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 -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 […]
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)
RCN Sailor in Casablanca
An RCN Petty Officer from the Canadian manned escort aircraft carrier, HMS Puncher poses with a Palace Guard in Casablanca in early August 1944. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA117)
HMS PUNCHER’s Boat
HMS PUNCHER’s ships boat looks toy-like, set alongside the steel wall of the Canadian manned escort aircraft carrier’s hull in 1943. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA097)
RCN Sailors in HMS PUNCHER
RCN Sailors from HMS PUNCHER pose on the escort carriers foc’s’le. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA093)
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)
HMS PUNCHER Sailors
Howard Abbott (front left) with shipmates in Canadian manned Escort Aircraft Carrier, HMS PUNCHER during Arctic Operations. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA079)
RCN Sailors in Casablanca
Members of HMS PUNCHER’s ships company visiting the lush gardens in Casablanca during a visit in early August 1944 by the Canadian manned escort aircraft carrier. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA118)
HMS PUNCHER
Canadian manned escort aircraft carrier, HMS PUNCHER nearing completion at Vancouver shipyard, February to May 1944. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA033)