Cayuga: 2nd Korean trip 1951-52.

On Board HMCS Cayuga --- Petty Officer Wren Alice, Cayuga’s No 1 canine mascot, nearly lost her life recently all because of a patch of oil on a tanker’s deck.

The mishap was the result of a habit she had of jumping from her own ship to a tanker during fueling operations. While the Cayuga was fuelling alongside RFA Wave Chief in a Korean Harbour, Alice paid her usual call to the oiler. As she started to jump back aboard Cayuga, she slipped on a patch of oil which sent her tumbling and yelping into the narrow strip of water between the two ships. Much of what happened afterwards is liable to be disbelieved, but the ship’s company swears to it.

Alice put her back against the tanker’s side and her feet against the destroyer and “walked” herself clear of the sea.
Concerned with Alice’s predicament and fearing she would be squeezed to death between the ships, Ldg. Seaman James Tyre of Vancouver who had been feeding and carrying for Alice months past, called to the bridge to ask for a gun to shoot the dog.

But the captain, Commander James Plomer, had already perceived the situation and had ordered an urgent pipe: “Clear lower decks  – rescue Alice between ships.!” It is said that the order drew an even swifter reaction than the action station bell.

The lines were slackened aft. Bearing off spars were used. Both ships parted a little and AB Norman Nelson of Vancouver put the final and successful finish to the incident. AB Nelson slide down Cayuga’s side on a line , took hold of Alice by the scruff of her neck and lifted her to safety where many willing hands reached out to help.
 

Contributor:  Bill Buchan  <buckbc2(at)shaw.ca>