The Heros Of The Second World War...Merchant Marine

In Cape Breton where I was born and a witness to the influence of the sea on the outcome of WW11 has been a source of conflict in my mind for many years. As school children we used to take up a collection every Friday during Red Cross time for the Merchant Marines. The merchant marines were a brave group of men who signed up for the most dangerous job in the world. Their task was to take ships laden with food, guns, supplies of all kinds and materials vital to the war effort from Canada to Europe.  The task was the most dangerous as the convoys ( groups of ships, often hundreds) left Sydney and Halifax and escorted by air and naval assets tried to deliver their ships and cargos through packs of submarines when travelling at slow speeds of about 9 knots.

When these ships left port they were constantly in danger and if their ship was hit no one was permitted to stop and help. They were on their own and thousands perished. This vital branch of the war effort was not recognized as a military unit and received none of the benefits of the regular services. Only recently has this been rectified but too late for the thousands who served in our Merchant Marine.

In Sydney and other ports along the east coast there are monuments to the bravery and importance of this vital service. As a child I saw the convoys and witnessed the air cover provided by the giant seaplanes like the Catalina's and the sea ships like the Corvettes which played a vital role in protecting the convoys. I get a little choked up when I see and read about the brave deeds I can only think of the families who suffered with their brave men and women serving their country without recognition. There is a anchor on the shore in Sydney which gives some recognition for the bravest of the brave The Canadian

 Merchant Marine.