HMCS MAGOG (K673)

HMCS MAGOG

The History of HMCS MAGOG

HMCS Magog was a River-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy that served briefly during the Second World War as a convoy escort and anti-submarine vessel. Named for the town of Magog, Quebec, she was the only ship to bear the name.

Built by Canadian Vickers Ltd. in Montreal, Quebec, Magog was laid down on 16 June 1943, launched on 22 September 1943, and commissioned on 7 May 1944 with the pennant number K673. She displaced 1,445 tons, measured 91.9 metres in length with a beam of 11.1 metres and a draught of 2.7 metres, and could reach 19 knots. Her complement was about 141 officers and ratings. Armament included a twin 4-inch gun mount, a 12-pounder gun, eight 20-mm guns, a Hedgehog anti-submarine mortar, and depth charges.

After commissioning, Magog sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia, arriving on 28 May 1944. She worked up briefly in St. Margaret's Bay before proceeding to Bermuda in July for further training. Repairs, including to boiler tubes, were completed at Montreal and Halifax. In August she joined Escort Group 16 for anti-submarine patrols and convoy escort duties in the Halifax, Gaspe, and Sydney areas. In early October she escorted elements of convoys ON.256 and ONS.33 off eastern Canada. Her commanding officer was Lieutenant Lewis Dennis Quick, RCNR.

On 14 October 1944, while escorting convoy GONS.33 in the St. Lawrence River off Pointe-des-Monts, Quebec, Magog was struck by a torpedo from the German submarine U-1223. The hit sheared off roughly 60 feet (18.3 metres) of her stern, killing three crew members and injuring three others. Some men were blown overboard but rescued. A second acoustic torpedo exploded nearby without hitting the ship. Effective damage control kept Magog afloat. She was taken in tow first by HMCS Toronto, then by HMCS Shawinigan to Godbout Bay, and later by the tug Lord Strathcona to Quebec City. There she was declared a constructive total loss.

Canadian authorities considered rebuilding Magog and the similarly damaged HMCS Chebogue, but the Admiralty advised against it due to shipyard congestion and the prospect of an early end to the war. Magog was paid off on 20 December 1944 to care and maintenance. In 1945 she was sold to Marine Industries Ltd. of Sorel, Quebec, and scrapped in 1947.

HMCS MAGOG Statistical Data

• Pendant: K673
• Type: Frigate
• Class: RIVER Class 42-43 Programme
• Displacement: 1445 tonnes
• Length: 301.5 ft
• Width: 36.6 ft
• Draught: 9 ft
• Speed: 19 kts
• Compliment: 8 Officers and 133 Crew
• Arms: 2-4" (1 x II), 4-20mm, Hedgehog
• Builder: Canadian Vickers Ltd., Montreal. Que.
• Keel Laid: 16-Jun-43
• Date Launched: 22-Sep-43
• Date Commissioned: 7-May-44
• Paid off: 20-Dec-44

Photos

H.M.C.S. MAGOG, which was torpedoed by a German submarine near Pointe des Monts, Quebec, on 14 October 1944. (Library and Archives Canada)

HMCS Magog, October 1944, after attack by U-1223. (Library and Archives Canada)

HMCS MAGOG (K673) in drydock at Lauzon, Quebec after being struck by a German torpedo, 1944. (Library and Archives Canada)

Keywords: HMCS MAGOG, Royal Canadian Navy Ship, Frigate, RIVER Class 42-43 Programme Class