‘Freedom does not come cheaply’
Naval vets, cadets and citizens remember Battle of the Atlantic with parade and memorial service in New Waterford
Seventy-three years after it ended, the Battle of the Atlantic was commemorated locally with a parade and service dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in what was considered the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War.
Hosted by the Army Navy Air Force Unit 217 of New Waterford, the Sunday afternoon event kicked off with a parade that included veterans, Cape Breton sea cadets and the Canadian Coast Guard cadets.
Led by shipmate Walter Stewart, marchers made their way through downtown New Waterford before ending up at Calvin United Church, where an ecumenical celebration was held under the direction of Rev. Duncan Roach.
“Unfortunately, to some people these military anniversaries seem to have lost some of their significance, but thankfully not to you, those present here today,” Roach said in acknowledging the 200 people who crowded into the Hudson Street church.
“This anniversary is a very integral part of our identity as Canadians as it helps us to appreciate the men and women who gave their time, talent, and even their lives — freedom does not come cheaply.”
The price of victory wasn’t cheap as more than 72,000 Allied seamen, merchant mariners and airmen lost their lives. Of those, some 4,600 were Canadian. The Allies also lost more than 3,500 merchant vessels, 175 warships and 741 aircraft. The Germans suffered 30,000 lost more than 30,000 sailors, almost 800 submarines and 47 warships, while their Italian allies lost some 500 men and 17 submarines.
The service was highlighted by the traditional reading of the names of lost ships and the number of lives lost as a bell tolled for each.
While the Battle of Atlantic is generally regarded as lasting from the start of the Second World War in September of 1939 until Germany’s surrender on May 8, 1945, most of the action occurred between mid-1940 and the end of 1943 as the navies of Canada, Britain and the United States, along with the merchant marine, contended with the hundreds of German U-boat submarines that lurked under the water hunting for enemy ship carrying soldiers, equipment and supplies.
Sunday’s ceremony was attended by Rear-Admiral Jennifer Bennett, a 42-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy.
“It was one of the most significant battles Canada was ever involved in and it’s an honour for me to be here in Cape Breton where many of the convoys left from Sydney harbour — this is an incredibly important event that played a significant role in our history,” said Bennett, who stood on a street-side platform while reviewing those marching in the parade during its return to the Army Navy Airforce club following the church service.
Shipmate Martin MacKinnon, Second World War veteran Martin MacKinnon prepares to lay an anchor shaped wreath on behalf of naval veterans during a ceremony on Sunday commemorating the Battle of the Atlantic, which ended 73 years ago on Tuesday. MacKinnon is escorted by master-at-arms Dave Keeping.
a Second World War merchant mariner and member of the Cape Breton Naval Veterans Association, stood with Bennet during the review.
“This was a great turnout — it’s good to see so many members of the community supporting us and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.
“I’m also very pleased to see the cadets again — we’ve always engaged the sea cadets and we’re happy they shared today with us.”
Following the return to the Unit 217 hall, a candlelight service was held before attendees enjoyed a dinner and dance.