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.

Firefighting Practice at Esquimalt

In ports like Esquimalt, which hosted facilities and ships loaded with flammable fuel and explosive ordnance, firefighting practice was an important part of preventing disasters.

Fires could spread quickly on shore or aboard ship, taking lives and damaging vessels and equipment. A small vessel and a barge are practicing with fire hoses (right), while firefighters and their truck also hustle into action (bottom right). This painting is one of many works by Rowley Murphy, who was appointed as an official war artist in May 1943 and depicted numerous scenes of west coast naval activity.

Firefighting Practice at Esquimalt
Painted by Rowley Murphy in 1943
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-2391