A commemoration ceremony took place in Halifax Sunday to honour those who took part in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War.

The last surviving corvette from the First World War was on hand, drawing crowds from far and near.

Phil Clappison, who was a stoker first class on HMCS Halifax, remembers almost being hit by a torpedo.

“The ship was swung hard to port and I thought the ship was going to turn over,” he said. “That torpedo went across our bow and went through the whole convoy and didn't hit a ship."

Wreaths were laid and the ashes of two dozen veterans were slipped into the sea. Ninety-one-year-old widow Lois Dunlop said the gesture was touching.

“I was very delighted I was able to come and bring my family," Dunlop said.

Hymns were sung that would have been heard on board navy ships 70 years ago during the Battle of the Atlantic.

Robert Buchanan of the Ireland Royal Naval Association was on hand for the memorial.

“When so many Canadian naval ships came in for repair, after coming across with the convoys, we feel very proud to be associated with it," Buchanan said.

The new Navy returned to the dock in sunshine, ending what was an emotional and symbolic ceremony.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Ron Shaw