Francesca Mackie
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Francesca Mackie
@franmackie.bsky.social
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British-Canadian, newly retired, seeking a joyful, healthy life.
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Reposted by Francesca Mackie
brianmackie.bsky.social
Commander John R Hunter serving the crew of manning base HMCS Niobe, Greenock, Scotland, December 25, 1944. The Royal Canadian Navy tradition of the senior officer handing over command to the youngest member of the crew, and the officers serving a festive meal, started in the 1940s. #navalhistory
Acting Commander (and Commanding Officer) John Rooke Hunter of HMCS Niobe, a Royal Canadian Navy manning base in Greenock, Scotland, serves Christmas drinks to RCN Ratings and WRCNs, December 25 1944. Commander Hunter is wearing his full uniform, with the three stripes of his position prominent on the cuff of his jacket. The stripes are "wavy", indicating that he was an officer of the RCNVR (Volunteer Reserve). Commander Hunter is holding a large jug of tea (or other drink) and is pouring into the cups and bowls of seated and uniformed RCN Ratings and WRCNs, who are smiling broadly, clearly enjoying the moment of their commanding officer serving them. Commander Hunter appears to be enjoying the moment also, leaning in to the task. Men from further down the row are looking on, also smiling at the scene. In the background, some bunting is hanging between the windows of the large room where the serving is taking place.
December 25, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Reposted by Francesca Mackie
brianmackie.bsky.social
A narrow WW2 North Atlantic port entrance, protected by torpedo nets AND icebergs! We could only be in St John’s, Newfoundland.

Here is a thread of intertwined St John’s coastal and naval history, with views of both the past and the present.

#coastalhistory #navalhistory 🧵1/13
A view looking down from the coastal west side, out to sea, of the narrows that make up the entrance to the harbour of St John's, Newfoundland. The narrows are 200 feet wide and about 800 feet in length. Visible just beyond the entrance to the narrows are two icebergs. Within the narrows, several rows of torpedo nets are visible through surface floats. Military garrison buildings are mixed with local houses along the steep, rocky cliffs that surround the narrows. Pic from The Rooms, Newfoundland Archives.
November 9, 2025 at 1:19 AM
Reposted by Francesca Mackie
brianmackie.bsky.social
This Dutch delft plaque is on display at St Bartholomew’s in Gourock, Scotland. It memorializes the hospitality bestowed on “sailors, soldiers and airmen” from 1940-47.

But what is the wartime history of the Dutch military on the Clyde?

#maritimehistory #navalhistory #coastalhistory

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A decorated plaque made from blue and white Dutch delft tile, encased in a gilded frame. The words say: To The Glory of God and in grateful remembrance of generous hospitality bestowed on the Netherlands Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen during their stay in the United Kingdom Annis Domini 1940-47, this tablet was presented by the Protestant churches of the Netherlands. "I was a stranger and ye took me in"
May 18, 2025 at 2:36 AM