Today we remember….

“The Battle of the Atlantic was not won by any navy or air force, it was won by the courage,
fortitude and determination of the British and Allied merchant navy.”
– Rear Admiral Leonard Murray, Commander-in-Chief Canadian North Atlantic

Today as many of us already know is Rememberance Day. The day we thank our veterans and salute their efforts made in past wars to secure our nation’s borders from foreign invaders. On this Rememberance Day I’m going to write to you about a vital part of the war effort that isn’t spoken about enough in my opinion: the Merchant Mariners.

Throughout the Second World War, the Merchant Mariners were the brave men (and women) who transported desperately needed food, equipment and even personnel to Britain and other Allied countries on non-military vessels. Although not formally part of the armed forces, these men and women faced daily threats from enemy submarines and destroyers that were trying to cut off the supply to the front lines. Thousands of Merchant Mariners during WW2, thousands of Mariners were killed at sea while hudnreds who were captured were sent of to war camps.

Despite the risks, recruitment for the Merchant Mariners was high in Newfoundland, still a British Territory at the time. Most of them consisted of older men or teenagers who were denied access into the military but still wanted to do what they could to help out. It was well known that Britain relied heavily on its imports from North America for its war effort. Any significant interruption of the shipping lanes across the North Atlantic would have made likely a British defeat at German hands.

When the War had eventually ended, it is estimated that some 60,000 Allied merchant mariners died in service – over 300 of whom were from Newfoundland and Labrador. Despite their contribution to the war efforts, Merchant Mariners received little recognition once hostilities ended. I happen to think their efforts to supply the front line as well as the allies through u-boat infested waters deserves just as much thanks these days as every other solider who is being thanked for their brave and incredible acts.

The Merchant Mariners and their efforts out of Newfoundland hold a personal value for me because of my relation to one of them. I learned of the contribution made the Mariners of Newfoundland through my in-laws because my wife’s father was a member of the Merchant Mariners. Ethan and Jonathan’s Grandfather was a Merchant Mariners during the Second World War and I make an effort, especially today, to remind my boys of the bravery and sacrifices all soldiers made for our nation, especially the risks their grandfather and the mariners took to supply the allies during the war.

I never had the pleasure to meet my father-in-law, he passed away more than decade before I met and eventually married his daughter. I would have liked to talked to him, learned more about his service from him rather than his kids. I could tell how his kids talked about his service that they were especially proud of what their father did during the war. I usually take the time to make sure my boys will remember their past and the relatives that served to preserve our way of life during the great wars.

So I take this moment to say thank you to the father-in-law I never met. That young man who volunteered to help supply the allies during a very dangerous time to be on any vessel in the Atlantic Ocean. Their contribution was vital to the allied victory and it will not be forgotten by myself or my children, especially on this day.

Peter