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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.

Balaclava, Clovis Ira Bordeleau
Balaclava, Clovis Ira Bordeleau

The Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE) gave this hand-knitted balaclava to merchant mariner Clovis Ira Bordeleau.

Bordeleau served in Canada's merchant navy, and probably received this balaclava as part of a "ditty bag" containing comforts like knitted socks, chewing gum, and books. Along with organizations like the Navy League of Canada, the IODE encouraged Canadians to knit clothing and accessories for members of the merchant navy and the Royal Canadian Navy. Printed booklets provided knitting patterns and guidelines for assembling "ditty bags."

Balaclava
CWM 20080034-004





Merchant Navy War Service Badge, Somer Oscar James
Painting a Life Raft, SS Temagami Park
Engine Room, SS Kelowna Park (CAN)
Shaft Tunnel, SS Kelowna Park (CAN)
Merchant Navy Uniform, Clovis Ira Bordeleau
Balaclava, Clovis Ira Bordeleau
Christmas Card, SS Lady Rodney
Identity Bracelet, Robert Bush
Torpedoed, North Atlantic
Burning Oil Tanker
Torpedo Damage, SS Samtucky
Torpedo Damage, MS Kronprinsen
Storm Damage, SS Joel R. Poinsett
MV Nipiwan Park
Memorial Cross, Third Engineer Alfred Henry Perry, SS Fort Longueuil
Rescuing Survivors
HMCS Longueuil Rescues Survivors
Port of New York Identity Card, Ernest Shackleton
Ordinary Seaman Somer Oscar James
Telegram, Percy Kelly, SS Lady Hawkins
Chief Officer Percy Kelly