7 May 1944 A.D. HMCS VALLEYFIELD (K-329) sunk by U-boat—125 of 141 Canadian sailors perish
7 May 1944 A.D. HMCS VALLEYFIELD (K-329) sunk by U-boat—125 of 141
Canadian sailors perish
May 07, 1944: The corvette
HMCS Valleyfield (K329) is an example of the fact that the U-boat still proves
to be a force to be reckoned with. At
about 2330 on the 6th of May, she is approaching Newfoundland when there is the
sudden warning of the presence of a submarine.
As ‘action stations’ are sounded, a torpedo rips into the port
side. The damage is such that the
forecastle is twisted well to starboard, and within a minute is nearly at 90
degrees to the rest of the ship. The
water temperature is 32 degrees. With
the other ships a few miles ahead, it is some time before Valleyfield is missed
and when her absence is finally noticed, it is the hunt for the U-boat which as
always, takes precedence. It will be a
further four hours before a rescue ship returns, and during that time, 125
members of the crew of 141 will perish.
Today we remember the crew of HMCS Valleyfield who were lost on May 7, 1944. Stoker Petty Officer Leonard Boudreau of Joggins NS was one of those lost. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 4 in Joggins is looking for a photro of P.O L Boudreau. If anyone has a copy of his photo please contact jogginslegion@gmail.com Thanks Dara Legere
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