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.

Fishermen's Reserve Vessel Z-126 Under Way in Heavy Weather

Established in 1938, the Fishermen's Naval Reserve was a volunteer force that carried out patrols in fishing vessels like the Sea Pride II, seen here with pennant number Z-126.

Composed of experienced sailors patrolling in seaworthy but lightly armed vessels, the Reserve had its own rank system, an informal uniform of naval and fishing clothing, and a distinct esprit de corps, becoming known as the "gumboot navy". Today, the Fishermen's Reserve is mostly known for its role in the seizure of Japanese-Canadian fishing boats during the lead-up to the forced relocation of some 21,000 Japanese-Canadians from the west coast.

Fisherman Reserve Vessel Z-126 Under Way in Heavy Weather
Painted by Rowley Murphy in 1943
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4271