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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.

HMCS Shearwater, Stadacona, and Lady Evelyn
HMCS Shearwater, Stadacona, and Lady Evelyn

The Royal Canadian Navy's wartime fleet drew on British, Canadian government, and civilian ships like these.

The threat of German surface raiders and U-Boats prompted the conversion of a varied assortment of government and civilian ships into armed warships in order to augment the RCN. HMCS Shearwater (top) was a Royal Navy sloop already a relic by 1914; HMCS Stadacona (middle) was a civilian yacht; and HMCS Lady Evelyn (bottom) was a postal service steamer. Despite their origins, the last two were robust and quick enough to be involved in convoy duties in Canadian waters.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19750148-041





"A Pill for Kaiser Bill", HMCS Niobe
Medal Set, Sub-Lieutenant J.M. Paul, HMCS Niobe
Thomas Hayes, Royal Naval Reserve, Newfoundland, HMCS Niobe
SS Brindilla
HMCS Stadacona and HMCS Niobe
HMCS Canada
HMCS Shearwater, Stadacona, and Lady Evelyn
Gatling Gun, HMCS Bayfield II
HMCS Laurentian and Margaret
Canadian Minesweepers
Olympic with Returned Soldiers
The Little Drifter and the Big Freighter
Looking Astern on a Sub-Chaser
Sketch of a Seaplane Taking Off
Royal Canadian Navy Trawlers, Northwest Arm, Halifax