Are you fit to serve in the Naval Reserve?

Step aboard for aboard for a glimpse at life and work in the Naval Reserve through the eyes of portrait artist Grant MacDonald, and join the over 77,000 members who serve during the Second World War.

Founded 100 years ago in 1923, the Naval Reserve established divisions across Canada to foster a citizen-navy, lovingly known as the Wavy Navy after the wavy ‘rings’ officers wore on their sleeves. These divisions were instrumental in the recruitment and training of crew for the war effort from 1939 to 1945. Today, the Naval Reserve still stands as Canada’s active reserve naval force with both men and women serving together.

This exhibit opened in June 2023 and features 25 original drawings by Grant Macdonald, a fraction of the over 300 drawings held in the Museum’s collection.