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Naval Traditions and Culture

Naval traditions and culture encompass a wide range of activities, events, and objects, often unique to naval service. Some, like the "crossing the line" (meaning, the equator) ceremony, are old and well-established, while others, such as gun shield art, related directly to Second World War experiences. Many reflect companionship, commemoration, recreation, or esprit de corps.

Daisy Mae, HMCS Mayflower
Daisy Mae, HMCS Mayflower

This gun shield art from the Canadian corvette HMCS Mayflower features Daisy Mae, a character from the popular, long-running comic strip Li'l Abner.

Daisy Mae, in her characteristic polka-dot top, has just used a shotgun to sink a German submarine (left), while the sun and a sunflower look on. In addition to featuring a popular comic character, the art also refers directly to one of the ship's nicknames - "Daisy Mae." Sometimes attributed to American cartoonist Al Capp, the painting was more likely created by another artist based on Capp's characters and style.

Daisy Mae
Painted in 1942
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19790005-001





Dawn Gun Stations in HMCS Pictou
Daisy Mae, HMCS Mayflower
HMCS Westaskiwin's Gun Shield Art
HMCS Shawinigan's Gun Shield Art
HMCS Rosthern Insignia
Ship's Badge, HMCS Inch Arran
Concert Party, HMS Canada
Jam Session at Sea, Seamen's Mess
"Crossing the Line" Ceremony
Boxing, HMCS Swansea
Naval Wedding, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Royal Canadian Navy Rum
"Beatty" Toby Jug
"Jellicoe" Toby Jug
Jewellery Box
Christmas Trees, HMCS Border Cities
Dining in the Wardroom, HMS Puncher
Model 6-inch Naval Gun
Model Cannon
Royal Naval College of Canada Rugby Game
Shearwater Flyers National Football Championship, 1957
Sunset Ceremony
Anniversary Celebrations, Quebec City
Dockside Religious Service
"Piping the Side"
Bosun's Call
Ship's Bell, HMCS Swansea
Ship's Bell, HMCS Inch Arran