Battle of the Atlantic remembrance service to be held next month

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The convoys that crossed the Atlantic Ocean during the Second World War were an essential part of the war effort, and next month, a ceremony will be held to commemorate those who served and died on those ships.

The Riverview Veterans & Armed Forces Association will holding a remembrance service to mark the 79th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic. The service will be held at Centennial Park in Moncton at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 5.

The battle spanned the duration of the war, from Sept. 3, 1939 to May 8, 1945, as shipping convoys ferried supplies and soldiers from Canada and the United States to England. During the war, 4,352 Canadians, in the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force and merchant marine, lost their lives at sea.

Peter Jubb, who will serve as master of ceremonies, sees the service as a way to thank those who gave their lives.

“If you consider the Second World War without the Canadians and the Americans sending food over and ammunition and war supplies to the U.K., the outcome of the Second World War would’ve been in doubt,” said Jubb.

He has been organizing these services for the past 12 years. This will be the first full ceremony since the COVID-19 restrictions for parades were lifted.

“If I can’t take an hour of my time for the remembrance for the Battle of the Atlantic and do an act of remembrance and remember all those fallen, I’m not a very good veteran.” said Jubb.