Royal Canadian Navy commemorates 81st Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic
Press Release
May 3, 2026 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, Canadians commemorate the 81st anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest continuous campaign of the Second World War.
Members of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the Royal Canadian Air Force, and those connected to the naval community gather today to honour the hardships and sacrifices of the thousands of sailors and aviators who fought with determination, as well as the civilian workers and merchant mariners who supported the war effort.
The Battle of the Atlantic began on September 3, 1939, with the sinking of the SS Athenia by German submarine U-30. Thirteen days later, on September 16, 1939, the first supply convoy departed Halifax, Nova Scotia, for the United Kingdom. By 1944, 494 fast and slow convoys totalling more than 26,800 ships had crossed the Atlantic, with approximately 540 ships lost to enemy action. Allied forces fought continuously for control of the North Atlantic Ocean to sustain the war effort until the conflict ended in 1945.
Canadian sailors worked tirelessly to protect vital convoys carrying life-sustaining supplies between North America and Europe. Through dark days and long nights, the Battle of the Atlantic lasted 2,075 days, ultimately claiming the lives of more than 2,210 sailors, 900 aviators, and 1,700 Canadian Merchant Navy sailors. Their bravery and sacrifices were instrumental in securing victory for the Allies.
Quotes
“As we mark the 81st anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary Canadians whose dedication at sea, in the air, and across our coastal communities helped secure the lifeline to Europe and shaped the Royal Canadian Navy we know today. Their determination – alongside the vital contributions of maritime aviation, including the Royal Canadian Air Force – closed the Mid-Atlantic Gap and protected countless lives. Their legacy continues to guide us, reminding us why a strong and determined maritime force remains essential to protecting our three oceans and the level of risk and hardship we endure once we put on the naval uniform.”
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy
Quick facts
The Battle of the Atlantic spanned the entire duration of the Second World War. Allied forces fought for control of the North Atlantic Ocean to supply the war effort from 1939 to 1945, making this the longest campaign of the war.
The RCN grew from six destroyers and 3,500 personnel in 1939 to 373 fighting ships and more than 100,000 sailors by war’s end – one of the largest navies in the world, largely supported by reservists. Canadian sailors would shoulder much of the burden of the Battle of the Atlantic.
Sailors and aviators sank or shared in the destruction of some 50 U-boats while escorting approximately 25,000 merchant ships to deliver more than 165 million tonnes of life and war-sustaining cargo to Europe.
These accomplishments were fuelled by an impressive shipbuilding effort that saw more than 400 merchant ships; 281 destroyers, corvettes, and frigates; 206 minesweepers; over 250 tugs; and more than 3,000 landing craft built in Canadian shipyards.
In 1943, Rear Admiral Leonard Murray took command of the Allied air and naval forces in the Northwest Atlantic, becoming the only Canadian to command an Allied theatre of conflict in either World War.
Maritime aviation expanded rapidly during the Battle of the Atlantic. By combining naval and air force capabilities at sea, Allied forces closed the Mid-Atlantic Gap – an area once unreachable by land-based aircraft. This coordinated effort helped secure vital shipping lanes and prevent enemy dominance in the North Atlantic Ocean.