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The plaque’s state of disrepair also caught the attention of the Canadian Battlefields Foundation (CBF), which owns the monument. The Foundation’s president, retired Lieutenant-General Marc Lessard, said it was recently taken away due to its condition and will be replaced by a new plaque.

He too was “shocked by its state” when he saw it a year ago, he said.

The plaque was in such poor condition was because it was made of bronze, which is susceptible to maritime conditions, Lessard said, adding preservation of the plaque is “essential” for two reasons: It commemorates the essential service of the 31st Minesweeping Flotilla and highlights contributions made by the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force. History tends to focus on the D-Day contributions of the army.

“We intend to have the future plaque made of a different material which should resist the harsh weather elements,” he said in an email, noting the group is working to have it in place for the 74th D-Day celebration in June 2018.

The contributions of Canadian minesweepers were critical to the D-Day invasions, said Second World War historian Jeff Noakes of the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. This holds true for the 10 members of the 31st Flotilla. Clearing underwater mines to allow a path for troops and equipment is an extremely dangerous task.

“It’s a lot more difficult and challenging than most people might realize,” he said, noting the ships travel at slow speeds in tight formation.