Members of HMCS Queen Charlotte will be on parade to commemorate the Battle of the Atlantic Sunday, May 5 in North Rustico.
Each year on the first Sunday in May, Canada and its naval community commemorates those lost at sea in the longest single campaign of the Second World War. Today, the legacy of the Battle of the Atlantic is upheld by those currently serving in the Royal Canadian Navy, pledging themselves “Ready, Aye, Ready” to defend Canada and to uphold its ideals around the world.
The Prince Edward Island Regiment (PEIR) Band, Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corp (RCSCC) and the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party will also be on parade.
Local resident Petty Officer 2nd Class (Ret.) Brent A Rogers CD will be attending the ceremony with his daughter, Ordinary Seaman Emily Rogers, who just joined the Royal Canadian Navy Reserves.
“I have taken part in many Battle of the Atlantic Sunday parades throughout my career both here and abroad while serving. My heart swells with pride as I watch my youngest daughter Emily take part in her first of many Battle of the Atlantic parade,” said Rogers.
Before the parade, at 9:15 a.m., a small ceremony and flag raising will honour the battle at The Mount Continuing Care Community.
Blanche MacAleer, a 100-year old widow of World War II Veteran, John MacAleer, Royal Canadian Air Force Medical Corps and sister of Vernon Campbell, World War II Veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy is one of those expected to attend. The Mount is at 141 Mount Edward Rd.
The parade in North Rustico will begin at 10:55 a.m. at the North Rustico cenotaph, 31 Church Hill Avenue, North Rustico.
Quick Facts
- The Battle of the Atlantic lasted 2,075 days. Allied naval and air forces fought against German and Italian submarines, ships and aircraft whose primary targets were the convoys of Allied merchant ships.
- Much of the fighting fell to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) which, at the outbreak of the war, was only six destroyers and a handful of smaller vessels.
- By the end of the war, Canada’s navy had grown to the fourth largest in the world and was instrumental in turning the tide of the war.
- The RCN suffered 2,210 fatalities and lost 33 vessels.
- The Merchant Navy lost over 70 ships and suffered over 1,700 fatalities.
- The Royal Canadian Air Force lost more than 900 aircrew.
- The RCN destroyed (or helped destroy) 33 U-Boats and 42 enemy ships.