Canada's Naval History

Second World War (1939-1945)
The Navy in European Waters - Naval Aviation: HMS Nabob and HMS Puncher

Although HMS Nabob and HMS Puncher were formally part of Britain's Royal Navy and operated from British bases, Canadians commanded and provided most of the crew for these two escort carriers. Severe damage from a German torpedo prematurely ended Nabob's career, but Puncher served until the end of the war.

HMS Nabob

This photograph shows HMS Nabob (front) and another escort carrier, possibly HMS Puncher (back).

The two carriers are sailing together while an Avenger aircraft flies past (left). Built in the United States, Nabob and Puncher were modified to British requirements by the Burrard Dry Dock Company in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Nabob's prominent radar and radio antennas are not visible here, and were probably removed from the photograph by wartime censors.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20000207-008_p125b