The remembrance of the end of the Second World War in Europe will be commemorated on May 4, 2025, at the Comox Marina Park.
The first Sunday in May each year commemorates the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest, most unforgiving campaign of World War II. It is to the sailors of the Navy and Merchant Marine; the army gunners on board these vessels; and the pilots and aircrews overshadowing the convoys that we owe so much today. This year we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the battle and the war in Europe.
From September 3, 1939 through to May 8, 1945 the participants felt the full force of Mother Nature, combined with the terrors of war. Convoy after convoy would struggle across the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, some only taking 13 days others 17 or longer. The Battle of the Atlantic was the most important sea campaign of the war. Great Britain鈥檚 survival and the liberation of Europe depended on the merchant ship cargoes of food and war supplies. Local participation in the Battle of the Atlantic by the Royal Canadian Air Force is continued to be seen in the Battle Honours of 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron based at 19 Wing Comox.
The RCNA is made up of serving and former naval Regular and Reserve veterans and is formed into various branches across Canada. The Association also includes Coast Guard and Merchant Navy members and includes support of the Canadian Cadet Organization.
