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

The Later Cold War
From RCN to Maritime Command

The creation of the single-service Canadian Forces in 1968 transformed the Royal Canadian Navy into Maritime Command. The unification of the armed services brought tremendous change, introducing standardized uniforms and other common procedures that replaced older traditions. Federal policy and human rights rulings also increased the use of French, and began to abolish most limits on women's military service.

Designs for a Canadian Naval Jack and Ensign

Alan Beddoe created these undated designs for a distinctively Canadian naval jack (top) and ensign (bottom).

The naval jack (top), a possible replacement for the Blue Ensign flown by Royal Canadian Navy vessels, replaced the union flag with three red maple leaves (upper left), while a Canadian naval badge replaced the badge derived from Canada's coat of arms. The lower example, a possible replacement for the White Ensign, substituted three red maple leaves for the union flag (upper left). Beddoe, an expert in heraldry, had served in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War, and helped design numerous ship's badges.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19860341-001b