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.

Deck Hook Bookends

HMCS Shearwater, the Royal Canadian Navy's main Atlantic airbase, presented these book ends to Rear-Admiral Kenneth L. Dyer.

Made from the deck hooks of aircraft, the book ends were likely presented as a gift to Dyer when he left his position as commander of Canada's Atlantic fleet for a posting in Ottawa. Dyer had earlier served in the Canadian aircraft carriers HMCS Warrior and HMCS Magnificent. These hooks, attached to an arm beneath an airplane's tail that could be raised and lowered, were designed to catch arrester cables that slowed and stopped aircraft landing on carriers.

Presentation Bookends
CWM 20020090-023