Celebrate with us in October!
This year the
Bartown Community Society will be hosting a Re-Enactment in celebration
of Canada’s Naval Centennial. The Bartown Community Society has
formed a partnership with local stakeholder groups and struck a
committee, the “Convoy SC-42 Committee” to oversee the implementation of
this event.
Our selected theme
will involve the Battle of the Atlantic and the fate of Convoy
SC-42 which was mauled a German Wolfpack southeast of Greenland
after sailing from Sydney on August 30, 1941. Of the approximately 64
merchant ships, 16 were lost. Approximately 280 merchant sailors died.
The action commenced on September 9 and although the Wolfpack began
dispersing on September 11, the final blow was struck on September 16 as
the convoy approached port in England. Notably, the battle resulted in
Canada's first U-boat kill of the war when U-501 succumbed to
attacks from HMCS Moosejaw and HMCS Chambly. Unfortunately, one Canadian
Naval Sailor, William Brown, was lost as a result of that encounter.
This particular
topic accurately reflects the important role played by Sydney harbour in
the war effort at a time when Britain relied solely on her colonies for
support in the form of the convoy system lifeline. It also reminds us of
the valour, sacrifice and dedicated effort of the many service men and
women involved in such perilous undertakings. The merchant sailors too
will be recognized for their part in this great struggle. The Battle of
the Atlantic was not only a battle against a cunning enemy but also
against the forces of nature. Gales, fog and ice were a staple in the
lives of the brave sailors in that campaign.
The event is
scheduled to take place on Saturday Oct. 16 at Memorial High School
in Sydney Mines, NS. It will be a theatrical performance based on
a somewhat fictionalized account of the actual historical events. The
play is being written by Ken Chisholm and directed by Jonathan Collins.
The performance will be followed by a dinner at a location to be
determined. We are working closely with the local Legions, Naval
Veterans, and cadet groups for the implementation of this event.
Planning is in the
initial stages and more information will be available in the coming
weeks.
For more information
Contact the Bartown office at 299 Commercial St. or call 794-8589.
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