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.

HMCS Shawinigan's Gun Shield Art

This plaque depicts HMCS Shawinigan's gun shield art, which featured a bulldog in a Canadian sailor's hat tearing apart a Nazi flag.

A number of unofficial crests include the attack or destruction of Nazi symbols, a short-hand reference to fighting Germany during the Second World War. The bulldog suggests tenacity, and is also perhaps a reference to Britain or to British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.

Plaque
CWM 20000131-005