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)
Canadians in the Royal Navy

Many Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the Royal Navy during the First World War, providing much needed personnel, and emphasizing the strong Imperial ties between both dominions and Great Britain.

Motor Launch Rescues Crashed Seaplane

This photograph shows a motor launch coming to the rescue of a crashed British seaplane, possibly a Short 184.

The photograph comes from an album owned by Sub-Lieutenant Douglas Urry, a Canadian who served in Royal Navy motor launches. While the launches' primary function was to patrol against U-Boats in the English Channel, they could also be useful in maritime search and rescue. The Royal Naval Air Service flew regular antisubmarine patrols, and unreliable aircraft and unpredictable weather often led to crashes.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030213-002_21