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First World War (1914-1918)
Atlantic Theatre

In response to the threat of German naval activity, the east coast navy expanded from its tiny pre-war establishment to include a wide assortment of ships. Their range of duties included blockading, convoy escort and minesweeping.

Medal Set, Sub-Lieutenant J.M. Paul, HMCS Niobe
Medal Set, Sub-Lieutenant J.M. Paul, HMCS Niobe

Sub-Lieutenant Paul was among Canada's first sailors to serve in a theatre of war.

Paul served in HMCS Niobe during coastal patrols and blockade work off the American east coast for the first year of the war. His medals include the 1914-1915 Star (left), issued for service in any theatre of war before 31 December 1915. Since Canada considered "overseas" to be service beyond the three-mile territorial limit, many members of the Royal Canadian Navy were entitled to this star. The set also includes the British War Medal (centre) and the Victory Medal (right).

Medal Set, Sub-Lieutenant J.M. Paul
Tilston Memorial Collection of Canadian Military Medals
CWM 19830048-002





"A Pill for Kaiser Bill", HMCS Niobe
Medal Set, Sub-Lieutenant J.M. Paul, HMCS Niobe
Thomas Hayes, Royal Naval Reserve, Newfoundland, HMCS Niobe
SS Brindilla
HMCS Stadacona and HMCS Niobe
HMCS Canada
HMCS Shearwater, Stadacona, and Lady Evelyn
Gatling Gun, HMCS Bayfield II
HMCS Laurentian and Margaret
Canadian Minesweepers
Olympic with Returned Soldiers
The Little Drifter and the Big Freighter
Looking Astern on a Sub-Chaser
Sketch of a Seaplane Taking Off
Royal Canadian Navy Trawlers, Northwest Arm, Halifax