Canada's Naval History

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Interwar Years
The 1920s: A Navy Struggling to Survive

Following the end of the First World War, the Royal Canadian Navy faced significant threats to its continued existence. In the face of significant cutbacks, the navy focused on maintaining a small force to train sailors and to protect the country's coasts against enemy ships.

The Gun Battery, Halifax

Established in 1923, the Gunnery School at the Halifax Dockyard trained officers and sailors in naval gunnery.

The facility contained a range of naval guns, some of which are seen here. The large weapons in the background (centre right) are likely 6-inch guns from HMCS Aurora, which had been taken out of service in 1922 due to budget cutbacks. The school also trained members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Marine Section. "Whale Island" refers to the home of HMS Excellent, the Royal Navy's gunnery training establishment in Portsmouth, England.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19750559-009_p23