Ottawa Construction News staff writer
A street in Ottawa is being named after an Ottawa construction industry pioneer and Second World War naval hero in recognition of his valour and service to his country.
The new street, located in the Queensview Drive development by Metcalfe Realty Company Limited, is being named Captain Fuller Way and will bear the poppy symbol, the universal sign of remembrance.
The street naming ceremony was attended by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who announced that the late Capt. (N) Thomas George Fuller is the veteran being honoured through the city’s Veterans’ Commemorative Street Naming Program for 2023.
A successful building contractor, Fuller enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) in 1939 as an Acting Lieutenant and served on loan to the Royal Navy during the war, a city news release says.
“Determined to volunteer for action, he sold his interest in Fuller Construction to his partner for $1 when he enlisted,” the city’s statement says.
He commanded the 61st Gunboat Flotilla, a force of eight torpedo gunboats, and earned the nickname the “Pirate of the Adriatic” for his daring exploits which resulted in the capture of a dozen enemy cargo vessels and the destruction of 25 ships in just 10 days. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross three times, an honour only bestowed on five other members of the Canadian military.
Fuller was appointed Commanding Officer of HMCS Naden in British Columbia in 1945 and later served as Commanding Officer of HMCS Carleton in Ottawa. He was promoted to Captain, Royal Canadian Navy Reserves in 1951 and remained in the reserves until his retirement. He died in Ottawa in May 1994.
“Canada is the country it is today because of brave individuals like Captain (N) Thomas George Fuller,” said Mayor Sutcliffe. “Captain Fuller answered the call in World War II and served our country proudly, and I am honoured to recognize his legacy in our community today.”
The street naming ceremony is a joint initiative of the city, Veterans Affairs Canada, and the Royal Canadian Legion, and is part of the city’s Veterans’ Week commemoration activities.
Thomas Fuller Construction traces its history to 1859, when architects Fuller and Jones designed Canada’s original Parliament buildings. The business has continued through several family generations.
