BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC PARADE
Battle of the Atlantic Memorial Parade and #166 NLCC John A. Hamilton
- Sunday 04-May-2025 (Mandatory Attendance)
- Location: Calgary City Hall
- Cadet Meeting Point: Corner of 7th Ave SE & Mcleod Tr N (Olympic Plaza)
- Time: 0930 hrs (no later)
- Uniform: Full Cadet Uniform, water bottle
- Estimated parade end: 1200 hrs.
Pick up location is the same meeting point.
Important: Cadets must be dressed in the proper uniform with no missing kit. Media will be on site for this event and it is vital that the cadets dress and deportment is representative of the Navy League of Canada.
Parents and Families are strongly encouraged to attend this significant memorial parade.
Note:Mcleod Trail between 7th and 9th Ave will be closed from 0800 hrs to 1300 hrs.
Discounted parking is available at City Hall.
The Battle of the Atlantic
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945. This battle was the longest continuous military campaign of the war and was vital for securing the shipping routes between North America and Europe.
At the start of the war, the RCN was relatively small and ill-equipped, but it quickly expanded to become one of the largest navies in the world. The RCN's primary role was to escort convoys of merchant ships across the Atlantic, protecting them from German U-boat attacks. These convoys were essential for delivering food, oil, equipment, and other supplies to the Allied forces in Europe.
The RCN's efforts were instrumental in overcoming the U-boat threat and ensuring the safe passage of these vital supplies. The battle transformed the RCN, increasing its personnel and fleet size significantly. However, victory came at a high cost, with approximately 4,600 Canadian lives lost, including sailors, merchant mariners, airmen, and members of the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service.
The courage and dedication of the RCN during the Battle of the Atlantic are commemorated annually on the first Sunday in May.
For more information regarding the history of the Battle of the Atlantic: Canada.ca, Wikipedia