Established in 1938, the Fishermen's Naval Reserve was a volunteer force that carried out patrols in fishing vessels like the Sea Pride II, seen here with pennant number Z-126.

Composed of experienced sailors patrolling in seaworthy but lightly armed vessels, the Reserve had its own rank system, an informal uniform of naval and fishing clothing, and a distinct esprit de corps, becoming known as the "gumboot navy". Today, the Fishermen's Reserve is mostly known for its role in the seizure of Japanese-Canadian fishing boats during the lead-up to the forced relocation of some 21,000 Japanese-Canadians from the west coast.

Fisherman Reserve Vessel Z-126 Under Way in Heavy Weather
Painted by Rowley Murphy in 1943
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4271