Day 212 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: Truro, Nova Scotia

Battle of the Atlantic Ceremonies in Truro to honor the lives lost during World War I and II.

The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest continuous military campaign^[2][3][4] of World War II, (though some say it was a series of naval military campaigns and offensives^[5]) running from 1939 through the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945, and was at its height from mid-1940 through to the end of 1943. The Battle of the Atlantic pitted U-boats and other warships of the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) against Allied convoys. The convoys, coming mainly from North America and the South Atlantic and going to the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, were protected for the most part by the British and Canadian navies and air forces. These forces were aided by ships and aircraft of the United States from 13 September 1941.^[6] The Germans were joined by submarines of the Italian Royal Navy (Regia Marina) after Italy entered the war on June 10, 1940.

The name “Battle of the Atlantic”, first coined by Winston Churchill in 1941, covers a campaign that began on the first day of the European war and lasted for six years, involved thousands of ships and stretched over hundreds of miles of the vast ocean and seas in a succession of more than 100 convoy battles and perhaps 1,000 single-ship encounters. Tactical advantage switched back and forth over the six years as new weapons, tactics and counter-measures were developed by both sides. The British and their allies gradually gained the upper hand, driving the German surface raiders from the ocean by the end of 1942 and decisively defeating the U-boats in a series of convoy battles between March and May 1943. New German submarines arrived in 1945, but they were too late to affect the course of the war.

Navy Cadets

Reviewing Officers, John McCabe and Paul McCabe, who interestingly enough are father and son.

Legion Branch 26 Presidents and Members

Jarvis Stewart served in the second World War in the Canadian Navy.

Angela Reid is a Memorial Cross Mother, her son Christopher Jonathan was killed in Afghanstan, on August 3rd 2006.

Ron Trowsdale built these model airplanes back in the 1960’s as a teenager where they were stored in an attic until 2005 when the Legion saw the importance of them and built a display cabinet in their memory room. Any of the models haven’t been reproduced for years, making them impossible to get.

The boys sit around and enjoy a pint together.

Day 162 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: The Historic Town of Saint John, New Brunswick

Has spring sprung in Saint John, New Brunswick?

Saint John has a wealth of historical and heritage residences throughout the city. On every corner of Saint John stands an architectural marvel in need of attention, restoration and protection from the elements.

There are a few addresses that include a 1/2…not sure exactly what this means?

Donald

Postal Worker in Saint John

When I asked Mark if he used gel or mousse for his hair, he stated: “I use school glue.” 

It takes a whole lot of people to run a city. On the left is Craig, he has been a crosswalk attendant for seven years.

The McKee For Keys shop has been in business for 75 years. 

Business is still good, even with the recession. 

Lori is the queen of multi-tasking. She runs the counter, cash register and cooks! 

Burt and Kelly were a couple of friendly faces at the snack bar.

Doorway of the Chipman Hill Suites, circa 1860.

Happy Family on the Streets of Saint John

“Since established in 1855, the business of W.H. Hayward and his brother-in-law O.H. Warwick has grown and prospered. Located initially on Prince William Street near to the noble post office one can see from the picture on the left the name “W.H. Hayward”. The company relocated from Prince William after the great fire of ‘77 to new spacious premises on Princess Street. Today, the owners, fifth generation of the Hayward family obtain the finest of English and imported China gifts and tableware in the tradition of the founder.“ 

Hayward and Warwick on Princess Street

David Hayward is keeping the family business alive. Hayward and Warwick has been a pillar in Saint John for over a hundred years. 

Mother and daughter shopping at Hayward and Warwick. 

Hayward and Warwick has a China Museum Beside Their Store

Saint John Local

Resident of Saint John

Statues in King’s Park

Proud Canadian, or in need of curtains?

Wiring Nightmare

Oil Tankers on the Bay of Fundy

Day 161 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: The City of Fredericton, New Brunswick’s Capital

Fredericton Geometrics

Leaving to walk the dog from her Fredericton home.

Working at the Coffee and Friends Cafe

Air Canada pilots and crew checking into the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fredericton.

Randy unloads a back hoe in downtown Fredericton. Monday morning he will start digging up the frost out of the ground.

Fredericton City Hall

Bishop John Medley arrived in Fredericton on June 19, 1845. 40 year-old Medley immediately set about planning for construction of a magnificent new cathedral. The Cathedral was modeled after St. Mary’s, in Snettisham, Norfolk. Today, the two cathedrals bear remarkable similarities to each other. The architectural style, imitating from another building, is known as “Revived Gothic”. The cornerstone for the new building was laid on October 15, 1845 by Lieutenant Governor Sir William Colebrooke.

The service of consecration marking the official opening of the Cathedral would not take place until August 11, 1853, almost eight years later. The tower of the Cathedral was the last major part to be constructed. The original plans called for a twin tower design, but soaring construction costs led to the choice of a single tower. The original design was published in the Illustrated London News in 1849. On July 3, 1911, lightning struck the Cathedral and the resulting fire gutted the spire and destroyed the choir when the bells melted and fell to earth. It took over a year and $100,000 to rebuild the Cathedral. On August 12, 1912, Bishop Richardson led a rededication service for the restored building. The newly constructed spire rose to 198 feet. In 1983, the Cathedral was declared a National Historic Site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. The year 2003 marks the 150th anniversary of the Cathedral completion in 1853.

Christ Church in Fredericton

Lighthouse on St John river

At first sight, you might think this clump of grass high up in the tree is last year’s bird nest. On closer examination, you’ll notice the grass is stacked from one direction- from left to right. This was caused by last year’s flooding of Fredericton and the grass marks the high water point. There is already talk in Fredericton of flooding this year, with just 14 cm’s less snow than last year. In one month’s time the story will unfold with the spring melt.

Red Clock in Walkway in Fredericton

An amazing century-old rock building houses the York-Sunbury Museum in downtown Fredericton.

People Enjoying a Saturday Skate in Fredericton

We were surprised to see a Swedish flag flying up top of a building in Fredericton. I stopped and asked some folks, who had lived there their entire lives, but they didn’t know.

So we strolled over to read the business list on the outside of the front doors. As it turns out, it is one of the 11 Swedish Consulates in Canada.

Security from the Legislative Assembly Building

This surprisingly impressive museum overlooks the waterfront and is home to an extensive collection of British paintings, including works by Reynolds, Gainsborough, Constable, and Turner. Antiques buffs gravitate to the rooms with period furnishings and early decorative arts. Most visitors find themselves drawn to Salvador Dalí’s massive Santiago El Grande, and studies for an ill-fated portrait of Winston Churchill. Stop by to find out what’s currently on display.

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Fredericton Legion – New Brunswick flag flying at half mast for a fallen soldier in Afganistan.

Friday night dart night has been going on for 20 years at the Marysville Legion.

Steady and Focused.

Winning Second Place!