Porter, H.A. (Henry Allan), 1920-

Henry Allan Porter (1920- ) served with the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War and retired in 1974 with the rank of Vice Admiral. Born in Chemainus, B.C, Porter joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) as an ordinary telegraphist in 1939. He was selected for officer candidate training and was promoted to sub-lieutenant in 1942. He served during the Second World War aboard the destroyer Kootenay, specializing in communications. In 1947 Porter was awarded his naval pilot's wings. He commanded the ocean escorts La Hulloise and Lauzon and was appointed officer in charge of the communications school on the East Coast. In 1955, he became director of naval communications at Naval Headquarters in Ottawa. Two years later, he was appointed to the staff of the Flag Officer Pacific Coast, initially as the Armed Forces co-ordinator of B.C. centennial activities, and subsequently as commander of the Fourth Canadian Escort Squadron and Commander, Cadet Training. He returned to Headquarters in 1960 as Director of Naval Training, and later was appointed assistant to the Chief of the Naval Staff. After the integration of Canadian Forces Headquarters, Porter served as naval advisor to the chief of personnel. In April 1965, he took command of the aircraft carrier Bonaventure at Halifax. He was appointed Director-General Maritime Forces at Canadian Forces Headquarters in August 1966. He became Director-General Equipment Requirements in April 1968. In September of the same year he was appointed senior Canadian Officer Afloat, Atlantic and one year later, in September, 1969, was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral and appointed commander, Maritime Command and in January 1971, was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral. Porter moved to Canadian Force Headquarters in November 1971 and was appointed comptroller-general. On September 1, 1972, he was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister (Evaluation). He retired from the navy in March 1974 to Chester, Nova Scotia.