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At home in Transcona, delegates from every organization in town pulled together and formed the "Transcona War Efforts Committee." Together, they put for efforts to raise money for every request the government asked for, a mobile canteen, the Red Cross, the Lord Mayor of London Fund, and Victory Loans. On behalf of the Town, the Transcona War Efforts Committee sponsored the ship, the "H.M.C.S. Transcona."

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The HMCS Transcona
1942
Atlantic Ocean

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Built for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in Sorel, Quebec, His Majesty's Commonwealth Ship, the "H.M.C.S. Transcona" was the last of its series (1940-1941 Programme) to be commissioned. Originally designed as a minesweeper, The HMCS Transcona was one of ten diesel powered "Bangor" class vessels that were used primarily for escort work of convoys during the "Battle of the Atlantic."

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A reproduction of the bell from the HMCS Transcona
1942
141 Regent Avenue West, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

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On Saturday, 25 October 1941, the wife of Transcona's Mayor, Mrs. George Olive christened the ship on behalf of the Town of Transcona and the Transcona War Efforts Committee. In ceremonial tradition, she smashed a bottle of champagne against the hull of the ship.

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Mrs. George Olive, the Mayor's wife, christening the HMCS Transcona
1941
Sorel, Quebec

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In Transcona, "Tag Days" and "Whist Drives" were held to raise money in support of the war effort. The money raised was donated to the War Efforts Committee to purchase cigarettes, playing cards, magazines, clothing, and phonograph records, which were sent overseas to local men and women in the service as well as to the "adopted" crew and officers of the H.M.C.S. Transcona. The crew of the H.M.C.S. Transcona had an account set up for them through Eaton's and some large items such as a phonograph, a radio, and even a silver tea set were sent.

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A paper token from a Tag Day fundraiser held by the War Effort Committee for the H.M.C.S Transcona
15 April 1942
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

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Support continued throughout the war as letters were exchanged between the Commander and Crew of the HMCS Transcona with Mayor George Olive and the Transcona War Efforts Committee.

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War Efforts Send Gifts To Sailors
4 May 1944
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Transcona News

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"It is very gratifying to hear of the kind and very thoughtful work that the ladies of the War Effort Committee have done with the sweaters. The Boys will greatly appreciate them in the coming cold weather?" Sincerely, Commander Gough
[Letter from Commander Gough, H.M.C.S. Transcona thanking the town for their efforts.]

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Lt. Commander A.E. Gough, the Captain of the H.M.C.S Transcona
1941
141 Regent Avenue West, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

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A letter from Lt. Commander Gough, of the H.M.C.S Transcona, to Mayor George Olive
1944
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada

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Letter written by Lt. Commander Gough page 2
1944
Transcona, Manitoba, Canada