VICTORIA, BC, November 16, 2002 - War Amps Chief Executive Officer Cliff Chadderton has been invited to make opening remarks at tonight’s performance of the ballet Requiem for Convoy PQ-17 at 8 p.m. at Victoria’s Royal Theatre.

The ballet was created by Bill Coleman in honour of his father. Originally from Montreal, Joe Coleman served with the Canadian Merchant Navy and was one of the very few survivors of the Second World War Allied naval disaster which took place in July of 1942. German U-boats and fighter planes sunk 24 of the 33 Allied ships in the convoy, which was on the way to provide much needed food and supplies to those being bombed mercilessly in Russia.

“Bill Coleman felt that this was a story that needed to be told and found a unique and highly effective way to do so through dance and music. I am honoured to have been invited to speak,” said Chadderton, who led the compensation fight for Canada’s Merchant Navy veterans.

The production, which was partially funded by The War Amps, received a tremendous reception during its world premiere in St. Petersburg last year as part of a formal celebration commemorating the 60th anniversary of the first convoy’s arrival in Russia.