This section brings together the approximately 700 objects and photographs used in Canada's Naval History. Use this section to directly access objects and photographs grouped by type, as shown below, or use the search function above to search through them by title.

"And it blew wondrous cold", Royal Naval Motor Boat Reserve

Sub-Lieutenant Douglas Urry, huddled in his duffle coat and cold weather clothing, poses aboard a motor launch.

Urry was one of many Canadians who served in the Royal Navy's motor launches, which were uncomfortable vessels in any bad weather. In winter, freezing sea spray left motor launch sailors frigid above deck, and little better off when they sought some warmth below. Urry's caption for this photograph is inspired by Samuel Coleridge's poem Rime of the Ancient Mariner: "And now there came both mist and snow/ And it grew wondrous cold."

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20030213-002_47