Quotulatiousness

June 29, 2022

A very charitable view of Canada’s Indo-Pacific naval involvement

Filed under: Cancon, Military, Pacific — Tags: , , , — Nicholas @ 05:00

In a post on the IISS Military Balance Blog, James Hackett extends far more charity toward the Canadian government’s “incremental growth” of naval activities in the Pacific and Indian Oceans than it may deserve. Given the already stretched nature of the Royal Canadian Navy under ordinary conditions, a cynic might be tempted to speculate what other activities and training will have to be foregone to allow the noted two-ship deployment for several months overseas:

A Chilean navy boarding team fast-ropes onto the flight deck of RCN Halifax-class frigate HMCS Calgary (FFH 335) during multinational training exercise Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX 2009.
US Navy photo via Wikimedia.

On 14 June, Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) frigates HMCS Winnipeg and HMCS Vancouver left their berths at Esquimalt naval base in British Columbia, bound for the US-led Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 exercise, due to take place from 29 June to 4 August. The ships will then set a westerly course for a five-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific, principally to support Canada’s Operation Projection. This is the first twin deployment of its kind since 2017 and heralds a bolstering of Canada’s defence contribution in the region, with new naval investments on the way to help sustain it, but will they be enough?

[…]

However, a number of the building blocks to help sustain Canada’s regional defence ambitions are still being put in place. In 2016 the RCN retired the last of its Protecteur-class oiler and replenishment vessels and, for a time, resorted to hiring Chilean and Spanish ships to maintain replenishment capability amid delays in the project to replace the class. In 2018, as an interim measure it introduced the converted German container vessel MV Asterix into the role of an at-sea replenishment vessel and oiler.

The first of two new Joint Support Ships (JSSs) will be delivered in 2023. Also called the Protecteur-class, these ships are being built in Vancouver. They form a key part of Canada’s ambitious National Shipbuilding Strategy, alongside new class of surface combatants and Arctic patrol vessels. Based on the German Brandenburg-class design, the JSSs are intended to be compatible with Canada’s afloat combat platforms, boasting combat systems, tactical data links and defensive weapons systems. What role Canada’s submarine flotilla might play in an enhanced Indo-Pacific posture is uncertain, although one submarine, HMCS Chicoutimi, undertook an unusual deployment into the region in 2017/18.

Whether two JSSs will be enough in terms of naval logistic support at sea also remains an open question and there has even been talk of extending the lease on MV Asterix. The RCN will, nonetheless, have regenerated its sovereign at-sea replenishment capability once the new ships are in service. Alongside the other planned capability enhancements, the future RCN should be a more capable force than it is today. With the two new Protecteur-class vessels in service, the RCN should be more operationally sustainable and also better able to offer some of the broader non-combat defence assistance that may be required on the engagement and training tasks seen in missions like Operation Projection.

It’s always a foolish bet that any major equipment for the Canadian military will be delivered on time or under budget, and the Joint Support Ship project is unlikely to change that. The ships were originally announced in 2004, but between changes of government and re-imagining the entire RCN shipbuilding program, the contracts were not signed until 2020. Initially, $2.6 billion was allocated to purchase two vessels with an option for a third. It didn’t take long for budget realities to cancel the optional ship, and by 2020, it was reported that the anticipated final cost will be $4.1 billion. Unlike pretty much every other shipbuilding project, the Project Resolve ship MV Asterix was accepted into service in 2018, both on time and within budget … perhaps because this was a conversion of an existing hull rather than an all-new build.

The next major step after the JSS project is completed is to roll out the replacements for the Halifax-class frigates and the already-retired Iroquois-class destroyers. It will theoretically consist of 15 hulls, but as we usually see in naval expenditure, if the RCN ends up getting a dozen they may consider themselves lucky. The ships will be based on the British Type 26 frigate design.

An artist’s rendition of BAE’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship, which was selected as the Canadian Surface Combatant design in 2019, the most recent “largest single expenditure in Canadian government history” (as all major weapon systems purchases tend to be).
(BAE Systems, via Flickr)

Construction of the Canadian Type 26 ships is “expected” to begin in 2024. Gamblers may want to place their bets on how close to that date actual fabrication begins and by just how much the budget will be overshot by the time a few of the ships enter service in the “early 2030s”.

June 26, 2022

HMCS Ontario – Guide 148

Filed under: Britain, Cancon, History, Military, WW2 — Tags: , , , , — Nicholas @ 02:00

Drachinifel
Published 12 Oct 2019

HMCS Ontario, last of Canada’s cruisers and a Minotaur class vessel, is the second subject of the day.

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June 6, 2022

How Rescue Flotilla One saved more than 400 men on D-Day

Filed under: France, History, Military, USA, WW2 — Tags: , , — Nicholas @ 02:00

The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered
Published 2 Jun 2018

The History Guy remembers the heroic service of Rescue Flotilla 1 of the United States Coast Guard during D-Day. It is history that deserves to be remembered.

The History Guy uses images that are in the Public Domain. As photos of actual events are sometimes not available, I will often use photographs of similar events and objects for illustration.

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheHistoryGuy

The History Guy: Five Minutes of History is the place to find short snippets of forgotten history from five to fifteen minutes long. If you like history too, this is the channel for you.

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The episode is intended for educational purposes. All events are presented in historical context.

#ushistory #militaryhistory #thehistoryguy

May 22, 2022

HMCS Bras D’Or; The world’s fastest warship and the pinnacle of hydrofoil development in Canada

Filed under: Cancon, History, Military, Technology — Tags: , , , , , , , — Nicholas @ 02:00

Polyus Studios
Published 3 Feb 2022

Don’t forget to like the video and subscribe to my channel!
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HMCS Bras D’Or was the pinnacle of over 100 years of hydrofoil development in Canada. Starting with Alexander Graham Bell and ending with the Proteus, hydrofoils held the promise of faster travel over the waves. Unfortunately the technology never found a comfortable fit in either military or civil fleets. It was designed to be an ASW hunter but by the time she was ready, the Navy was settled on using the now familiar Destroyer/Helicopter combos.

0:00 Introduction
0:29 Alexander Graham Bell and Casey Baldwin
2:28 The R-100 Massawippi
5:46 The R-103 Baddeck
7:15 The Rx
8:48 Anti-submarine warfare hydrofoil concept
12:24 FHE-400 Bras D’Or
17:23 Testing and refinement
19:25 Cancellation
20:18 Proteus
20:45 Conclusion

Music:
“Denmark” – Portland Cello Project
“Your Suggestions” – Unicorn Heads

#BrasDor #CanadianAerospace #PolyusStudios

May 13, 2022

Battle of Tsushima – When the 2nd Pacific Squadron thought it couldn’t get any worse…

Filed under: History, Japan, Military, Russia, Weapons — Tags: , , , — Nicholas @ 02:00

Drachinifel
Published 18 Sep 2019

At long last the 2nd Pacific Squadron’s voyage comes to an end …

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April 27, 2022

Why It Sucked To Be on a Merchant Ship in World War Two – WW2 Special

Filed under: Britain, History, Military, WW2 — Tags: , , , , — Nicholas @ 04:00

World War Two
Published 26 Apr 2022

Serving on board a merchant ship during the Second World War was a hazardous endeavor. Stalked by submarines, attacked by surface raiders, and hunted by bombers, the convoys and individual cargo ships faced constant danger on their routes across the seas. And that is in addition to the job’s typical hazards. But what was life like for a regular sailor on board these ships? And what motivates a man to sign up for such a dangerous job?
(more…)

April 14, 2022

Dining First Class on the RMS Titanic

Filed under: Britain, Food, History — Tags: , , , , , , — Nicholas @ 04:00

Tasting History with Max Miller
Published 12 Apr 2022

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LINKS TO INGREDIENTS & EQUIPMENT**
Sony Alpha 7C Camera: https://amzn.to/2MQbNTK
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens: https://amzn.to/35tjyoW
Green Chartreuse: https://bit.ly/onlinebottlesmax
Leaf Gelatin: https://amzn.to/3NY6Y5S

LINKS TO SOURCES**
Last Dinner on the Titanic by Rick Archbold and Dana McCauley: https://amzn.to/3tqNz5s
Titanic, First Accounts: https://amzn.to/3L2f7UH
The Sinking of the Titanic: 1912 Survivor Accounts by Bruce M. Caplan and Logan Marshall: https://amzn.to/3KSKock
The 10 Best Titanic Survivor Stories: https://amzn.to/3wioSK3

RECIPE
Ingredients:
16 sheets Gelatin (or 4 envelopes of powdered gelatin)
3 cups (750ml) Water
1/2 cup (50g) Sugar
1 cup (250ml) Chartreuse
2-4 ripe Peaches or a large can of peaches in syrup
1 cup (250ml) Simple syrup (not necessary if using canned peaches

1. Soak the gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes.
2. Bring the water and sugar to a simmer in a large saucepan then remove it from the heat. Squeeze out any excess water in the gelatin, then add it to the water and stir until dissolved. Stir in the Chartreuse.
3. Pour the liquid into a well greased mold, then refrigerate for 1-3 hours, or until the jelly is beginning to thicken.
4. To remove the skin from the peaches, score and X at the bottom of the peaches, then plunge into boiling water for 45 seconds, then immediately into ice cold water for 10 seconds. If the peaches are ripe, the skin should easily slide off. Remove the pit and slice.
5. Heat the simple syrup to simmering, then add the peach slices. Coat and turn off the heat and let them cool in the syrup.
6. Carefully insert the peaches into the jelly in whatever pattern you like. Then return to the refrigerator until fully set. 8 – 24 hours depending on the depth of the mold.
7. Once set, run a knife around the edge of the jelly, then dip the mold into hot (not boiling) water for 5 seconds. Remove it and place a well greased plate over the top of the mold then flip it over. The jelly should fall out with little more than a tap.
8. Top with Italian meringue or whipped cream, and serve.

**Some of the links and other products that appear on this video are from companies which Tasting History will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Each purchase made from these links will help to support this channel with no additional cost to you. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Subtitles: Jose Mendoza | IG @worldagainstjose

#tastinghistory #titanic #firstclass

April 7, 2022

The Titanic‘s Crew Member Experience

Filed under: Britain, Food, History — Tags: , , , , — Nicholas @ 04:00

Tasting History with Max Miller
Published 5 Apr 2022

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LINKS TO INGREDIENTS & EQUIPMENT**
Sony Alpha 7C Camera: https://amzn.to/2MQbNTK
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Lens: https://amzn.to/35tjyoW
Brown Stock: https://amzn.to/3K4Prq8
Tarragon Vinegar: https://amzn.to/3iV2HBN

LINKS TO SOURCES**
Guide to the Crew of Titanic by Günter Bäbler: https://amzn.to/3IUiYS8
Last Dinner on the Titanic: https://amzn.to/3u8M6RH
The Last Night on the Titanic by Veronica Hinke: https://amzn.to/3qUH5tP

RECIPE
Sirloin Steak
1lb small golden potatoes
2 tablespoons clarified butter
Brown Stock: https://amzn.to/3K4Prq8
(100ml) White wine
(100ml) Tarragon Vinegar: https://amzn.to/3iV2HBN
2 tablespoons chopped Shallots
1 cup (15g) tarragon leaves, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons (2.5g) Whole Peppercorns, roughly pounded
Pinch of Salt
3 large Egg yolks
2 ¼ sticks (250g) Butter
3/4 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon
Pinch of Cayenne

Slowly reduce the brown stock until it coats the back of a spoon.

Wash then carve the potatoes into small olive shapes. Melt the clarified butter with a little salt and pepper then, over a very low heat, add the potatoes and cook until golden brown.

Prepare the Béarnaise sauce using Escoffier’s recipe below. I have cut the ingredients in half and still had more than 2 cups of sauce.

Escoffier’s Béarnaise:
Sauce Béarnaise
“Place 2 dl each of white wine and tarragon vinegar in a small pan with 4 tbs chopped shallots, 20g chopped tarragon leaves, 10g chopped chervil, 5g crushed peppercorns and a pinch of salt. Reduce by two thirds and allow to cool.
“Add 6 egg yolks to the reduction and prepare the sauce over a gentle heat by whisking in 500g of ordinary or melted butter. The cohesion and emulsification of the sauce is effected by the progressive cooking of the egg yolks which depends to a great extent on its preparation over a slow heat.
“When the butter has been completely incorporated, pass the sauce through a fine strainer; correct the seasoning, add a little Cayenne and finish by mixing in 1 tbs chopped tarragon and ½ tbs chopped chervil.”

**Some of the links and other products that appear on this video are from companies which Tasting History will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Each purchase made from these links will help to support this channel with no additional cost to you. The content in this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Subtitles: Jose Mendoza | IG @ worldagainstjose

#tastinghistory #titanic

March 26, 2022

Long-delayed pair of Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers now expected to cost C$7.25 billion

Filed under: Bureaucracy, Cancon, Government — Tags: , , — Nicholas @ 03:00

It’s not just the Canadian Armed Forces that suffer from galloping cost increases for their equipment, as the Canadian Coast Guard’s original (2008) $720 million budget for a new icebreaker to be called CCGS John G. Diefenbaker is a dim distant memory:

Originally ordered in 2008 for delivery in 2017, the CCGS John G. Diefenbaker is now expected to enter service in 2030.
Canadian Coast Guard conceptual rendering, 2012.

Canada could face problems buying the specialized steel needed for its new $7-billion polar icebreakers, further driving up costs for taxpayers.

The polar-class icebreaker project was originally supposed to cost $1.3 billion for the construction of one vessel. Two icebreakers will now be built, but the cost has skyrocketed to an estimated $7.25 billion.

One of the top problems now facing shipbuilders is obtaining the special hardened steel needed for the icebreakers. In a response to questions from the House of Commons, the Canadian Coast Guard outlined the top 10 risks associated with the icebreaker project. Number one was listed as “Challenges sourcing specialized EH50 steel, which may impact cost, schedule and scope” of the project.

Other issues involved the type of helicopter that would operate from the vessels, the capacity of shipyards to do the work and potential design changes. All could contribute to boosting the project’s cost even further.

[…]

In 2021, the Liberal government decided to purchase two polar-class icebreakers, one to be built at Seaspan and the other at Davie in Quebec. Last year, Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux produced a report warning the cost of the two new ships was now estimated at $7.25 billion.

The CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent retires from service in 2030.

The construction of the two icebreakers will be done simultaneously at Seaspan and Davie. “In order to maximize vessel similarities across the two ships, the two yards will be encouraged to establish a strong relationship both between themselves and with firms that are engaged in the ship design phase to help ensure commonality,” parliamentarians were told by the coast guard in its response to questions. Such co-operation could prevent the project from slipping behind schedule, it added.

March 22, 2022

The LAST Tribal-Class Destroyer — HMCS Haida

Filed under: Cancon, History, Military, WW2 — Tags: , , , , , , — Nicholas @ 06:00

Royal Canadian Navy / Marine Royale Canadienne
Published 21 Mar 2022

HMCS Haida has a long and distinguished naval career of service during the Second World War, the Korean Conflict and the Cold War, that’s why Canada’s “fightingest ship” is today a National Historic Site and the ceremonial flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy.

BUT … have you heard the rest of the story?

The incredible journey of saving Haida after being decommissioned in 1963 is told as you’ve never heard it before directly from the last survivor of HAIDA Inc., the group responsible for rescuing the aging Tribal-class destroyer from the scrap heap.

March 8, 2022

HMCS Harry DeWolf goes INTO THE NORTH

Filed under: Cancon, Military — Tags: , , , , — Nicholas @ 04:00

Royal Canadian Navy / Marine Royale Canadienne
Published 7 Mar 2022

Akuni aullarsimaniq (ᐊᑯᓂ ᐊᐅᓪᓚᕐᓯᒪᓂᖅ) Inuktitut for “A long journey”.

Imagine the adventure! For the crew of our first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMCS Harry DeWolf, their inaugural deployment circumnavigating North America from August to December 2021 presented many unique and life-changing experiences.

March 3, 2022

The Raid on St Nazaire – How to make an explosive entrance

Filed under: Britain, France, Germany, History, Military, WW2 — Tags: , , , , — Nicholas @ 04:00

Drachinifel
Published 23 Feb 2022

Today we take a look at the famous raid to destroy the Normandie Drydock. With apologies for starting off with the right pronunciation of St Nazaire and slipping back into my old incorrect way later on!

Sources:
www.amazon.co.uk/Storming-St-Nazaire-James-G-Dorrian/dp/0850528070
www.amazon.co.uk/St-Nazaire-1942-Commando-Campaign/dp/1841762318
www.amazon.co.uk/Operation-Chariot-Nazaire-Forces-Operations/dp/1844151166
www.amazon.co.uk/Into-Jaws-Death-Legendary-Saint-Nazaire/dp/1782064478

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February 10, 2022

HMCS Quebec – Guide 145

Filed under: Britain, Cancon, History, Military, Pacific, WW2 — Tags: , , , , — Nicholas @ 02:00

Drachinifel
Published 28 Sep 2019

HMCS Quebec, formerly HMS/HMCS Uganda, is today’s other entry.

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January 17, 2022

HMS Victory – The Original Fast Battleship

Filed under: Britain, History, Military, Weapons — Tags: , , , — Nicholas @ 04:00

Drachinifel
Published 3 Jul 2019

Today we look at the world’s oldest commissioned warship, the first rate ship of the line HMS Victory.

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Music – https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

January 8, 2022

Battle of the River Plate 1939: Minute-by-Minute

Filed under: Americas, Britain, Germany, History, Military, WW2 — Tags: , , , — Nicholas @ 02:00

Historigraph
Published 24 Jul 2018

The Battle of the River Plate took place in December 1939, and featured the Royal Navy cruisers Exeter, Achilles and Ajax, against the German Panzerschiffe, Graf Spee.

If you’d like to support the creation of more videos like this, please consider supporting us at: https://www.patreon.com/historigraph

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And on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historigraph/

Sources:
Richard Petrow, The Bitter Years: The invasion and Occupation of Denmark and Norway April 1940-May 1945 (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1974). — The first chapter of the book includes a brief description of the hunt for the Graf Spee

Corelli Barnett, Engage The Enemy More Closely: The Royal Navy in the Second World War (London: Penguin, 1991)

Commodore Harwood’s own account of the battle, made available here: http://naval-history.net/WW2LGGrafSpe…

Graf Spee‘s voyage described here: https://www.deutschland-class.dk/admi…

Video clips from World of Warships gameplay and the Battle of the River Plate film, 1958

Music:

“Crypto” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

“Division” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

“Crossing the Chasm” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Sound Effects:
Gunshots and so on are recordings from World of Warships, where the gameplay footage of the ships hails from.

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