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.

Picking up Motor Torpedo Boat Survivors

This painting depicts the crew of a Canadian motor torpedo boat (MTB) rescuing survivors of a similar Royal Navy craft, which is burning and sinking (left).

Throughout June and July 1944, Allied motor torpedo boats (MTBs) protecting the Normandy landings clashed with German "E" boats, minelayers, and other small warships. Night-time combat along the Normandy coast frequently involved Allied MTBs detecting German forces by radar, illuminating them with star-shells, and then engaging them in an intense exchange of gunfire and torpedoes. The silhouettes of burning vessels indicated success, while survivors were rescued under the cover of darkness and smokescreens.

Picking up Motor Torpedo Boat Survivors
Painted by Tony Law in 1945
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4112