A Barracuda catches the wire and lands safely on HMS PUNCHER during flight operations in late 1944 or early 1945. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA054)
Barracuda Crash -HMS PUNCHER
Crashed Barracuda is secured to HMS PUNCHER’s deck following a crash, Howard Abbott recalls this plane was later pushed over the side. HMS PUNCHER is a Canadian manned escort aircraft carrier. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA043)
Flight Operations HMS PUNCHER
Flight Operations aboard HMS PUNCHER in 1944/45, with one Barracuda safely on the flight deck, two more are making their approach to the Canadian escort carrier. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA053)
Battle Damaged Barracuda -HMS PUNCHER
The damaged Barracuda of Lieutenant Cornish, returns to HMS PUNCHER following a minelaying operation off Haugesund Fjord, Norway on 22 February 1945. HMS PUNCHER is a Canadian manned escort aircraft carrier. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA039)
Flight Operations HMS PUNCHER
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 […]
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 […]
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 -Deck Crash
A Barracuda nosed into HMS PUNCHER’s flight deck, the rear gunner was slightly injured according to Howard Abbott, the angle of the plane made rescue difficult. Puncher was manned and operated by the Royal Canadian Navy, but retained her HMS designation under the terms of the “Lend/Lease” Agreement, and considered Canada’s second aircraft carrier after […]
Flight Operations -HMS PUNCHER
Seven of the nine Barracuda’s returned to Canadian manned escort aircraft carrier, HMS PUNCHER following a mine laying operation in Haugesund Fjord, Norway on 22 February, 1945. The two aircraft were shot down by shore defenses over the target and both aircrew were killed. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA041)
Crashed Barracuda -HMS PUNCHER
Following a crash on HMS PUNCHER’s deck during night operations, this Barracuda was jettisoned over the carrier’s side. Note the decorative nose art, appears to have Donald Duck holding a torpedo. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA052)