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

Gatling Gun, HMCS Bayfield II

This 1883 model Gatling gun was mounted on the Bayfield II, a government survey ship transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy for east coast patrol duties during the First World War.

Found in 1933 at the government naval yard in Sorel, Quebec, the Gatling gun is seen on its shipboard mount, with a wooden magazine (top left) used for training. One of three purchased in the aftermath of the 1885 Resistance and later transferred to the navy, this gun's obsolescence highlights the poor state of Canada's naval forces on the eve of war.

Gatling, Heavy Machine-gun
CWM 19340001-003

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