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.

Life Ring, HMCS Quebec

This elaborately painted life ring was part of the equipment of the Canadian cruiser HMCS Quebec.

One of two cruisers the Royal Canadian Navy acquired during the Second World War, Quebec had begun its Canadian service as HMCS Uganda. Joining the British Pacific Fleet in April 1945, Uganda helped protect aircraft carriers against enemy aircraft attacks and bombarded Japanese shore positions. Placed in reserve in 1947 as part of post-war cutbacks, Uganda was reactivated and renamed Quebec in 1952, serving as a training ship before being paid off in 1956.

Life Ring
CWM 19670081-003