Second World War (1939-1945)
The Navy in European Waters  - Coastal Operations: United Kingdom and European Waters

The Royal Canadian Navy, employed on coastal patrols, convoy escort duty, and support operations, made an important contribution to the naval war that raged in the waters around the United Kingdom and off the nearby European coast.

Spent 4-inch Cartridge Casings, HMCS Swansea

Spent cartridge casings from HMCS Swansea's 4-inch gun are stacked on deck in the aftermath of a 20 July 1944 German aerial attack.

Canadian ships in European waters faced the threat of enemy aircraft in addition to enemy ships and submarines. In this attack, German aircraft carrying remote-controlled glider bombs attacked Swansea and other ships from Escort Group 9. Fierce anti-aircraft fire from Swansea and other ships disrupted the attack, causing most of the six bombs to miss, but one of the weapons hit and seriously damaged the Canadian frigate HMCS Matane, killing three crewmen.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19840120-001_p12c