View of the Wheelhouse looking towards forward/starboard.
(Photo by Jerry Proc)
Two important operations took place in the Wheelhouse. The ship
was steered by the Helmsman and engine orders were relayed from the Bridge
down to the Wheelhouse for action and acknowledgment by the Engine Room.
A total of three men occupied this area - one Helmsman and two engine telegraphists.
Except for two scuttles, the entire Wheel House was enclosed and the Helmsman
could not see outside. It didn't really matter because it was the Bridge
who was steering or 'conning' the ship. In the event that the Wheelhouse
was destroyed or put of action, the ship could still be conned from
an open, emergency steering position on the upper, after end of the ship.
To avoid errors in the magnetic compass, the entire Wheelhouse was fabricated
from brass plate.
This top view illustrates the emergency steering position aboard
HAIDA which is located between the aft 40mm A/A guns. It would definitely
be an unfriendly location during inclement weather. (Photo by
Jerry Proc)
