Canada's Naval History

The Second World War
War in the Pacific and South East Asia - The Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and Hong Kong

During the Second World War in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, some Canadians and Canadian ships served with Britain's Royal Navy fighting against Japan. After helping Canadian soldiers reinforce Hong Kong in 1941, the Royal Canadian Navy returned in 1945 and helped repatriate Canadian prisoners of war.

Artifact Record

Donald R. Saxon's Helmet

Canadian Lieutenant Donald R. Saxon wore this protective helmet while serving in the British cruiser HMS Newcastle in 1944.

The markings identify him as the control officer for the ship's port side high-angle (anti-aircraft) guns. Already a veteran of several European battles, Newcastle was active in the war against Japan as part of the 4th Cruiser Squadron, bombarding Japanese-held islands and supporting Allied landings in Burma. In the Indian Ocean, as in other theatres, Canadians like Saxon made valuable contributions while on loan to or serving in the Royal Navy.

Helmet
CWM 19990116-005