Veterans’ Week 2024
November 5 – 11
This Veterans’ Week (November 5-11) the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) solemnly commemorates all of our veterans and service members throughout history to the current day. Service, Courage and Sacrifice – At home, around the world and across generations. #CanadaRemembers
Veteran's Week YouTube playlist
Canadian Naval Heroes
A ship captured, a ship named: the legacy of Frédérick Rolette
It was July 3, 1812. The war of 1812 had just broken out the month before. The American schooner Cuyahoga Packet was sailing up the Detroit River unaware of the peril that lay ahead.
Capt Adelaide Sinclair: Director of WRCNS dedicated her life to public service
The first Canadian woman to hold the rank of naval captain, Capt Sinclair was appointed director of the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRCNS) in 1943 (at the rank of commander).
Proud Wren recalls Cold War service
Mrs. Thomas enlisted in the RCN(R) at Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) York, Toronto’s naval reserve division, in 1954 and served for six years in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
An act of heroism: Harry DeWolf
In the face of extreme danger and in the dead of night on April 29, 1944, DeWolf and HMCS Haida’s crew rescued 42 sailors from HMCS Athabaskan after it had been torpedoed.
Learn more
RCN history
Visit the Royal Canadian Navy’s history and heritage page to learn about the RCN through the ages.
The Battle of the Atlantic
The Battle of the Atlantic was the longest battle of the Second World War and was fought at sea from 1939 to 1945.
Canadian submarine history
History of Canada’s submarines and sailors, with images and details about specific vessels.
Naval museums and historic sites
When you visit one of the five naval museums, you can read about a battle, discover historic artefacts, including anchors and weapons systems, or explore vast archival holdings.
Ships’ histories
Profiles of the Royal Canadian Navy’s historical ships, including histories, photos, dimensions, capabilities and battle honours.
The Naval Service of Canada 1910-2010
This history chronicles the first full century, 1910-2010, of Canada’s Navy as a proud national institution.