The Later Cold War
From RCN to Maritime Command

The creation of the single-service Canadian Forces in 1968 transformed the Royal Canadian Navy into Maritime Command. The unification of the armed services brought tremendous change, introducing standardized uniforms and other common procedures that replaced older traditions. Federal policy and human rights rulings also increased the use of French, and began to abolish most limits on women's military service.

HMCS Yukon

Anthony Clarke's print of HMCS Yukon shows a number of the changes resulting from the adoption of the new Canadian flag and the creation of the Canadian Forces.

The new Canadian flag (left and top centre) replaced the Royal Canadian Navy's White Ensign, which was unaltered from the version used by Britain's Royal Navy. The Canadian Forces naval jack (right), incorporating the new maple leaf flag and designed as a replacement for the White Ensign, instead replaced the Blue Ensign, which the Royal Canadian Navy had flown as a jack from the bows of its ships.

HMCS Yukon
Print by Anthony Clarke
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19840021-003