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.

Polsons Iron Work Yard, Ship War Hydra on Stocks

This watercolour by Robert Ford Gagen depicts the cargo ship War Hydra under construction at the Polson Iron Works shipyard in Toronto.

As part of the need to replace ships lost to German U-Boat attacks, Canada commenced an intensive shipbuilding program in 1917. The program drew upon resources on both coasts, as well as on the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. Polson Iron Works built eight ships, several of which were not completed before the war ended.

Polsons Iron Work Yard, Ship War Hydra on Stocks
Painting by Robert Ford Gagen
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-0152