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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.

Sub-Lieutenant Douglas Urry, Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve
Sub-Lieutenant Douglas Urry, Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve

Sub-Lieutenant Douglas Urry was one of many Canadians who served in the Royal Navy's motor launches.

Urry was a member of the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve, indicated by the "wavy" cuff insignia (left sleeve). He served in several motor launches during the war, patrolling the English Channel in support of antisubmarine nets and minefields. The Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve was established in 1914 to train suitable civilians and sailors who could be integrated into the Royal Navy or the Royal Canadian Navy during times of war.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030213-001





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