home
Special Themes

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.

Ship's Bell, HMCS Inch Arran
Ship's Bell, HMCS Inch Arran

This bell from the frigate HMCS Inch Arran has the ship's name engraved and picked out in red paint.

The clapper that usually hangs in the bell lies in the foreground. Ships have long used bells to indicate the time to their crews, as well as to signal to other vessels in the fog or at night. Often engraved with the ship's name, the bell has great significance, and is usually preserved as a memento or trophy when a ship is broken up or otherwise disposed of.

Ship's Bell
CWM 19810080-001





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