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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.

Shearwater Flyers National Football Championship, 1957
Shearwater Flyers National Football Championship, 1957

In 1957, the Royal Canadian Navy's Shearwater Flyers (in white jerseys) defeated the Fort William Redskins to win the Canadian Intermediate Football Championship.

Created in 1947, the Flyers drew on personnel from HMCS Shearwater, the naval air station at Dartmouth, and were a successful team, winning championships in Nova Scotia, the Maritimes, and Eastern Canada. In 1957, they scored a dramatic come-from-behind victory to win the national championship with Bruce Walker's winning touchdown, seen here.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19910001-602





Dawn Gun Stations in HMCS Pictou
Daisy Mae, HMCS Mayflower
HMCS Westaskiwin's Gun Shield Art
HMCS Shawinigan's Gun Shield Art
HMCS Rosthern Insignia
Ship's Badge, HMCS Inch Arran
Concert Party, HMS Canada
Jam Session at Sea, Seamen's Mess
"Crossing the Line" Ceremony
Boxing, HMCS Swansea
Naval Wedding, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Royal Canadian Navy Rum
"Beatty" Toby Jug
"Jellicoe" Toby Jug
Jewellery Box
Christmas Trees, HMCS Border Cities
Dining in the Wardroom, HMS Puncher
Model 6-inch Naval Gun
Model Cannon
Royal Naval College of Canada Rugby Game
Shearwater Flyers National Football Championship, 1957
Sunset Ceremony
Anniversary Celebrations, Quebec City
Dockside Religious Service
"Piping the Side"
Bosun's Call
Ship's Bell, HMCS Swansea
Ship's Bell, HMCS Inch Arran