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.

Dominion Day, Niobe Boys

HMCS Niobe sailors celebrate Dominion Day (now Canada Day) "on the town" in Halifax.

In the foreground, a sailor team of "driver" and "draft horse" pull a petty officer in a children's wagon. Behind them, Niobe sailors share revelry and their round caps with local civilians and a soldier or Royal Marine (back row, third from right). This image fits into a long tradition of "Jack ashore" exploits, with sailors ashore and away from shipboard discipline enjoying a variety of amusements.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19830056-044