The Second World War
War in the Pacific and South East Asia  - The Royal Canadian Navy and the Pacific Coast

The Royal Canadian Navy was active in operations along the Pacific coast from 1939 to 1945, patrolling British Columbia waters and helping to support the Allied war effort. West coast shipyards built ships for the navy and the merchant navy.

HMCS Prince Robert Refitted as an Armed Merchant Cruiser

The Royal Canadian Navy's practice of adapting and arming civilian craft for wartime service reached its climax with the refitting of three passenger vessels into potent warships.

Small luxury liners built in 1930, the "Prince" ships were acquired by the government in 1940. Extensive conversions and old British 6-inch guns turned them into armed merchant cruisers. Larger than any other ships in Canadian service at the time, they served widely and usefully during the war. Two later became ships carrying infantry for amphibious landings, while Prince Robert became an anti-aircraft cruiser.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20000031-088