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.

Reloading Motor Launch ML 139 with Depth Charges

This photograph shows motor launch ML 139 (right) being reloaded with depth charges, anti-submarine weapons.

Motor launches were fast boats that patrolled the English Channel and other European waters to counter German submarines, called U-Boats. Depth charges were containers filled with high explosives. Projected from a ship, they sank into the water and exploded at a pre-set depth. A direct hit could destroy a U-Boat, while a nearby explosion could cause damage, forcing the submarine to the surface to face its pursuers. Douglas Urry, a Canadian who served with the Royal Naval Motor Boat Reserve, kept this photograph in his album.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030213-002_28