The Navy: A Century in Art
The Navy's Wars

A long and distinguished combat record is central to the navy's history and traditions. An armed force in support of Canadian national interests, it continues to perform a wide variety of important roles, from war fighting and peace support operations, to disaster relief and search and rescue.

Anti-Aircraft Gun and Crew in Action
Painted by Donald C. Mackay around 1943

Slow-moving warships are highly vulnerable to attack from fast-moving aircraft, especially when sailing close to land.

In this work by war artist Donald C. Mackay, Canadian sailors fire a 20mm Oerlikon cannon at German aircraft during the Second World War. During the 1990-1991 war against Iraq, Canadian vessels sought additional air defence weapons, including 40mm Bofors, before deploying to the Persian Gulf.

Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4197