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.

Damage to HMCS Qu'appelle's Stern

This photograph shows the damage to the destroyer HMCS Qu'appelle after a collision with HMCS Skeena during a night-time battle off the French coast.

Sailors, including one standing within the ship's hull (lower right), examine the damage. On the night of 10-11 August 1944, Qu'appelle, along with Skeena, HMCS Assiniboine, and HMCS Restigouche, took part in the destruction of a German convoy in Audierne Bay near Brest, France. In the confusion of the battle against enemy trawlers escorting the convoy, Skeena's bow struck Qu'Appelle's stern, bending and tearing steel plates.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19830436-011