1

The War at Sea


Britain required extensive supplies to continue the war effort against Germany. Most of these supplies came from North America, but many merchant ships were sunk by German submarines. To counter the threat of German U-boats the allies used the convoy system so that naval ships could protect the merchant vessels. The Royal Canadian Navy played a major role in protecting these convoys. However, the convoy system did not guarantee safety and many merchant ships were still sunk with much loss of life.

2

Clifford Gilker's Story


Clifford Gilker was unceremoniously "kicked out" of the Royal Rifles army regiment when authorities learned that he was under 16. He later joined the Navy in 1943 and served on the destroyer "Saskatchewan." This is his account:

"I'll never forget July 6th, 1944. Together with destroyers Qu'appel, Restigouche and Skeena, we engaged a fleet of German warships escorting U-Boats out of Brest Harbour on the western tip of German occupied France. After a fierce two-hour battle, we sank four German escorts. Although we did suffer some damage and lost some comrades, we were thrilled at our victory." (Clifford Gilker, 1999)

3

Clifford Gilker
World War II, 1939-1945
Grand Cascapedia, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum

4

Clifford Gilker's Destroyer "Saskatchewan"
World War II, 1939-1945
Grand Cascapedia, Quebec, Canada


Credits:
Bay Chaleur Military Museum