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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 ML 399, in Drydock, Grimsby
Motor Launch ML 399, in Drydock, Grimsby

This photograph by Canadian Douglas Urry shows motor launches in a drydock at Grimsby, England.

The Royal Navy used ports like Grimsby along the British coast in its war against German U-Boats. While small, the more than 500 motor launches permitted a tighter screen of patrols than would have been possible with fewer, larger vessels. The motor launch on the right, ML 399, may have been one of the launches in which Urry served. The photograph indicates the small size of the launches, which had a crew of only 13.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030213-002_14





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