Canada's Naval History

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Birth Of the Navy

First World War

Between the Wars

Second World War

Early Cold War

Later Cold War
- - From RCN to Maritime Command
  - A Changing Fleet

Navy Today
- - The Gulf War
  - Continuing Commitments

Birth of the Navy (1910-1914)
Creating the Navy

Created in 1910, the Naval Service of Canada was renamed the Royal Canadian Navy in 1911. It was the product of an intense Canadian political debate driven by Great Britain's efforts to bolster its naval defences against the rapidly growing German navy.

Artifact Record

Bicorn Hat, Rear-Admiral Sir Charles E. Kingsmill

Rear-Admiral Sir Charles E. Kingsmill, first Director of the Naval Service of Canada, wore this hat with his dress uniform for ceremonial occasions.

As with its early ships, Canada's navy looked to Britain's Royal Navy for its uniforms. This hat represents the aspirations of Canada's infant naval service, which hoped to transfer Royal Navy traditions and practices to the maritime forces of the young Dominion.

Bicorn Hat
CWM 19090001-001