Downtown in Victoria in Capital, British Columbia — Canada’s West Coast (North America)

100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

1. 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy Marker

Inscription. Prior to 1910. the Royal Navy provided maritime defence of British North America and for the Dominion of Canada from 1867. With World War I brewing in Europe early in the 20th century, Great Britain redistributed the British fleet and reduced its stations in Halifax and Esquimalt. The Government of Canada move to assume full responsibility to protect Canada’s major seaports and the longest coastline in the world. On May 4, 1910, under authority of the Naval Service Act, the Navy was created. On August, 1911 it was designated the Royal Canadian Navy by King George V until in 1968 when Canada’s Navy became Maritime Command within the Canadian Armed Forces. During the Navy’s first century Canada sent 850 warships to sea under a naval ensign.

One hundred years later, on May 4, 2010 this statue is dedicated to tens of thousands of Canadians who answered boat the call of their country and of the sea through service in Canada’s Navy. From cities, town and villages and First Nations communities, they stepped forward to stand their watch at sea through two World Wars, War in Korea, the Cold War, the first Gulf War and the War on Terrorism. These ordinary men and women were extraordinary in their accomplishments and helped shape the history of Canada as a great maritime nation.

This statue is inspired by public gratitude for their service and is a gift from their fellow citizens and shipmates. It represents the special moment in sailors lives when they return from the sea to once again meet their family.
May 4, 2010

Erected 2010.

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1858.

Location. 48° 25.388′ N, 123° 22.155′ W. Marker is in Victoria, British Columbia, in Capital. It is in Downtown. It is on Wharf Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 800 Wharf Street, Victoria BC V8W 1T3, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The “Veteran Sailor” (within shouting distance of this marker); Customs House (within shouting distance of this marker); Royal Canadian Navy (within shouting distance of this marker); Windsor Hotel (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Arbutus Tree (Arbutus menziesii) (about 120 meters away); Old Victoria Custom House (about 150 meters

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

2. 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Navy Marker

"The Homecoming" statue in the background.

away); The Parade of Ships (about 150 meters away); Vancouver Island Wallmap Mural (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Victoria.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Also see . . . History of the Royal Canadian Navy. (Submitted on November 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

The Homecoming image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

3. The Homecoming

Anniversary Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 14, 2011

4. Anniversary Park

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 20, 2014

5. The Homecoming

Representative Veteran Pavers at Anniversary Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 20, 2014

6. Representative Veteran Pavers at Anniversary Park

Anchor at Anniversary Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 20, 2014

7. Anchor at Anniversary Park

Service to Canada Marker at Anniversary Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 20, 2014

8. Service to Canada Marker at Anniversary Park

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,263 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 2, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on June 14, 2014, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.