The Navy League of Canada 1 NL(35)E – 15 Sept 2007

The Navy League of Canada
CHAPTER 1 - THE NAVY LEAGUE IN GENERAL
Our History
The latter part of the 19th 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 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 support from people
of all walks of life but interested in the problems 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 (No. 5) dated 16th December
1895 now hangs in the National Office.
The objectives of The League have changed very little in the
intervening years. The League still seeks to promote
knowledge of and support for our maritime interests including
the advancement of knowledge in this field through youth
training programs.
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