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 Shearwater, Stadacona, and Lady Evelyn

The Royal Canadian Navy's wartime fleet drew on British, Canadian government, and civilian ships like these.

The threat of German surface raiders and U-Boats prompted the conversion of a varied assortment of government and civilian ships into armed warships in order to augment the RCN. HMCS Shearwater (top) was a Royal Navy sloop already a relic by 1914; HMCS Stadacona (middle) was a civilian yacht; and HMCS Lady Evelyn (bottom) was a postal service steamer. Despite their origins, the last two were robust and quick enough to be involved in convoy duties in Canadian waters.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19750148-041