While going thru the Library and Archives Canada, Directorate of Movement files (convoys and ships) , I have now come across lists of US/Canadian/British soldier/sailors/airmen who were transported aboard the HMCHS Letitia (His Majesties Canadian Hospital Ship Letitia)……….their are hundreds (if not a thousand) names on these list, most being transported from Manila to the US (Tacoma) and to Vancouver Canada, but also to other destinations……I believe these where are all POW’s of the Japanese. Most are US, but their are quite a few lists of Allied POW’s Information can be copied (click on “page” button on the lower left of the page - this gives you a full resolution copy of the file, which you can then download). Each page needs to be copied individually (and their are LOT’s of pages) Link to start of information below. https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c5639/5047
Info on Letitia, also has it’s “movement card” information, and you can see it’s movements to Manila at the end of the list HMS/HMCS LETITIA SHIP'S MOVEMENTS Canadian Hospital Ship LETITIA - For Posterity's Sake
Hi, Thanks for posting. The British aircraft carrier HMS Implacable embarked 2000 ex British, Canadian & US POW in Manila late Sept 1945 and dropped the US personnel off in Hawaii before continuing to Vancouver to disembark the British & Canadian personnel. I wonder if these arrivals are recorded? After a week in Vancouver Implacable recrossed the Pacific to collect British ex POW from Hong Kong and dropped them off in North Borneo for trans shipment to U.K. Steve
Although the list is not complete many passenger lists for repatriation from Manila can be found in this link (scroll towards the bottom to 'Repatriation'). The list for HMS Implacable 25 Sep 45 is in Part 3 of List 124B. Special Files Tim
It was the Letitia my fathers aircraft Liberator IIIA LV341. Z/120 was searching for on 13 August 1942 when the aircraft was lost with four of its crew. My father included. A distress signal had been received from a ship that had been torpedoed, it was thought this was the Letitia and the Liberator was dispatched to search for survivors. The Letitia arrived at its destination a couple of days later. It was never discovered which ship sent the distress message.
Letitia, post war. 1946 sold and acquired by the British Govt as MOT troopship, renamed Empire Brent. 1952 acquired by the New Zealand Govt and renamed Captain Cook. Feb 1960 laid up at Falmouth. April 1960 arrived at Inverkeithing (Scotland) for breaking up. Graham.
Steve, If the photographers from the Vancouver papers weren't chartering aircraft to get those close ups there's one taken from the Lion's Gate Bridge. I'd post it here but it's 5 MBs. Sent via email. Regards, Dave
A couple of better shots of Implacable at Vancouver/Esquimalt Glory also made a run to Esquimalt in 1945
Sorry for my late reply. Thanks to all for posting the additional information re HMS Implacable’s role in the repatriation of POW in 1945. Much appreciated. Steve
