HAIDA'S WORLD WAR II ACTIONS

H.M.C.S. HAIDA was commissioned on August 31, 1943. After her initial trials at Scapa Flow on the Orkney Islands, Scotland, HAIDA joined the naval conflict which historians have since called "The Battle of the Atlantic". HAIDA's first assignment was convoy escort duty in the North Atlantic, to ensure the safe passage of the vital supply convoys en route to Russia. HAIDA saw little action through this period, right up until the end of 1943. HAIDA's second posting proved to be the most successful and important of her long and outstanding career. She was assigned to the 10th Destroyer Flotilla, based out of Plymouth, England, which had the task of securing the Western approaches of the English Channel from enemy submarines, surface raiders, and smaller escort vessels. HAIDA distinguished herself as Canada's most active warship by sinking no less than nine German ships in the period from April to September 1944. She was also involved in numerous other actions resulting in German shipping losses such as the Battle of North Cape in December 1943.

ACTION AT DAWN - HMCS HAIDA IN ACTION Copyright HMCS HAIDA Historic Naval Ship

Arranged in chronological order, are the ships which HMCS HAIDA sunk during World War II. Select any of the following to display a synopsis of the specific engagement.

From time to time, we receive requests from modellers wanting information on HAIDA's colour schemes. From August 1943 to February 1944 HAIDA wore the Home Fleet scheme which was blue and grey. In February 1944, she switched to Western Approaches Special Force Camouflage. Listed below are the paint formulas for the latter scheme:

Off White:  Humbrol #34
Mid Grey Green: 110 drops of Humbrol #30 to one matte white.
Pale Blue: 15 drops of Humbrol #25 to one drop matte white
Dark Terracota: Humbrol #70.

The reason for the off white and pale blue at the forward end was to make them almost invisible when approaching head on. The stern was dark so the ships could keep station on one another. This camouflage was pastel in nature to absorb light, rather than reflecting it. It worked. When Haida sank T-27 the Germans never saw them and thought they were being shelled by a cruiser.