Cdr David Howard Botly, RCNVR, RCN(R)

11/11/1917 – 05/01/2004

White ensign from the Dieppe raid, 19 August 1942; Botly served on LCP (L)-119.

Biography

He was appointed as an Ordinary Seaman RCNVR (With seniority dated 05/08/1940). He served in HMCS Griffon 1940. He served in HMCS Stadacona for New Entry Training 1940. He served in H.M.S. Raleigh for New Entry Training 1940. Service With RN for Combined Operations 1940-1. He served in H.M.S. Stag for Combined Operations Training (Egypt) 1940. He served in H.M.S. King Alfred for Officer Training 1942. (CFR). He was appointed as a A/Sub-Lieutenant (Temp.) RCNVR (With seniority dated 31/12/1940). He was appointed as a Sub-Lieutenant (Temp.) RCNVR. He served in H.M.S. Tormentor as Boat Officer LCP (L)-119 1942-43. He participated in the Dieppe Raid 19/08/1942. He was appointed as an A/Lieutenant (Temp.) RCNVR (With seniority dated 31/12/1942). In 1942 he was serving with the Royal Navy. He was appointed as a Lieutenant (Temp.) RCNVR with seniority dated 31/12/1941). He served in HMC LCI(L)-121 (In command) 260th Landing Craft Infantry (Large) Flotilla for Operation Neptune 1943-44. In 1944 he served in HMCS Stadacona. He served in HMCS Cornwallis as Divisional Officer 1944. He served in HMCS Chippawa 1945. (He was demobilized 17/07/1945). He served in Griffon for RCNR as Divisional Officer and Communications Officer 1951. He served in HMCS Griffon as Executive Officer 1957-1960. He was appointed as a Lieutenant-Commander RCN(R)(With seniority dated 16/05/1956). He was appointed as a Commander RCN(R) 1960. He served in HMCS Griffon as Commanding Officer 1960. (He was retired 1963.) (He was qualified with a Watchkeeping Certificate.)

L.C.I 121, which he commanded during Operation Neptue (D-Day).

Obituary

DAVID HAROLD BOTLY 1917 - 2004 David (Dave) Botly beloved husband of Eula passed away peacefully at McKellar Hospital with his family at his side Monday January 5 2004. Faithful lifetime member of St. John's The Evangelist Anglican Church serving as choir, alter boy, Sunday school teacher and People's/Rector's Warden. Graduate Queen's University, Dave enlisted in RCNVR HMCS GRIFFON and participated in various Combined OPS in Britain and Egypt. August 19 1942 took part in DIEPPE Raid and commanded LCI (L) Landing Craft Infantry (Large) 260th Flotilla participating in the landing of troops at Juno Beach in the D - Day invasion of Normandy. After the war Dave resumed his teaching career that included postings as principal of Shuniah, Queen Elizabeth, Prospect and Pine Street School. 1963 he joined the Lakehead Teacher's College Faculty of Education as Vice Principal and became Professor Emeritus at Lakehead University retiring in 1980. Commander Botly CD retired as Commanding Officer of HMCS GRIFFON in 1963. Active member of Naval Officers Association of Canada Thunder Bay Branch and Thunder Bay Naval Association. He is survived by his wife, Frances Eula (Hinchey) Botly, son George & wife Margot & grandaughter Leigh (Toronto) son John & wife Diane (Florida) and nephews Arthur, Anthony & David Weller. Dave was predeceased by his parents Edith Maud & Arthur Lionel Botly, sisters Jasmine Weller, Kathleen Botly and a brother William who died in infancy. Funeral services will be held at St. John's The Evangelist Anglican Church (Pearl Street) on Tuesday January 13 2004 at 11:00am. Memoriums may be made to the Naval Heritage Fund c/o HMCS GRIFFON or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #5. Flowers gratefully declined."

References: RCN Navy List, 1961; RCN For Posterity Sake; Legacy.com (obituary).