Parks Canada has unveiled a plaque commemorating the German U-Boat attacks off Bell Island in 1942.
Dozens gathered outside the Bell Island Community Museum for the unveiling, including veterans and school children.
The speeches harkened back to the fall of 1942 when the iron ore being produced at the Bell Island mine was a strategic part of the war effort.
The first German U-Boat attack happened 80 years ago on September 5th, sinking the SS Saganaga and the SS Lord Strathcona.
Then, two months later on November 2nd, another U-Boat sank two more vessels – the SS Rose Castle and PLM 27, and caused serious damage to the Scotia Pier.
In both attacks, about 70 allied sailors were killed.
Teresita McCarthy.
During the ceremony, the bravery of Bell Islanders who jumped into the water to save as many crewmembers as possible was highlighted.
Teresita McCarthy, Executive Director of the Bell Island Community Museum, says her father was among the “droves” of people who dove into the water to save those who were on the boats.
McCarthy had to fight back tears when thinking about it. She says her mother would describe the huge explosion, calling it both devastating and horrific.
