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.

HMCS Shearwater, Stadacona, and Lady Evelyn

The Royal Canadian Navy's wartime fleet drew on British, Canadian government, and civilian ships like these.

The threat of German surface raiders and U-Boats prompted the conversion of a varied assortment of government and civilian ships into armed warships in order to augment the RCN. HMCS Shearwater (top) was a Royal Navy sloop already a relic by 1914; HMCS Stadacona (middle) was a civilian yacht; and HMCS Lady Evelyn (bottom) was a postal service steamer. Despite their origins, the last two were robust and quick enough to be involved in convoy duties in Canadian waters.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19750148-041