Norm Aldridge joined the Royal Canadian Navy at HMCS Prevost in London, Ontario at age 17. The war was on and young Norm wanted to be involved. A neighbour actually signed the papers for him to enlist, as his parents would not.
He served on the Corvette HMCS Brandon (K149) during the Battle of the Atlantic from late 1941 through the end of the war in 1945. It was during this time that the young Norm was tasked by the CO with replacing the battle worn naval ensign. It was a cold day and Norm stuffed the worn ensign in his jacket while he used both hands to attach the new one. That ensign made it home with him.
When HMCS Brandon was decommissioned in June of 1945 it was Norm who lowered that ensign as well.
It was a chilly October day in 2010, 65 years later, that Norm presented these two WWII ensigns to HMCS Prevost. Standing in the wardroom surrounded by dignitaries and local media, Mr Aldridge presented both flags to LCdr Iain Findlater, Commanding Officer of HMCS Prevost.
“There are a lot of officers in this room”, Mr. Aldridge said, “I want you to know that I didn’t steal these flags, I’m returning them now”. Everyone present laughed and applauded Mr. Aldridge.
The battle ensign is being professionally framed.
The decommissioning ensign was carried to the west coast in the spring of 2011 by Lt(N) Sean Batte of HMCS Prevost. It was presented to the ships company of the namesake HMCS Brandon (MM 710). All aboard were pleased to pose with the ensign of their proud predecessor.
On his return to London, Lt(N) Batte presented Mr. Aldridge with two gifts from HMCS Brandon. They sent him a ball cap and a modern era naval ensign. There were tears in Norm’s eyes.
