HMS Puncher, Canada's second escort carrier, spent part of its career stationed at Scapa Flow, the Royal Navy's main North Sea base.

Like HMS Nabob, Puncher had a largely Canadian crew, commanded by Canadian Captain R.E.S. Bidwell. After periods of service ferrying aircraft across the Atlantic Ocean, Puncher twice served as a training ship for naval aircrew, and also operated from Scapa Flow against German shipping along the Norwegian coast. With the conclusion of the war in Europe, Puncher became a troop ship, and helped repatriate Canadian personnel from overseas.

HMS Puncher at Scapa Flow
Painted by Leonard Brooks
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-1105