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.

Playing Chess Below Decks, HMCS Niobe

This view of one of HMCS Niobe's interior spaces shows sailors relaxing off-duty.

Niobe's crew, living in close proximity to each other, reflected the variety of ages and backgrounds typical of Royal Navy ships. Games such as chess helped pass the time and create the tight-knit community necessary for naval ships to function effectively.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19830056-022