Thousands of Canadians from across the country serve in the Canadian Armed Forces as Naval Reservists during times of conflict and peace while also engaging in civilian life. Established in 1923, Canada’s Naval Reserve was the vision of Rear-Admiral Walter Hose who, as director of the naval service in the interwar years, authorized the creation of a ‘citizen navy’ to train sailors from non-coastal cities and bolster pan-Canadian support for the fledgling Royal Canadian Navy.
With divisions in major cities across Canada, the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve became critical for mobilization efforts during the Second World War (1939-1945). Post-war, new generations of sailors continued to be recruited and trained as Reservists. Today’s Naval Reservists deploy both domestically and internationally, taking part in Canadian Armed Forces operations and exercises.
The National Naval Reserve Monument dates back to the 50th anniversary of the Naval Reserve. In the lead-up to this notable half century milestone, Ottawa was an ideal place to celebrate the national significance of this anniversary given its role as Canada’s capital and the symbolic center of our democracy.
As part of the celebrations, a large anchor was selected from a Halifax shipyard and sent by rail to be emplaced adjacent to HMCS Carleton, Ottawa’s naval reserve unit. The monument was installed by the Thomas Fuller Construction company, operated by retired Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve member Captain Thomas Fuller (1908-1994), a decorated Second World War naval hero who also served as commanding officer of HMCS Carleton from 1948-1951.
On May 6, 1973, in unison with Battle of the Atlantic Sunday, the National Naval Reserve Monument was unveiled by Governor General Roland Michener in a ceremony with the ship’s company of HMCS Carleton. A plaque on the monument echoes the words of Winston Churchill that “The reservist is twice the citizen,” a reminder of the dual identity of Naval Reservists.
On October 12, 2023, the monument was rededicated as part of the Naval Reserve’s 100th anniversary by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada.
