50th Anniversary of the 1976 HMS Ajax Visit

In June 2026, the Town of Ajax is celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of the 8^th HMS Ajax visit from 1976.

To mark this milestone, Ajax is hosting a series of special events and contests throughout the month. These celebrations offer residents and visitors a unique opportunity to participate in commemorative activities, connect with the Town’s naval heritage and create lasting memories as part of this historic anniversary.

Before exploring the event and contest information, we encourage you to read more about the deep-rooted history that gives meaning to these festivities.

Learn more about Ajax’s History

The Town of Ajax’s name involves a unique bond that spans oceans and began during the Second World War. In 1941, the federal government established Defence Industries Limited (D.I.L.) on what was then farmland in Pickering Township. As thousands of workers arrived to support Canada’s wartime effort, the fast-growing community needed essential services, including a post office, and a name that captured the spirit of the moment.

The name “Ajax” was inspired by a defining early naval victory in World War II: the Battle of the River Plate (December 1939). In that battle, three Royal Navy cruisers, HMS Ajax, HMS Exeter and HMS Achilles, engaged the German pocket battleship Graf Spee near Montevideo, Uruguay. The action became a widely recognized symbol of courage and determination, and those ship names carried powerful meaning across the Allied world. For a community born of wartime production and resilience, the name Ajax was chosen to reflect that same resolve.

The relationship between the Town and the Royal Navy deepened in the decades that followed. In 1963, Ajax Mayor William Parish attended the commissioning of the 8th Royal Navy vessel to carry the name “Ajax” and formally invited the ship to visit its Canadian namesake. While the invitation could not be accepted immediately, it became a proud tradition for each new Mayor to extend the invitation again.

That tradition paid off when Mayor Clarke Mason renewed the invitation, and it was accepted. On August 25, 1976, the 8th HMS Ajax docked at Oshawa Harbour, marking a long-awaited visit that became one of the Town’s most celebrated moments.

On August 28, 1976, the officers and crew of HMS Ajax were awarded the Freedom of the Town, which is the highest civic honour that can be bestowed on a visiting military unit. In a memorable display, the crew paraded down Harwood Avenue to the Ajax Community Centre, “with swords raised, bayonets fixed and colours flying,” marking a powerful ceremony of friendship, respect, and shared history.

Ajax continues to preserve, and honour this heritage in visible, meaningful ways such as the following:

The ship’s bell: When the eighth HMS Ajax was decommissioned in 1985, the ship’s bell was presented to the Town. It now hangs in the Council Chamber and is rung to call to begin all Council meetings, linking civic life to naval tradition every time Council assembles.

The anchor memorial: The ship’s anchor was formally presented to the Town in 1987 and is displayed in front of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 322) on Hunt Street, serving as a public memorial and gathering point for remembrance.

Street signs that tell a story: Streets throughout the town bear the names of the officers and men who served on the Ajax. The Town amended the street naming policy to include the names of men who served on the HMS Achilles and HMS Exeter during the Battle of the River Plate. In 2016 the policy was amended again to include the men who served on the 8th HMS Ajax during the visit in 1976.

Chain of Office: Inspired by Mayor William Parish’s 1963 visit to England for the commissioning of the 8th HMS Ajax, the Chain of Office is worn by each Mayor as a visible link between today’s civic ceremonies and Ajax’s enduring naval heritage. During his visit, Mayor Parrish spent time with several English mayors who wore Chains of Office, a long‑standing British tradition that had not yet been adopted in Ajax. Surprised that the Mayor of Ajax did not have one, this experience inspired the creation of Ajax’s own Chain of Office shortly thereafter, which continues to be worn by all Mayors of the Town today.

Ongoing connection with the Association: The relationship is kept strong through continued ties with the HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association, including commemorative visits and ceremonies that reinforce Ajax’s place in this shared history.

Ajax is the only town in the world named after a Royal Navy warship, and the 50th anniversary of the 1976 frigate visit is a chance to honour that rare identity: a community shaped by wartime purpose, built through post‑war growth, and sustained by a living tradition of remembrance and friendship.

Visit: HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association to learn more about the relationship between the Town of Ajax and HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association

To learn more about Ajax’s general history visit: Ajax 70th Anniversary - Town of Ajax

How to Participate

Please see below for details on the public events and activities offered to celebrate this anniversary.

Ajax Treasure Hunt – Running June 1 – 30, 2026

Take part in a month-long Treasure Hunt featuring eight historic locations across Ajax connected to the Town’s relationship with HMS Ajax and the HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association.

How it works:

On June 1, we’ll post the first hint to our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram & X) and on this page to launch the hunt. Use the hint to find the first location in the hunt!

At each location you’ll find a posted sign that:
- shares a short historical connection to HMS Ajax/the Association

- provides the next hint to guide you to the next location.

Keep a record of each location as you complete all eight stops.
Enter the prize draw!

How to enter the prize draw
Once you’ve found all eight locations, submit your answers using the form below.

Treasure Hunt Entry Form

HMS Ajax Pop-Up Exhibit

In partnership with the Ajax Public Library, the Town is hosting a special commemorative exhibit that highlights Ajax’s longstanding connection to the HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association. Step into Ajax’s unique naval story through the commemorative exhibit featuring archival materials and artifacts connected to the HMS Ajax & River Plate Veterans Association.

Location: 25 Mill Street, Ajax, L1S 6J8

Hours:

Tuesday, June 2: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 3: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Thursday, June 4: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.
Friday, June 5: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Monday, June 8: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 9: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday, June 11: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friday, June 12: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 13: 12 – 3 p.m.

Admiral Sir Henry Harwoood’s Jacket

Item: A navy military uniform jacket over a white shirt and navy tie, which belonged to Admiral Sir Henry Harwood, the commander of the three Allied ships that participated in the Battle of the River Plate. There are five rows of colourful stripes on the right shoulder of the jacket when looking at it. These represent the medals that he was awarded during his career.

Donated by the Harwood family.

7th HMS Ajax Photos and illustrations

Photo 1: An illustration showing the Battle of the River Plate along the coast of Uruguay. The path of each ship is shown with a different dotted line, with labels added at specific points to note the time when the ship was at that point. This illustration is taken from the Picture Post Special for the Battle of the River Plate, which can be seen in full on the digital archive.

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Photo 2: A black and white photo of Admiral Sir Charles H.L. Woodhouse, captain of the 7^th HMS Ajax during the Battle of the River Plate, set over a picture of the ship. This set of photos is taken from the Picture Post Special for the Battle of the River Plate, which can be seen in full on the digital archive.

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Photo 3: A black and white photo of Captain William Parry, captain of HMS Achilles during the Battle of the River Plate, set over a picture of the ship. HMS Achilles was on loan to the Royal Navy New Zealand Division and in 1941 became HMNZS Achilles. This set of photos is taken from the Picture Post Special for the Battle of the River Plate, which can be seen in full on the digital archive.

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Photo 4: A black and white photo of Captain Frederick Secker Bell, captain of HMS Exeter during the Battle of the River Plate, set over a picture of the ship. This set of photos is taken from the Picture Post Special for the Battle of the River Plate, which can be seen in full on the digital archive.

https://images.ourontario.ca/ajax/2305392/data

Photo 5: A black and white photo of a large group of people. Most of them are wearing white naval uniforms, but there are people wearing suits and other civilian clothing. At the front of the photo, people are sitting on the grass. On the left side, five people in non-military clothing have the flag of Uruguay on their laps. On the right side, five uniformed men are holding a United flag, or Union Jack. There is a vertical rip in the photo, but the image remains whole. This photo was taken at Asado, a traditional Uruguayan barbecue, in Montevideo, Uruguay after the Battle of the River Plate.

Ship Painting and Wooden Carving/Board

Painting: A painting of a ship with smoke coming from the front turrets against a green-grey sky. A smoking ship can be seen in the background on the right. Text beneath reads “HMS Ajax, River Plate, December 13, 1939” and at the bottom reads, “Presented to the Town of Ajax by C.P.O. F.J. Ford R.N.(R) HMS Ajax, December 1937 – June 1945.”

Donated by HMS Ajax crew member F.J. Ford

Wooden carving:

A wooden carving depicting the 7^th HMS Ajax at sea. Leaves are carved into the border on the left and right sides. Text reading “HMS Ajax” has been carved at the top, and “1935-1948” has been carved at the bottom.

Created and donated by Ken Jones.

A large wooden board with four pieces of metal mounted onto it, with a plaque at the top identifying them as Graf Spee shell fragments. The full text of the plaque read: “Graf Spee” shell fragments found aboard H.M.S. Ajax after the Battle of the River Plate 13^th December, 1939.

This was presented to Mayor Clark Mason at a civic luncheon in 1976 by Captain Squires of the 8^th HMS Ajax.

7^th HMS Ajax Model

This large model of the 7^th HMS Ajax was made by John McCready and donated in 1970. It has been on display at many Ajax events for over 50 years.

Inside the case, there are also two plaques. The round plaque lists the battle honours of ships named HMS Ajax from 1780 to 1944 around a Greek helmet. The shield plaque recognizes the 40^th Anniversary of the Battle of the River Plate, which took place in 1979. There are four crests, which are labeled Exeter, Ajax, Achilles, and Graf Spee – the ships involved in the Battle of the River Plate in 1939.

Defence Industries Limited Display Case Items

The items in this display case are numbered.

1. A small book with a red cover that reads, “General and Special Rules – Defence Industries Limited – Shell Filling Plant 1941”. This rule book was given to employees at DIL and can be read on the digital archive.

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2. A component of a 40 mm missile.

3. A component of a 2-pounder missile.

4. A thick metal ring with a moveable blade attached. This was used to cut cordite, the explosive used in the munitions.

5. A set of tools used by employees on the Cap and Detonators line at DIL. This set was donated by Muriel Green.

6. A small blue pin with silver text that reads as follows:

DEFENCE

LIMITED

INDUSTRIES

The word “limited” is written in smaller text over an arrow. The pin was worn by employees.

A silver pin with red text that reads “W.V.S. CIVIL DEFENCE” with a crown at the top. The Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS) was established during World War 2 to involve women in defence and relief efforts.

Defence Industries Limited Photos

Photo 1: A black and white photo of the buildings of the Cap and Detonator Line at Defence Industries Limited in Ajax during the early 1940s. In the centre, there is a small one-story building with a road in front of it. Steam pipes can be seen and there are more buildings and construction in the background. This photo can be seen more closely on the digital archive.

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Photo 2: A black and white photo of the inside of a factory building as people fill and load shells along a conveyor belt. Everyone is wearing white coveralls except for one man wearing a dark jacket and hat on the left. The men wear white hats and the women wear bandanas over their hair. A sign in the back identifies this as Building 204E. This photo can be seen more closely on the digital archive.

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Photo 3: A black and white photo of people sitting and eating at cafeteria tables. The men wear suits and ties and the women are wearing white uniforms. Two women on the left are wearing hats that identify them as nurses. A sign in the back reads “No. of days without lost time injury” followed by a list of departments at DIL. This photo can be seen more closely on the digital archive.

https://images.ourontario.ca/ajax/2304215/data

Photo 4: A black and white photo of a group of almost identical houses along Queen St, which was a single lane road. The houses are all one-story and some of them have a higher roof with an attic window, showing that there was more living space. Some of these wartime homes are still standing in the neighbourhood around Town Hall. This photo can be seen more closely on the digital archive.

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Photo 5: A black and white photo of a two-story building with many windows on both visible sides. Letters on the side of the building on the left and above the door on the right identify it as “Ajax Town Hall”. This photo can be seen more closely on the digital archive.

https://images.ourontario.ca/ajax/3650464/data

DIL Patch

DIL Patch

An oval-shaped patch with AJAX written over the silhouette of a ship. Beneath, there are lines to represent waves alternating with the words “Defence Industries Limited”.

Donated by Cory Bos.

Red pennant with the text “DIL” inside a maple leaf and “AJAX” on the right. The text and leaf are yellow.

8^th HMS Ajax Photos

Photo 1: A black and white photo of a docked ship with groups of uniformed people standing on the docks. Visible text identifies the ship as HMS Ajax. This photo was taken during Re-Dedication Services for HMS Ajax in Devonport, England on December 3, 1977.