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"Navy Island"... Dedicated to the Regular Force and Merchant Marine

Canada's Merchant Navy

At the outbreak of WWII, there were only 37 Canadian vessels registered for foreign voyages. Nearly half of that number were lost to enemy attacks. Approximately 1400 Canadian seaman served on those original ships.

A 1941 Order in Council called for the establishment of Merchant Marine Manning Pools; created training schools and facilities, as required; and, encouraged the assistance, and coordination of the extension of facilities for the welfare of seaman in Canadian ports. Merchant Marine Manning Pools were established and put into operation in Halifax ( Sept 41 ); Montreal ( Jan 42 ); Vancouver ( May 42 ); and , Saint John ( Jul 42 ). Manning Pools admitted medically fit and trained foreign-going seaman ( officers and ratings ), and offered them basic rate of pay for their rank, with full board and lodging, providing they agreed to accept assignment to Canadian foreign-going ships, as directed. They provided for the maintenance of a reserve of qualified personnel and offered its seaman continuous pay and a home between ship engagements.

Eventually, Canada had the largest merchant fleet in the history of the Dominions with approximately 180 ocean-going cargo vessels and some 14000 skilled seaman, at all ranks.

Statistics... 175 Canadian Seaman died by enemy action in WWI, 1146 in WWII. 1059 Seamans' names are on the Halifax Monument (place of burial unknown). See a list of WWII ship losses here, compliments of the «Naval Museum of Manitoba.»

See a Video... Heros of the Atlantic Produced 1942, a tribute to Merchant Seaman. The Port of Saint John is featured! To assist in viewing, this 15 minute video has been split into 3 parts.

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