Post by Administrator on Sept 11, 2018 0:11:01 GMT
Today we gather in remembrance of the civilian members who made up what can be considered Canada’s fourth branch of the services during the World War Two – the Merchant Navy. While 11 November is the Day of Remembrance for the three fighting branches, 3 September is dedicated to the Merchant Navy sailors and officers who served in the longest conflict of that war. The Merchant Navy sailed carrying troops and war materiel from 3 September 1939 to 8 May 1945 in the Battle of the Atlantic; without the Merchant Navy the people of the British Isles would have starved and Europe would have remained in tyranny.
For years, the unsung heroes of the Battle of the Atlantic were the men and women who served in the merchant navy. When war was declared, Canada had fewer
than 40 ocean going merchant vessels. By war’s end, more than 400 had been built.
Twelve thousand sailors served in Canada’s merchant navy, manning the ships that
delivered the food, supplies and troops that fueled the war effort. They made more
than 25,000 voyages in vessels that were virtually defenseless and easy prey for
German submarines. Fifty nine Canadian merchant ships were lost. One in seven of
those who served lost their lives — the highest percentage of casualties among
all Canadian forces.
The flag hoisted today is the red ensign; the flag of the Merchant Navy. Known affectionately as the red duster, this flag is being commemorated at Merchant Navy
remembrance gatherings today throughout Canada and the Commonwealth.
Composed and read by the President of Royal Canadian Navy Association.
read at an MN Day service.
For years, the unsung heroes of the Battle of the Atlantic were the men and women who served in the merchant navy. When war was declared, Canada had fewer
than 40 ocean going merchant vessels. By war’s end, more than 400 had been built.
Twelve thousand sailors served in Canada’s merchant navy, manning the ships that
delivered the food, supplies and troops that fueled the war effort. They made more
than 25,000 voyages in vessels that were virtually defenseless and easy prey for
German submarines. Fifty nine Canadian merchant ships were lost. One in seven of
those who served lost their lives — the highest percentage of casualties among
all Canadian forces.
The flag hoisted today is the red ensign; the flag of the Merchant Navy. Known affectionately as the red duster, this flag is being commemorated at Merchant Navy
remembrance gatherings today throughout Canada and the Commonwealth.
Composed and read by the President of Royal Canadian Navy Association.
read at an MN Day service.