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.

Albert Medal, Second Class Able Seaman William Becker

This medal was awarded to British sailor William Becker, the sole survivor of the volunteer crew from HMS Highflyer that came to the assistance of the SS Mont Blanc and the SS Imo following their collision.

A volunteer party led by Lieutenant Commander Thomas Triggs left the Highflyer in a ship's boat to put out the fire on the Mont Blanc and tow it away from the pier. The Mont Blanc exploded, destroying the Highflyer's boat and killing some of its crew instantly. A few survived the blast, but only Becker survived the swim to shore through icy December waters.

Albert Medal, Second Class, Able Seaman William Becker
Tilston Memorial Collection of Canadian Military Medals
CWM 19880067-001