History of The Navy League of Canada The latter half of the nineteenth century saw rapid expansion and

development of the British Empire and, with it, the dependence on ocean shipping routes for its trade and defence. Concern as to the adequacy of the Royal Navy of that day to defend the Empire gave rise to the formation in Britain in 1895 of a society with the primary aim of ensuring an adequate naval defence. This was the Navy League. The movement expanded rapidly and before the end of that year branches had established themselves abroad, including one in Toronto whose warrant is dated 16th December 1895. In October 1895 the group in Toronto had already prepared a submission to the Canadian Government on the subject of maritime defence and the need for a naval reserve training program. Continued efforts helped the government when it was formulating Canadas naval policy and establishing the Canadian Naval Service, forerunner of the Royal Canadian Navy, in 1910. Branches in Canada supported a youth training programme aimed at encouraging young men towards a seafaring career and providing basic training in citizenship and seamanship. The First World War placed heavy commitments on the League with its activities expanding into the operation of hostels for seafaring personnel, provision of welfare services to the dependents of seamen and the rehabilitation of naval veterans. Following World War I the League took particular interest in seeking continued support for a Canadian flag merchant marine and maintained shore hostel facilities. The training of boys was formalized under the name Boys Naval Brigades. During the Second World War, the Navy League was once more involved in War Services activities. These included the operation of hostels, and the provision of amenities and special clothing supplies for the RCN, the Canadian Merchant Navy as well as to visiting ships.

With the end of the Second World War and the closing out of its War Services operations, the League turned is attention to continued support of youth training and improving Canadians knowledge of Maritime Affairs. In 1948 the Navy League established the Navy League Cadet Corps for younger boys and in 1950 established the Navy League Wrenette Corps for young ladies. Wrenettes have since become integrated into the Sea Cadet and Navy League Cadet Corps. Today there are over 10,000 Royal Canadian Sea Cadets in 236 Corps across Canada and as well there are 105 Navy League Cadet Corps with over 3,000 cadets. The Navy League of Canada as a national organization has a right to be proud of its members today as in the past, and is grateful to them for their unselfish support of the Navy Leagues objectives.