Canadian Northwest Atlantic facts for kids
The Canadian Northwest Atlantic Command was a special area of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II. This area was very important for the Battle of the Atlantic, which was a long fight between Allied ships and German submarines. The command stretched from north of New York City far out into the Atlantic.
It was created at a big meeting called the Atlantic Convoy Conference in Washington, D.C. in March 1943. Rear-Admiral Leonard W. Murray was put in charge on April 30, 1943. His main office was in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This command was special because it was the only major war zone during World War II that was led by a Canadian officer.
The United States Navy also helped protect ships in the Atlantic. Their efforts were first led by Task Force 6, then Task Force 24.
Why the Command Was Created
In January 1943, leaders from the Allied countries met at the Casablanca Conference. They decided to have another meeting soon to talk more about protecting ships in the Atlantic. Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States all had important things they wanted to discuss.
The British wanted one main commander for all anti-submarine operations in the Atlantic. They thought Admiral Horton would be a good choice. Canada had taken a big role in escorting convoys (groups of ships) across the North Atlantic. They wanted to create a new command, the North-West Atlantic Command, and have a Canadian lead it. The United States wanted to focus their navy ships on other parts of the Atlantic. They felt that Britain and Canada could handle protecting ships in the North Atlantic.
The Atlantic Convoy Conference
At the Atlantic Convoy Conference, important naval leaders met. Admiral Ernest J. King, who was the head of the United States Navy, met with Admirals from the British Royal Navy and Rear-Admiral Victor Brodeur from the Royal Canadian Navy.
Admiral King suggested a new way to share control of the Atlantic. After much discussion, everyone agreed to this plan. Britain and Canada would share the job of protecting the North Atlantic shipping lanes. The United States Navy would take charge of the central and southern parts of the Atlantic.
Soon after this conference, Admiral King created the United States Tenth Fleet. This was not a group of ships, but rather a special command center focused on fighting submarines.
See also
- Canadian Encyclopedia: Battle of the Atlantic
- Juno Beach Centre: Admiral L.W. Murray
