Navy League of Canada

Last updated
Navy League of Canada
NLC Flag 2011.svg
Flag of the Navy League of Canada
Active1895 - present
Country Canada
TypeYouth Organization
RoleCadet programs
Headquarters Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

The Navy League of Canada (French : Ligue navale du Canada) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1895 and incorporated in 1918. Originally formed to promote maritime issues to Canadians, the Navy League is the non-governmental partner of the Department of National Defence and supports the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets program. The Navy League also independently delivers the Navy League Cadet program for boys and girls between the ages of nine and twelve.

Contents

History

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. At the same time, the German Empire was becoming increasingly aggressive and competing step by step with Britain. Concern as to the adequacy of the Royal Navy of that day to defend the widely separated components of the Empire and their essential shipping 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, organized with local branches in towns and cities and drawing its support from people of all walks of life, but interested in the problem of ocean trade and naval defence. The movement expanded rapidly and before the end of that year, branches had established themselves abroad, including one in Toronto whose warrant, dated 16 December 1895, now hangs in the National Office in Ottawa.

From its earliest days, the Navy League has been an active organization. In October 1895, the group in Toronto, in the course of forming the branch there, 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 in support of improved naval defence, either as an imperial or national effort, helped the government when it was formulating Canada's naval policy and establishing the Canadian Naval Service, forerunner of the Canadian Navy, in 1910. In these early years, the branches in Canada supported informally 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 Navy League, with its activities expanding into recruiting of Naval and Merchant Navy personnel, operation of hostels for seafaring personnel, provision of welfare services to the dependents of seamen and, in the final stages, the rehabilitation of Naval Veterans.

In the years following World War I, the Navy League took particular interest in seeking continued support for a Canadian flag, the Merchant Marine and maintained shore hostel facilities for the benefit of seafaring personnel. The training of boys was formalized under the name of "Boys' Naval Brigades" across the country; this became the main raison d'être for many local branches during the Depression. The establishment of the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1923 was much assisted by the enrolment of graduates of this scheme; a parallel apprenticeship programme was set up with Canadian shipping companies to enrol ex-cadets in the Merchant Marine. The Boys' Naval Brigade name was changed at about this time to the Navy League Sea Cadets to permit infusion of funds from the Department of the Militia.

With the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, the Navy League was once more involved in War Services activities. This included the operation of 24 hostels in various port areas, such as the Sea Gull Cub in Halifax, the provision of amenities and special clothing supplies for visiting seamen, as well as those of the RCN and Canadian Merchant Navy. The Navy League came to consider itself "the nursery of seamen" for the RCN. The Navy League also assisted in the establishment in Ottawa of HMCS Baytown Wardroom.

With the end of the Second World War and the closing out of its War Services operations, the Navy League was again able to turn its attention to its primary objectives; continued support of youth training and promoting a knowledge of maritime affairs. The minimum age limit of the Sea Cadets having been set at 14 years, there was felt to be a need for an organization to cater to interested boys under that limit. Thus in 1948, the Navy League established The Navy League Cadet Corps for younger boys. This development was followed in 1950 by the establishment of the Navy League Wrenette Corps for girls. Wrenettes no longer exist as a program as girls are part of Navy League Cadet Corps and Royal Canadian Sea Cadets.

Critical dates

1895 - First Canadian Branch formed
1910 - Canadian Navy established
1914 - Recruiting and Welfare Services, World War I
1918 - First Canadian Boy's Naval Brigade formed
1918 - Federal Charter approved establishing the Navy League of Canada
1923 - Boy's Naval Brigade name changed to Sea Cadet Corps
1939 - Welfare Services, World War II
1941 - Canadian Navy became partner in the Sea Cadet movement
1942 - King George VI agreed to be Admiral, Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
1943 - Scholarship program introduced
1948 - Navy League Cadet program established
1950 - Navy League Wrenette program established
1995 - The 100th Anniversary of the Navy League of Canada
1997- Last Navy League Wrenette Corps closed (NLWC Centennial) [1]

Memorials

At the Royal Military College of Canada, outside Currie Hall in Kingston, Ontario stained glass windows relate to the history of the Navy League.

Royal Canadian Sea Cadets

The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a youth program for twelve to eighteen year olds, delivered by the Canadian Forces and supported by the Navy League of Canada in the community. The program has its origins in the Boy’s Naval Brigades, becoming the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets after the Royal Canadian Navy became a partner. Girls have been allowed in the program since 1975. As of 2019, there were approximately 235 Sea Cadet Corps in Canada, and approximately 8,000 cadets. [3]

Along with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets and Royal Canadian Air Cadets, the aim of the Sea Cadet organization is to: develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate an interest in the sea, land, and air activities of the Canadian Forces.

The Navy League Cadet Corps is a nautically-themed youth program for young people aged nine to twelve. The program aims to develop patriotism, good citizenship, a sense of duty, self-discipline, self-respect, and respect for others. While the program uses a naval environment (ranks, terminology, etc.), there is no affiliation between Navy League Cadets and the Canadian Forces. The program is led entirely by civilian volunteers in each community. As of 2019, there were approximately 110 Navy League Cadet Corps in Canada, with about 3000 cadets enrolled in the program. [3]

Maritime Affairs

The Navy League’s Maritime Affairs program aims to inform Canadians about issues affecting their use of the oceans. Beginning in 1895, the Navy League lobbied for the creation of a Naval Service for Canada. Having realized that goal in 1910, the Navy League continued to support the Navy and promote the welfare of sailors.

During both World Wars, and into the late 1960s, the Navy League operated numerous hostels and Sailor’s Homes, on both coasts. The Navy League Ditty Bag, (a small gift bag full of clothing, food and sundries) was a welcome comfort to sailors throughout this time.

Over the last decade, the Navy League has diversified to examine all aspects of ocean use. They have addressed issues of Ocean Management, Fisheries and Environmental protection, maritime trade and the preservation of Canada’s Arctic archipelago. In 2003, the group published Canada, An Incomplete Maritime Nation which outlines a broad range of public policy issues concerning the sustainable use of Canada’s Ocean territory.

Flags

The NLC has used many flags throughout the years. Early on, a Union Jack defaced with the badge of the NLC was used, albeit unofficially. In 1918, a request was made to the British Admiralty to use a blue ensign defaced with the badge of the Navy League on the fly. This was rejected, but a second request in 1928 was granted, although with a white ensign. The positions of the N and the L on the badge used from 1929-2011 were reversed when the flag was flown in French-speaking regions to reflect the French name for the Navy League, which is la Ligue navale du Canada.

In 1965, when the Maple Leaf Flag was introduced, the Union Jack in the canton was replaced by the Maple Leaf Flag. In 2011, a new flag was introduced, with a new logo which was not in monotone. Although a new badge had been in use for years, the flag was not updated until the replacement of that logo in 2011. However, the pre-2011 version is still in fairly common use in corps where that flag has not worn out.

Organization and structure

The Navy League is a volunteer organization with 264 branches organized into 12 Divisions. [4] Each Division President sits on a National Board of Directors. Members of the Navy League volunteer in their community to support two youth programs, Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Navy League Cadets, or to build awareness of maritime issues.

While any person 'of good character' can be a member of the Navy League, volunteers working with cadets have to undergo a screening program which includes a police check known as Vulnerable Sector Screening. This program was put in place after the Mount Cashel Orphanage sexual/physical abuse scandal and other abuse cases raised awareness about potential risks to youth.

Captain Vancouver Case

In 2006, the Department of National Defence reached an eight million dollar settlement with victims of abuse at the Captain Vancouver Sea Cadet Corps. [5]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Navy</span> Naval warfare force of the United Kingdom

The Royal Navy (RN) is the United Kingdom's naval warfare force and a component of His Majesty's Naval Service. Although warships were used by English and Scottish kings from the early medieval period, the first major maritime engagements were fought in the Hundred Years' War against France. The modern Royal Navy traces its origins to the early 16th century; the oldest of the UK's armed services, it is consequently known as the Senior Service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">British ensign</span> British maritime flag

In British maritime law and custom, an ensign is the identifying flag flown to designate a British ship, either military or civilian. Such flags display the United Kingdom Union Flag in the canton, with either a red, white or blue field, dependent on whether the vessel is civilian, naval, or in a special category. These are known as the red, white, and blue ensigns respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Canadian Navy</span> Maritime warfare branch of Canadas military

The Royal Canadian Navy is the naval force of Canada. The RCN is one of three environmental commands within the Canadian Armed Forces. As of 2023, the RCN operates 12 frigates, four attack submarines, 12 coastal defence vessels, eight patrol-class training vessels, two offshore patrol vessels, and several auxiliary vessels. The RCN consists of 8,400 Regular Force and 4,100 Primary Reserve sailors, supported by 3,800 civilians. Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee is the commander of the Royal Canadian Navy and chief of the Naval Staff.

A midshipman is an officer of the lowest rank, in the Royal Navy, United States Navy, and many Commonwealth navies. Commonwealth countries which use the rank include Canada, Australia, Bangladesh, Namibia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.

Ensign is a junior rank of a commissioned officer in the armed forces of some countries, normally in the infantry or navy. As the junior officer in an infantry regiment was traditionally the carrier of the ensign flag, the rank acquired the name. This rank has generally been replaced in army ranks by second lieutenant. Ensigns were generally the lowest-ranking commissioned officer, except where the rank of subaltern existed. In contrast, the Arab rank of ensign, لواء, liwa', derives from the command of units with an ensign, not the carrier of such a unit's ensign, and is today the equivalent of a major general.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Canadian Air Cadets</span> Canadian national youth program

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a Canadian national youth program for young individuals aged 12 to 19. Under the authority of the National Defence Act, the program is administered by the Canadian Forces (CF) and funded through the Department of National Defence (DND). Additional support is provided by the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL). Together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets, it forms the "largest federally funded youth program in the country". Cadets are not members of the military and are not obliged to join the Canadian Forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cadet</span> Trainee or candidate to become a military officer

A cadet is an officer trainee or candidate. The term is frequently used to refer to those training to become an officer in the military or maritime sector, often a person who is a junior trainee. Its meaning may vary between countries which can include youths in voluntary youth organisations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Canadian Army Cadets</span> Military unit

The Royal Canadian Army Cadets is a national Canadian youth program sponsored by the Canadian Armed Forces and the civilian Army Cadet League of Canada. Under the authority of the National Defence Act, the program is administered by the Canadian Armed Forces and funded through the Department of National Defence. Additionally, the civilian partner of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, the Army Cadet League of Canada, also ensures financial, accommodations and transportation support for RCAC programs and services at a community level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cap badge</span> Badge worn on uniform headgear

A cap badge, also known as head badge or hat badge, is a badge worn on uniform headgear and distinguishes the wearer's nationality and/or organisation. The wearing of cap badges is a convention commonly found among military and police forces, as well as uniformed civilian groups such as the Boy Scouts, civil defence organisations, ambulance services, customs services, fire services etc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royal Canadian Sea Cadets</span> Military unit

The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Armed Forces and the civilian Navy League of Canada. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence, with the civilian partner providing support in the local community. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The Navy League Cadet Corps was created by the Navy League of Canada for boys in 1948, and the Navy League Wrennette Corps was formed for girls in 1950. The Wrennette program no longer exists, since the Navy League Cadet Corps are now open to boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12.

The Navy League Wrennette Corps was formed by the Navy League of Canada in 1950 as a cadet organisation for girls to complement the Navy League Cadet Corps of Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps</span> Military unit

The Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps was created as a registered charity under the Bermuda Sea Cadet Association Act, 1968. The first unit had actually been created two years earlier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sea cadets</span> Uniformed youth organization

Sea cadets are members of a Sea Cadets Corps, a formal uniformed youth organisation for young people with an interest in waterborne activities and or the national navy. The organisation may be sponsored in whole or in part by the navy or a naval supporter's organisation. In the United Kingdom, sea cadets are governed by the parent charity MSSC and receives just over half of its funding from the Ministry of Defence. The Royal Navy is its principal supporter, but it is not a pre-service organisation and works in partnerships with the broader maritime community as well. The various organisations are listed in alphabetical order of their nation.

The Navy League of Australia is an Australian organisation and advocacy group dedicated to creating interest in maritime and naval matters, particularly those relating to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Australian Merchant Navy.

The Canadian Cadet Organizations, marketed under the name of Cadets Canada, are a youth program known as the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The program is sponsored by the Canadian Armed Forces and funded through the Department of National Defence (DND), with additional support from the civilian Navy League, the Army Cadet League and the Air Cadet League, as well as local community sponsors that include service organizations and parent sponsoring groups supervised by the Leagues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Currie Hall</span> Hall at the Royal Military College of Canada

Currie Hall is a hall within the Currie Building, which is an annex to the Mackenzie Building at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario. It was built in 1922, and is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Army Cadet League of Canada</span> Youth organization based in Canada

The Army Cadet League of Canada is the civilian non-profit organization which works with the Department of National Defence (DND) to support the Royal Canadian Army Cadet program. It was founded in 1971 with a branch in every province and one for the northern region. The ACLC consists of several levels from the national council to local support committees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian Navy Cadets</span> Youth military organisation of the Royal Australian Navy

The Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) is a leading national youth development organisation, with the character and values of the Australian Navy, founded on a strong community partnership, fostering and supporting an ongoing interest in the Australian Navy.

RCSCC Calgary is a Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada that has trained youth aged 12–18 in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets program since 1991.

References

  1. The Navy League of Canada, History of The Navy League of Canada Archived 2008-02-13 at the Wayback Machine , 08 Jan 2008
  2. 6647 Major (Ret) Mitchell Kryzanowski (RMC 1965), 'Currie Hall: Memorial to the Canadian Corps' (Kingston: Hewson and White, 1989)
  3. 1 2 Courtesy The Navy League of Canada.
  4. Navy League of Canada, Organization Chart Archived 2008-02-13 at the Wayback Machine , 08 Jan 2008
  5. DND,DND Reaches Settlement In Abuse Case, 20 April 2006]