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.

Merchant Navy Anti-Aircraft Gunnery Certificate

Cyril Howard Cavil received this certificate of proficiency in anti-aircraft gunnery while he was a cadet officer in the merchant navy.

Cavil took one of the short courses offered to members of the merchant navy by the Royal Canadian Navy, which had established an anti-aircraft firing range and indoor trainer at Sea Island, near Vancouver. In addition to being trained in the firing of the Lewis machine-gun and the 20mm Oerlikon cannon, Cavil, who served in the SS Temagami Park, also learned how to clean and lubricate the weapons.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20010110-001

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