Director of Canada’s first standing navy from its founding in 1910 until 1920, Admiral Kingsmill was responsible for Canada’s naval contribution during the First World War. He asserted Canadian autonomy over naval operations and bases, organized Allied mercantile convoys out of Halifax and Sydney, and established inshore patrols and a continent-wide supply system for the Allied fleet. Providing sound administrative oversight, Kingsmill set up command structures and training institutions that later enabled the Royal Canadian Navy to expand into one of the world’s largest naval forces during the Second World War.