Gen. Walter Natynczyk, Canada's chief of defence staff, takes part in the ceremony in St. John's on Sunday. (Natalie Kalata/CBC)

Veterans and serving navy personnel lined the St. John's waterfront Sunday to commemorate the Second World War's Battle of the Atlantic.

More than 1,600 Canadian merchant sailors were killed during the battle between Allied convoys and German U-boats and warships.

Gen. Walter Natynczyk, Canada's chief of defence staff, attended the ceremony in St. John's.

"Here with all the veterans commemorating that incredible battle that really was so important to winning the war in Europe and especially now we also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Canadian navy here where so many ships were launched," Natynczyk said.

The wreath placed during the event was taken aboard HMCS Fredericton. It was to be placed on the ocean during the ship's return to Halifax.

Many people from Newfoundland and Labrador who took part in the Battle of the Atlantic were not directly part of the Canadian effort because the province wasn't created until after the Second World War. More than 330 Newfoundlanders died in the merchant navy.

More than 3,200 Newfoundlanders joined Britain's Royal Navy, and hundreds joined the Royal Canadian Navy during the war About 10,000 Newfoundlanders joined the merchant marine. The whole effort was controlled by the Royal Canadian Navy. More sailors were stationed in St. John's than anywhere else in Canada.