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.

Fairey Firefly Aircraft and Plane Guard Destroyer, HMCS Warrior

Four Fairey Firefly aircraft sit on the deck of the Canadian aircraft carrier HMCS Warrior, while a "plane guard" destroyer follows.

Take-offs and landings from carriers can be risky procedures, and aircraft can crash into the water due to equipment failure or human error, requiring prompt action to save lives. Before the development of rescue helicopters, a destroyer served "plane guard" duty, following closely behind an aircraft carrier. The destroyer's high speed allowed it to keep up with the aircraft carrier, and also permitted it to rush to the site of any aircraft crash.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19910238-689