CFB Esquimalt and the Township of Esquimalt commemorated this weekend the final Royal Canadian Navy ship to sink during the Second World War.
The HMCS Esquimalt memorial service was held Sunday (April 16) at Esquimalt’s Memorial Park.
HMCS Esquimalt was torpedoed by a German submarine in Halifax Harbour on April 16, 1945. Just three weeks later, the Second World War ended in Europe.
“Today we remember and honour the courage and sacrifice of the crew of HMCS Esquimalt,” CFB Esquimalt base commander Capt. J. Jeffrey Hutchinson said. “This was a loss that ripples across many lives. There are heroes in this event. It is a privilege today to honour our shared history between this great community we call home and our namesake ship. A unique bond is formed when you name a vessel after a town or a city.”
The service included songs, speeches, the laying of wreaths and prayers.
“The story of HMCS Esquimalt will be told for many generations to come,” Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins said. “The loss of the brave men who served on HMCS Esquimalt and their struggle in their final hours is important for us to remember. These were men with families, friends, communities and a love for their country. We will remember them. We will continue to commemorate the lives of these young men every year.”
READ MORE: Canada’s oldest living veteran of the Second World War turns 108 in Saanich
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