Archives Launches Web Tribute to Royal Canadian Navy
To coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Navy, Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management has launched a new web exhibit that celebrates the navy's rich history.
The Royal Canadian Navy: The First Half Century illustrates various aspects of the navy's early history on both coasts, from the beginnings in 1910 to the country's Centennial celebrations in 1967.
One hundred images have been carefully selected from the archives' collections to highlight specific events, notable ships, and the men and women who served.
The online exhibit features photographs, letters, publications, postcards, and other material from the navy's formative years.
"Nova Scotia and the Royal Canadian Navy have been linked for generations," said Percy Paris, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "We are pleased to recognize the history of our navy in this retrospective tour of its first fifty years."
One of the more interesting items is a recently-acquired letter written by a mother to her son, concerning his naval cadet friends and acquaintances injured in the Halifax Explosion of 1917. There are also images of HM Queen Elizabeth II presenting new colours to the navy in 1959, and the 50th anniversary celebrations in 1960.
"This year marks the Royal Canadian Navy's 100th anniversary of service," said Lois Yorke, director of public services at the archives. "We are pleased to present The Royal Canadian Navy: The First Half-Century for website visitors who want to learn more about the navy's legacy in Canada."
The new exhibit complements two existing resources on the archives website -- East Coast Port, showing life in Halifax during World War II, and The Royal Navy in Nova Scotia Waters, telling the story of earlier naval activities in the province.
The Royal Canadian Navy: The First Half-Century is available at www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/rcn/.
Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management acquires, preserves and makes available the province's documentary heritage.