The Navy: A Century in Art
A Canadian Navy

Canada's navy is an important national institution. It is an influential presence in many Canadian communities and is a historic and influential symbol of nationhood. For many Canadians, the navy is a focus of passion, pride, and service.

S.S. Sardinian (Allan Line)
Painted by John Everett in 1918

Shipping troops overseas has usually required the services of large civilian vessels, especially ocean liners.

The SS Sardinian, a steamship pictured here in a First World War dazzle camouflage scheme, first carried Canadians to war in South Africa in 1899. Large, fast, and well-equipped passenger liners, pressed into wartime service, sped the deployment of troops abroad and were difficult targets for slower-moving enemy submarines.

Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-0141