"CANADA'S WARSHIPS SINCE 1956"

This book will please the full spectrum of those interested in the Canadian Navy, right from those new naval cadets just starting life in the Navy. Mr. Steed gives the usual basic warship data, but he has greatly enhanced the review of the Navy by also providing very good outlines of the evolution of each class of ship. The descriptions of these changes are further illustrated by the use of photographs from a "sailor's" camera which give a very different perspective than those from DND or other commercial sources. I was very pleased to be able to personally relate to many of the descriptions and photos, and said to myself many times, "I was there, I did that," or, "so that's how such and such occurred."

The book is well organized, commencing with the largest and oldest ships, and working through to the smallest and most recent. Bonaventure leads the parade with a description of her role in the fleet, her legacy from previous carriers, and descriptions of some of the intricacies of being plane guard to the carrier. The cruisers are well covered but, it is then into the destroyers where the use of personal photography and first-hand descriptions blossom into full force.

Mr. Steed increased our interest greatly by not only giving rather detailed descriptions of what the configuration of a ship is, but in many cases tells the reader what the ship was actually doing at the time the subject photograph was taken. Don't be surprised if you see someone you know on the deck of a 4th Squadron frigate. Guest writer, Cdr. Laverne Fleck, gives us a very excellent description of the Halifax-class frigate. The Upholder-class (now Canadian Victoria-class) of submarine is included with a photograph of one (Victoria perhaps?) at sea flying a Canadian flag. The author has also included separate brief descriptions of radars, VDS (variable depth sonar), Beartrap, the Canadian rounded bow, and gas turbine propulsion. A major strength of Roger Steed's interesting coverage of the last forty-two years of the Canadian Navy is his use of personal photography and his own experiences to describe many of the ships.

A second important aspect of the book is a subtle description of many aspects of a junior officer's life at sea. Navigation, anchoring a ship, replenishment at sea (RAS), are all covered to some degree. I also found that the photographs document many former habits that have passed from the Navy. For example, people manning the jackstay on the foc'sle of Beacon Hill while wearing white caps but no personal flotation devices. Of course the squadron commander is suspended from the jackstay and also sporting his white cap which I am sure he is praying will not be knocked from his head into the ocean.

The appendices to "Canadian Warships Since 1956" are of varying quality. Appendix B: "Recollections of Command" was disappointing in that while the guest writer (in this case J. A. Fulton) in his last two sentences notes his three ships were "great" and, "…their crews outstanding," gave no insight nor feeling as to what command of a Canadian warship stirred up in the "gut" of the author. Likewise, a young guest writer (the author's son, SLt. G. R. Steed) gives a very technical outline of OOW activity during a RAS, but does not really touch on the "exhilaration" or "excitement" of driving a Halifax-class frigate.

I very much liked Appendix A: "Ships by Class…" because it not only gives the standard information for each ship, but additionally the builders and the disposal information. Have you ever asked, or been asked, "What did happen to the old … anyway?" This table can answer all those questions and perhaps settle many "weepers" discussions. Of course it also raises other questions such as, "What are the old Gate vessels being used for in Tacoma, Washington?"

I felt somewhat uneasy seeing the presence of "one" in almost every act of "Astro Navigation: An Explanation." However, looking beyond the infusion of "one," it was a very good outline of some of a navigator's duties on a long ocean passage. I remember that some of us would swear this was the total activity of a navigator; well, not counting eating and sleeping.

Appendix E: "Anchoring a Warship: It's More Than Dropping the Hook!" gives a very brief but interesting description of anchoring from a navigator's point of view on the bridge wing. I would have been more satisfied if he had followed the header for the appendix more carefully and included the work of the cable party in preparation for and during anchoring, then finally securing the cable after the navigator and CO leave the bridge wing. A small mention of engine movements, always part of this evolution, =would have been nice as well.

A rather good thumbnail sketch in Appendix F: "Ordering Engine Movements…". However, the first paragraph on p.87 may confuse some as it is not describing the Y100 system turbine, which was the subject of the entire previous page, but rather a turbine from the converted V-class Algonquin whose system predates the Y100. This was followed by a brief and informative description of basic gas turbine engines. Steed ensures that we notice the LM2500 engine has been at sea in warships for over 30 years.

I enjoyed this book, and each time I look at it I find more. The personal insight of the author pulls it well above routinely published naval reviews. It will be a valuable addition to all naval libraries. In particular I see it as a valuable introductory book for naval cadets. I can highly recommend it to all those interested in the Canadian Navy.

George Godwin is a member of the Naval Officers Association of Vancouver Island. He retired as a Commander RCN in 1996 after serving thirty-four years as an engineering officer. He last served with NATO HQ in Brussels.)

(Originally Published in Vol. VII, No. 9, Winter 1999/2000 issue of Starshell)