The Second World War
War in the Pacific and South East Asia  - The Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and Hong Kong

During the Second World War in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, some Canadians and Canadian ships served with Britain's Royal Navy fighting against Japan. After helping Canadian soldiers reinforce Hong Kong in 1941, the Royal Canadian Navy returned in 1945 and helped repatriate Canadian prisoners of war.

Helmet, Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces

This helmet, with its faded yellow anchor insignia (centre), was once worn by a member of the Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces.

A member of HMCS Ontario's crew, Fernand Paquin, formed part of the special guard of sailors from Ontario and HMCS Prince Robert lining the route taken by Japanese and Allied delegates to September 1945 surrender ceremonies at Government House in Hong Kong. Paquin, a stoker from Shawinigan, Quebec, snapped up this helmet, a rifle, and a bayonet when the Canadians were given permission to retain the surrendered arms of the Japanese guard.

Helmet, Type 30, Japanese
CWM 20070065-001