The Early Cold War
Rebuilding and Transformation

The Canadian navy's main Cold War mission was anti-submarine warfare, as it had been in the two world wars. It sought to build a force of ships, personnel, and facilities to fulfill this mission, as well as to pursue other national objectives like sovereignty protection.

Canadian Sailors Rescue a Horse

Canadian sailors in a landing craft rescue a horse during the 1948 flooding of the Fraser River Valley in British Columbia.

Beginning in May 1948, high water on the Fraser River caused widespread flooding that led to the declaration of a state of emergency and the deployment of the Canadian military to assist with rescue operations. Some 500 naval personnel and 50 craft of various types participated in "Operation Overflow". Navy personnel and equipment took part in other emergency relief efforts in Canada, including the 1950 flood in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19830156-091