Reprinted from The Packet, July 3, 2019
by Lester Green
(Click on image to enlarge)
Crew of the schooner Exotic. (Photo courtesy of Levi Churchill.)
The title, Where Once They Sailed, was coined to serve as a header for a series of articles on sailors from the Southwest Arm area who served during World War 1.
Its main objective was to share the stories of our boys, many of who were familiar with sailing, who enlisted with the Newfoundland Royal Naval Reserve at the HMS Calypso, St. John’s.
Our objective has been achieved and their stories have been told.
Thank you to every family that provided valuable insight into their father’s, grandfather’s, or uncles naval career. The photos provided were invaluable in documenting their stories.
On behalf of the Southwest Arm Historical Society thanks to everyone who assisted us in many ways to record the experiences of our boys during this troublesome time in history.
Our final thank you is extended to the staff of the Packet who provided the space and guidance to complete our task. A special thanks to Barb for professional advice and guidance throughout the past 4 years.
The stories were of intrigue, mystery, heroics and supreme sacrifices made by our boys, the boys of Southwest Arm.
Lest we forget.