While the COVID-19 public health crisis has forced the cancellation of the annual Battle of the Atlantic public commemoration this year in Comox, remembrance of the end of the Second World War in Europe is still appropriate.
The first Sunday in May each year commemorates the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest, most unforgiving campaign of the Second World War. It is to the sailors of the Navy and Merchant Marine, the army gunners on board these vessels, and the pilots and aircrews overshadowing the convoys that we owe so much today. From Sept. 3, 1939 through to May 8, 1945, the participants felt the full force of Mother Nature, combined with the terrors of war. Convoy after convoy would struggle across the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, some only taking 13 days, others 17 or longer. The Battle of the Atlantic was the most important sea campaign of the war. Great Britain’s survival and the liberation of Europe depended on the merchant ship cargoes of food and war supplies.
While commemorating this historic battle on your own this year, please continue to maintain a safe social distance to avoid contact. Planning is already underway for the 2021 parade as the 76th anniversary.
The RCNA is made up of serving and former naval regular and reserve veterans, and is formed into various branches across Canada. The association also includes Coast Guard and Merchant Navy members, and includes support of the Canadian Cadet Organization.