The anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, Canada’s longest continuous military engagement of the Second World War, will be commemorated on Sunday, May 6.
“Each year on the first Sunday in May, people from across our province and country take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of the 4,234 Canadian sailors, airmen and members of the Merchant Navy who lost their lives while trying to maintain shipping routes linking North America with Europe during the Second World War,” said Premier Stephen McNeil, who is also Minister responsible for Military Relations.
The Battle of the Atlantic lasted 2,075 days between 1939 and 1945. It was a defining engagement for the men and women of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Merchant Navy who courageously braved the dangerous and freezing waters of the North Atlantic to ensure vital supplies reached Europe from Canada.
“I am honoured on behalf of all Nova Scotians to extend my sincere appreciation to our veterans who fought so bravely during the Battle of the Atlantic for victory in one of the defining conflicts of the Second World War,” added Premier McNeil.
In 1943, the Allies gained the upper hand in battles with German U-boats. Though skirmishes continued until the end of the war, anniversary commemorations mark this as the turning of the tide.
Commemorative events marking the anniversary will take place at various locations across the province. For information on ceremony locations contact the local branch of The Royal Canadian Legion.
Source: Release