§ 40. Sir Percy Hurdasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a general statement as to the part which Canadian seacraft and personnel as well as aircraft have taken in the anti-U-boat campaign.
Mr. AlexanderThe remarkable expansion of the Canadian naval and air Forces engaged in the Battle of the Atlantic and their skilful deployment and gallant handling in appalling weather conditions have been one of the prime factors enabling the United Nations to get the measure of the U-boat. The Royal Canadian Navy now provides over two-fifths of the ocean-going escorts in the North Atlantic. The warships manned by Canadians are, to a major extent, the product of Canadian yards. Of the combined Coastal Command and Canadian Operations against U-boats in the North Atlantic approximately one quarter is undertaken by aircraft of the Royal Canadian Air Force. In addition there are many Canadians serving in ships of the Royal Navy and squadrons of the Royal Air Force.
The strength of the Canadian Navy to-day in man-power approaches that of the Royal Navy in peace-time. This means approximately a 42-fold increase since the outbreak of war. One of the most remarkable features of their service is the facility with which these men drawn from all quarters of this wide Dominion, many of them living a thousand miles or more from the open sea, have adapted themselves to the varied demands of naval life. No less noteworthy is the high degree of enduring courage and personal gallantry which they have displayed in their encounters with the enemy. Operational awards to Canadian naval personnel include eight D.S.Os., 49 D.S.Cs., one C.G.M., 28 D.S.Ms., many decorations in the Order of the British Empire and numerous mentions in despatches, the majority being gained in North Atlantic convoy operations. Canadian airmen operating over these waters have won two D.S.Os., 25 D.F.Cs. with four bars, and 14 D.F.Ms. By agreement, between the United Kingdom, United States and Canadian Authorities, Canada and the United Kingdom are now mainly responsible for the control and protection of trade convoys between this country and North-West Atlantic ports. That Canada was able to assume such a heavy responsibility after three years of a war in which she started with 15 vessels of war is an achievement whose merit it is impossible to over-rate.
§ Sir P. HurdAre the Canadian Government and Canadian people informed of 166 the warm British appreciation of their efforts?