Liberty Ship John W. Brown Visits Halifax

SS John W. Brown, a Second World War vintage American freighter, will make its way into the Halifax harbour and to the wharves of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Thursday, Aug. 24. The vessel is in Halifax for a rare three-day visit.

The John W. Brown is one of 2,710 Liberty ships, built between 1941 and 1945, that helped win the Second World War by participating in the North Atlantic convoys - the lifelines to victory for Allied forces. Those who lived in Halifax during that war will remember these ships, dubbed ugly ducklings.

Crewed today by volunteer merchant marine veterans with an average age of 73, the John W. Brown is one of only two Liberty ships operational in the world today.

"The vessel is a living memorial to the wartime crews who sailed these ships and the men and women who built them," said Michael Murray, director of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. "The arrival of John W. Brown to the museum wharves also creates a reunion of sorts with two other World War II vessels, CSS Acadia and HMCS Sackville."

Built in 1913, CSS Acadia is on permanent seasonal display at the museum and is open to the public. A former hydrographic survey ship and now a National Historic Site, Acadia was also one of the only ships to have served during both world wars.

In addition, HMCS Sackville, the only remaining Canadian Second World War corvette is docked adjacent to the museum and is also open for visitors. This vessel served as a convoy escort, protecting ships like John W. Brown from enemy attack by submarine. It is now owned and operated by the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust and is Canada's Naval Memorial.

"This trio of World War II veterans presents a unique and rare glimpse into life more than five decades ago, with both merchant navy and the navy represented," said Mr. Murray.

All three ships are open to the public. John W. Brown will be in Halifax Aug. 24-26 and is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Admission to this vessel and HMCS Sackville is by donation. Admission to visit CSS Acadia is $1. For more information call 902-424-7490.

NOTE: Slides from the 1994 visit of the John W. Brown are available; please contact 902-424-6440.