Canada's Naval History

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Birth Of the Navy

First World War

Between the Wars

Second World War

Early Cold War

Later Cold War
- - From RCN to Maritime Command
  - A Changing Fleet

Navy Today
- - The Gulf War
  - Continuing Commitments

Birth of the Navy (1910-1914)
Creating the Navy

Created in 1910, the Naval Service of Canada was renamed the Royal Canadian Navy in 1911. It was the product of an intense Canadian political debate driven by Great Britain's efforts to bolster its naval defences against the rapidly growing German navy.

Rear-Admiral Sir Charles E. Kingsmill

Rear-Admiral Sir Charles E. Kingsmill was born in Guelph, Ontario, and enjoyed a successful career with the Royal Navy before returning to Canada to head its Fisheries Protection Service.

Seen here in the British-style full dress uniform of a rear-admiral while head of the Fisheries Protection Service, Kingsmill subsequently became the first Director of the Naval Service of Canada in 1910, heading the establishment of the new navy and overseeing its administration until 1921.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20020045-2811