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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.

Knit for the Navy and Merchant Navy
Knit for the Navy and Merchant Navy

This booklet, created by the Navy League of Canada, encouraged Canadians to knit warm clothing and accessories for members of the navy and merchant navy.

The booklet provided patterns for items like the sweater and balaclava seen on the model at upper right, including mittens, scarves, and socks. Because woollen items were frequently provided as part of "ditty bags" containing comforts included for sailors, the booklet included suggestions for other items to include in these bags, and assured people that their efforts were worthwhile and appreciated.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19910037-015





$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