TRANSCRIPT

After the Second Boer War (1899-1902), the British Imperial Government suggested that the Dominions should assist in maintaining the Pax Britannica, which was enforced by the Royal Navy, through the contribution of men and ships. In Canada there were strong political divisions ranging from rejection to support of this plan. In response to the request, Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier suggested a compromise at an Imperial Conference in 1902 whereby the Dominions could form their own navies, which would function in cooperation with the Royal Navy. So, in 1904 the dockyards and ports on both coasts came under the control of the new Royal Canadian Navy. Although this new organization existed, the two forces operated as a single force. For example, when the Great War broke out in 1914, experienced personnel from the Royal Navy were transferred to Canada to assist with training. Additionally, most Canadians who served at sea did so on Royal Navy ships, as the Canadian Navy was quite limited in size at the time.

The first navy-type training at the Lakehead was the Sea Cadet program. The Sea Cadet program was introduced to the area in 1905 for males thirteen to eighteen years of age, in the form of the Fort William Brigade of the Navy League of Canada. The "Vindictive" cadet corps in particular was very popular in the 1920's, with enrolment in the sixties and a waiting list in effect. Training for the cadets was year-round, including such activities in the summer as sailing, boat-handling, signalling, swimming, and life-saving instruction. During the colder months of the year, training focussed on the "theory" side of the more practical summer exercises.