When transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in October 1944, the light cruiser HMCS Uganda was the most powerful vessel in the Canadian fleet.

Seen here in refit after the war, Uganda represented Canadian admirals' ambitions for a powerful post-war navy. Joining the British Pacific Fleet in April 1945, Uganda helped protect carriers against aircraft attack and bombarded Japanese shore positions. With the end of the war against Germany in May 1945, the crew, in keeping with Canadian government policy, were asked if they would volunteer to continue serving against Japan. For a variety of reasons the majority voted no, leading to Uganda's withdrawal from naval operations

HMCS Uganda in Drydock, Esquimalt,
Painted by Harold Beament
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-1030