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.

Petty Officer, HMCS Magnificent

This mid-1950s photograph shows an unidentified Petty Officer Second Class from the aircraft carrier HMCS Magnificent.

His cap tally identifies his ship as the Magnificent, which remained in Canadian service until 1957, and the crossed anchors on his left sleeve denote his rank. The two chevrons below denote at least eight years of good conduct. Like many members of the Royal Canadian Navy in the immediate post-war period, his medal ribbons attest to service during the Second World War, while the bottom row is for service in the Korean War.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 20020135-009