Pictured right: Derek, at Veterans Memorial Lodge.
LookOut Newspaper, August 2015
Ottawa names newest Honorary Captain, Katelyn Moores, MARPAC PA Office
Moments after assuming command of HMCS Ottawa last month, Commander Sylvain Belair dubbed Second World War veteran Derek Turner Honorary Ship’s Captain.
“I am honoured to recognize Mr. Derek Turner, a man I am fortunate to call a friend, and to share with you his story and military service,” said Cdr Belair. “it speaks of duty, honour and sacrifice, which we all aspire to.”
Turner was 17 years old when he joined the Royal Navy in 1943, receiving his training as a diesel motor mechanic. He was then assigned to his first ship, HMS Domett, which as tasked with Atlantic escort duty out of Northern Ireland. He later joined the crew of His Majesty’s Landing Ship tank 11, a tank landing vessel, which completed 17 trips to Normandy during the D-Day landings.
Following the D-Day landing he sailed on the same ship from Cardiff, Wales, to Calcutta, India, in support of the Allied Forces in Burma, who were fighting the Japanese in the longest land campaign of the war. His landing ship provided vital assistance, transferring soldiers and vehicles to the effort.
“I take great pride in being named an Honorary Captain of HMCS Ottawa,” said Turner. “This illustrates that there is, and always will be, a strong connection between those who have served and those who continue to serve now and into the future. For this I am truly proud to be Canadian.”
*In January 2021, with care staff by his side, Derek passed away. Like all Canadian veterans, Derek gave up so much so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. It was our honour to support Derek while he lived with Broadmead Care, and to continue to support his fellow veterans who live with us now.”
You can help veterans living at Veterans Memorial Lodge enjoy the comforts of home and simple pleasures by making a donation today.
To obtain permission to use this story in your publication, please contact Connie Dunwoody, Communications Coordinator, at connie.dunwoody@broadmeadcare.com.
