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.

Finale
Painted by Donald Connolly in 1987

Lieutenant Robert Hampton ("Hammy") Gray was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in the Pacific war.

A Canadian pilot serving on the carrier HMS Formidable, Gray was killed attacking Japanese vessels in Onagawa Bay on 9 August 1945. His aircraft riddled by anti-aircraft fire, Gray flew close to the Japanese ship Amakusa, sinking it with a 500-pound bomb. His plane then crashed into the sea. Gray's remains were never found.

Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19880046-001