To mark the 78th anniversary of the end of action in the Battle of the Atlantic, Naval Reservists from HMCS Hunter held a ceremony Sunday at Windsor's Dieppe Gardens.
Local reservists gathered alongside other members of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), veterans, and community residents to remember the 95,000 Canadians who fought in the historic battle. Several members of Maritime Forces Pacific also participated in the tribute.
“The Battle of the Atlantic was difficult, drawn-out chess-like conflict with real-life consequences and human stakes that were often tragic and heroic,” said Deputy Commander of Canadian Fleet Pacific Captain Mark O’Donohue, who also served as the reviewing officer for Sunday’s parade. “As members of the [RCN], we’ve gathered with members of the community to pay our respect to those who lost their lives and to honour those 95,000 Canadians who served. Their efforts were pivotal in tipping the Second World War in our favour, and we shall always remember them.”
RCN members hold a ceremony at Dieppe Gardens to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the end of action in the Battle of the Atlantic. Photo courtesy of Naval Reserve Headquarters.
Starting on September 3, 1939 and ending on May 8, 1945, the Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous campaign of the Second World War. During this time, the RCN reportedly destroyed 33 enemy U-Boats and safely escorted a significant number of merchant vessels safely across the Atlantic.
Those involved in the effort “prevailed in the worst of conditions,” according to the RCN. About 4,600 people lost their lives.
Sunday’s ceremony also paid homage to the Naval Reserve’s 100th year of service to Canada.
“Of the 95,000 Canadians that served in the Royal Canadian Navy for this battle, 77,000 of them came from the Naval Reserves. I look to our current membership to reflect that spirit of service and sacrifice, not only in their service to their country, but in their dedication to their own communities,” said HCMS Hunter Commanding Officer Richard Hillier. “As a part of the Windsor-Essex community, we stand together to remember those Navy and Merchant Marine sailors and aviators, as well as the families who supported them and suffered in unison. Their combined efforts did so much to ensure victory in the longest and most important battle of the Second World War.”
