An Avenger and a Barracuda from 778 Service Trails Unit from RN Air Station Arbroath is ready to takeoff from HMS PUNCHER. The Canadian manned Aircraft Carrier is carrying out Deck Landing Training on November 5th and 6th 1944. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA035) If you enjoy the content I create and […]
RCN Invades Coney Island
Several of HMS PUNCHER’s sailors enjoy shore leave at New York’s famous Coney Island, including Howard Abbott in the front passenger seat in 1944. PUNCHER was an escort aircraft carrier, manned by Canadian sailors during WWII. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA111) If you enjoy the content I create and find value in […]
Crash Landing -HMS PUNCHER
The pilot still in the cockpit of his aircraft shuts down the engine, after a spectacular crash landing. Having snapped its tail hook, this Barracuda was flipped onto its nose by the barrier, saving both aircrew and aircraft on HMS PUNCHER. HMS PUNCHER, although manned by Canadian sailors, was loaned to the RN under the […]
HMS DIDO
HMS DIDO alongside the Canadian manned escort aircraft carrier HMS PUNCHER during operations off Haugesund Fjord in January 1945. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA047)
HMS PUNCHER Deck Landing
The Batsman coaches a Firefly onto HMS PUNCHER’s deck in 1945. The escort aircraft carrier is manned by Canadians and is considered to be Canada’s second aircraft carrier. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA037)
Flight Operations -HMCS PUNCHER
Arresting wire on the tail hook of a Barracuda can be seen on HMS PUNCHER’s flight deck. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA055)
HMS PUNCHER’s Flight Deck
Several of HMS PUNCHER’s Canadian sailors take advantage of the hot weather to tan on the carriers crowded flight deck, while ferrying aircraft to Casablanca in July 1944. Too hot to touch they cover the deck with blankets and towels. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA049)
HMS NABOB at Vancouver.
HMS NABOB taken from HMS PUNCHER at Vancouver while both escort aircraft carriers were completing in February 1943. PUNCHER (foreground) is in the builders hands, just starting conversion to RN standards, while NABOB is undergoing trials in preparation for going into service. NABOB and PUNCHER retained there HMS designation even though they were manned by […]
Howard Abbott, RCNVR
Howard Abbott, RCNVR from Toronto on the bow of Canadian manned escort aircraft carrier HMS PUNCHER in 1944. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA095)
HMS PUNCHER Crash Landing
A Wildcat from HMS PUNCHER damages it’s landing gear as the aircraft lands on the pitching deck of the escort carrier in rough weather. HMS PUNCHER was manned and commanded by sailors from the Royal Canadian Navy. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA036)