First World War (1914-1918)
HMCS Grilse, Torpedo Boat

HMCS Grilse was the Royal Canadian Navy's fastest ship during the First World War. Originally built as the yacht Winchester, Grilse was converted to a torpedo boat and served off Canada's Atlantic coast.

Lieutenant Jack Ross and Sailors of HMCS Grilse

Jack Ross (left), seen here with armed members of HMCS Grilse's crew including one carrying a cutlass (right), purchased the Grilse for Canadian naval service.

Deemed medically unfit for overseas army service, Ross, one of the wealthiest men in Canada, sought a place in the navy by obtaining fast American yachts for the Canadian government. After purchasing the first vessel, which became HMCS Tuna, he was appointed a naval lieutenant. In 1915, Ross acquired another yacht, which became Grilse, a ship he would command from October 1915 to July 1916.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19940001-945