Naval Traditions and Culture

Naval traditions and culture encompass a wide range of activities, events, and objects, often unique to naval service. Some, like the "crossing the line" (meaning, the equator) ceremony, are old and well-established, while others, such as gun shield art, related directly to Second World War experiences. Many reflect companionship, commemoration, recreation, or esprit de corps.

Dockside Religious Service

In this wartime photograph, a corvette's crew is assembled for a dockside religious service.

A dock provided open space unavailable aboard small warships like corvettes. The navy's White Ensign covers the podium supporting the Bible and other religious books, while the participants stand with their heads uncovered. Historically, in addition to being a religious observance, the assembling of the crew for divine service also provided an opportunity for naval regulations and instructions to be read to them as part of maintaining discipline.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20000031-069