First World War (1914-1918)
Canadians in the Royal Navy

Many Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the Royal Navy during the First World War, providing much needed personnel, and emphasizing the strong Imperial ties between both dominions and Great Britain.

Ross Rifle Mk III with Bayonet

This Canadian-made Ross rifle, shown here with a hilted knife bayonet, was used by a Royal Marine detachment on the British battleship HMS Canada.

A useful target shooting and sniping rifle, the Ross was ill-suited for combat in the trenches, but was used throughout the war by sailors in the Royal Canadian Navy and some marines in Royal Navy ships. This particular weapon was issued to HMS Canada, a battleship ordered by Chile before the war and bought by the Royal Navy in 1914. Canada was sold to Chile in 1921, becoming the Almirante Latorre, which remained in service until 1958.

Rifle, Ross MK III
CWM 19880212-001
Hilted Knife Bayonet Mk II,
CWM 19750021-192