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.

4.5-Inch Star Shell Packing Case

This distinctively marked container held one round of star shell ammunition, used to provide night-time illumination.

Designed to create light by releasing a flare that would descend under a parachute, star shells could help identify targets. Canadian and other United Nations ships also used star shells to disrupt attempts by Chinese and North Korean forces to carry out night-time naval operations. Fired at random intervals, star shells illuminated inshore waters, or waters around South Korean-held islands, discouraging the enemy from using small craft for transportation, raids, and mine-laying.

Shell Box, 4.5-Inch Star Shell
CWM 19700009-012