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- First Sunday in May is Battle of the AtlanticPosted on May 5th, 2024 by irishroverpeiThe Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous battle of the Second World War and one in which Canada played a central role. The battle began on the opening day of the war in September 1939 and ended almost six years later with Germany’s surrender in May 1945.Early in the war, German U-boats took a heavy toll on merchant shipping as the Allies struggled to find effective ways to combat the enemy threat. Between 1939 and 1942, the Germans increased the number of U-boats from 30 to 300 and developed effective hunting techniques like using groups of submarines, called wolfpacks, to attack convoys. Their efforts initially paid off, with 454,000 tonnes of shipping being lost to German U-boats in June 1941 alone. Their successes continued as nearly 400 Allied ships were sunk between January and July 1942, while only seven U-boats were lost. The situation was very serious for the Allies, as merchant ships were being sunk faster than they could be replaced, thereby putting the supply link between North America and Europe at great risk.Technology played an important role in the Battle of the Atlantic. Aircraft were effective in protecting merchant ships, but the Allied planes used earlier in the war did not have enough range to offer air cover for the convoys all the way across the Atlantic. Indeed, the central area of the ocean beyond aircraft range became known as the “Black Pit” as that was where many of the heaviest convoy losses occurred. However, the introduction of new long-range planes helped reduce the hazards of this dangerous portion of the run.Both sides kept trying to get the upper hand in technology and tactics during the Battle of the Atlantic. Germany developed torpedoes that were attracted to the noise made by a ship’s propellers. Allied scientists responded by inventing a noise-making device that was towed behind a ship to divert the torpedoes. New radar and sonar (ASDIC) technologies helped the Allies find the U-boats and new weapons, like the “Hedgehog” bombs, helped sink the submarines more effectively. The Germans also developed technological advancements like snorkel tubes that allowed U-boats to run their diesel engines while travelling underwater and on-board radar that increased their submarines’ capabilities. Eventually, the improved equipment and tactics of the Allies finally helped turn the tide of the battle in their favour, with the U-boat fleet suffering heavy losses during the later phases of the war.The growth of Canada’s navy was remarkable. At the beginning of the Second World War, the RCN had only six ocean-going ships and 3,500 personnel. By the end of the war, Canada had one of the largest navies in the world with 434 commissioned vessels and 95,000 men and women in uniform. Canada’s industry also played an important role in the growth of our military and merchant navies. From 1941 to 1945, Canadian shipyards produced approximately 403 merchant ships, 281 fighting ships, 206 minesweepers, 254 tugs, and 3,302 landing craft.Furthermore, Canada played an important role in directing Allied efforts in the Battle of the Atlantic. In 1943, Rear Admiral Leonard Murray was put in charge of the Allied air and naval forces in the Northwest Atlantic—the only theatre of war commanded by a Canadian during the conflict.Crows Nest St Johns NFLD. Where the convoy Captains planned their routesOn Sunday, I ask you take a moment to remember the sacrifice and bravery of those mariners that fought for our freedom and never returned to shore. “At the going down of the sun and in the morning “We Will Remember Them.”God Bless and keep readingAuthor of LILY & ME , and THE ROYAL NAVY & MEVisit blog and website?? www.irishroversbooks.com
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More Plan B.
There was a very informative letter to the editor in yesterday’s Guardian from Gary Schneider (17th Sept 2012). This information comes from a man with an impressive environmental knowledge on the subject. I recommend you read it. He makes some … Continue reading
Encourage People to get off Oil!!
Its a beautiful warm and sunny Sunday morning in mid September, makes one good to be alive. But the cold winds of winter are not far off and that brings us to thoughts of home heating. When I think of … Continue reading
This is Real Progress!!!!!!!
In an earlier post I did a parody using the Provincial Government With Ghiz as the sheriff of Not(listening)ham and Sheridan as Robber Hood plus all their Merry (credit card carrying) Men/women. Well it seem this Merry Bunch are staying … Continue reading
PEI Politics!!! We Need Real Opposition.
Quebec have kicked out the Liberals, so who is next? More than likely the Liberals here on PEI. I certainly hope so. However, our history of elections seems to remain unchanged. We get mad at the Liberals kick them out … Continue reading
The New Sheridanland
In the first half of the 20th century in Northern Ireland districts were set up with a majority of protestant voters. This ensured a protestant candidate was always elected. This infamous system was known as “Gerrymandering” It would appear we … Continue reading
Heritage Property (see 15th Aug post)
Well maybe things are moving a little and perhaps Ghiz isn’t smiling today. My letter to the editor appeared in today’s Guardian. I also heard from the Provincial PC party yesterday, their research person is going to investigate the heritage … Continue reading
Is Ghiz Breaking the Law???
I have recently heard that the Ghiz government has bought a house that is in the path of the Plan B extension. In fact they have purchased several , however, this particular house was a designated Heritage Property. Allow me … Continue reading
More Ghiz Government Democracy
Democracy or Dictatorship???, its not too difficult to see which one we are receiving from this present provincial government. The “Plan B” highway project that we neither need or can afford continues to progress at full speed. The headlines on … Continue reading
PEI Volunteers for Literacy
Still no word about this program being cut. I contacted my MLA last week, he was going to check with Minister of Education and get back to me. So far nothing. I have emailed the Eastern School Board with the … Continue reading
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