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The Early Cold War
Naval Aviation

Between 1946 and 1970, Canada's navy operated three aircraft carriers to help fulfil its anti-submarine mission and to help protect ships against enemy aircraft. These carriers required specialized equipment, procedures, and training for their crews.

Canadian Sailors Board HMCS Bonaventure
Canadian Sailors Board HMCS Bonaventure

Canadian sailors board their new home, the aircraft carrier HMCS Bonaventure, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1957.

The sailors, some wearing cap tallies with their ship's name, carry bags and suitcases with personal belongings, while shipyard workers in overalls (right) leave the ship. Originally launched in Belfast in 1945 as the British carrier HMS Powerful, the aircraft carrier that became Bonaventure was stored in a partially complete state until Canada bought it in 1952. Extensive construction and modifications to the ship's original design were completed in 1957, when Bonaventure entered service with the Royal Canadian Navy.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19900076-978





HMCS Warrior
HMCS Magnificent
HMCS Bonaventure
Fairey Firefly Aircraft and Plane Guard Destroyer, HMCS Warrior
Grumman Avenger aboard HMCS Magnificent
Grumman Tracker Launch, HMCS Bonaventure
Grumman Avenger Landing Aboard HMCS Warrior
Hawker Sea Fury Landing on HMCS Magnificent
Supermarine Seafire
Supermarine Seafire Crash, HMCS Warrior
Fairey Firefly Crash, HMCS Warrior
Landing on HMCS Bonaventure
McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee
Flight Deck and Island, HMCS Bonaventure
McDonnell Banshee, HMCS Bonaventure
Grumman Tracker, HMCS Shearwater
Bell HTL-4 Helicopter
Personnel Delivery by Helicopter
Life Raft and Emergency Supplies
Petty Officer, HMCS Magnificent
Triangular Bandage
Canadian Sailors Board HMCS Bonaventure
From School to Sea!
Robert N. McKinley Medal Set, HMCS Bonaventure