Canada's Naval History

Second World War (1939-1945)
The Navy in European Waters - Naval Aviation: HMS Nabob and HMS Puncher

Although HMS Nabob and HMS Puncher were formally part of Britain's Royal Navy and operated from British bases, Canadians commanded and provided most of the crew for these two escort carriers. Severe damage from a German torpedo prematurely ended Nabob's career, but Puncher served until the end of the war.

Artifact Record

Drying Parachute, Puncher

Parachutes were essential safety equipment for aircrew, but required careful handling. They needed to be completely dried before they could be packed for use.

A special section of HMS Puncher's hangar deck was reserved for drying parachutes, seen here hanging from the deckhead. Aircraft maintenance personnel cluster around the small blue "mule" tractor, which moved aircraft around the hangar deck. Prominent "No Smoking" signs warn of the dangers posed by flammable materials like high-octane aviation fuel, which could quickly turn the hangar deck into a fiery inferno.

Drying Parachute, Puncher
Painted by Leonard Brooks
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-1087