Navy Commander visits Barrie for Battle of the Atlantic ceremony

VAdm Angus Topshee, Commander of the RCN, holds a salute during the Battle of the Atlantic ceremony in Barrie, Ont., on Sun., May 3, 2026. (CTV News/Mike Lang)

Barrie and Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden troops and veterans welcomed a top-ranking military officer for Sunday’s Battle of the Atlantic commemoration.

VAdm Angus Topshee, 38th Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), attended the annual ceremony at the city’s cenotaph after receiving a special invitation from Dave Aspden, former Barrie Mayor and Canadian Naval Memorial Trustee.

After the laying of the wreaths, VAdm Topshee paused the ceremony’s proceedings to personally thank the veterans, active troops and cadets in attendance for their service.

The Battle of the Atlantic took place during the Second World War as Canadian and allied troops fought against Nazi Germany.

According to the RCN, it helped destroy 33 enemy U-Boats and 42 enemy surface craft. At the same time, more than 2,200 RCN sailors and Navy personnel died making the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The victories and tragedies of the Battle of the Atlantic are annually commemorated by Canadian military personnel on the first Sunday of May.

More to come.