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

First World War (1914-1918)
Atlantic Theatre

In response to the threat of German naval activity, the east coast navy expanded from its tiny pre-war establishment to include a wide assortment of ships. Their range of duties included blockading, convoy escort and minesweeping.

Artifact Record

Medal Set, Sub-Lieutenant J.M. Paul, HMCS Niobe

Sub-Lieutenant Paul was among Canada's first sailors to serve in a theatre of war.

Paul served in HMCS Niobe during coastal patrols and blockade work off the American east coast for the first year of the war. His medals include the 1914-1915 Star (left), issued for service in any theatre of war before 31 December 1915. Since Canada considered "overseas" to be service beyond the three-mile territorial limit, many members of the Royal Canadian Navy were entitled to this star. The set also includes the British War Medal (centre) and the Victory Medal (right).

Medal Set, Sub-Lieutenant J.M. Paul
Tilston Memorial Collection of Canadian Military Medals
CWM 19830048-002