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.

Iced Up
Painted by Donald C. MacKay in 1944

Canadian warships and merchant vessels have operated in cold, treacherous northern waters since the navy's creation.

The icy winds, frigid waters, fierce storms, and grey skies of the north Atlantic figure prominently in both its history and imagery. This work depicts sailors aboard HMCS Shawinigan removing ice from a depth charge launcher. Ice made ships top-heavy and interfered with their equipment.

Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4230