Choosing the Navy
Heroes Remember
Choosing the Navy
Transcript
Description
Mr. Matheos describes how, despite given the opportunity to become a naval specialist, he opted to remain an Ordinary Seaman.
James Matheos
James Matheos was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on September 9, 1924. He was one of three children. His father, a Greek immigrant, was a restaurateur. Mr. Matheos joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942, with the intention of “seeing the world.” After training in Victoria, British Columbia he served aboard HMCS Sans Peur, a converted British Admiralty yacht, and spent the war in the dual role of patrolling for U-boats off Halifax, and training naval recruits.
Meta Data
- Medium:
- Video
- Owner:
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Duration:
- 1:37
- Person Interviewed:
- James Matheos
- War, Conflict or Mission:
- Second World War
- Units/Ship:
- 415 Squadron
- Rank:
- Ordinary Seaman
- Occupation:
- Deck Crew
Related Videos
HMCS Sans Peur Refit and Role
Mr. Matheos describes the donation of the Royal Yacht, Sans Peur, to the Canadian navy. He discusses her refit and subsequent role as a patrol and training vessel out of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Stormy Seas
Mr. Matheos describes lifelines and the dire result of not using them in stormy seas – the loss of two sailors overboard. He also describes an innovative solution to a ruptured porthole.
Training New Crew
Mr. Matheos describes the training of new recruits and the satisfaction of seeing them succeed. He discusses the fact that he didn't develop any lasting friendships because of the transience of the crew.
Fine Captain and Officers
Mr. Matheos discusses having what he felt were a fine captain and group of officers, and attributes his success, and that of many others, to their ability to motivate their crews.
The Value of Military Service
Mr. Matheos discusses how his naval service shaped his sense of self-discipline.
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