Boys' Mess, HMCS Niobe

This rare view of HMCS Niobe's interior shows a living space, or "mess," for young sailors.

Boy sailors on the ship ate and fraternized at these mess tables, as indicated by the partially visible sign at the upper right. Hat boxes, dishes, and duffle bags for personal items are all smartly stored away on racks (right). Such accommodations had changed remarkably little since the days when mess tables were slung between the cannon of 18th-century wooden warships.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030174-069