Merchant Navy Day was marked in the capital city today with a special ceremony at the Merchant Navy Memorial outside the Marine Institute in St. John’s.
The approximately 10,000 volunteer members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Merchant Marine played what has long been recognized as a vital role in the Second World War, transporting food, equipment, personnel and even iron-ore across the Atlantic.
Some 5,150 Allied merchant ships were lost during WWII.
They faced the constant threat of attacks from German U-boats, destroyers and enemy aircraft ferrying all-important goods across the ocean to assist in the war effort.
The Merchant Navy Memorial was erected in St. John’s in 1997 to recognize the sacrifices and bravery of those who stepped up to do what had to be done.
Families joined a variety of dignitaries and community leaders at this morning’s ceremony.
Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association and Master Mariners of Canada-N.L. Division mark Merchant Navy Day and 26th anniversary of the Merchant Navy Memorial outside the Marine Institute in St. John's. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/6wjH2uxtbE
— Brian Callahan (@briancallahan67) September 1, 2023
Captain Eben March of the Master Mariners of Canada NL division, says September 3rd marks the 84th anniversary of Britain declaring war on Germany, and first Merchant Navy loss was almost immediate.
He says within hours, the passenger liner “Athenia” en route from Montreal, was struck by a German torpedo, becoming the first UK Merchant ship sunk in the war. The lives of 117 civilian passengers and crew were lost.
