Horatio Nelson Lay

Who was Horatio Nelson Lay?

Horatio Nelson Lay was a Rear Admiral of the Royal Canadian Navy.

In 1918 he was a Naval Cadet at the Royal Naval College of Canada. In 1921 he was made a Midshipman and assigned to HMS Resolution for training. His next assignment was to HMS Cloud in 1923 for more training.

In 1924 he was sent to the Royal Naval College, Greenwich and RN Barracks Portsmouth for Sub-Lieutenant courses. His next assignments were to HMCS Patrician in 1925. To HMS Tiger for big ship experience prior to torpedo course in 1927. To HMS Repulse for further experience in 1928. To HMS Vernon for Long Torpedo Officers Course in 1929. He was then made Torpedo Officer Atlantic Coast in 1930.

In 1931 assigned to HMCS Skeena. Torpedo Officer Pacific Coast in 1933. To HMCS Vancouver as First Lieutenant in 1934. Torpedo Officer Pacific Coast in 1937. To Royal Naval Staff course in 1938.

He became the first Commanding Officer of HMCS Gaspe from 12 January 1939 to 17 August 1939 and as Staff Officer Operations to Commanding Officer Atlantic Coast.

His next command was as Commanding Officer of HMCS Restigouche from 26 December 1939 to 23 June 1941.