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The Early Cold War
Naval Aviation

Between 1946 and 1970, Canada's navy operated three aircraft carriers to help fulfil its anti-submarine mission and to help protect ships against enemy aircraft. These carriers required specialized equipment, procedures, and training for their crews.

Supermarine Seafire Crash, HMCS Warrior
Supermarine Seafire Crash, HMCS Warrior

A Supermarine Seafire fighter has come to rest after striking the barrier aboard HMCS Warrior.

The Seafire is relatively undamaged, but the barrier has torn off one of its propeller blades, which lies on the deck in front of the aircraft. The barrier was an important part of a carrier's safety equipment. Raised up by poles, it was intended to stop aircraft that were not halted by the arrester cables, in order to keep them from striking personnel, aircraft, and equipment located further forward (right) on the carrier's deck.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19910238-687





HMCS Warrior
HMCS Magnificent
HMCS Bonaventure
Fairey Firefly Aircraft and Plane Guard Destroyer, HMCS Warrior
Grumman Avenger aboard HMCS Magnificent
Grumman Tracker Launch, HMCS Bonaventure
Grumman Avenger Landing Aboard HMCS Warrior
Hawker Sea Fury Landing on HMCS Magnificent
Supermarine Seafire
Supermarine Seafire Crash, HMCS Warrior
Fairey Firefly Crash, HMCS Warrior
Landing on HMCS Bonaventure
McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee
Flight Deck and Island, HMCS Bonaventure
McDonnell Banshee, HMCS Bonaventure
Grumman Tracker, HMCS Shearwater
Bell HTL-4 Helicopter
Personnel Delivery by Helicopter
Life Raft and Emergency Supplies
Petty Officer, HMCS Magnificent
Triangular Bandage
Canadian Sailors Board HMCS Bonaventure
From School to Sea!
Robert N. McKinley Medal Set, HMCS Bonaventure