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Naval Traditions and Culture

Naval traditions and culture encompass a wide range of activities, events, and objects, often unique to naval service. Some, like the "crossing the line" (meaning, the equator) ceremony, are old and well-established, while others, such as gun shield art, related directly to Second World War experiences. Many reflect companionship, commemoration, recreation, or esprit de corps.

Jam Session at Sea, Seamen's Mess
Jam Session at Sea, Seamen's Mess

Tom Wood's watercolour depicts a jam session at sea shortly after the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Set in a crowded mess deck, where sailors, slept, ate, and lived, the painting shows a harmonica player, piano player, and drummer striking up a tune while messmates look on or go about other activities. Many of Wood's paintings feature the daily lives and activities of sailors, both afloat and ashore, and some include music as a form of entertainment or recreation.

Jam Session at Sea, Seamen's Mess
Painted by Tom Wood in 1945
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4876





Dawn Gun Stations in HMCS Pictou
Daisy Mae, HMCS Mayflower
HMCS Westaskiwin's Gun Shield Art
HMCS Shawinigan's Gun Shield Art
HMCS Rosthern Insignia
Ship's Badge, HMCS Inch Arran
Concert Party, HMS Canada
Jam Session at Sea, Seamen's Mess
"Crossing the Line" Ceremony
Boxing, HMCS Swansea
Naval Wedding, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Royal Canadian Navy Rum
"Beatty" Toby Jug
"Jellicoe" Toby Jug
Jewellery Box
Christmas Trees, HMCS Border Cities
Dining in the Wardroom, HMS Puncher
Model 6-inch Naval Gun
Model Cannon
Royal Naval College of Canada Rugby Game
Shearwater Flyers National Football Championship, 1957
Sunset Ceremony
Anniversary Celebrations, Quebec City
Dockside Religious Service
"Piping the Side"
Bosun's Call
Ship's Bell, HMCS Swansea
Ship's Bell, HMCS Inch Arran