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.

V-E Day, St. John's, Newfoundland

Allied merchant ships in the harbour at St. John's, Newfoundland, are decorated with flags to celebrate V-E (Victory in Europe) Day, 8 May 1945.

Germany's unconditional surrender sparked widespread celebrations, and these ships are following the naval tradition of "dressing" with flags in recognition of the event. Colourful signal flags are suspended from the masts and rigging of both ships seen here. St. John's, an important port for convoys and their escorts, witnessed large-scale celebrations of the end of the war in Europe.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
19840030-100