Margaret Brooke (Canadian naval officer)

Margaret Brooke (April 10, 1915 – January 9, 2016) was a Royal Canadian Navy Nursing Sister and one of the most decorated women in the history of the Canadian Navy.

Born in Ardath, Saskatchewan, Brooke enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Nursing Sister during the Second World War. She is most noted for her bravery during the sinking of the Newfoundland ferry SS Caribou on October 14, 1942, in the Cabot Strait. While aboard the sinking vessel, Brooke attempted to save her colleague and friend, Nursing Sister Agnes Wilkie. Despite Brooke's efforts to hold onto Wilkie, the latter was washed away by the waves.

For her courage and selfless actions, Brooke was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

In recognition of her service and sacrifice, the Royal Canadian Navy named the lead ship of its Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels, HMCS Margaret Brooke, in her honour. The ship was commissioned in 2022.

Brooke served in the Royal Canadian Navy until 1962, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After her naval career, she earned a bachelor's degree in paleontology from the University of Saskatchewan at the age of 52, and later obtained a master's degree in the same field. She worked as a paleontology research assistant at the university until her retirement. She passed away in Victoria, British Columbia, at the age of 100.