Canada's Naval History

The Second World War
The Merchant Navy - Serving with the Merchant Navy

During the Second World War, Canadian and Allied merchant mariners faced the constant hard work of operating and maintaining their ships, the threat of enemy attack, and the dangers of accidents and storms.

Painting a Life Raft, SS Temagami Park

Four Canadian merchant mariners pose for a photograph while painting a box-shaped life raft aboard the SS Temagami Park in 1945.

Cyril Cavil (standing, left), Jack Pynne (standing, second from left), Patrick Henry (sitting, second from right) and Alex Black (sitting, right) were photographed during the Temagami Park's last wartime voyage. Leaving Vancouver in May 1945, their ship circumnavigated the globe before returning in November 1945. During the Second World War, Canadian merchant mariners aboard ships like the Temagami Park served on seas and oceans around the world.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20010110-002