Ammunition Dumping in Georgian Bay: The Tug Northern’s Role

Overview

During the aftermath of World War II, the Canadian government authorized the disposal of surplus or obsolete ammunition into Georgian Bay, near Dyer’s Bay, along the Bruce Peninsula. This operation involved the use of the Tug Northern, operated by John Harrison & Sons Company Limited, to transport and dump large quantities of shells in deep waters.

Key Details

• Timeframe: November 1945

• Location:

• Dumping Site: 2 miles off Dyer’s Bay, Georgian Bay

• Depth: Approximately 78 fathoms (468 feet / 143 meters)

• Ammunition:

• Obsolete and unstable ammunition used for training and during wartime, including:

• 4.5-inch Howitzer (H.E. and smoke)

• 18-pounder shells (smoke)

• 60-pounder shells (H.E.)

• 155mm H.E. shells

• Quantity: Approximately 1,000 tons

• Personnel:

• 39 soldiers from Newmarket, under the command of Captain J.H. Seldon, performed the dumping operations.

• Captain Roderick Graham commanded the Tug Northern.

• Transportation: The ammunition was transported in wooden boxes and metal containers, loaded at Owen Sound.

Operation Summary

The Tug Northern departed from Owen Sound, carrying loads of ammunition to the designated disposal site. The ammunition, which had been stored in freight cars and transferred to the Northern, was carefully dumped overboard by soldiers. Each trip involved dumping approximately 150 tons of shells, and the operation required seven trips in total to complete.

Process:

1. Loading: Ammunition was packed and loaded onto the Deck of the Northern, fore and aft of the bridge.

2. Transit: The Tug sailed to the designated site near Dyer’s Bay, maintaining stability while carrying the volatile cargo.

3. Disposal:

• Soldiers manually pushed the shells off the side of the vessel.

• A slide was constructed to ensure shells landed safely in the water, approximately four feet from the vessel.

• The task typically took 75 to 90 minutes per trip, carried out under strict safety protocols.

Environmental and Safety Context

At the time, attitudes toward environmental conservation differed significantly. Ammunition was often discarded in deep waters to eliminate hazards from aging explosives. Despite this, some officials expressed concerns about long-term risks.

• Post-War Context: The disposal was driven by the rapid demobilization of wartime infrastructure and the need to clear munitions storage before winter.

• Safety Measures: Soldiers handled all explosives, while the Northern’s crew ensured safe navigation. Despite some delays due to weather, there were no reported accidents during the operation.

Public Perception and Historical Significance

Initially, the operation attracted little public attention, as many were weary of war and eager to move on. However, in hindsight, the ammunition dump became a controversial topic, raising concerns about unexploded ordnance and environmental impacts.

Legacy:

• Potential Risks: Reports suggest that the dumped ammunition remains scattered across a vast area of Georgian Bay. Though believed to be largely inert, the presence of unexploded shells could pose risks to divers and fishermen.

• Historical Context: The operation highlights a unique chapter in Canadian military and maritime history, reflecting post-war priorities and practices.

Key References

1. Newspaper Articles:

• “1,000 Tons of Ammunition Being Dumped in Bay Here” – Owen Sound Sun Times (November 21, 1945)

• “Tug Dumped Shells in Bay” – Phil McNichol, Owen Sound Sun Times (August 30, 1991)

2. Eyewitness Accounts:

• Harrison family members, including James Harrison, whose company managed the Tug operations.

• Soldiers who participated in the dumping process.

3. Geographic Context:

• The disposal site is marked on maps as 2 miles east of Dyer’s Bay in Georgian Bay.

• The depth and isolation of the site were chosen to minimize interference with commercial fishing and navigation.

Conclusion

The use of the Tug Northern for ammunition disposal in Georgian Bay stands as a significant yet little-known event in the region’s maritime history. While it resolved immediate logistical challenges, the operation’s legacy invites reflection on the environmental and safety practices of the time.

For further exploration, consider diving into the archives of the Owen Sound Sun Times or local maritime history collections to uncover more about this extraordinary operation.