First World War (1914-1918)
Atlantic Theatre

In response to the threat of German naval activity, the east coast navy expanded from its tiny pre-war establishment to include a wide assortment of ships. Their range of duties included blockading, convoy escort and minesweeping.

HMCS Stadacona and HMCS Niobe

This view of Halifax harbour shows HMCS Stadacona and HMCS Niobe.

Stadacona (foreground), a former luxury yacht armed with a 4-inch gun, assisted in patrols and convoy work in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and on the east coast. Niobe, an obsolete cruiser, was recommissioned as a depot ship in September 1915. In this role, it was a floating facility for accommodation, training, and naval administration. Only two of Niobe's four funnels are standing, which indicates this photograph was taken after the December 1917 Halifax explosion.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20080060-001_28c