This photo is a picture of the H.M.S. "Olympic", a boat that was used to transport Canadian troops and equipment overseas during World War I. At the outset of war in 1914, Canada's navy was in shambles, with no more than one broken down cruiser on each coast, 350 officers and men, and about 250 trained members of the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve. Prime Minister Borden pleaded with Great Britain to help Canada build a navy but Britain refused and requested only troops and equipment for the army. During the early years of the war, Canadian troops continued their training while onboard these transport ships. Regular fitness exercises and shooting drills were done on the crowded decks of the ship. Some troops were tragically killed by accidents that occurred during this training. Others died on these ships because of poor living conditions that were common on these long journeys.