Canada's Naval History

The Second World War
The Merchant Navy - The Merchant Navy

Between 1939 and 1945, Canadian and Allied merchant ships and their crews transported personnel, munitions, weapons, and food across the world's oceans as part of the Allied war effort. Enemy action sank some 70 Canadian and Newfoundland merchant vessels. Over 1,600 Canadians and Newfoundlanders, including eight women, were killed.

Artifact Record

I was a victim of Careless Talk

This poster dramatically juxtaposes a crumpled, sunken merchant ship with the accusing stare of a sailor, both victims of "careless talk".

One of a number of posters warning about the potential consequences of "careless talk" regarding ships or other maritime matters, this example uses art created by Harry Mayerovitch, a Montreal artist, architect, and author. It is one of a number of posters Mayerovitch produced during the Second World War, during which he also headed the Wartime Information Board's Graphic Arts Division.

Wartime Security Poster
CWM 19910108-009