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.

McDonnell Banshee, HMCS Bonaventure

A McDonnell Banshee fighter sits on HMCS Bonaventure's flight deck in late 1960 or early 1961.

The Royal Canadian Navy acquired Banshees for HMCS Bonaventure in order to provide protection against enemy aircraft that could locate or attack ships at sea, and to attack ground targets. Banshees were armed with four cannon, visible just behind the black radar dome on the aircraft's nose. They could also be fitted with the Sidewinder air-to-air missile, and could carry rockets or bombs to attack surface targets. This particular Banshee crashed in June 1961, killing its pilot, Knudd Rassow.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19860241-001_11a