Canada's Naval History

Home > Special Themes > Naval Traditions and Culture

The Navy: A Century in Art

Naval Traditions and Culture

Naval Traditions and Culture

Naval traditions and culture encompass a wide range of activities, events, and objects, often unique to naval service. Some, like the "crossing the line" (meaning, the equator) ceremony, are old and well-established, while others, such as gun shield art, related directly to Second World War experiences. Many reflect companionship, commemoration, recreation, or esprit de corps.

Artifact Record

"Jellicoe" Toby Jug

British Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, a prominent pre-war and wartime naval commander, is the subject of this First World War Toby jug.

The figure of Jellicoe, in full dress naval uniform and cocked hat, sits on a base marked with the Royal Navy's White Ensign. He holds a jug marked "Hell Fire Jack", a nickname arising from the improvements he made to gunnery during his time as director of naval ordnance. This jug is one of a series created by British political cartoonist Francis Carruthers Gould that caricatures Allied military leaders and politicians.

Toby Jug
CWM 19760495-005

Main image

Additional views