Arthur Lismer - Looking Astern on a Sub-Chaser

War artist Arthur Lismer sketched this view from an American-built sub-chaser used by the Royal Canadian Navy. After the first U-Boat attacks off the Atlantic coast in the summer of 1916, Canada sought to enlarge its navy through purchase, adaption of civilian ships, and new construction. In mid-1918, the United States loaned the RCN six wooden sub-chasers to assist in convoy escort and patrol. Uncomfortable for their crews, especially during heavy weather, these small vessels escorted convoys within some 300 kilometres of the Canadian coast.