Banshee (Total: 653, Canadian: 39, Group 0)
McDonnell Banshee
McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee, RCN (Serial No. 126295), coded 112, shown here armed with two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
Procured second-hand from the United States Navy, the McDonnell F2H-3 Banshee was the only carrier-based air defence jet fighter used by the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) from 1955 to 1962. Until the CF-18 Hornet, the Banshee, also nicknamed the "Banjo", was the only Canadian military aircraft armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The Banshee was a rugged and reliable, all-weather, fleet defence and ground attack fighter. In RCN operational service, all 39 Banshee aircraft were based in Shearwater, Nova Scotia, and flew with VF-870 and VF-871 Squadrons, until the latter was amalgamated into the former in 1959. VX10 Experimental Squadron also flew the Banshee in order to do acceptance evaluations. Squadrons were deployed aboard Canada's sole aircraft carrier of the period, Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Bonaventure. The Banshee was well liked by pilots because of its good performance on the deck and in the air, as well as its all-weather capability, 800-mile (1,287-kilometre) tactical radius, and Mach 0.8 speed capability. The aircraft also formed the basis of the RCN's premiere aerobatic team known as the "Grey Ghosts". This four-ship formation team participated in many air shows. rcaf-arc.forces
RCN aircraft were identified in squadron service by a side number, painted on the nose of the aircraft. That number indicated the squadron, and the aircraft number in that squadron. These numbers are shown as "coded" (if known); later the last three digits of the aircraft serial number were used, shown as NAVY+L3.
Banshee serials from US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos--Third Series (126257 to 130264)joebaugher.com, and updated from - Martin "� RCN Aircraft Finish & Markings 1944-1968.
Note - Unit assignments not in date order due numerous reassignments.
Note - RCN Banshees delivered between Nov 25, 1955 and June 16, 1958.
Banshee Carrier-based air defence jet fighter
RCAF BansheeBanshee F2H-3 serial 126294
s/n 126294
as/n 148
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126294
Known Units: VX10;VF871;VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service.Served with VX 10; VF 871 coded "148", and VF 870 as NAVY+294.
last update: 2024-December-25
1962-March-21 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126295
s/n 126295
as/n 112 148
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126295
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "112"; VF 871 coded "148", carried red and white stripes on rudder. VF 870 NAVY+295.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-July-18 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126306
s/n 126306
as/n 103
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126306
Known Units: VS870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. Coded "103" while with VF 870. While landing at Shearwater Naval Air Station Dartmouth NS Aug 27,1957, it collided with TBM Avenger 53358. Both pilots killed.last update: 2024-December-25
1957-June-30 Accept from other Air Force Received second hand from USN. 2019-08-20
1957-August-27 Destroyed on Ground (Accident) Ground collision with Avenger 53358, killing pilot Lt. E. K. Trzcinski, USN. 2022-03-29
1957-September-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126310
s/n 126310
as/n 701
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126310
Known Units: VX10;VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VX 10 coded "701". To VF 870 & VF 871. Fatal crash Prospect Point NS May 14, 1957. S/Lt C.R. Bissettlast update: 2024-December-25
1956-January-23 Accept from other Air Force Received second hand from USN. 2022-03-17
1957-May-14 Accident Crash Crashed, killing pilot S/Lt C. R. Bissett. 2022-03-24
1957-June-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126313
s/n 126313
as/n 104
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126313
Known Units: VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "104". Starboard wing separated in flight May 31,1957 and plane crashed on McNab's Island Halifax, Nova Scotia. 1 fatal. Lt. D. A. Prout.last update: 2024-December-25
1957-May-31 Accident Crash Crashed, killing pilot Lt. D. A. Prout. 2022-03-24
1957-May-31 Struck off Strength 2022-03-11
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126327
s/n 126327
as/n 327
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126327
Known Units: VX10;VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VX 10 and VF 870 NAVY+327last update: 2024-December-25
1962-May-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126330
s/n 126330
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126330
Known Units: VX10
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. Crashed in ocean on delivery flight from NAS Quonset Point, RI Apr 22,1956. Wreck never found. 1 fatal. Lt. D. A. Wardrop.last update: 2024-December-25
1956-April-22 Accident Crash Crashed on delivery flight, killing pilot Lt. D. A. Wardrop. First RCN Banshee fatal crash. 2022-03-11
1956-April-22 Struck off Strength 2022-03-24
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126331
s/n 126331
as/n 106
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126331
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "106". To VF 871 NAVY+331. Taxied into other Banshees on icy Shearwater apron in winter but survived to retire May 23, 1961. Stripped for parts and burned in airfield for fire training.last update: 2024-December-25
1961-May-23 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126333
s/n 126333
as/n 142
m/d F2H
c/n 43
McDonnell
126333
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 871 coded "142". To VF 870. Landed on HMCS Bonaventure Mar 4,1958 but while taxiing forward went over side into the ocean and pilot ejected but was killed. 1 fatal. Lt/Cdr B. Bell-Irving.last update: 2024-December-25
1958-March-04 Accident Crash Crashed, killing pilot Lt./C B. Bell-Irving. 2019-08-20
1958-March-19 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126334
s/n 126334
m/d F2H
c/n 44
McDonnell
126334
Known Units: VX10;VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VX 10, VF 871, VF 870 NAVY+334. In late 1962 126334 as "Last Punch" made a RCN speed record of M.98; altitude 51450', climb to 40,000' in 10min 45sec. Made last flight by a Canadian Navy Banshee (and perhaps the last flight of any Banshee) Jan 10,1963 when it was flown to Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for use as a ground instructional airframe. In August 1978 to HMCS Tecumseh, Calgary, AB for restoration and display. In 1988 it was moved to the Naval Museum of Alberta, Calgary,AB. Current 2022.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126335
s/n 126335
as/n 112 335
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126335
Known Units: VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. VF 870 coded "112", NAVY+L3 335.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126337
s/n 126337
as/n 144
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126337
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 871 coded "144", VF 870. Suffered engine fire on takeoff Apr 12,1957. To instructional aircraft at Shearwater Naval Air Station. Burned many times to train the station's crash crew.last update: 2024-December-25
1958-September-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126339
s/n 126339
as/n 339
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126339
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870, VF 871 Navy+339last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126343
s/n 126343
as/n 118 142
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126343
Known Units: ;VX10;VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "118", VF 871 coded "142", VX 10 NAVY+343. Damaged Mar 1956 when it landed with starboard wheel retracted but was repaired and flown again.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-July-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126346
s/n 126346
as/n 141 346
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126346
Known Units: VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 871 coded "141", Navy+346. Scrapped Shearwater 1963.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126347
s/n 126347
as/n 105
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126347
Known Units: VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "105".last update: 2024-December-25
1962-May-03 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126361
s/n 126361
as/n 120 148
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126361
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "120", VF 871 coded "148".last update: 2024-December-25
1961-May-23 Struck off Strength 2022-03-11
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126381
s/n 126381
as/n 700 149 381
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126381
Known Units: VX10;VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. Operated by VX 10, coded "700". One of four aircraft to the UK in early 1957 for initial trials on HMCS Bonaventure. To VF 870, VF 871 coded "149", NAVY+381.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126382
s/n 126382
as/n 147 382
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126382
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 871 coded "147", VF 870 NAVY+382.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-12 Struck off Strength 2022-03-12
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126390
s/n 126390
as/n 390
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126390
Known Units: VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 NAVY+390.last update: 2024-December-25
1961-October-18 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126392
s/n 126392
as/n 702 100 146 392
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126392
Known Units: VX10;VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VX 10 coded "702". To VF 870 coded "100". To VF 871, coded "146". NAVY+392.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-February-14 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126400
s/n 126400
as/n 110
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126400
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 970 coded "110".To VF 871. "Cold cat shot" off HMCS Bonaventure Nov 11, 1959.last update: 2024-December-25
1959-November-13 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126402
s/n 126402
m/d F2H
c/n 112
McDonnell
126402
Known Units: VX10;VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. To VX 10 on delivery. To VF 870 on 24 June 1958. Donated to Shearwater Aviation Museum near Halifax, NS. Stored outside for many years, deteriorating badly. Moved indoors for full restoration in 2000, performed by members of No. 12 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, CFB Shearwater. Now displayed indoors, coded "100". Still on display at this Museum in 2022.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126403
s/n 126403
as/n 141
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126403
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 871 coded "141". To VF 870. Crashed at sea southwest of Sable Island NS Oct 2, 1957. Tail retrieved by fishing boat 1964. Fatal Lt. H.G. Cooper.last update: 2024-December-25
1957-October-02 Accident Crash Crashed, killing pilot H. G. Cooper. 2019-08-20
1957-November-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126414
s/n 126414
as/n 102 106 414
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126414
Known Units: VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870. Visited NAS Key West, Florida on 18 February 1957, coded "102". Later coded "106". Later NAVY+414.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-April-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126415
s/n 126415
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126415
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870, VF 871. NAVY+415. Damaged landing Shearwater Oct 25, 1960, written off.last update: 2024-December-25
1960-October-28 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126422
s/n 126422
as/n 101
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126422
Known Units: VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "101", NAVY+422. Used for Crash Crew fire training.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-January-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126428
s/n 126428
as/n 108
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126428
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "108". To VF 871. Missing at sea off Mayport FL Feb 25, 1958. Fatal Lt. W.T. Troy. In 2017 hurricane Irma pounded Florida, and several items were washed ashore in its wake. A parachute, life preserver and harness strap were recovered. A search proved they belonged to Lt. Troy. These items are displayed at Shearwater Aviation Museum.last update: 2024-December-25
1958-February-25 Accident Crash Crashed, killing pilot Lt. W. T. B. Troy. 2019-08-20
Operational 1958-02-25 to 1958-02-25
871 (F) Sqn (RCN) Mayport US Naval Air Station, Florida
871 Squadron, Royal Canadian Navy, Shearwater, Nova Scotia. While on joint exercises with the US Navy, Lieutenant W T B Troy (RCN) was flying F2H-3 Banshee aircraft s/n 126428 from Mayport Naval Air Station Florida, USA back to Royal Canadian Navy aircraft carrier HMCS Bonaventure, one of a group of four Banshees returning to their ship to continue carrier qualifications. The four aircraft entered a fog bank but only three emerged, Lieutenant Troy's aircraft having crashed without any further sign or communication. During the subsequent search some debris was located approximately two miles off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, including the pilot's helmet but nothing further until September 2017, following Hurricane Irma, some of Lieutenant Troy's parachute gear was found to have washed ashore on a Florida beach
Lieutenant Troy's remains were not recovered and he was declared missing, presumed killed in this flying accident
Banshees of the Royal Canadian Navy by Carl Mills and the RCN Bansheeites, pages 107,109,115
The Bonnie, HMCS Bonaventure by J Allan Snowie, page 319
Lost Canadian Banshee pilot remembered at US naval base - Skie...
Lost Banshee pilot honoured by USN I Trident Newspaper
Fear of Landing - Hurrricane Recovers Debris from Aircraft Lost in 1958
1958-March-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126429
s/n 126429
as/n 145 429
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126429
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 871 coded "145". To VF 870 NAVY+429.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126434
s/n 126434
as/n 100 104 434
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126434
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "100" & "104". Coded "104" when it operated off HMCS Bonaventure on 6 October 1957. With VF 871 coded NAVY+434 by November 1960. Crashed near Peggy's Cove NS June 16, 1961. 1 fatal.last update: 2024-December-25
1961-June-16 Accident Crash Crashed, killing pilot S/L K. Rassow. Last RCN fatal Banshee crash. 2019-08-20
1961-September-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126443
s/n 126443
as/n 102 107
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126443
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "102" & "107". VF 871.last update: 2024-December-25
1961-October-18 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126444
s/n 126444
as/n 444
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126444
Known Units: VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870, VF 871. NAVY+444.last update: 2024-December-25
1961-October-18 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126446
s/n 126446
as/n 108
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126446
Known Units: VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "108".last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126449
s/n 126449
as/n 449
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126449
Known Units: VX10;VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VX 10, VF 870. NAVY+449.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126454
s/n 126454
as/n 100
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126454
Known Units: VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 coded "100" when it operated off HMCS Bonaventure on 21 September 1959. Was equipped to carry Sidewinders by then.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-April-10 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126464
s/n 126464
as/n 112
m/d F2H
c/n 174
McDonnell
126464
Known Units: VF870
Manufactured 28 March 1953. Accepted by USN on 10 April 1953. Served with VF 31, at NAS Cecil Field, Florida and onboard USS Midway. Later with VF-41 at NAS Oceana, and onboard USS Forestal and Bennington. Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. To Fairey Aviation of Canada for painting and overhaul 12 February, 1958. With VF 870 coded "112". Operated by RCN demonstration team "the Grey Ghosts" in 1958 and/or 1959, coded "104". To VF-870 HMCS Shearwater, Nova Scotia 30 October, 1959. To Air Maintenance Depot, Shearwater, 3 August, 1960 to 18 October 1961 (?). Back to VF-870 by 6 December 1961. After being struck off, displayed outside at HMCS Shearwater for several years. To National Air Museum, Rockcliffe, in July 1977, transported to museum by rail. Continued to be stored outside, deteriorating, until moved by Chinook to No. 400 (Aux) Squadron, Downsview, Ontario, on 15 January 1976. Restored by volunteers, 1976 to 1982. Returned to Rockcliffe, again under a Chinook, in June 1987. First aircraft to enter new Museum building in1988. Current 2022.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-12 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126469
s/n 126469
as/n 702 469
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126469
Known Units: VX10;VF870;VF871
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. Operated by VX 10, coded "702". To the UK in early 1957 for initial trials on HMCS Bonaventure. Unloaded at Dock at Shearwater on 27 June 1957, slightly damaged when main gear broke through dock planking. NAVY+469.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-September-12 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 126488
s/n 126488
as/n 700 105
m/d F2H
McDonnell
126488
Known Units: VX10;VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VX 10 coded "700". To VF 870 coded "105". Crashed Key West FL Jan 14, 1959.last update: 2024-December-25
1959-March-03 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Banshee F2H-3 serial 127510
s/n 127510
as/n 510
m/d F2H
McDonnell
127510
Known Units: VF870
Retained USN serial number in Canadian service. With VF 870 NAVY+510. Veered off icy Shearwater runway Jan 5, 1962, repaired.last update: 2024-December-25
1962-May-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07