HMCS Regina model sails back into city hall after 10-year absence

Regina may be a landlocked city in a landlocked province, but the city still has a very strong connection to the Royal Canadian Navy.

On Wednesday, the city unveiled a refitted model of HMCS Regina, a Flower-class corvette which performed escort duties during the Battle of the Atlantic in the Second World War. The 205-foot ship, named for Saskatchewan’s capital city, saw combat on several occasions, including attacking and sinking the Italian submarine Avorio, before it was ultimately sunk by a German U-boat off the English coast on August 8, 1944, killing 30 crewmen.

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The model was originally donated to the city in 2009, but hasn’t been displayed publicly since 2014 when it was removed from its place in Henry Baker Hall due to renovations. The model has now been refitted, and is once again on display to the public.

“The return of the model HMCS Regina to City Hall stands as a reminder of our city’s enduring connection to this namesake ship and the courageous individuals who have served aboard her, both past and present,” Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said in a statement.

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of HMCS Queen in restoring the model and for their work in preserving this important piece of our history.”

Lieutenant-Commander Aaron Kaytor, HMCS Queen’s commanding officer, was on hand for the model’s unveiling on Wednesday.

“This model stands as a testament to Saskatchewan’s connection to international trade and maritime history while reminding us all of values those who went before us represent,” Kaytor said in a statement.

The current HMCS Regina is a Halifax-class frigate currently in active service.