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)
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)
Canadian Sailors in HMS Puncher
Several of HMS Puncher’s 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. Howard Abbott is front left. The Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA050)
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 […]
HMS PUNCHER’s Duty Boat
One of HMS PUNCHER’s boats comes alongside the Canadian manned escort carrier in 1944. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA094)
Avenger Aboard HMS PUNCHER
An Avenger is secured to the flight deck of HMS PUNCHER during a ferry operation of aircraft from Norfolk Virginia in September 1944. Eventually ending in Glasgow, the Canadian manned aircraft carrier transported 40 aircraft including, 18 Corsairs, Hellcats, Avengers, and one Helldiver. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA051)
HMS PUNCHER Ferrying Aircraft
The Canadian manned escort aircraft carrier, HMS PUNCHER ferrying a deck load of aircraft to Glasgow in September or October 1944. This Avenger is destined for delivery to an RCAF Squadron. Roger Litwiller Collection, courtesy Howard Abbott, RCNVR. (RTL-HA058)