Canada's Naval History

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Birth Of the Navy

First World War

Between the Wars

Second World War

Early Cold War

Later Cold War
- - From RCN to Maritime Command
  - A Changing Fleet

Navy Today
- - The Gulf War
  - Continuing Commitments

The Later Cold War
From RCN to Maritime Command

The creation of the single-service Canadian Forces in 1968 transformed the Royal Canadian Navy into Maritime Command. The unification of the armed services brought tremendous change, introducing standardized uniforms and other common procedures that replaced older traditions. Federal policy and human rights rulings also increased the use of French, and began to abolish most limits on women's military service.

Artifact Record

Uniform, Captain Hans Arnsdorf

Captain Hans Arnsdorf wore this uniform in the Canadian Forces Maritime Command, which replaced the Royal Canadian Navy.

Maritime Command shared this green "unification" uniform with the army and the air force, with only the jacket's lapel badges and the beret badge providing a naval identity. The four stripes on the sleeve denoting Arnsdorf's rank of captain have also lost the "executive curl", a small circular loop on the uppermost stripe.

Service Dress Uniform, Captain Hans Arnsdorf
Beret, CWM 19970089-009
Jacket, CWM 19970089-023
Shirt, CWM 19970089-025
Tie, CWM 19970089-027
Trousers, CWM 19970089-024