Yorke Island (Canada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yorke Island coastal fort |
|
|---|---|
| at the split of Johnstone Strait and Sunderland Channel between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia, | |
| Type | coastal fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Canada |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1938 |
| In use | 1938-46 |
Yorke Island is a small island located near the north end of Hardwicke Island in Johnstone Strait. It sits in a special spot called the Inside Passage. This location is like a narrow gateway where Johnstone Strait and Sunderland Channel meet. All ships traveling between the mainland of British Columbia and Vancouver Island must pass through this area. Because Hardwicke Island separates two water paths, Yorke Island was perfectly placed. Its main job during World War II was to protect what was seen as a secret way into Vancouver.
History of Yorke Island Fort
In 1938, a military expert named Major Treatt from the Canada War Department looked at the west coast of Canada. He was searching for good places to build coastal defenses. These defenses were like strong forts designed to protect the coast from enemy attacks. Yorke Island was chosen as a perfect spot.
The fort was first equipped with two 4.7-inch "Quick Firing" guns. These were powerful cannons that could shoot quickly. Later, they were replaced with even bigger 6-inch guns. An additional small "examination gun" was also added. This gun was used to fire a warning shot if a ship didn't stop for inspection.
To protect against planes, the fort had two 40mm Bofors guns. These were special guns designed to shoot down aircraft. At night, three powerful searchlights lit up the water. This helped the soldiers see any ships trying to sneak by in the dark.
The fort also had "examination vessels." These were often fishing vessels and their crews, nicknamed the "Gumboot Navy." They helped the fort by checking all ships passing through the strait.
About 60 buildings were constructed on the island to support the soldiers living there. One big problem on Yorke Island was the lack of fresh drinking water. At first, water was brought by supply ships. But this was not very efficient.
Later, a large tank on a boat was used to bring water from a nearby creek on Hardwicke Island. This water filled a huge 50,000-gallon concrete water tank on Yorke Island. Filling this tank was a difficult job. Sadly, it led to the only death on Yorke Island during the war. A soldier named Gnr Brunt drowned when his small boat sank while returning from a maintenance trip. His leg got tangled, and he was lost.
Life on Yorke Island was often lonely because it was so isolated. There wasn't much action, and the soldiers had little contact with people from outside. This sometimes led to problems with discipline, which they called "Going Yorkie." Some soldiers who served on the island at the same time didn't even meet until after the war.
As the danger of attack decreased, the fort was closed down. The soldiers left, and the fort was abandoned by early 1946.
Yorke Island Today
Today, Yorke Island is no longer a military fort. Instead, it is a protected area called a Conservancy, managed by BC Parks. This means the island's natural beauty and historical sites are preserved.
Recently, volunteers and local groups have worked hard to clean up the old fort. They have cleared and marked trails, making it safer to explore. You can still see many parts of the old bunkers, gun positions, and buildings.
Important Safety Warning: If you visit, you might see people with metal detectors. However, it is very dangerous to use them on the island. There might still be old training ammunition left over from the war. It is crucial to never touch or pick up anything that looks like old military equipment.
Getting to Yorke Island can be tricky because of strong tides and winds. The safest way to reach the island is by landing in Courtney Bay. This bay is more protected from extreme water conditions. The old dock built during World War II is gone.
Visitors should know that there are no secret rooms or hidden bunkers on the island. The entire fort was built on solid rock, using a huge amount of concrete. Some people have tried to find hidden rooms by damaging walls and floors, but this is not allowed. All the interesting parts of the fort are out in the open for everyone to see.
