Canada's Naval History

The Second World War
War in the Pacific and South East Asia - The Royal Canadian Navy and the Pacific Coast

The Royal Canadian Navy was active in operations along the Pacific coast from 1939 to 1945, patrolling British Columbia waters and helping to support the Allied war effort. West coast shipyards built ships for the navy and the merchant navy.

Artifact Record

HMCS St. Catharines entering Esquimalt Harbour

In this drawing, the Yarrows-built frigate HMCS St. Catharines, accompanied by the naval tug Haro, is returning from post-completion sea trials.

Sea trials evaluated a ship's performance and seaworthiness, and had to be successfully completed before a ship could enter service. After being commissioned in mid-1943, St. Catharines was transferred to the Atlantic, taking part in the 1944 boarding and destruction of the German submarine U-744. In the foreground are some of Esquimalt's defences, located on Duntze Head. They include a searchlight and a twin 6-pounder quick firing gun designed to counter small, fast-moving vessels.

HMCS St. Catharines Entering Esquimalt Harbour
Drawn by Rowley Murphy in 1943
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-2399