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.

HMCS Bonaventure

This aerial view shows Grumman Tracker anti-submarine aircraft aboard HMCS Bonaventure, Canada's third and last post-war aircraft carrier.

Trackers with their wings folded for storage (left) cluster on the flight deck, while another lands or prepares for take-off (upper right). Like HMCS Warrior and HMCS Magnificent, Bonaventure was a British-built aircraft carrier. Extensively modified to meet Canadian requirements and specifications, Bonaventure entered Canadian service in 1957, operating a range of aircraft including the Tracker, the McDonnell Banshee, and anti-submarine helicopters before being decommissioned in 1970.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19900076-998