Battle of the Atlantic Anniversary to be Commemorated

On May 5, Canada will commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest continuous military engagement of the Second World War that Canada participated in.

A joint effort between Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Merchant Navy, the Battle of the Atlantic claimed the lives of 4,000 Canadian service members. It lasted for 2,075 days, from 1939 to 1945.

“It is important that we take time to reflect on the sacrifices of the sailors, airmen and members of the Merchant Navy who lost their lives while maintaining shipping routes for vital supplies to reach Europe during the Second World War,” said Premier Stephen McNeil, who is also Minister responsible for Military Relations.

“The Battle of the Atlantic was one of the defining conflicts of the war. We owe those who served a debt of gratitude for their courage.”

Anniversary commemorations also recognise the turning point of the war, May 1943. While skirmishes continued until the end of the war, this is the time when the Allies gained the upper hand in battles with German U-boats, and is an important moment of the war.

Commemorative events marking the anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic will take place at various locations across the province. For additional information on ceremony locations, residents should contact the local branch of The Royal Canadian Legion.