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Second World War
The Navy Ashore  - The Navy and the Home Front

The Royal Canadian Navy became a strong presence on Canada's home front during the Second World War. Naval imagery appeared in fundraising and propaganda materials, while Canadians built equipment for the navy, or were encouraged to support it through volunteer work.

Fifth Victory Loan, 1943
Fifth Victory Loan, 1943

In this October 1943 photograph, a Royal Canadian Navy band and honour guard help promote the Fifth Victory Loan.

While the band stands on the steps of Toronto's city hall, the honour guard stands to either side of the city's cenotaph (centre right). Large signs on the city hall report on Victory Bond sales, while two 20mm Oerlikon cannon (centre left, with gun shields) are displayed as examples of naval equipment. The Royal Canadian Navy took part in many events like this, designed to encourage public contributions to financing the country's war effort.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20000224-041





$90 Killed this U-Boat!
Fifth Victory Loan, 1943
Seventh Victory Loan, Halifax, 1944
Careless Words may cause Disaster!
Censored Photograph, HMCS Wentworth
What would you do if I quit?
Manufacturing Naval Guns and Mountings
Torpedo Depth and Roll Recorder
Send the boys good Books and magazines
Knit for the Navy and Merchant Navy
Ditty Bags for Sailors
Sailor's Fur Vest
"Meet the Navy" Program
"Meet the Navy" Program
Royal Canadian Navy Certificate of Acknowledgement
Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve Pillow Cover
Cut-Out Allied Naval Units
The Canadian Navy Paint Book
V-E Day, St. John's, Newfoundland
Bedford Magazine Explosion, 1945