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.

"Back from Norway"

In this photograph, likely taken in February 1945, a Fairey Barracuda has returned to HMS Puncher with flak damage to its port aileron (centre).

From this angle, the Barracuda's high single wing, sturdy landing gear, and under-wing observation ports for the navigator are readily visible. During Operation ?Groundsheet' in February 1945, Barracudas from 821 Squadron, operating from Puncher, laid mines off the Norwegian coast. The operation encountered problems: 821 Squadron's Barracudas, separated from their fighter escort, encountered intense anti-aircraft fire, and two Barracudas never made it back to Puncher.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19820422-021