MNCTP HONOURS THE VICTIMS OF THE SS CARIBOU AND LOOKS AHEAD TO THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2027, OCTOBER 15, 2026

Stéphane Ouellette • October 16, 2026

MNCTP HONOURS THE VICTIMS OF THE SS CARIBOU

AND LOOKS AHEAD TO

THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2027

OCTOBER 15, 2026

"Remembrance is not simply about honouring the sacrifices of the past; it is about preserving their meaning for future generations. The legacy of the SS Caribou reminds us of the extraordinary human cost of war and the enduring importance of those who serve at sea."

— Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer, Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP)

“On this solemn 80th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Caribou off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador by enemy action on October 14, 1942, the RCMP Veterans’ Association respectfully remembers the tragic loss of life of 136 souls, including civilian passengers, military personnel and 31 crewmembers of Canada’s Merchant Navy.

“Only three days prior to the sinking of the SS Caribou in the Cabot Strait, the RCMP schooner St Roch skippered by then RCMP Sgt. Henry Larsen was traversing the same Atlantic waters arriving in Halifax on October 11, 1942 after completing an historic first west to east crossing of the North West Passage; a mission that had wartime military taskings associated with it and that was conducted during the Battle of the Atlantic, facing the risk of German U-boats.

“Hundreds of RCMP members served gallantly within the Canadian military during the Second World War both as members of the RCMP No. 1 Provost Company, as well as in volunteer service with the Army, the RCAF and with the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR). Several made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember four (4) who died at sea including three killed directly as a result of enemy action:

Chief Mechanic Daniel Everett GILLIS, Reg 12223 died of exposure in the frigid waters off Halifax on 16 March 1941 when the lifeboat he was aboard capsized after his patrol ship, the HMCS Otter, caught fire and foundered.
Cst Charles James JOHNSTONE, Reg 10063 lost at sea on 1 May 1941 due to an attack by enemy U-boat upon the transport ship Nerissa
Lt. Patrick R.F. MILTHORP, Reg 12168 lost due to enemy action that resulted in the sinking of the HMCS Spikenard on 10 February 1942
L/ Cdr. John Willard BONNER, Reg 12130, lost at sea on 11 September 1942 when the HMCS Charlottetown was sunk by enemy action.

“The RCMP and its Marine Services division has a long proud record of service patrolling Canada’s coastal waterways along the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Members serving aboard RCMP patrol vessels support and protect communities and have historically delivered services on behalf of the federal government to villages, hamlets and outposts, and affirmed Canada’s sovereignty over the remote northern regions.

“We honour the courageous contributions of the Merchant Navy throughout their own proud history, and that of the RCN and RCMP Veterans were proud to stand on parade once again this year at the Royal Canadian Navy Monument in Ottawa to commemorate their service. We will remember them.”

– Alexander P. (Sandy) Glenn, National President, RCMP Veterans’ Association (October 14, 2022)

Commemorative milestone presents an opportunity to strengthen national remembrance, maritime heritage, education, and collaboration.

OTTAWA, October 16, 2026 — The Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP) solemnly remembers the 136 lives lost aboard the Newfoundland passenger ferry SS Caribou, torpedoed by a German submarine in the Cabot Strait on October 14, 1942, during the Second World War.

On the evening of October 13, 1942, under the command of Captain Benjamin Taverner, the SS Caribou departed North Sydney, Nova Scotia, bound for Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. In the early hours of October 14, the vessel was struck by a torpedo fired from German submarine U-69 and sank within minutes.

Of the 237 passengers and crew aboard, 136 perished, including civilians, military personnel, merchant mariners, women, and children. Only 101 survived. The tragedy remains one of Canada's deadliest maritime disasters of the Second World War.

The Royal Canadian Navy's HMCS Grandmère, which had been escorting the ferry, subsequently undertook rescue operations, bringing survivors to safety.

Looking Ahead to the 85th Anniversary — October 14, 2027

Building upon its longstanding commemorative achievements, the MNCTP looks ahead to the 85th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Caribou on October 14, 2027, as an important opportunity to honour those who perished, recognize the courage of survivors and rescuers, and preserve the enduring legacy of their sacrifice.

The anniversary will also provide an opportunity to highlight the historical and contemporary contributions of the Merchant Navy and Royal Canadian Navy to Canada's national defence, maritime security, international trade, and economic prosperity.

The MNCTP looks forward to collaborating with its valued partners and stakeholders, including veterans' organizations, governments, maritime institutions, historical societies, educational organizations, and community representatives, to explore meaningful commemorative and educational initiatives surrounding this historic milestone.

About the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project

The MNCTP is an international commemorative initiative dedicated to preserving maritime heritage, honouring the service and sacrifice of merchant mariners, and advancing recognition, remembrance, education, and intergenerational engagement. Its evolving vision connects the historical contributions of the Allied Merchant Navies with the vital role of today's global maritime community.

Lest We Forget.