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John Pegg was fondly known as "The
Chief" to over 6000 prairie sailors who trained, one or another
under his guidance in Naval routine, discipline and folklore.
John joined the Royal Navy as a
Boy-1 in 1913 for six (6) cents a week. Retiring
from the Royal Navy as a Chief Petty Officer after 24 years, in 1937
John left London to come to Montreal. Shortly after, he transferred to
the Gertrude Avenue (No. 4 Fire Hall), The Winnipeg Division, which at
the time had a full division complement of 100 Reserves. John Pegg was
distinctively known as the Training Chief, and during these times was
the most respected individual in the Division. With the onset of war,
the Security Storage Building on Ellice Avenue became The Winnipeg
Division, but was called the Old Freighter by John.
Chief John Pegg became known as
"Mr. Navy". In 1942, when John Pegg went to Halifax Dockyard
to instruct experienced seamen for higher ranks, it made all the local
papers. He became a Commissioned Warrant Bosn. He remained there until
1946 whereupon he transferred to HMCS Peregrine, where processing for
Discharge of Naval personnel was taking place at the cessation of the
European War.
In 1947 John returned to CHIPPAWA
and was involved in Recruiting and training until 1952, at which time he
became Assistant Staff Officer for the Sea Cadets in Manitoba and
Saskatchewan and the Northern points such as Flin Flon and Lynn Lake. It
was at this time that he took the Queen's Commission and became an
officer.
Retiring in 1957, with the rank
of LCdr, John was famous for pulling up a bollard and, outspinning any
yarn a prairie sailor could think up. John and Mrs. Pegg attended, in an
honorary capacity, many Naval Functions up until his death in 1984.
Note: If you like this
story read also about the
Shipwreck in Saskatchewan! |
