| Yorke Island coastal fort | |
|---|---|
| at the split of Johnstone Strait and Sunderland Channel between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia, | |
| Type | coastal fort |
| Built | 1938 |
| In use | 1938-46 |
| Controlled by | Canada |
Contents |
Yorke Island[1] is located off of the North end of Hardwicke Island in the south end of Johnstone Strait. Located in the Inside Passage, it occupies a choke point at the split of Johnstone Strait and Sunderland Channel which all vessels traveling between the Mainland and Vancouver Island would have to pass. As Hardwicke Island separates two channels offering passages between Vancouver Island and the mainland coast of British Columbia, Yorke Island is strategically placed to protect the entrances of what was considered the backdoor access to Vancouver during WWII.
In 1938 Major Treatt of the Canada War Department, inspected the west coast of Canada and determined suitable locations for coastal defences. Yorke Island was determined to be a suitable site. The site was equipped with two 4.7” Quick firing guns, later replaced by two 6” Mk7 guns on Mk 2 mounting (transferred from the Stanley Park Battery). Also fitted was a 6 pdr Hotchkiss “examination gun”. Anti-aircraft defence was provided by two 40mm Bofors guns at two different sites. In all three 100 million carbon arc searchlights were positioned to maintain a night fighting ability. In addition examination vessels, nicknamed the "Gumboot Navy" due to the use of fishing vessels and their crew, were on station to assist the fort in examining all passing traffic.
Approximately 60 buildings were built to support the garrison. A major challenge with Yorke Island was a lack of drinking water. Water was at first supplied by Union Steam ships while dropping off construction materials. After this was determined to be to inefficient, a scow with a large tank was brought in to fill the 50000 gallon cement water tank via the nearest creek on Hardwicke Island. Filling this tank and its challenges led to the only death on Yorke, Gnr Brunt, when the skiff he and others were on was swamped returning from a maintenance trip to Hardwicke Island. Brunt's leg tangled in the boat tow line and he was lost when it sank. Efforts to recover him were not successful.
Yorke Island was an isolated post which combined with lack of action, the advent of the conscript act, and minimal contact with locals lead to some discipline issues, nicknamed “Going Yorkie”. Segregation was also a difficulty: some men served on the island at the same time did not meet until reunions were arranged well after the war.
As the threat of attack diminished the garrison was decommissioned and the fort was abandoned by early 1946.[2]
The fort is abandoned. Recent efforts by volunteers and local groups have now allowed for a major clean up at the fort. Trails have been cut and marked to areas of safe access and interest. The dock built in World War II has disappeared. Extensive remnants of the bunkers, gun emplacements, and buildings are easily accessed when one is on the island. Safely accessing the island is a difficult and sometimes dangerous journey due to dangerous tides and winds. The safest access is in Courtenay Bay due to its protection from extreme flood and tidal action compared to the conditions found on the beach side near to the dock built in World War II. There are no operators with permits to conduct tours of Yorke Island at this time.
