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.

The Night Patrol - Canadian Motor Torpedo Boats Entering Dover Harbour

British war artist Julius Olsson's painting depicts Royal Navy motor launches with Canadian crews entering Dover harbour in the English Channel.

With German U-Boats (submarines) sinking unprotected merchant ships, the British Admiralty ordered additional warships of all sizes to combat this threat. The Electric Launch Company in the United States manufactured almost 600 80-foot (25-metre) motor launches for British service. Most were assembled in Montreal. Many Canadians served in these vessels, which carried out patrol and escort work, and in 1918 took part in the daring raid on the German naval base at Zeebrugge in occupied Belgium.

The Night Patrol - Canadian Motor Torpedo Boats Entering Dover Harbour
Painted by Julius Olsson
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-0538