Under the White Ensign - Gilbert Plains 1st Contingent 1915.
The success of the Canadian Navy has deep roots on the Prairies.
The Canadian Navy found many of it’s roots on main street Manitoba. There has always been some unexplained reason why Navy recruiting has done so well on the prairies. The navy’s success in Manitoba is one of the reasons we have had a stong navy since it’s official conception in 1910.
Shown here in this early photo is the first naval contingent from Gilbert Plains, Manitoba, leaving for Halifax during WW I. On their hats it is written RNCVR. (Royal Navy Canadian Volunteer Reserve).
Also note the recruiting posters prominently located on the front windows of the train station.