HMCS Cape Breton (K350), Faroe Islands, October 12, 1944. by T. W. Paterson Canada’s fighting ladies of the Second World War: where are they now? What has become of these warriors in gray, many of whom were born in British Columbia shipyards or served on this coast, during the past quarter-century of “peace?” For some, the final paying-off ceremony has meant new life and useful service as a civilian. For others, the end of hostilities and a decommissioning has meant lingering death in an up-Island breakwater, the ignominious tow to a foreign scrap yard or, for a few, dramatic death on the high seas. Probably the single exception—and, as far as her service record goes, sole survivor—is HMCS Cape Breton. The old fleet maintenance vessel has, in fact, served two nations during her 27-year career; first with the Royal Navy, in 1945, joining the RCN as a floating training ship in 1953. Transferred from Halifax to Esquimalt five years after, Cape Breton served as den mother to the we...