VAC: Canadian Naval Monument Dedicated in Belgium

NEWS RELEASE TRANSMITTED BY CCNMatthews

FOR:  VETERANS AFFAIRS CANADA

MAY 8, 2003 - 12:23 EST

VAC: Canadian Naval Monument Dedicated in Belgium

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--Today, during the celebration of VE Day, the 
commissioning of a Monument to commemorate the almost forgotten 
disaster of the 29th Canadian Motor Torpedo Boat Flotilla will 
take place in the City of Oostende, Belgium. 

On the 14th of February, 1945, 26 sailors of the Royal Canadian 
Naval Volunteer Reserve and five of their boats were lost to an 
accidental fire and explosions in the harbour of Oostende.  
Through the efforts of the Oostende Memorial Task Force of the 
Royal Canadian Naval Association, a project was developed to 
erect a monument at the harbour. The City provided an appropriate 
site very close to the actual canal berth where the catastrophe 
occurred. 

The Memorial was erected on a paved esplanade that is known as 
the Montgomery Dock, the location chosen by the late General for 
landing support to the Allied Forces as they liberated the low 
countries in their final push of the Second World War. Dedication 
of the Monument took place today as part of the celebration of VE 
Day in Oostende. This is considered Liberation Day by the 
Belgians at which time their hearts go out to Canadian Navy, 
Army, and Air Force personnel. 

The event was attended by members of the former Coastal Forces 
Association and all branches and members of the Royal Canadian 
Naval Association throughout Canada. Following is part of the 
text of a letter sent to Jean Vandecasteele, Mayor of Oosende, by 
the Naval Association. 

"Dear Mr. Mayor: 

I am privileged today to offer to the citizens of Oostende a gift 
that consists of a little bit of Canada.  This work in Canadian 
granite is inscribed with the names of twenty-six sailors of the 
29th Canadian Motor Torpedo Boat Flotilla.  They join the many 
sons of Canada who in two world conflicts perished in the Fields 
of Flanders in the struggle for freedom and world peace. 

May their sacrifice be another link in the ever-growing 
friendship and goodwill that flows between our two great nations. 
 We ask that this Memorial become a part of the maritime 
traditions of this City and that it be freely utilized in the 
conducting of ceremonies that reflect on the trials and triumphs 
of the men and women who go down to the sea in ships.  Now, Mr. 
Mayor, this child is yours. Take it under your wing and into the 
family of your Great City. 

Welcome it and display it with the same kindness and goodwill 
that you have always welcomed other visitors from Canada. God 
bless you and all the people of Belgium. May you continue to live 
in peace and happiness with the free nations of the World." 

-30-

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Thunder Bay Naval Association

Rod McKay

Press and Publicity

(807) 622-5715