HMCS Oakville was a smaller ship that made her mark continued from p.3 1942, the HMCS Oakville was diverted offcourse in order to reinforce a convoy that was under attack by German U-boat, U94. "Three Allied ships were sunk in the scrimmage, but Oakville defeated the seasoned U-boat, one of 29 boats that would be sunk by the RCN," he said. Woolfrey said the German boat was rammed and sunk off Haiti while its crew was captured. For their efforts, sailors of HMCS Oakville received four medals and six citations. "She and her crew served Canada with pride, but more importantly this town of Oakville with much pride for what we have done," he said. As Woolfrey spoke, on a blustery cold and windy day that was damp from morning rain, he said he couldn't help but think of what sailors endured during the Second World War and noted they will forever be remembered at Tannery Park. Two cadets uncovered the interpretive panel, written by Lt. (Navy) Sean E. Livingston C.D. (Canadian Forces Decoration), of the Naval Reserve and Commanding Officer of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps (RCSCC) 178 Oakville. Livingston is the author of Oakville's Flower: The History of HMCS Oakville. He embarked on a journey 15 years ago to uncover the HMCS Oakville's full story. "Today, I am proud to say our community's namesake ship will receive the recognition she deserves," he told attendees, including: Oakville and Milton sea cadets, Oakville army cadets, BurlOak Naval Veterans and the Town of Oakville Water-Air Rescue Force (TOWARF). "This new park celebrates Oakville's nautical history," said Livingston, who grew up in Oakville and attended St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School, before moving to Burlington. "The spire behind me is the centre of a compass rose, a fitting marker, which when illuminated, will stand as a beacon for all those travelling along our shores, and showcase in a place of honour, a commemorative plaque, which shares the story of HMCS Oakville -- a proud part of our town and country's history..." Guests also heard from Oakville MP John Oliver, Ontario Labour Minister and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn, a representative from Oakville North-Burlington MP Pam Damoff's office and Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. Oliver encouraged residents to find out more about the HMCS Oakville and how it played such an important role in successfully capturing and sinking a German U-boat. Flynn said he pleased to see this piece of history commemorated in the community. "But it shouldn't be any surprise to anybody that a vessel that's named after this town takes her job very seriously and does what needs to get done," Flynn added. "It was a very brave little boat that went out during a very bad, dark time and did us so proud," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. After the formal ceremony and parade, Andy Barber, clad in a decorated uniform, said he was happy to bear witness to such a "tremendous occasion" that honours the sailors and their families for their patriotism. Barber, who served on the HMCS Haida in the Korean War, noted many of the sailors didn't know what they were getting into as the HMCS were smaller ships, often referred to as the "sheepdogs" of the sea because they would help escort convoy and shipments. He said the ship would have crossed the Atlantic several times without incident, but the battle with a U-boat was something to remember. "People don't seem to get it. The most destructive thing in the world is a war. It's terrible. It destroys families," said Barber, a member of the Burl-Oak Naval Veterans. 5 | Thursday, May 19, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com INJURED? I Can Help! CONCEPT YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca PLATINUM We are the region's best lighting store latest lighting designs at exclusive pricing! LIGHTING group Outdoor Lighting Sale. Take an additional 20%off entire store on sale SALE Take 24 monThs To pay no downpayment · no interest* *Some conditions apply. See store for details. PLUS INSTALLATION Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law Oakville 243 Speers Road 905.849.LITE(5483) Visit our website to see our "love of lighting - sale flyer" Burlington 1515 N. Service Road 905.331.7444 Between Guelph Line & Brant Street Mississauga 5980 McLaughlin Rd. #3 905.712.4548 w w w. c o n c e p t l i g h t i n g . c a