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‘Housewife’ and Toiletry Kit

Maritime Museum of BC Two incredibly practical pieces of issued kit from two different sailors are before me. Both were initially catalogued under a single descriptor: a housewife. What could they be? Since the 18th century a servicemembers small roll-Out sewing kit...

RCN Gas Mask

Maritime Museum of BC Though the tin that contains it might be dented and rusty, this anti-gas respirator and set of goggles are in great condition. It was one of the types of respirators issued during the Second World War. Using a British design, Canada produced its...

Lifeboat and Raft Ration Biscuits

Maritime Museum of BC Picture this: you’re on a life boat, just launched. The ship you were on has sunk, and you now must wait to be rescued on the high seas. What do you have in your life boat to sustain you while you wait? On minesweeper HMCS Oshawa, these...