The St. Roch was a Canadian Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) ship that played a significant role in Arctic exploration. It was built in 1928.
This ship was designed for Arctic voyages and was equipped with a reinforced hull, a diesel-electric propulsion system, and a special icebreaker bow.
The St. Roch's most notable achievement was completing the first-ever circumnavigation of North America, which took 87 days to complete in 1940-1941.
Service History
St. Roch was constructed in 1928 at the Burrard Dry Dock Shipyards in North Vancouver. She was built for Arctic service.
Between 1929 and 1939, St. Roch supplied and patrolled Canada's Arctic waters.
In 1940-1942, she became the first vessel to complete a west to east voyage through the Northwest Passage. Her navigation skills were truly pioneering.
In 1944, St. Roch became the first vessel to make a return trip through the Northwest Passage, taking the more northerly route considered the true Northwest Passage. She was a trailblazer.
St. Roch made three arctic voyages between 1929 and 1948.
Significance and Crew
The St Roch's significance lies in its remarkable achievements, including being the first vessel to sail the Northwest Passage from west to east in 1940-42. This feat was accomplished under the command of Staff-Sergeant Henry Asbjorn Larsen.
The St Roch's crew played a crucial role in its success. Henry Larsen and the crew who sailed during the 1944 voyage were awarded the prestigious Polar Medal by King George VI.
Here are some key facts about the St Roch's crew and significance:
The St Roch's crew demonstrated exceptional skill and endurance, surviving 12 winters stuck in the ice for 10 months at a time.
Arctic Pioneer
The St Roch was a remarkable vessel that earned its place in history as an Arctic pioneer. She was built by Burrard Dry Dock Company in Vancouver, BC, in 1928, and was initially described as a wooden auxiliary schooner by Lloyds Register in 1931.
The St Roch's impressive size was 90 feet in length, with a beam of 24.7 feet and a depth of 10.8 feet, and she had a displacement of 323 tons. Her original engine was a 6-cylinder oil engine with 48 nominal horsepower, which was later replaced with a more powerful 300 horsepower engine in 1944.
Under the command of Staff-Sergeant Henry Asbjorn Larsen, the St Roch made history by being the first ship to complete a transit through the Northwest Passage in a west to east direction. This feat was accomplished in 1940-42, a remarkable achievement considering the treacherous ice conditions and Larsen's experience.
The St Roch's crew was led by the skilled and experienced Henry Larsen, who wrote his memoirs under the title "The Big Ship" and were published posthumously in 1967.
Here are some key facts about the St Roch's voyages:
- First vessel to sail the Northwest Passage from west to east (1940-42)
- First vessel to complete the Northwest Passage in one season (1944)
- First vessel to circumnavigate North America
- Survived 12 winters stuck in the ice for 10 months at a time
- King George VI awarded the prestigious Polar Medal to Henry Larsen and the crew who sailed during the 1944 voyage
- Declared a National Historic Site (1962)
The St Roch's incredible journey was not limited to her voyages through the Northwest Passage. She also became the first vessel to circumnavigate the North American continent by returning from Esquimalt to Halifax via the Panama Canal in 1950.
Who Were the Crew?
The crew of St. Roch was a diverse and skilled group of individuals.
Henry Larsen, born in Norway in 1899, had a strong background in sailing, having gone to sea aboard a square-rigger at the age of 15.
Eleven other RCMP members traveled on board in 1944, taking on the dual roles of policemen and sailors.
Joe Panipakoocho, an Inuit guide, and his family joined the crew for part of the 1944 voyage.
Henry Larsen's experience and leadership skills made him a natural fit to be made master of St. Roch, a position he held for many years.
What Happened to the Ship
The St. Roch's active service came to an end after 20 years.
The ship was no longer needed with the Arctic becoming more accessible by airplane.
After its retirement, the St. Roch returned to Vancouver.
The city bought the ship for $5,000.
It was then put into a drydock at Vanier Park for preservation.
Legacy and Museum
The St. Roch has been the central exhibit in the Vancouver Maritime Museum, being housed in a purpose-built pavilion.
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about the St. Roch's history and significance.
Its purpose-built pavilion was designed to showcase the ship's impressive journey and accomplishments.
The St. Roch is an important part of Canadian history, and the museum does a great job of sharing its story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first ship to circumnavigate North America?
The St. Roch was the first ship to circumnavigate North America, completing a southern voyage in 1950. This historic achievement strengthened Canadian Arctic sovereignty.
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