This section brings together the approximately 700 objects and photographs used in Canada's Naval History. Use this section to directly access objects and photographs grouped by type, as shown below, or use the search function above to search through them by title.

Depth Charge Explosion

This photograph shows the plume of water raised by an exploding depth charge, the principal Allied anti-submarine weapon for much of the Second World War.

Dropped over a ship's stern or launched over its side, depth charges would sink to a pre-selected depth before exploding. An explosion close to a submarine could destroy it by shattering its hull, while a near miss could cause damage forcing it to the surface. Given the difficulties of locating a submarine underwater, large numbers of depth charges were usually required for a successful attack.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20000224-015_4