Canada's Naval History

Second World War (1939-1945)
The Navy in European Waters - The Arctic Convoys and Scandinavia

Following the Soviet Union's entry into the war against Germany, the western Allies established convoys carrying much-needed supplies to Soviet Arctic ports, most notably Murmansk. Canadian ships participated in these convoys, and also visited Scandinavian countries in the wake of Germany's surrender.

HMCS Iroquois Sailor, Oslo, Norway

Canadians from HMCS Iroquois received a warm welcome from the Norwegian people when they visited Oslo in May 1945.

In this photograph, a bearded Canadian sailor poses with a young Norwegian girl clutching an autograph book, while a young boy and streetcar employee look on. Sailors and civilians celebrated and exchanged autographed mementoes. Jack Jennings, a sailor aboard Iroquois, wrote home, describing the celebrations.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20020039-001_p44b