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First World War (1914-1918)
HMCS Grilse, Torpedo Boat

HMCS Grilse was the Royal Canadian Navy's fastest ship during the First World War. Originally built as the yacht Winchester, Grilse was converted to a torpedo boat and served off Canada's Atlantic coast.

HMCS Grilse and Allies' Flags
HMCS Grilse and Allies' Flags

This 1915 commemorative image of HMCS Grilse was printed over a backdrop of Allied flags and a laurel wreath symbolizing victory.

In this patriotic motif, the Allies' flags, from left to right, are those of France, Great Britain, Belgium, and possibly Russia, although the colours are not a precise match for the latter. Grilse's high speed and war-like appearance lent themselves more readily to such images than did the converted government ships more typical of the Royal Canadian Navy's fleet in 1915.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19940001-944





HMCS Grilse at Speed
HMCS Grilse on Convoy Duty
HMCS Grilse at Dock, 1916
HMCS Grilse and Allies' Flags
HMCS Grilse Firing a Torpedo, 1915
Torpedo Practice, HMCS Grilse
Torpedo Gyroscope
Lieutenant Jack Ross and Sailors of HMCS Grilse
Cutlass, 1900 Pattern
H.M.C.T.B. Grilse Cap Tally
Two Sailors on Board HMCS Grilse
HMCS Grilse's Crew