The Second World War
The Merchant Navy  - Serving with the Merchant Navy

During the Second World War, Canadian and Allied merchant mariners faced the constant hard work of operating and maintaining their ships, the threat of enemy attack, and the dangers of accidents and storms.

Rescuing Survivors

Three merchant mariners from the MV (motor vessel) Panama come alongside the Canadian frigate HMCS Longueuil during an April 1945 rescue.

All three stand in their wooden raft as they prepare to board the frigate, and one of them (right) has a bandaged head. An engine breakdown and shifting ballast sank the Panama on 11 April. Only five of the ship's 50 crew survived to be rescued by Longueuil 18 days later. Even with the assistance of a lifeboat or life raft and the supplies it might carry, exposure to the elements rapidly took its toll on survivors.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19930068-007