Canada's Naval History

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The Navy: A Century in Art

Naval Traditions and Culture

The Navy: A Century in Art
The Navy's Wars

A long and distinguished combat record is central to the navy's history and traditions. An armed force in support of Canadian national interests, it continues to perform a wide variety of important roles, from war fighting and peace support operations, to disaster relief and search and rescue.

Artifact Record

Embarking Casualties on D-Day, HMCS Prince David
Painted by Harold Beament in 1944

As part of the invasion fleet, Canadian ships carried troops and equipment to Normandy and brought casualties back to England.

HMCS Prince David, seen here, carried more than 400 troops to Normandy, including members of the Quebec-based Le Régiment de la Chaudière. One of three Canadian National Steamships liners converted for wartime use, Prince David later supported several assault landings in the Mediterranean, and carried Greece's government-in-exile back to Athens in late 1944.

Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-1012