Commodore Henry Gallant: The Henry Gallant Saga

Commodore Henry Gallant was a Canadian naval officer who served in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for over 30 years. He was a highly decorated officer who served in both World Wars and the Korean War. He was also a pioneer in the development of Canadian naval aviation. He is best known for his role in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II, where he commanded the Canadian destroyer HMCS Haida, which was one of the most successful Allied destroyers in the war.

Early Life and Education

Henry Gallant was born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada on 13 January 1904. He was the son of Thomas Gallant, a shipwright, and Elizabeth Gallant. He attended school in Saint John and then went on to study at the Royal Naval College of Canada in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He graduated from the Royal Naval College in 1925 and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in the RCN.

Commodore Henry Gallant (The Henry Gallant Saga Book 6)

by H. Peter Alesso

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2526 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Naval Career

After graduating from the Royal Naval College, Gallant served in various postings in the RCN, including the destroyers HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Annapolis. In 1934, he was promoted to lieutenant and given command of the minesweeper HMCS Fundy. He served in the Fundy for three years before being promoted to lieutenant-commander and given command of the destroyer HMCS Restigouche.

In 1939, the Second World War broke out, and Gallant was given command of the destroyer HMCS Haida. The Haida was one of the most successful Allied destroyers in the war, sinking 12 German U-boats and damaging several others. Gallant was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his actions in the Battle of the Atlantic.

After the Second World War, Gallant continued to serve in the RCN. In 1949, he was promoted to captain and given command of the destroyer HMCS Iroquois. He served in the Iroquois for two years before being promoted to commodore and given command of the Canadian destroyer squadron.

In 1953, Gallant was appointed Flag Officer, Atlantic Coast, and assumed responsibility for all RCN ships and establishments on the Atlantic coast. He held this position until 1956, when he was appointed Chief of the Naval Staff. As Chief of the Naval Staff, Gallant was responsible for the overall leadership of the RCN. He held this position until 1960, when he retired from the RCN.

Retirement and Later Life

After retiring from the RCN, Gallant served as Chairman of the Canadian Pension Commission from 1960 to 1965. He also served as a director of several companies, including the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Royal Bank of Canada. He was a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Military Merit. He died in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on 17 May 1991.

Legacy

Commodore Henry Gallant was one of the most successful and decorated naval officers in Canadian history. He was a pioneer in the development of Canadian naval aviation and played a key role in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II. His legacy continues to inspire Canadian naval officers today.

Long Descriptive Keyword

Commodore Henry Gallant, Canadian naval officer, Royal Canadian Navy, World War II, Battle of the Atlantic, HMCS Haida, Distinguished Service Order, Distinguished Service Cross, Chief of the Naval Staff

Commodore Henry Gallant (The Henry Gallant Saga Book 6)

by H. Peter Alesso

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2526 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	261 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE