Royal Canadian Navy commemorates Battle of the Atlantic 70th anniversary

News Release

OTTAWA — Canadians from across the country gathered today to commemorate the sacrifices made by thousands of Canadians who fought during the Battle of the Atlantic - the longest, largest, and most complex campaign of the Second World War. The national commemoration held in Ottawa at the National War Memorial was attended by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs Pierre Lemieux and Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander Royal Canadian Navy.

The Battle of the Atlantic campaign was fought at sea from 1939 to 1945 with the strategic outcome being sea-control of the North Atlantic Ocean. It was the longest, largest, and most complex campaign of the Second World War. Over the course of 2,075 days, Allied naval and air forces fought more than 100 convoy battles and perhaps 1,000 single ship actions against the submarines and warships of the German and Italian navies. Enemy vessels targeted mainly the convoys of merchant ships transporting material and troops vital to safeguarding the freedom of the peoples of North America and Europe.

Quick Facts

Each year on the first Sunday in May, Canada and its naval community commemorate those lost at sea in the longest single campaign of the Second World War.
The national ceremony included members of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the Royal Canadian Air Force, and members of the Merchant Navy. They were accompanied by Sea and Air Cadets, Navy League Cadets, the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party, local veteran organizations, other government departments, the diplomatic community, and the Ottawa Children’s Choir.
Also in attendance were approximately 40 veterans from Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Kootenay, which suffered an explosion on October 23, 1969. The incident killed 9 crew members and injured 53 others making it the worst peacetime accident in the history of the RCN.
Ceremonies were held across Canada including Halifax, Esquimalt, Quebec City, and the 24 Naval Reserve Divisions across the country to remember and commemorate these gallant sailors, and airmen who did so much to keep the lifeline with Britain going during the Second World War.
Veterans of the Battle of the Atlantic were also honoured during a gala dinner at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa on Thursday, April 30. Organized by the Naval Association of Canada and the RCN, the event is an opportunity to highlight the contributions of past and present members of the RCN.
Today, the legacy of the Battle of the Atlantic is upheld by those currently serving, pledging themselves “Ready, Aye, Ready” to face today’s security challenges with pride and professionalism.

Quotes

“The Battle of the Atlantic was among the most significant conflicts of the Second World War. It drew upon all of our resources of strength, ingenuity and perseverance. As governor general and commander-in-chief of Canada, I am honoured to have laid a wreath in honour of those who served in the Battle of the Atlantic.”

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada

“Our veterans deserve our most sincere appreciation for what they accomplished on behalf of all Canadians. As we commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, it is important to remember the sacrifice of our veterans in what was a defining moment in the history of the Royal Canadian Navy. I express our thanks to the veterans of the Battle of the Atlantic who sacrificed so much for Canada during this difficult campaign.”

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

“During the Battle of the Atlantic, Canada felt the tremendous sacrifice and loss of both military personnel and civilians. We also saw the strength and spirit of our Canadian men and women in uniform rising to the challenge. Thanks to our remarkably skilled and dedicated forces, and the industriousness of Canadians on the home front, our humble nation was able to help tip the balance in the Atlantic, and make victory possible.”

The Honourable Erin O’Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs

“With a theme of ‘honouring our past... charting our future’ this 70th anniversary marks an important time to not only honour the sacrifice made by the thousands of Canadians who fought during the Battle of the Atlantic, in which our navy truly came of age as a force, but to also recognize the several milestones the Navy has recently made as we modernize and transition to the future fleet.”

Vice-Admiral Mark Norman, Commander Royal Canadian Navy