Second World War
The Navy Ashore  - The Navy and the Home Front

The Royal Canadian Navy became a strong presence on Canada's home front during the Second World War. Naval imagery appeared in fundraising and propaganda materials, while Canadians built equipment for the navy, or were encouraged to support it through volunteer work.

Seventh Victory Loan, Halifax, 1944

Members of the Royal Canadian Navy pose with a sign recording contributions to the Seventh Victory Loan (centre) and a Victory Loan flag (top centre).

The sign probably depicts a flotilla of Fairmile motor launches and their mother ship, HMCS Preserver. The group, standing aboard the depot ship HMCS Venture, includes Captain Joseph Alfred Heenan, Royal Canadian Naval Reserve (to the left of the sign), who was responsible for training, maintenance, and operations of Fairmiles along the east coast. Members of the navy were encouraged and expected to contribute to Victory Loan campaigns.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20010066-039_p41