HMCS Carleton

There has been only one establishment named Carleton in the Royal Canadian Navy.

HMCS Carleton / Naval Reserve Division

The Ottawa Half-Company was established in 1923, and was formally commissioned in late 1941. HMCS Carleton moved into its present home on Dow’s Lake in December 1943, and during the course of the war saw to the training of some 4,620 officers and men.

After hostilities ended, Carleton continued to serve as a training facility for sailors, cadets, and a branch of the Woman’s Royal Canadian Naval Service. For a short period, from 1955–58, a sub-unit tender to Carleton was established in North Bay.

HMCS Carleton takes its name after the two-masted schooner HMS Carleton, a vessel that had distinguished itself at the Battle of Valcour Island in 1776, where she earned a Battle Honour.

Before the Unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, the RCN was a part of a shared Commonwealth Battle Honours list. This meant that RCN ships could perpetuate the honours of their British namesakes. After Unification, it was decided that new Canadian ships would only carry Canadian honours. HMCS Carleton was commissioned before this change and never paid off, so she is allowed to maintain the Commonwealth honour.

As with other Naval Reserve divisions, Carleton is actively involved in the community, lending support to many festivals, ceremonies and charitable causes within the National Capital Region. Continuing the role it fulfilled so well during the Second World War, Carleton continues to provide trained sailors and officers to both domestic and international operations.

• Date commissioned: 1 November 1941

Motto: “Vincemus armis” (With these arms we shall conquer

Battle honours:

Lake Champlain 1776