A few months ago I received a note from Katie regarding her grandfather:
My grandfather Robert Ainslie was on the HMCS Prescott during WW2 and was one of the people that helped to rescue the men from the partridge. He is now 86.
I called Robert a little while ago and recorded his retelling of the night the Partridge was sunk. After hearing my grandfather tell the story and so many of the crew, it is interesting to hear it told from the Canadian’s perspective. I put a small clip of our conversation here:
My Uncle, Alvin Schlais, passed away on Novembere 30, 2008 at the age of 89. He was on the Partridge when it was torpedoed, and was subsequently rescued by the crew of the Prescott. My Aunt Helen, Alvin’s wife of 62 years, recently found a 3-page letter written by Alvin describing what he experienced when the Partridge was torpedoed and he was finally rescued. I would love to hear the whole recording of the conversation with Robert Ainslie and share it with my relatives. Is it possible to get a copy of it made?
Please advise.
Regards,
Corine Schultz
My father, George Kroitor, was a crew member on HMCS Prescott from 1941 until he was transferred late in 1944 off the ship. He recalls many of the events from on board ship and ha s Flower Class Corvette on his mantel to this day. I have seen his collection of wartime photos – some of which depict the aftermath including “burial at sea” of perhaps 5 of the crew of the USS Partridge.
As a member of the committe planning a 200th anniversary for the town of Prescott Ontario, I am trying to organize a day in honour of HMCS Prescott in conjunction if possible with a tour of RCN vessels up the St. Lawrence River past us on their way to Toronto. As a central part of the celebration we would be delighted to pay tribute to members of her crew. Scott, do you know any men who would/could/should be part of such a celebration, either in person or by family member?
Gerry Brown
History Research,
Prescott 2010
Hello,
When is this event? My grandfather was on the Prescott and is still alive today. He would love to go and so would my family.
katiewilson29@hotmail.com
I was so happy to see that you recorded my grandfathers interview!! Will you be able to email this recording to me, it is something I would love to have forever. My grandfather is still going strong and often recalls this story. Thank you!
Interesting to hear – a real piece of history for me since my Grandfather was killed on the Partridge it brings a clearer understanding of what happened that night so many years ago
James, are you able to send me the recording to my email of my grandfather? He just recently passed away and it is something i would like to have. its katiewilson29@hotmail.com
Hi Katie — I’m really sorry to hear about your grandfathers passing. I just looked in my archives and found the interview — I can’t really email it to you though because it’s a large file. But I can email you a CD if you send me an address. You can email me at jameskrouse@gmail.com and I’ll get it in the mail.
Hello, I am interested in info re: the USS Partridge. My wife’s paternal grandfather, Chief Joseph Cooney, was KIA when the ship was torpedoed. The CD sounds of interest. Let me know if I may obtain a copy. Thank you.
Hello, there was another corvette involved in the rescue of survivors from the U.S.S. Partridge. My Dad was on the other corvette and wrote avoit it in his diary. He did not name the corvette he was on but did mention that the Prescott was also involved in the rescue.