The Early Cold War
Anti-Submarine Warfare

The Canadian navy's main Cold War mission was anti-submarine warfare against the naval forces of the Soviet Union and its allies. Canada's navy operated within a framework of alliances, especially the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), created in 1949.

Uniform, Rear-Admiral Kenneth L. Dyer

This uniform belonged to Rear-Admiral Kenneth Dyer, who commanded Canada's Atlantic fleet during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

In October 1962, the discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles on the island of Cuba brought the superpowers - the United States and the Soviet Union - to the brink of war. Having earlier warned Ottawa of increasing Soviet submarine activity before the crisis became public knowledge on 22 October, Dyer quickly cancelled all non-essential sailings and placed the fleet on a war footing. During and after the crisis, his ships conducted joint anti-submarine patrols with American forces.

Summer Dress Uniform, Rear-Admiral Kenneth L. Dyer
Cap, CWM 20020090-008
Summer Dress Jacket, CWM 20020090-014
Summer Dress Trousers, CWM 20020090-015