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Interwar Years
The 1920s: A Navy Struggling to Survive

Following the end of the First World War, the Royal Canadian Navy faced significant threats to its continued existence. In the face of significant cutbacks, the navy focused on maintaining a small force to train sailors and to protect the country's coasts against enemy ships.

Leonard W. Murray at the Royal Canadian Navy Barracks, Halifax

Lieutenant-Commander Leonard W. Murray stands outside the Royal Canadian Navy's Halifax barracks.

This photograph was likely taken between 1925 and 1927, during Murray's time at HMCS Stadacona, the navy's barracks and main training facility in Halifax. Visible beside him is the ship's bell of HMCS Niobe, moved here after the ship was scrapped. Until it was damaged by the Halifax Explosion in 1917, this building had housed the Royal Naval College of Canada, where Murray had lived and studied as part of the class of 1912.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19750559-009_p17e