Canada's Naval History

Second World War
Battle of the Atlantic - Lost at Sea: HMCS St. Croix

In September 1943, in a battle surrounding two convoys in the North Atlantic, German submarines sank the Canadian destroyer HMCS St. Croix and eight other Allied warships and merchant vessels. The loss of St. Croix, like the loss of many Canadian ships during the battle of the Atlantic was felt across the country.

Mona Ross, Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service

This undated photograph shows Mona Ross (back row, right) with other members of the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS).

Among the final pages in the album recording Lieutenant Alex Ross and wife Mona's short life together is this photograph, the only image showing Mona in WRCNS uniform. The date of her enlistment is not known, but it was probably after Alex's death in September 1943. For Mona Ross, and for the families and loved ones of the other members of HMCS St. Croix's crew lost in the sinking, the battle of the Atlantic changed lives forever.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19800567-001_p53