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First World War (1914-1918)
Atlantic Theatre

In response to the threat of German naval activity, the east coast navy expanded from its tiny pre-war establishment to include a wide assortment of ships. Their range of duties included blockading, convoy escort and minesweeping.

HMCS Stadacona and HMCS Niobe
HMCS Stadacona and HMCS Niobe

This view of Halifax harbour shows HMCS Stadacona and HMCS Niobe.

Stadacona (foreground), a former luxury yacht armed with a 4-inch gun, assisted in patrols and convoy work in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and on the east coast. Niobe, an obsolete cruiser, was recommissioned as a depot ship in September 1915. In this role, it was a floating facility for accommodation, training, and naval administration. Only two of Niobe's four funnels are standing, which indicates this photograph was taken after the December 1917 Halifax explosion.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20080060-001_28c





"A Pill for Kaiser Bill", HMCS Niobe
Medal Set, Sub-Lieutenant J.M. Paul, HMCS Niobe
Thomas Hayes, Royal Naval Reserve, Newfoundland, HMCS Niobe
SS Brindilla
HMCS Stadacona and HMCS Niobe
HMCS Canada
HMCS Shearwater, Stadacona, and Lady Evelyn
Gatling Gun, HMCS Bayfield II
HMCS Laurentian and Margaret
Canadian Minesweepers
Olympic with Returned Soldiers
The Little Drifter and the Big Freighter
Looking Astern on a Sub-Chaser
Sketch of a Seaplane Taking Off
Royal Canadian Navy Trawlers, Northwest Arm, Halifax