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)
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)
Fire Fly’s over HMS PUNCHER
Canadian manned aircraft carrier HMS PUNCHER’s first squadron of Fire Fly’s arrive over the carrier in preparations for operations in the Pacific after VE day. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA034)
HMS PUNCHER Tragedy
A tragic crash landing on HMS PUNCHER. This Firefly attempted to land at too great a speed, the arrester hook snapped on contact with the wire and the plane burst through both wire barricades as the plane shot off the carriers bow and plunged into the water. The pilot, Lieutenant M.C. Malone was saved, his […]
HMCS PROTECTEUR Launching Sea King
HMCS PROTECTEUR launches a Sea King helicopter from her flight deck while sailing to the Caribbean in January 1981. Photo taken from HMCS OTTAWA with HMCS ATHABASKAN between. Note: Scanned from original 110 Negative. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Roger Litwiller. (RTL-RTL300416010)
MAC Ship in Convoy
Merchant Aircraft Carrier (MAC) ship in convoy with two aircraft on her after flight deck, ready to launch. MAC ships were converted merchant tankers, given a flight deck and up to four fighter aircraft to ward off U-Boats. Photo taken from HMCS WASAGA in 1943. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Ross Milligan, RCNR. (RTL-REM146)