Second World War (1939-1945)
The Navy in European Waters  - Coastal Operations: United Kingdom and European Waters

The Royal Canadian Navy, employed on coastal patrols, convoy escort duty, and support operations, made an important contribution to the naval war that raged in the waters around the United Kingdom and off the nearby European coast.

Lieutenant John Shand's Sweater

This white wool sweater, popular gear for English Channel and North Sea motor torpedo boat operations, belonged to Canadian John Shand.

Cold waters, rain and fog, and the spray and wind of high-speed boat travel made warm clothing like this sweater a practical choice. Shand served in the 29th Canadian Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) Flotilla. He commanded MTB 459 from September 1944 until a February 1945 fire and explosion at Ostend, Belgium, killed 26 Canadians and destroyed much of the flotilla, including MTB 459. Following this disaster, which also killed British sailors and Belgian civilians, the 29th was disbanded.

Sweater
CWM 19850182-004