HMCS MIDDLESEX

The Algerine Coastal Escort, HMCS MIDDLESEX, was built by the Port Arthur Shipbuilding Company Limited of Port Arthur, Ontario, and commissioned on 8 June 1944.

From 28 August 1944 she served as a member of Escort Group W-3 in the Western Escort Force.  On the cessation of hostilities in the Atlantic she transferred to the Halifax Force and then, on 18 September 1945, she became a tender to HMCS CORNWALLIS, New Entry Training Establishment for sea training.  She did not remain long in the Bay of Fundy, however, moving to Halifax in the following month.  For a while after 1 February 1946 she was employed in dumping ammunition.

During her short career, the Algerine underwent annual refits followed by “working-up” exercises in the waters off Bermuda.

Most memorable of her achievements was the aid she gave to and her embarkation of the crew of the steamship Alfios which was wrecked on Sable Island in April-May 1946.

Unhappily, the bad luck of the ship she aided seemed to have been transferred to her.  She went aground on Shutin Island in the approaches to Halifax harbour on 2 December 1946.  What could be salvaged was taken from her decks, but the hulk had to be abandoned.