NR 12.xxx - May 6, 2012
OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement on the occasion of the commemoration of the Battle of Atlantic today:
"On this first Sunday of May, we commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic, a historic point in our military history, waged between 1939 and 1945, where allied sailors, airmen and airwomen, and members of the Merchant Navy and the Women's Royal Naval Service fought to ensure the vital sea lanes remained open to support the war efforts in Europe. It is widely felt that these valiant efforts, fought in an environment where the elements were often unforgiving, with raging storms and bitter cold, helped ensure the successful completion of the Second World War.
Through the end of this battle, over 3000 Canadians were lost, 319 were wounded and 95 were taken prisoner. In addition, 33 ships of the Royal Canadian Navy, 350 aircraft and 73 ships of the Merchant Navy were lost in the North Atlantic.
As Minister of National Defence, I invite all Canadians to join me in remembering these veterans and their selfless contribution to international peace and security."
