Canada's Naval History

Home > Explore History > Birth of the Navy (1910-1914) > HMCS Niobe

Birth Of the Navy

First World War

Between the Wars

Second World War

Early Cold War

Later Cold War
- - From RCN to Maritime Command
  - A Changing Fleet

Navy Today
- - The Gulf War
  - Continuing Commitments

Birth of the Navy (1910-1914)
HMCS Niobe

HMCS Niobe, one of the Naval Service of Canada's first two ships, was intended in part to train Canadian sailors. A large, obsolescent cruiser, Niobe required many crew and was expensive to operate. Lengthy repairs after it ran aground in 1911, and subsequent budget cutbacks, limited the ship's activities.

HMCS Niobe in Drydock, around 1911

Crew members gather around the immense bow of the damaged cruiser in drydock.

HMCS Niobe caused an early embarrassment for the Canadian navy by running aground off Sable Island, Nova Scotia, in late July 1911. The resulting damage to Niobe's rudder, propellers, and bottom required extensive repairs in Halifax's drydock, and deprived the navy of one of its ships for over a year. The court-martial that investigated the incident reprimanded Niobe's first officer and navigating officer for their roles in the incident.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030174-053