Government of Canada Recognizes National Historic Significance of Crow's Nest Officers' Club

Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque officially unveiled

ST. JOHN'S, NL, May 2, 2014 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Senator David Wells today unveiled a plaque commemorating the importance of the Crow's Nest Officers' Club as a national historic site of Canada. A special ceremony was held at the Crow's Nest Officers' Club in St. John's in the presence the member of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and the Royal Canadian Navy.

The Crow's Nest Officers' Club was established in 1942 at the height of the Battle of the Atlantic and became well known among naval officers based in St. John's as a place to relax and share stories about the ongoing war effort. Today, the club's unique collection of military artifacts connects visitors to the rich body of naval tradition from this era and preserves the memory of serviceman who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting allied convoys in the North Atlantic during the Second World War.

Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada's history. Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up the rich tapestry of Canada's cultural heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.

Quick Facts

• The Crow's Nest Officers' Club - originally named the "Seagoing Officers' Club" - was founded in 1942 by Captain E.R Mainguy of the Royal Canadian Navy to create a more effective operational force through increased social interaction amongst Allied naval officers and their counterparts in the Merchant Marine who were involved in the Battle of the Atlantic.
• Crow's Nest Officers' Club is located on the top two floors of a late 19^th-century industrial building in St. John's, N.L., and was designated a national historic site in June 2010.
• The Battle of the Atlantic (1939-1945) was the longest running battle of the Second World War and is commemorated each year across Canada on the first Sunday in May.
• Based on recommendations from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, to date, the Government of Canada has designated over 2,000 national historic sites, persons and events.

Quotes

"On behalf of our Government, I am proud to commemorate the Crow's Nest Officers' Club as a place of national historic significance and welcome this unique site to our family of national historic designations. The Crow's Nest Officers' Club is a valuable cultural and historical asset that connects Canadians to the personal stories and heroic contributions of Allied naval forces during the Battle of the Atlantic in the Second World War."

Senator David Wells

"The collective experiences and stories reflected in the history of the Crow's Nest Officers' Club serves as a living legacy to the valiant service and remarkable bravery of allied forces who served in the North Atlantic during the Second World War. On behalf of the Board of Directors and membership of the Crow's Nest Officers' Club, we are delighted the Government of Canada, on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, has selected the Crow's Nest Officers' Club for this significant designation."

Tony Dearness, President - Crow's Nest Officers' Club

Associated Links

Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada: http://www.pc.gc.ca/clmhc-hsmbc/index.aspx

Crow's Nest Officers' Club: http://crowsnestnl.ca/

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.

SOURCE: Parks Canada

Ray Kenny
Public Relations Officer
Newfoundland East Field Unit
Parks Canada
709-772-2587
[email protected]
www.twitter.com/parkscanadanl