Canada's Naval History

Second World War (1939-1945)
The Navy in European Waters - The Arctic Convoys and Scandinavia

Following the Soviet Union's entry into the war against Germany, the western Allies established convoys carrying much-needed supplies to Soviet Arctic ports, most notably Murmansk. Canadian ships participated in these convoys, and also visited Scandinavian countries in the wake of Germany's surrender.

Canadian Sailor and German Private, Copenhagen, Denmark

This photograph, likely taken in Copenhagen, shows a Canadian sailor (left) posing with a smiling German private (right).

The sailor's "HMCS" cap tally identifies him as a Canadian, while a tin of cigarettes is clearly outlined under his jumper near his hand. The German private, who still has his rifle, was likely a member of a coastal artillery force stationed in Copenhagen. In mid-May 1945, HMCS Iroquois, along with the British cruisers HMS Dido and HMS Devonshire and the destroyer HMS Savage, spent several days in the recently liberated city.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20020039-001_p46b