Birth of the Navy (1910-1914)
HMCS Niobe

HMCS Niobe, one of the Naval Service of Canada's first two ships, was intended in part to train Canadian sailors. A large, obsolescent cruiser, Niobe required many crew and was expensive to operate. Lengthy repairs after it ran aground in 1911, and subsequent budget cutbacks, limited the ship's activities.

Boxing Match, HMCS Niobe

On a calm day at sea, HMCS Niobe's complement assembles to watch a boxing match.

Boxing matches were one of the pastimes which helped occupy off-duty sailors. This photograph also shows Niobe's quarterdeck, which extended from the aft bridge to the stern of the ship. As one of the few large, open spaces on board, the quarterdeck was often used for activities involving large groups, including formal ceremonies such as religious services. In the foreground, two of Niobe's quick-firing 6-inch guns and their ammunition hoists can be seen.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19830056-027