Stories from the Station

Admiralty House Communications Museum is housed in what once served as the residential building of the HM Wireless Station. Built in 1915 by the British Admiralty and the Canadian Marconi Company, the building served as a top secret wireless station throughout the First World War. For seven years, the station listened for any potentially-threatening messages from incoming enemies while also helping ships navigate the treacherous coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Photo courtesy of the Clem Scott Collection, 006-001-012.

During those years, many brave men served their country from this very station, keeping our shores safe and saving many lives. Stories from the Station is a series of blog posts we created to document the stories of some of them. It is an honour to be able to share their stories with you, and we encourage you to take a few minutes to read about them and remember their sacrifice.

Alcock, William (15 Apr - 31 Dec 1918): LINK

Avery, Nicholas (6 Dec 1915 - ? Dec 1918): LINK

Benson, Newman (9 Aug - 6 Oct 1918, 11 Jan - 2 Apr 1919): LINK

Bouteillier, James Woodbury McLellan (Sept 1915 - Dec 1918): LINK

Candey, Henry William (1917): LINK

Doody, James David (1-18 Feb 1918 or 25 Feb - 13 Mar 1916): LINK

Durban, George Henry (Aug 1921 - Oct 1923): LINK

Elton, William "Sandy" (1915 - 1918): LINK

Fenn, Cyril Duncan (20 Mar 1919 - 1 Mar 1921): LINK

Groves, Bernard (~4 Mar - 18 June 1916): LINK

Kelsey, Joseph Sydney (1 Feb 1918 - 27 Apr 1920): LINK

Manning, William Henry (25 June 1919 - 10 Mar 1922): LINK

Murley, Ernest Fizzard (26 Aug 1916 - 16 Nov 1917): LINK

Puddicombe, William (10 Aug - 14 Nov 1916): LINK

Scott, Charles Benjamin (21 Apr 1923 - 12 Oct 1925): LINK

The decision was made to decommission the station in 1922 and the dismantling of the station was complete by 1925. While it may not be in operation today, it now serves as a place for us to research, preserve, and share the stories of the men who served here and the role that this naval base played in the First World War.

If you have information on any of the men who served here at the HM Wireless Station or are looking to learn more about them, we encourage you to visit us at 365 Old Placentia Road or to email us at admiraltyhouse@mountpearl.ca.