Canada's Naval History

Second World War
The Navy Ashore - Building the Royal Canadian Navy

The Royal Canadian Navy expanded dramatically during the Second World War, acquiring ships and recruiting personnel to meet the constantly increasing demands placed upon it. Ships had to be built, repaired, and maintained, and people recruited, trained, and supported.

HMCS York

HMCS York, in Toronto, was an important Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) recruiting depot during the Second World War.

Initially established as Toronto's Naval Reserve Division in 1923, the outbreak of war prompted a move to the Automotive Building at the Canadian National Exhibition, seen here. Like other reserve divisions, York functioned as an accommodation and recruiting centre, and was the first experience of naval life for more than 14,000 members of the RCN.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20000031-052

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