and service are remembered and
valued by the family of your Captain."

While we are remembering the crew and the families of HMCS Saint John today, I ask that we take a lesson of remembrance from LtCmdr. Stacey. As his crew was rejoicing in their success in sinking U-247, Stacey asked his men to join him in a moment of silence for the brave crew of the U-boat who had just perished. So in your thoughts today I ask you to follow LtCmdr. Stacey's lead by remembering the 98 crew of the two U-boats who perished in 1944
and 1945.

At this point I would like Commander Henderson to come forward and present copies of the book 'The Saint and the Sparrow' to those crew and families who are with us today. The book takes its name from HMCS Saint John, and the name of the U-boat 309, which was U-Spatz or U-Sparrow, the personal emblem of U-309.

I ask Able Seaman Charlie DeWitt, of the frigate HMCS Saint John to come forward to receive his book. Sixty years ago this month he joined HMCS Brunswicker and was posted to the Saint John.

Next I ask the wife of the late Able Seaman Charlie Doucette to come forward. Just before we unveil the exhibit I ask that Commander John Henderson come forward and accept on behalf of Brunswicker, this copy of the ship's crest of HMCS Saint John, so it may join all the other crests of Canadian and allied ships on exhibit throughout HMCS Brunswicker.

Thank you. Harold E. Wright, Heritage Resources.