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.

Artifact Record

Kye on the Middle Watch - Murmansk

James Stewart drew on his vivid memories of the Arctic convoys when he painted this scene of two sailors sharing "kye" (hot cocoa).

The two sailors are depicted huddled during the middle watch, the coldest and darkest period of duty: midnight to 4:00 AM. Stewart, who served in the corvette HMCS Eyebright, the frigate HMCS Loch Alvie, and the destroyer HMCS Qu'appelle, had first-hand experience of the harrowing conditions on the trip around northern Norway to Murmansk. His vivid memories of the "Murmansk Run" prompted him to create this painting many years later.

Kye on the Middle Watch - Murmansk
Painted by James Stewart around 1960
CWM 20060150-001