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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.

The Naval Chapel
The Naval Chapel

This chapel forms part of the naval cemetery at Esquimalt, the final resting place of naval personnel ranging from ordinary seamen to senior officers.

Acquired by Britain's Royal Navy in 1868, "God's acre" had previously been a turnip field. The cemetery accepted burials of sailors and, later, soldiers. The small chapel, built of woods from various parts of the British Empire, was left unconsecrated so it could be used by all faiths. Ships' crews gradually adorned its interior with simple memorials and lanterns from their vessels.

The Naval Chapel
Painted by Tony Law in 1945
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4109





Bangor Entering Esquimalt
HMCS Armentières, Esquimalt
Firefighting Practice at Esquimalt
HMCS Vancouver Alongside, Esquimalt
HMCS Kokanee
HMCS St. Catharines entering Esquimalt Harbour
The Naval Chapel
Fishermen's Reserve Vessel Z-126 Under Way in Heavy Weather
Confiscated Japanese Canadian Fishing Boats
R.B. Michelin, Fishermen's Reserve
HMCS Prince Robert Refitted as an Armed Merchant Cruiser
German Prisioners Leaving HMCS Prince Robert
Tropical Service Dress, German Merchant Navy
Prisoner of War Work Jacket
Japanese Shell Fragment
HMCS Prince Robert Alongside Pier # 1
Soviet Dirk
Soviet Merchant Ship