May 5, 2019
Province Recognizes 74th Anniversary of Battle that Played Pivotal Role in Allied Victory in Second World War
Today, Manitobans are remembering the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest continuous battle of the Second World War, said Jon Reyes, Manitoba’s special envoy of military affairs.
“The Allied victory in the Second World War would not have been possible without success at sea,” said Reyes. “It is important to recognize the sacrifices made by Canadian naval officers and their crew members, both men and women, who served to ensure the peace and freedom we enjoy today.”
The six-year-long battle between the Allied forces and Germany was over the control of the Atlantic Ocean. The Allied forces needed to transport supplies and personnel on merchant ships to Europe and the Germans tried to stop them by attacking their convoys.
The German military developed torpedoes that were drawn to noise made by Allied ship propellers, forcing the Allies to innovate noisemakers that trailed behind their ships to act as diversions to avoid lethal attacks.
Hundreds of thousands of Canadians from the Merchant Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force died. One of every seven Merchant Navy sailors were killed or injured.
Canadian men and women played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic in keeping the supply lines to Europe open, helping to secure Allied victory in the Second World War.
“We as Canadians will forever thank them for their service,” said Reyes.
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