Second World War
The Navy Ashore  - Building the Royal Canadian Navy

The Royal Canadian Navy expanded dramatically during the Second World War, acquiring ships and recruiting personnel to meet the constantly increasing demands placed upon it. Ships had to be built, repaired, and maintained, and people recruited, trained, and supported.

"Do You Fit in Here?"

This life-size diagram shows details of uniform and posture for a Royal Canadian Navy sailor standing at attention.

Personnel at HMCS Donnacona, the naval reserve division in Montreal that also served as a recruiting centre, created this illustration, likely as a training aid. As part of their training, new members of the Royal Canadian Navy had to learn how to wear their uniforms and act in a military manner. Some of the details, including the requirement that cap tallies read only "HMCS" (top) were intended to counter the widespread tendency by sailors to make their uniforms appear more individualized or fashionable.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19900104-002