A tribute was held at the BC Aviation Museum at Victoria International Airport on Saturday, August 9, to honour the Royal Canadian Navy pilot awarded the Victoria Cross.
As the Royal Canadian Navy named its sixth Arctic offshore patrol ship, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, in Halifax, members of the Canadian Armed Forces joined the Vancouver Island Branch of the Naval Association for a ceremony remembering the navy hero at the North Saanich museum.
The event included wreath-laying and the sounding of the Last Post and Rouse. It commemorated the actions of Lt. Robert Hampton Gray 80 years ago on the same date in 1945. Flying from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Formidable, Gray led an attack on Japanese ships in Onagawa Bay. Despite being hit by anti-aircraft fire, he successfully released his bomb, sinking the destroyer Amakusa, before his plane crashed into the bay.
Gray was one of the last Canadians killed in combat during the Second World War. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour for bravery. He remains the last Canadian to receive this distinction.
An annual ceremony is also held on August 9 in Onagawa, Japan, near a hospital, where a monument commemorates Gray. This monument is unique, as it is the only one in Japan dedicated to a former enemy soldier.
The North Saanich ceremony reinforces Gray’s enduring legacy and the sacrifices of Canadian service members. His courage continues to inspire both the military community and the public.
Lt. Gray’s story highlights the bravery of Canadian pilots in the Pacific theatre. The tribute at the BC Aviation Museum allows Canadians to reflect on his heroism and the cost of war. The day also links Canadian and Japanese communities, demonstrating respect and remembrance across nations.
The Royal Canadian Navy’s new Arctic offshore patrol ship, HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, ensures that his name and legacy will sail with Canadian naval forces for years to come. The vessel’s commissioning in Halifax mirrors Gray’s historic contribution to naval aviation and the enduring recognition of Canadian valor.
By marking both the historic actions of 1945 and the ongoing commemoration, the North Saanich ceremony connects the past and present. It underlines the importance of remembering those who risked their lives for their country. Through such tributes, Lt. Gray’s bravery remains part of Canada’s national memory.
His Victoria Cross serves as a reminder of courage under fire and the ultimate sacrifice. The ceremony encourages Canadians to honour all service members who have served with distinction, particularly those who gave their lives in combat.
Lt. Gray’s story, celebrated in both Canada and Japan, illustrates the lasting impact of heroism and the bonds formed even with former adversaries. The annual ceremonies strengthen historical awareness and foster respect for shared history.
