Second World War (1939-1945)
The Navy in European Waters  - Coastal Operations: United Kingdom and European Waters

The Royal Canadian Navy, employed on coastal patrols, convoy escort duty, and support operations, made an important contribution to the naval war that raged in the waters around the United Kingdom and off the nearby European coast.

Action Aboard HMCS Iroquois

Jack Nichols' 1944 drawing focuses on the grim faces of HMCS Iroquois' crew members wearing anti-flash gloves and hoods (left) while their ship is in action.

In June 1944, the heavily-armed Tribal-class destroyer Iroquois arrived back in European waters, fresh from a refit in Canada. After being fitted with powerful modern radar in England, Iroquois began operations in August. Fighting alongside Canadian and British ships, the destroyer tallied up a string of victories against German shipping along the coast of the Bay of Biscay which contributed to the German decision to abandon naval operations in that area.

Action Aboard HMCS Iroquois
Drawn by Jack Nichols in 1944
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4283