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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 Launches Attack an Enemy Submarine
Motor Launches Attack an Enemy Submarine

Royal Navy motor launches attack a submerged German U-Boat (submarine) after detecting it through a hydrophone, a type of underwater microphone.

These motor launches have likely dropped depth charges in the hope of hitting the submerged U-Boat, and are searching the area for debris while listening for further sounds of the enemy. Motor launches helped counter the U-Boat threat, carrying out duties that included patrolling anti-submarine barriers like minefields and underwater steel nets.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030213-002_31





Royal Navy Warships, Firth of Forth, Scotland
The Night Patrol - Canadian Motor Torpedo Boats Entering Dover Harbour
Albert Medal, Chief Motor Mechanic Ernest Alfred Pooley
Cap Badge, Royal Naval Motor Boat Reserve
Sub-Lieutenant Douglas Urry, Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve
"And it blew wondrous cold", Royal Naval Motor Boat Reserve
Motor Launch ML 399, in Drydock, Grimsby
Reloading Motor Launch ML 139 with Depth Charges
Motor Launches Attack an Enemy Submarine
British Naval Mine
Motor Launch Rescues Crashed Seaplane
Sailor's Uniform, Leading Seaman Roland White
Canadians Serving in HMS Canada
Ross Rifle Mk III with Bayonet
Three Canadians in the Royal Navy