This section brings together the approximately 700 objects and photographs used in Canada's Naval History. Use this section to directly access objects and photographs grouped by type, as shown below, or use the search function above to search through them by title.

Ditty Bags for Sailors

In this posed wartime photograph, two sailors unpack "ditty bags" containing a variety of comforts like knitted socks, books, and chewing gum.

Volunteers made or purchased items to fill these bags, following a list of suggested items useful for daily life aboard ship. Organizations like the Navy League and the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire then arranged for the distribution of these bags to members of the navy and merchant navy.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19810649-091