Canada's Naval History

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Birth of the Navy (1910-1914)
HMCS Niobe

HMCS Niobe, one of the Naval Service of Canada's first two ships, was intended in part to train Canadian sailors. A large, obsolescent cruiser, Niobe required many crew and was expensive to operate. Lengthy repairs after it ran aground in 1911, and subsequent budget cutbacks, limited the ship's activities.

HMCS Niobe's Goat

Photographed in an ornate harness in front of HMCS Niobe, this goat was one of several ship's mascots.

Mascots performed several functions on board ship, including ceremonial duties. At other times, Niobe's goat appeared in a monogrammed blanket and attended major assemblies of the ship's company. Other animals like cats and dogs were treated like pets by the ship's crew and could also help with pest control.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19830056-030