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The Navy: A Century in Art
The Navy at Sea

The Canadian navy is a creature of the sea. Its ships, equipment, tactics, and experiences have been conditioned by the major environments in which it serves. Historically, the most important of these have been Canada's long and ragged coasts and the storm-tossed northern waters connecting Canada to the world.

Tangled Float No.2Painted by Leonard Brooks in 1944
Tangled Float No.2
Painted by Leonard Brooks in 1944

This painting of HMCS Cowichan off the Normandy coast in 1944 shows both the complexity and the hazards of wartime minesweeping.

In this work, a paravane - a device towed by naval vessels to help destroy underwater mines - has become tangled in its own cable. Crew attempt to manoeuvre the cumbersome object as it hangs from one of the ship's derricks (cranes).

Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-1165





St. Lawrence Convoy Painted by Harold Beament in 1943
Protection Painted by Donald C. Mackay around 1943
Canadian Motor Torpedo Boats Leaving Dover for Night Patrol Painted by Thomas (Tom) Wood in 1944
Examination Officer Boarding Merchant Ship Painted by Donald C. Mackay in 1943
Rescue-Firing a Coston Gun Line Painted by Harold Beament around 1944
Signal Flag Hoist Painted by Donald C. Mackay in 1943
Shaft Tunnel, SS Kelowna Park (Can)Painting by Peter Whalley around 1945
Iced Up Painted by Donald C. MacKay in 1944
Fog Painted by Donald C. Mackay in 1943
Snowberry K-166 Painted by Fred Thearle in 1988
Andrew Wetmore Spotting Some Whales off the Starboard Bow Painted by Douglas Bradford in 2004
Awaiting the Return of the Aircraft Squadron Painted by Frank Leonard Brooks in 1944
Tangled Float No.2 Painted by Leonard Brooks in 1944