Canada's Naval History

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Birth Of the Navy

First World War

Between the Wars

Second World War

Early Cold War

Later Cold War
- - From RCN to Maritime Command
  - A Changing Fleet

Navy Today
- - The Gulf War
  - Continuing Commitments

The Later Cold War
From RCN to Maritime Command

The creation of the single-service Canadian Forces in 1968 transformed the Royal Canadian Navy into Maritime Command. The unification of the armed services brought tremendous change, introducing standardized uniforms and other common procedures that replaced older traditions. Federal policy and human rights rulings also increased the use of French, and began to abolish most limits on women's military service.

Canadian Forces Women's Uniform, 1968

This collage of five photographs shows the women's uniform introduced in 1968 for the three elements of the unified Canadian Forces.

Women serving in the navy, army, and air force would all have worn this green uniform, which differed between the three services in details like badges. According to Sentinel magazine, published by the Canadian Forces, the new uniform was "chic, military and happily feminine." In the 1980s, it was replaced by distinctive uniforms for the navy, army, and air force.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19800278-011