HMCS Somers Isles to do during the war once activated. By May 1945, 119 Canadian ships had passed through the facility. Towards the end of the war, the base was used to prepare frigates for service in the Pacific theatre. The RCN abandoned HMCS "Somers Isles" at the end of the war, one of eleven facilities that was disbanded by March 1946. Prior to closure, the RCN had intended to keep four motor launches at "Somers Isles" for target practice, but this idea was abandoned when the base was shuttered and the motor launches were deemed obsolete. HMCS Somers Isles HMCS "Somers Isles"
Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands The group includes Vanderlin Island, North Island, West Island, Centre Island and South West Island. Combined, the islands have a total area of 2100 square kilometres; the largest, Vanderlin Island, is 32 km long and 13 km wide. Most islands are inhabited (some part-time) by the indigenous Yanyuwa people, and are also part of Wurralibi Aboriginal Land. Tourists may negotiate a fee to visit, camp, and fish there. North Island is home to the 5.41 km² Barranyi (North Island) National Park and offers free camping, with drinking water and barbecue facilities located near Paradise Bay Sir Edward Pellew Group of