Columbia River originating in British Columbia and flowing into Washington and thence along the Oregon border. Columbia first underwent refit and then was assigned to convoy duties in the Atlantic. Her first major action began 15 October 1941 when she joined convoy SC 8, already under submarine attack. Columbia, and the other escorts fought valiantly, but nine merchantmen from the convoy were sunk before reaching England. After the U.S.'s entry into the war Columbia was reassigned to convoy ships from New York to St. Johns, Newfoundland, the first leg of the transatlantic journey. She escorted convoys and performed anti-submarine patrol until 25 February 1944, when she struck a cliff in foul weather off the coast of Newfoundland. Columbia was not fully repaired after the accident but made watertight and used as a fuel and ammunition hulk in Nova Scotia until her return to the War Assets Administration for disposal in August 1945 when she was sold for scrapping. References External links NavSource Photos Ships of the Royal Canadian Navy Wickes-class destroyers 1918 ships Town-class destroyers of the Royal Canadian Navy Town-class destroyers converted from Wickes-class destroyers Ships built in Newport News, Virginia Maritime incidents in February 1944