Executive Council
May 2, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier and Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs:

Premier Recognizes Battle of the Atlantic

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize the commemoration of a historic event, the Battle of the Atlantic.

Each year, on the first Sunday in May, we remember those who were lost in this Battle during World War II.

Mr. Speaker, the Battle of the Atlantic was bravely fought by the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Merchant Navy, as they protected the shipping lanes on the North Atlantic Ocean.

Newfoundland and Labrador played a significant role in this battle. St. John’s was vital to the supply and maintenance of the trans-Atlantic escorts that facilitated the critical convoys feeding the Allied war effort in Europe.

Unfortunately, the Royal Canadian Navy had approximately 2,000 fatalities and lost 24 warships. The Royal Canadian Air Force lost over 900 aircrews and the Merchant Navy had over 1,700 fatalities and lost more than 70 ships.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in honouring all the women and men of our armed forces, past and present, for their tremendous contributions.

Thank you.

2016 05 02                             1:50 p.m.