The Navy: A Century in Art
The Navy at Sea

The Canadian navy is a creature of the sea. Its ships, equipment, tactics, and experiences have been conditioned by the major environments in which it serves. Historically, the most important of these have been Canada's long and ragged coasts and the storm-tossed northern waters connecting Canada to the world.

Canadian Motor Torpedo Boats Leaving Dover for Night Patrol
Painted by Thomas (Tom) Wood in 1944

Operations close to shore and in confined waterways depended upon small, fast boats and daring, capable crews.

This depiction of a night patrol in the English Channel conveys a sense of stealth and foreboding, as though combat is just beyond the edge of the canvas. Like many of those who served in motor torpedo boats, Wood was a naval reservist who had witnessed action.

Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4849