First World War (1914-1918)
Canadians in the Royal Navy

Many Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the Royal Navy during the First World War, providing much needed personnel, and emphasizing the strong Imperial ties between both dominions and Great Britain.

Motor Launches Attack an Enemy Submarine

Royal Navy motor launches attack a submerged German U-Boat (submarine) after detecting it through a hydrophone, a type of underwater microphone.

These motor launches have likely dropped depth charges in the hope of hitting the submerged U-Boat, and are searching the area for debris while listening for further sounds of the enemy. Motor launches helped counter the U-Boat threat, carrying out duties that included patrolling anti-submarine barriers like minefields and underwater steel nets.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030213-002_31