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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.

Canadian Minesweepers
Canadian Minesweepers

These vessels patrolled near Halifax and searched for mines laid by German submarines.

The Royal Canadian Navy hastily ordered 48 TR class trawlers (top) during the course of the war. To supplement these ships, the navy also purchased a number of American-built herring trawlers (bottom). Both types carried a bow-mounted 12-pounder gun as their main armament (bottom, at right on deck), and also carried a number of depth charges. Finding experienced sailors would prove more difficult than finding ships.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20080060-001_10f





"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