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Domestic Stories Naval veterans warn of 'lack of understanding' of Battle of AtlanticBy Sarah Gilmour
Two naval veterans set up a stand at Billings Bridge Plaza in Ottawa April 15 and 16 to raise public awareness about the May 1 Battle of Atlantic 60th anniversary, which was difficult to do since general awareness is low, said a former naval member.
“It hasn't been very busy, just people walking by,” said Leading WREN (Women's Royal Canadian Naval Services) (Ret) Patricia Toner.
There is a trend of an apparent lack of awareness towards Battle of the Atlantic in the general public, said Leading Seaman (Ret) William Holliday. “Given there's been two generations since it happened, and given what I understand is a failing of modern history teaching in the schools, I'm not surprised,” he said.
This year, LS Holliday will be participating in the Battle of the Atlantic memorial held by the Pembroke Legion, of which he enjoys being a member. “I feel a comradeship with people,” he said.
LS Holliday entered the Navy in 1953, and served for five years towards the end of the Korean War. He served in HMC Ships Micmac and Haida, and participated in the 1955 NATO tour.
Battle of the Atlantic is characteristic of the moments in Canada's history that ought not be forgotten, but are, said LS Holliday.
“Freedom is not free, it has to be pursued, it has to be guarded,” he said. “Part of the process is that the nation deserves more understanding.”
Leading WREN Toner tries to build this understanding by participating in public awareness initiatives like this set-up at Billings Bridge, talking about her naval career.
“You made a lot of good friends and you felt you were doing something,” she said. Leading WREN Toner still keeps an active role with the WREN association, which holds many reunions.
Leading WREN Toner participated on the home front during the Second World War from January 1943 until September 1945.
For this year's 60th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, she will be laying a wreath on behalf of the WREN Association at an Ottawa memorial ceremony.
During the Battle of the Atlantic, the Royal Canadian Navy, as it was then known, lost over 2 000 members at sea, and 24 ships.
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