Revolt of the Admirals

Canada’s armed forces were about to be rolled into one — same training, same ranks, and same (gasp!) uniforms. For the proud leaders of the Royal Canadian Navy, this could only mean war.

Written by Nelle Oosterom

 — Posted September 21, 2010

“I should have followed my instincts”

Former defence minister Paul Hellyer does not regret unifying Canada’s armed forces, but he would do a few things differently if he had to do it again. Hellyer unified the army, navy, and air force in the 1960s under a storm of controversy.

The navy in particular opposed unification. An article by Jack Granatstein entitled “Revolt of the Admirals” — published in Canada’s History magazine in October-November 2010 — outlines why naval brass were so against the move..

Hellyer was eighty-seven-years-old when he spoke with Canada’s History associate editor Nelle Oosterom about what he did right — and what he did wrong.

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