HMCS Brunswicker

Saint John was a rarity among the original naval reserve divisions, as it was established in 1923 as a full company of 100 sailors, although it was reduced in 1927 to a half company of 50. Throughout the interwar period, in addition to basic seamanship skills such as semaphore and rope work, the company personnel trained in the use of the 12-pounder, Lewis gun, rifle, and cutlass. With the onset of the Second World War, the division became the primary recruiting and training establishment of the RCN in the province of New Brunswick. As the war progressed, the division was commissioned in 1941 as HMCS Brunswicker, named for a pre-confederation provincial government vessel of the War of 1812.

HMCS Brunswicker was housed “temporarily” for 27 years in an annex of the Barrack Green Armoury in South Saint John, NB. Brunswicker’s new facilities inaugurated in May 1995 are situated prominently on the city waterfront. Participation in civic events, combined with a demanding training commitment, keeps the ship’s company especially active and always prepared to answer the call “In the cause of peace.”

Date commissioned: 1 November 1941

Motto: “Pacis tuendae causa” (In the cause of peace)