Dicker, Doug

Doug Dicker was born April 19, 1950 in Temiskaming, Quebec, where his father worked in a local mill. Doug’s father had come to Canada from England in 1925, and he was a veteran of World War Two who served all six years in that conflict as a soldier in the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry.  While overseas he reconnected with Maud, a female friend from his early life, and the two of them struck up a romance, marrying in 1942.  Doug’s mother came to Canada right after the war, one of thousands of war brides to do so.  They thus began their life in Canada, with Doug coming along a few years later.  Doug had heard stories of the war and military growing up, so he opted to join too.  The Cold War was in effect at that time – as was the reorganization of Canada’s military:  what had been the Royal Canadian Navy was now the Canadian Armed Forces Sea Element.  Training began at HMCS Cornwallis and Camp Borden, where he completed the 3 months of Logistic training, becoming a Supply Technician.  In short order Doug was assigned to destroyer HMCS Skeena, where he would serve for the next 14 months.  During that time they did multiple work-ups to ensure everyone knew the ship, knew their role and could perform their responsibility without hesitation. Then came exercises for the ship to perform to task whether alone or with other ships or submarines. Doug’s Action Station was on the flight deck as a helicopter firefighter and rescue. Each time the helicopter was departing or arriving, they were on the flight deck dressed with hoses charged ready for any emergency. In addition Doug did shore patrol – and he even helped with the daily rum ration that was ongoing at that time. Doug’s naval career was relatively brief; his time in the service coincided with amalgamation, and morale was low and long-term career prospects were dim.  He made the decision to leave, marrying and starting a family, and beginning a successful career in the construction industry.  The allure of the military remained though, and in 2008 Doug connected with the Royal Canadian Naval Association, reaching out to other service members and his community through his volunteer and remembrance efforts.  Doug Dicker was interviewed by Scott Masters at Legion Branch 60 in Burlington, Ontario, courtesy of the Burl-Oak Naval Veterans, and this video was edited by Crestwood student Chaeni Lee.