HMCS Alberni Museum’s poignant exhibit

Kate Bandura, 
Lookout Contributor 

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This summer, the HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial (HAMM) in Courtenay is shining a spotlight on a pivotal moment in Canadian naval history with its compelling new exhibit, simply titled ‘59’.

 

The exhibit, which culminated in a commemorative ceremony on Aug. 21, pays tribute to the 59 Canadian sailors who lost their lives when HMCS Alberni was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine U-480 on Aug. 21, 1944.

 

The exhibit ‘59’ could never have been produced without the inspiration of Lewis Bartholomew, founder of The Alberni Project Society (TAPS) and the driving force behind HAMM, to find out everything he could about the 59 Canadian sailors who died Aug. 21, 1944.

 

“Within the past 12 or so months, we have finally received all the necessary information to not only understand more about the role of HMCS Alberni in the Battle of the Atlantic, but to make sure these 59 crewmen will not be forgotten or lost on some granite plaque combined with hundreds of other men and women who we know little of,” Bartholomew says.

 

The ‘59’ exhibit offers visitors a deeply personal look at the lives and sacrifices of the Alberni’s crew.

 

“We have graciously received on loan the wristwatch worn by crew member Leo McVarish, which stopped at the time of the explosion,” Bartholomew notes.

 

McVarish became a vocal advocate for remembering the Alberni. One of the things he gave to future Canadians is his poem, ‘Destruction Came Fast’, which the museum printed in a booklet form and produced a 16-minute interpretation of the poem on Digital. This film was started in 2014 and completed about a month ago. As part of the summer program, HAMM is offering free copies of ‘Destruction Came Fast’ in its Education Centre, along with screenings of the poem’s film narration.

 

On Aug. 21, the exhibit served as a backdrop to a solemn ceremony dedicating a new memorial wall honoring all who served aboard the ill-fated corvette. The new memorial wall features eight stainless steel panels listing the names of 214 Canadians, one Welsh, and one British crewman who served on Alberni, as well as the 52 German submariners of U-480. This inclusive approach reflects HAMM’s commitment to honoring all those affected by war.

 

Bruce and Geoff Bell, descendants of Acting Lieutenant-Commander Ian Hunter Bell, Alberni’s surviving captain, were key speakers at the event. Their presence underscored the multi-generational impact of the Alberni’s story and the importance of preserving these memories for future generations.

 

The ceremony concluded with the reading of the 59 names of those lost and the tolling of a bell at 11:45 a.m., marking the exact time of Alberni’s sinking. Attendees were then invited to view the new memorial and explore the ‘59’ exhibit which delves into the personal stories of those who perished.

 

“We want to bring these times in Canadian history to a young generation of Canadians,” Bartholomew explains. “For many young people, the wars older than Vietnam might as well be Roman history because they have no connection as my generation did with our parents living through Second World War and Korea.”

 

In a poignant display of international remembrance, a simultaneous ceremony took place at the St. Lawrence Peace Garden in Ventnor, Isle of Wight, overlooking the English Channel where Alberni and U-480 rest. A custom-made bench and Canadian Maple Tree were dedicated there, with both ceremonies live-streamed on social media.

 

HAMM’s commitment to preserving military history extends beyond the Alberni. The museum houses artifacts and stories from various conflicts, including both World Wars, Korea, and more recent peacekeeping missions. However, like many cultural institutions, HAMM faces financial challenges in the post-COVID era.

 

“Support for HAMM and TAP can be described as ‘Funding, Funding, Funding’,” Bartholomew states. “We need steady financial sponsorship and support to continue our role in Remembrance while helping to bridge the gap between generational awareness of Canadian military history from a civilian viewpoint.”

 

HAMM invites the public to visit the museum to learn more about HMCS Alberni and Canada’s rich military heritage. The commemoration was a moving tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering our shared history.