FALMOUTH, ENGLAND – May 18, 2025 – In a remarkable underwater discovery, a British diver has recovered the long-lost ship’s bell from the wreck of HMCS Trentonian, a Royal Canadian Navy corvette sunk during World War II. The find, made off the coast of Falmouth, Cornwall, brings a piece of Canadian naval history back to the surface after 80 years beneath the sea.
Dom Robinson, a 53-year-old seasoned diver with over four decades of experience exploring shipwrecks, made the discovery at a depth of 69 meters. The bell, a cherished symbol of the HMCS Trentonian, had eluded searchers for decades, with efforts to locate it spanning over 20 years. Robinson spent two grueling hours dragging the heavy artifact from the seabed, a testament to his dedication to maritime history.
“It’s an incredible feeling to bring this piece of history to light,” Robinson said. “The HMCS Trentonian’s bell is not just an object—it’s a memorial to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served aboard her.”
HMCS Trentonian, a Flower-class corvette, was torpedoed by the German submarine U-1004 on February 22, 1945, while escorting a convoy near Falmouth. The attack claimed the lives of six crew members, and the ship sank swiftly, leaving behind a legacy of courage. The bell, often considered the heart of a ship, was a cenotaph honoring the 101 Royal Canadian Navy sailors who served aboard her during the war, including the six who perished and five whose graves are marked by its memory.
The recovery was announced on social media by the Royal Canadian Navy and maritime history enthusiasts, sparking widespread interest. Posts on X celebrated the find, noting that the bell will be returned to Canada aboard HMCS Montreal, a fitting tribute to the ship’s service. However, the discovery also reignited discussions about the need to protect naval war graves, with some calling for stronger measures to safeguard wrecks like the Trentonian from unauthorized salvage.
The Royal Canadian Navy has confirmed that the bell is now in their possession and will be preserved as a symbol of the Trentonian’s sacrifice. Plans are underway to display it in a manner that honors the memory of the crew and educates future generations about Canada’s role in the Battle of the Atlantic.
This recovery underscores the enduring connection between the United Kingdom and Canada, forged through shared wartime efforts. For the families of the Trentonian’s crew and the broader naval community, the bell’s return is a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the resilience of those who served.