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.

Supermarine Seafire Crash, HMCS Warrior

A Supermarine Seafire fighter has come to rest after striking the barrier aboard HMCS Warrior.

The Seafire is relatively undamaged, but the barrier has torn off one of its propeller blades, which lies on the deck in front of the aircraft. The barrier was an important part of a carrier's safety equipment. Raised up by poles, it was intended to stop aircraft that were not halted by the arrester cables, in order to keep them from striking personnel, aircraft, and equipment located further forward (right) on the carrier's deck.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19910238-687