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First World War (1914-1918)
Canadians in the Royal Navy

Many Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the Royal Navy during the First World War, providing much needed personnel, and emphasizing the strong Imperial ties between both dominions and Great Britain.

Motor Launch Rescues Crashed Seaplane
Motor Launch Rescues Crashed Seaplane

This photograph shows a motor launch coming to the rescue of a crashed British seaplane, possibly a Short 184.

The photograph comes from an album owned by Sub-Lieutenant Douglas Urry, a Canadian who served in Royal Navy motor launches. While the launches' primary function was to patrol against U-Boats in the English Channel, they could also be useful in maritime search and rescue. The Royal Naval Air Service flew regular antisubmarine patrols, and unreliable aircraft and unpredictable weather often led to crashes.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030213-002_21





Royal Navy Warships, Firth of Forth, Scotland
The Night Patrol - Canadian Motor Torpedo Boats Entering Dover Harbour
Albert Medal, Chief Motor Mechanic Ernest Alfred Pooley
Cap Badge, Royal Naval Motor Boat Reserve
Sub-Lieutenant Douglas Urry, Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve
"And it blew wondrous cold", Royal Naval Motor Boat Reserve
Motor Launch ML 399, in Drydock, Grimsby
Reloading Motor Launch ML 139 with Depth Charges
Motor Launches Attack an Enemy Submarine
British Naval Mine
Motor Launch Rescues Crashed Seaplane
Sailor's Uniform, Leading Seaman Roland White
Canadians Serving in HMS Canada
Ross Rifle Mk III with Bayonet
Three Canadians in the Royal Navy