Canada's Naval History

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Birth Of the Navy

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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.

HMCS Rainbow arrives at Esquimalt, British Columbia

HMCS Rainbow (right) arrives for the first time at the Canadian navy's Pacific base in Esquimalt, British Columbia, on 7 November 1910.

Smaller than its east coast counterpart HMCS Niobe, Rainbow fitted the new navy's requirements well. It was easier to operate and made fewer demands on Canada's tiny pool of officers and sailors. HMS Shearwater (left), dressed with flags and pennants to mark Rainbow's arrival, was transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy from Great Britain in September 1914.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19890167-008