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.

Sailor Standing by HMCS Rainbow's Wheel

This sailor stands by HMCS Rainbow's emergency steering position under the ship's aft bridge.

He wears a cap tally indicating service in the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve, Pacific. The wheels in this photograph are decorated with more than three centuries of battle honours awarded to the nine previous Royal Navy ships named Rainbow. In August 1914, Commander Walter Hose faced significant challenges in getting the ship ready for war. A third of Rainbow's crew, already half the size it should have been, were reservists like this young sailor, many with little or no prior experience at sea.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20020045-2812