Fort (Total: 101, Canadian: 68, Group 0)
Fleet Fort
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
The Fleet 60K Fort was designed by Fleet Aircraft in Fort Erie, Ontario in 1939 and its first flight took place there on March 21 1940. RCAF evaluation at the Central Flying School, Trenton, Ontario showed it to be suitable as an intermediate trainer and so the RCAF placed an order for 200 Model 60Ks. The name Fort was selected for it.
The first production aircraft flew in May 1941 and once in service some problems emerged. Flying characteristics were good overall, but an unskilled pilot could get into trouble during certain manoeuvres. In late 1941, the RCAF began to question the concept of the intermediate trainer and soon it was deemed to be unnecessary. With its elimination, the RCAF reduced the order to 100 Forts and then had to decide what to do with them.
It chose to use the Fort as wireless operator trainer, with the rear cockpit filled with radio equipment. Conversion was carried out by early 1942 and the remodeled aircraft were sent to Wireless Training Schools in Calgary and Winnipeg. The schools did not rate the Fort very highly, but continued to use them to train thousands of wireless operators, between 1942 and 1944.
By early 1944 the Fleet Fort was found to obsolete for wireless operator training and the aircraft was gradually phased out - the last being retired from the Calgary Wireless School in July 1944. Once retired, the RCAF had no further use for them and most were sold off, even before the end of the war.
Canadian Warplane Heritage Musuem's Fleet Fort was part of the original aircraft that first flew in 1940 and was operated by the National Research Council's Aircraft Testing Deptartment in Ottawa. In 1942, it was assigned to No. 2 Wireless School in Calgary, where it was flown until mid 1944. The Museum acquired the fuselage, an engine and one wing of this rare aircraft in 1979. A group of retired Fleet employees and friends started work on restoring it in 1980. After 13 years, the Fort returned to the air in 1993. It is the only airworthy example of this type in existence. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Tracker CS2F-2 serial 1577
s/n 1577
as/n 12177
m/d S2F
c/n DHC76
inst/n A 732 732 B
de Havilland Canada
1577
Known Units: VX10;VS880;VU32
14 January 1970, became Instructional at Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering CFB Borden, Ontario, number A732, later 732B. Still there in July 1992, wearing fake serial number "121577". In 1995 registered as C-FUDH, to Aero Composites Canada Inc., of Brantford Ontario. Registration cancelled same year. In 1997 to Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton, Ontario. In 1998 under restoration in 880 Squadron markings. In 2004 on display, nearly complete but non-flyable. Parked outside museum in April 2006. On display inside Museum by 2010. Being restored to flyable condition during 2021.
Memo from Vernon Miller (retired):
I flew CS2F Serno 1577 while with VS-880, ashore and at sea on HMCS Bonnaventure. My log shows 13 flights in this specific aircraft.
Types of flights were routine IF training, crew ASW training, shadowing exercises, navigation training, test flights (for various requirements) , Mad comps (you would be familiar with those), CLP's (carrier landing practice) and FCLP's (Field Carrier Landing Practice), torpedo dropping, rocket firing, depth charge dropping, Jezex stuff (you can use that word now), Marlant patrols, and the occasional ADEX flight.... I have not included all the routine shore-based ops that occur, such as VIP transport, various demos for various visiting dignitaries, etc.
An occurrence that was of some interest (to me and my crew for sure) was the following:
We were on passage towards the UK in Bonnie, and it was a Sunday, the day for divisions (Navy talk for Sunday services). I and my crew were detailed to perform an ADEX (Air Defense Exercise) flight, planned for a two and a half hour trip and then to recover aboard HMCS Bonnaventure. Tracker 1577 was the assigned airframe.
We briefed, were catapulted off, and the ship then commenced Divisions on the flight deck, many hands attended. At max range from the ship, we experienced an electrical fire in the aft end of the fuselage- a transformer was burning- and did not respond to routine emergency actions that tried to stop / control it. A fair amount of smoke and fumes was being produced, and neither our #4 operator, nor our #3 operator could put it out.We were not near any land airfield or runway, just Bonnie. I declared an emergency and started returning to the ship, advising them that I wanted no delay in the pattern and an immediate recovery. Ship asked me to delay as the flight deck was not ready; I protested and continued inbound. By opening our overhead hatches we were able to alleviate the bad fumes somewhat, but the emanations continued, abating a bit such that when the deck had been made ready and turned into wind (all personnel off the flight deck, etc) I came directly and caught a good wire. Fire crew came in as soon as we stopped and handled everything well.
The aircraft was repaired and was back to flying status the next day.
last update: 2025-November-191959-October-29 Taken on Strength Accepted 2023-03-04
1970-January-14 Classified Instructional CA 732 B 2020-06-19
1993-June-08 Struck off Strength Struck off, sold. SOS date: no Inv Card, changed to 08 June 1993 per Griffin2005 RCN Registry. 2020-11-01
Lysander Mk. IIIA TT serial 2363
s/n 2363
National Steel Car
2363
1 x Bristol Mercury XX
Known Units: ;No. 4 TC;No. 8 B&GS;No. 2 AC
Originally built at Malton, Ontario in June 1942. Assigned initially to No. 4 Training Command and used by No. 8 Bombing & Gunnery School at RCAF Station Lethbridge, Alberta. Transferred to No. 2 Air Command as of 1 Dec 1944. Awaited disposal instructions with No. 2 Air Command as of 5 Jan 1945. Stored post-war at Swift Current, Saskatchewan, and noted with 414:00 airframe hours; never overhauled when struck off.It was retired from the RCAF in 1946 and then sold to a Prairie farmer. The airframe was donated to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum by Dennis Bradley and Alan Ness in 1975. In 1983, the "Friends of Canadian Warplane Heritage" started restoring it at Niagara Falls Airport, NY. The project was transferred back to Hamilton in October 1996 and the Lysander finally flew again for the first time in over sixty years in 2009. The aircraft displays the black and yellow stripes of a BCATP air gunnery target tug. Under restoration to static in 2021.
last update: 2025-November-19
1946-October-01 Struck off Strength to War Assets Corporation for disposal and later sold 2022-01-08
1975 Museum / Display at Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton, Ontario 2022-01-08
Lysander Mk. IIIA TT serial 2364
s/n 2364
National Steel Car
2364
Known Units: ;No. 4 TC;No. 8 B&GS;No. 2 AC
Assigned initially to No. 4 Training Command and used by No. 8 Bombing & Gunnery School, at Lethbridge, Alberta. Transferred to No. 2 Air Command as of 1 Dec 1944. Awaited disposal instructions with No. 2 Air Command as of 5 Jan 1945. Stored post-war at Swift Current, Saskatchewan, and noted with 204:40 airframe hours; never overhauled when struck off. Partially preserved post-war and the remains were subsequently acquired by Canadian Warplane Heritage for spares for their restored aircraft #2363.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-October-01 Struck off Strength to War Assets Corporation for disposal and later sold 2022-01-08
Expeditor Mk. 3NM / 3NMT serial 2375
s/n 2375
m/d D-18S
c/n CA 254
2375
Known Units:
Delivered to stored reserve with No. 25 Air Material Base. To Air Defence Command on 15 May 1953, for use at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC. At RCAF Station Downsview, Ontario in 1957, used by students at the nearby RCAF Staff College. To Bristol Aerospace in Winnipeg, Manitoba on 20 August 1958, for overhaul. To Air Transport Command at Downsview on 4 September 1958. To Bristol again, then to No. 436 (T) Squadron at Downsview on 28 January 1959, reported with 3492:10 logged time on this date. Converted to Mk. 3NMT on 20 June 1961, still with Air Transport Command at this time. To inactive reserve at No. 1005 Technical Storage Detachment at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on 4 July 1966. Pending disposal there from 7 April 1967. Sold to Priority Air Transport System of Redwood City, California, possibly registered as N7820. Later to Canadian civil register as CF-AID, registered to R. Yri of Surrey, BC, this registration cancelled on 27 May 1982. To Canadian Warplane Heritage of Vancouver, BC, this registration cancelled on 11 March 1988. Removed from Register on this date. To US civil register as N5369X, Airworthiness Certificate issued on 19 April 1988. US Registration cancelled on 24 February 2003, aircraft exported to Netherlands. Dutch registration reported as PH-KHV, and PH-DDB, registered to Dutch Dakota Association..last update: 2025-November-19
1968-September-10 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale 2019-08-20
Yale serial 3350
s/n 3350
m/d NA-64
c/n 64-2206
North American Aviation
3350
Wright R-975-E3 Whirlwind
Known Units: 1SFTS
Used at No. 1 Service Flying Training School at Camp Borden, Ontario. Category B damage on 25 July 1942 at Corretton, Ontario. To Ernie Simmons of Tillsonburg, Ontario when sold. Sold to P. Borowsky, Thorndale, Ontario, c.1970. To William A. Gregg, Rockwood, Ontario, 1973-1975. To Canadian Warplane Heritage, Mount Hope, Ontario, 1975, for full restoration. Restored to airworthy, registered as C-GCWY from 1982 to 1992. First flight, 1992. Re-registered as CF-CWZ, 23 April 1992. Flown marked as RCAF 3350, in early natural metal finish. Based at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Mount Hope Ontario in 2005, but on loan to South Carolina Historic Aviation Foundation in 2021.last update: 2025-November-19
1940-September-12 Accident: 1 Service Flying Training School Loc: Camp Borden Names: Mcintosh | Mckenna | Regimbal
1942-January-13 Accident: 1 Service Flying Training School Loc: Leach's Field Ontario Names: Bluner
1942-July-25 Accident: 1 Service Flying Training School Loc: Corbetton Ontario Names: Cameron
1943-December-14 Accident: 4 Wireless School Loc: Aerodrome Burch Names: Boisederte | Kensit | Lemond | Watson
1946-September-25 Struck off Strength Struck off, to War Assets for sale. 2019-08-20
Yale serial 3396
s/n 3396
m/d NA-64
c/n 64-2161
North American Aviation
3396
Wright R-975-E3 Whirlwind
Known Units: 1SFTS; 6SFTS; 4WS
With No. 1 Service Flying Training School at Camp Borden, Ontario. Served with No. 6 Service Flying Training School at Dunnville, Ontario. Also with No. 4 Wireless School, dates not known. Had 2925:25 airframe time when struck off. Sold to Ernie Simmons of Tillsonburg, Ontario, still in open storage on his farm when auctioned in 1970. Donated to CWH in 1975. Parts used to rebuild Yale 3350 at Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton, Ontario. In 1995 the airframe was sent to France, parts also being used to restore Yale 3450 at Musée Aéronautique de la Presqu'lle Cote d'Amour, in France.last update: 2025-November-19
1941-February-10 Accident: 1 Service Flying Training School Loc: Midland Ontario Names: Gourdeau
1944-March-21 Accident: 4 Wireless School Loc: Galt Names: Devine | Kaufman
1944-May-01 Accident: 4 Wireless School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Smith
1944-June-23 Accident: 4 Wireless School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Gooderham | Marter
1946-September-25 Struck off Strength Struck off, to War assets for sale. 2019-08-20
Yale serial 3400
s/n 3400
m/d NA-64
c/n 64-2149
North American Aviation
3400
Wright R-975-E3 Whirlwind
Known Units: 1SFTS; 4WS
With No. 1 Service Flying Training School at Camp Borden, Ontario. Used by No. 4 Wireless School at Guelph, Ontario. Had 2863:25 airframe time when struck off. Sold to Ernie Simmons of Tillsonburg, Ontario, still in open storage on his farm when auctioned in 1970. Sold, to US civil register as N129DB. Owners included Indiana Museum of Military History, Indianapolis, Indiana in 1988, and Raymond Mudge of Brighton, Michigan, 1993 to 1995. Re-imported to Canada on 9 January 2006. On display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton, Ontario in 2010, still there in 2024.last update: 2025-November-19
1941-April-29 Accident: 1 Service Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Johnston | Phelan
1946-September-25 Struck off Strength Struck off, to War Assets for sale. 2019-08-20
HW-75 serial 3469
s/n 3469
m/d HW-75 / 105
c/n 7044
3469
Known Units:
Registered as NC21192 when purchased. Registration CF-BSU used for ferry flight to Canada. Based at Winnipeg in 1945. Reverted to CF-BSU registration when sold. Registered to Johannsen Flying Service Of Winnipeg, Manitoba on 4 August 1945. Several subsequent owners, in western Canada. Registered on 1 March 1967 to W. Borys and J. Williams of Brooklands, Manitoba. Still registered to them in 1976. By the 1980s it was registered as C-FBSU. Owners, as C-FBSU, included Fredrick Mayer up to 1983; Deryck Brown from 1983 to 1984. Brown donated it to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, where it was displayed with original RCAF markings and serial. Registration was cancelled 22 February 1993, after the aircraft was destroyed in a hanger fire 15 February 1993.From CF-BSU:
Registration issued to RCAF in 1940, for importation of civil aircraft. Applied to HW-75, ex-US civil register NC21192, purchased from J. M. Boyd of West Palm Beach, Florida. Became serial number 3469 on 23 September 1940.
last update: 2025-November-19
1945-May-09 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Fort serial 3540
s/n 3540
m/d 60K
c/n 600
inst/n A 182
3540
Known Units:
Prototype Fort. Later registered as CF-BQP for company tests, on 18 May 1940. Only Fort ever fitted with wheel pants. RCAF acceptance tests, by the Test and Development Flight at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, completed in 1940. Taken on strength on 7 June 1941. Later became instructional airframe A182.last update: 2025-November-19
1941-June-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1942-August Classified Instructional A 182 2020-06-09
1942-December-19 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Tiger Moth I serial 4319
s/n 4319
m/d D.H.82C
c/n C649
de Havilland Canada
4319
dH Gipsy Major 1C
Known Units: 8EFTS; 12EFTS
With No. 8 Elementary Flying Training School in BC; No. 15 EFTS at Regina, Saskatchewan; and No. 12 EFTS at Goderich, Ontario in summer of 1944. Had 2118:25 airframe time when struck off. To Royal Canadian Flying Club Association when struck off. Later registered as CF-GTU. Registered to Toronto Airways Limited of Buttonville, Ontario from 28 October 1974 to 11 February 1991. To Roaero Ltd. of Courtice, Ontario from 27 March 1991 to 29 August 2000. To Classic Wings Ltd. of Courtice from that date. Certificate of registration cancelled 30 Apr 2008. To Hannu Halminen of Oshawa ON on 27 May 2014. To Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Oct 2022. Current 2023.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-April-14 Accident: 15 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Park
1943-June-28 Accident: 15 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Mcdonald | Willison
1945-September-25 Struck off Strength (? date) Struck off 2019-08-20
Finch Finch II serial 4738
s/n 4738
m/d Model 16B
c/n 623
4738
Known Units:
Category C damage on 19 October 1941 while with No. 22 Elementary Flying Training School at Ancienne Lorette, Quebec. Still airworthy 1976 as CF-FUI. Registered to R. Allen and F. Deveaux of Lachine, Quebec by 1976, cancelled on 19 November 1987. Re-registered as C-FFUI in 1995, to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton. With the CWHM from 1991, still there in 2006 and 2010, in full RCAF markings.last update: 2025-November-19
1941-October-19 Accident: 22 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Ancienne Lorette Names: Hamilton
1944-October-17 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Tiger Moth I serial 4947
s/n 4947
m/d D.H.82C
c/n C746
inst/n A 347
de Havilland Canada
4947
dH Gipsy Major 1C
Known Units: 19EFTS
Assigned to No. 2 Training Command. Classified as instructional airframe A 347 on 21 December 1943. To civil register, as CF-IME. Registered to S. Squires of Milestone, Saskatchewan in June 1990. Later registered as C-FIME to J. Squires of Weyburn, Saskatchewan on 22 April 1992, this registration cancelled on 22 July 1999.To William Neelin of Wetaskiwin AB. Complete restoration, re-registered as CF-ANN on 31 Oct 2001. To Rob Fleck, who operated it at Vintage Wings, Gatineau QB. March 2014, to 1799635 Ontario Limited of Ottawa, based in Carp, Ontario. To Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum 18 Aug 2015. Current 2023.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-June-11 Accident: 19 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Neal
1943-December-21 Classified Instructional A 347 2020-06-09
1946-July-13 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Hurricane Mk. XII serial 5377
s/n 5377
c/n 802
S
Canadian Car & Foundry
5377
Known Units: 133;135
1942-06-16 "to be modified before being placed in service". Delivered to stored reserve with No. 4 Training Command.
1942-07-03 Issued to No. 133 (F) Squadron at Lethbridge, Alberta.
1942-10-16 Still with this unit when it transferred to Western Air Command and moved to Boundary Bay, BC. Coded "FN*S".
1943-02-0 With this unit when it had a Category B crash at Boundary Bay aerodrome at 9:55. Emergency landing due to approaching fog, landed long and ran off end of runway.
1943-03-15 To Coates Limited in Vancouver for repairs.
1943-06-27 Return to Western Air Command when completed. Used by No. 135 (F) Squadron, RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC, dates unknown.
1944-07-16 To No. 2 Training Command.
1945-03-05 To No. 2 Air Command.
1945-04-09 Available for disposal from at No. 8 Repair Depot.
Had 442:30 total time, 273:05 since overhaul on that date.
1945 Sold to J. Roy of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Stored outside for many years, derelict.
1964 To R.E. Diemert of Carmen, Manitoba. Rebuilt, registered as CF-SMI, flown marked as RCAF 5585.
1967-06-01 Air freighted to UK inside an RCAF Hercules, to be used in the movie "Battle of Britain".
1968-07-10 Sold in the UK, registered as G-AWLW to Samuleson Film Services.
1969 To Sir W.J.D. Roberts 1969 to 1972.
1972 To Strathallan Collection in Scotland 1972 to 1984, marked as P3308 "UP*A". Previously on civil register as G-AWLW and CF-SMI.
1984-05 Back to Canada, again in a CF Hercules. To Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton as C-GCWH. Flown marked as P3069 "YO*A", as used by No. 1 (F) Squadron, RCAF in the Battle of Britain.
1993-02-15 Destroyed in museum fire.
last update: 2025-November-19
1942-July-03 Squadron Assignment 133 (F) Lethbridge Alberta CA 2022-04-05
1942-October-16 Squadron Assignment WAC Boundary Bay British Columbia CA 2022-04-05
1942-October-16 Combat Code WAC Boundary bay British Columbia CA 2022-04-05
1943-February-20 Accident: 133 Squadron Loc: Boundary Bay British Columbia Aerodrome Names: Brooks
1943-March-15 Repair / Modification To Coates Limited in Vancouver 2022-04-05
1943-June-27 Squadron Assignment 133 (F) Boundary Bay British Columbia CA 2022-04-05
1943-July-01 Squadron Assignment 135 (F) Patricia Bay British Columbia CA 2022-04-05
1944-July-16 Squadron Assignment 2 TC Winnipeg Manitoba CA (2 Training Command) 2022-04-05
1945-March-05 Squadron Assignment 2 AC Winnipeg Manitoba CA (2 Air Command: Merger of No 2 and No 4 Training Command, December 1944) 2022-04-05
1945-April-09 Airframe Time 442:30 total time, 273:05 since overhaul 2022-04-05
1945-April-09 Squadron Assignment 8 RD Winnipeg Manitoba CA Available for disposal from at 8 Repair Depot 2022-04-05
1946-July-13 Struck off Strength Struck off, to War Assets Corporation for sale. 2019-08-20
1946-July-14 Sold as Surplus Portage la Prairie Manitoba CA Sold to J. Roy of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Stored outside for many years, derelict. 2022-04-05
1964 Ownership Transferred Carmen Manitoba CA CF-SMI To R.E. Diemert of Carmen, Manitoba. Rebuilt, registered as CF-SMI, flown marked as RCAF 5585 2022-04-05
1968-July-10 Ownership Transferred GB G-AWLW 1968-07-10 Sold in the UK, registered as G-AWLW to Samuleson Film Services. 2022-04-05
1969 Ownership Transferred GB Sir W.J.D. Roberts 1969 to 1972. 2022-04-05
1972 Ownership Transferred To Strathallan Collection 1972 to 1984, marked as P3308 "UP*A". 2022-04-05
1984-May Hamilton Ontario CA C-GCWH Back to Canada, again in a CF Hercules. To Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton as C-GCWH. Flown marked as P3069 "YO*A", as used by No. 1 (F) Squadron, RCAF in the Battle of Britain. 2022-04-05
1993-February-15 Destroyed on Ground (Accident) Mount Hope Ontario CA Hangar fire at Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum 2022-03-11
Crane Mk. I serial 7862
s/n 7862
c/n 1355
7862
Known Units:
Used by No. 4 Service Flying Training School at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Category C3 damage at Saskatoon aerodrome at 16:40 on 22 May 1942. Struck by Battle 1839 when the Battle taxied into position for takeoff. To Prairie Airways for overhaul, 1 September 1942. Pending disposal from 17 October 1944. To No. 2 Air Command on 1 December 1944, still pending disposal. Stored at Neepawa, Manitoba, where it was reported with 2095:00 total time. Registered as CF-FGF in 1948. Donated to Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton by D. Wardle, who had used it for photo survey from Ottawa for several years. Airworthy in 1977, reported then as last airworthy Crane in Canada. Latest Certificate of Registration issued 28 May 1997, to the CWHM. Still on display at Hamilton in 2021.last update: 2025-November-19
1942-February-09 Accident: 4 Service Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Kemp
1942-May-22 Accident: 5 Bomb & Gunnery School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Lawson | Lowry
1945-March-10 Struck off Strength Struck off, to War Assets Corporation for disposal 2019-08-20
Tiger Moth I serial 8922
s/n 8922
m/d D.H.82C
c/n C1724
de Havilland Canada
8922
dH Gipsy Major 1C
Known Units: 4EFTS
Used by No. 4 Elementary Flying School at Windsor Mills, Quebec and by No. 12 Elementary Flying Training School at Goderich, Ontario, dates not known. To Canadian Airways for overhaul, 30 August to 1 November 1943. To No. 3 Training Command when completed. Pending disposal from 9 August 1944. To No. 1 Air Command on 15 January 1945, still pending disposal. Stored at No. 302 Aircraft Holding Unit, where it was noted with 1545:40 total time, 345:40 since overhaul. Transferred from War Assets Corporation to the Royal Canadian Flying Club Association. Dismantled and stored for many years. Donated to CWHM by John Weir 1973. Restoration started in 1977. Registered as C-GCWT to Canadian Warplane Heritage of Mount Hope, Ontario on 28 April 1980, still with this Museum. Current 2022.last update: 2025-November-19
1942-August-04 Accident: 4 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Hodgkinson
1943-February-22 Accident: 4 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Richmond Quebec Names: Mcrae
1944-June-27 Accident: 4 Elementary Flying Training School Loc: Granby Quebec Names: Charlebois
1945-August-20 Struck off Strength Struck off, to War Assets Corporation for disposal 2019-08-20
Bolingbroke Mk. IVW serial 9023
s/n 9023
m/d 142M
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
9023
Known Units:
Delivered with structural provision for floats. To No. 119 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Yarmouth, NS, coded "DM*E". Ditched in St. Margarets Bay (20 miles west of Halifax) at 18:30 on 27 October 1941. Pilot Officer J. McQueen (pilot) was seriously injured, Pilot Officer G. Charles, Flight Sergeant W. MacDonald and Flight Sergeant R. McKay were slightly injured. Ownership to No. 4 Repair Depot on 29 October 1941 for write off. Aircraft on display at Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario by 2010 is actually a composite, using parts from 9889, 9937, 9949, 9981, 10040, 10184 and 10117. Still in restoration as static 2021, registration C-GBLY issued.
RCAF - Accident Investigation File
last update: 2025-November-19
1941-October-27 Accident: 118 Squadron Loc: St Margrets Bay Names: Charles | MacDonald | Mckay | Mcqueen
1941-December-10 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Buffalo serial 9461
s/n 9461
as/n 115461
m/d DHC-5A
c/n 16
de Havilland Canada
9461
GE CT-64-820-3
Known Units: 429; 424; 116ATU
Delivered to 429 (Tac T) Squadron on 16 May 1968. Seen at Gatwick, UK on 3 June 1968.
With 424 (T & R) Squadron, CFB Trenton, Ontario. Seen at Gatwick, UK on 23 May1973. Lent from 424 Squadron. to 116 Air Transport Unit for use with the United Nations in the Middle East, late 1973. Only Buffalo lost during RCAF/CAF service. In 2002, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario acquired company number 85, ex Sudan Air Force number 811, ex Sudan Airways ST-AHP, in the US. It has been restored to the markings of 115461 when it was shot down.
- Aircraft was operating in service of United Nations, painted white with blue UN lettering (flight 51)
- Aircraft was on a peacekeeping mission with RCAF personnel on board, and was unarmed
- The Buffalo does not in any way resemble or have any flying characteristics of a fighter plane
- Flight plan filed with ICAO gave them similar protections as those for civilian commercial aircraft
- 3 missiles were fired at the Buffalo, with the second one directly hitting the port wing and engine, and the third destroying the fuselage (dismissing any notion that this was the accidental firing of a single missile)
- Outcome: 09 August 1974 became the worst civil aviation tragedy with the greatest loss of life in a single event by Canadian peacekeepers, operating under the United Nations.
1970-May-28 Serial Change Became CAF 115461 . 2019-08-20
1975-January-09 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
1974-August-09 KIA CAF70 Captain George Garry Foster CD 2021-08-31 1974-August-09 KIA CAF70 Corporal Morris Harry Trevor Kennington 2021-08-31 1974-August-09 KIA CAF70 Master Warrant Officer Cyril Bogdan Korejwo 2023-03-04 1974-August-09 KIA CAF70 Master Warrant Officer Gaston Landry 2026-01-07 1974-August-09 KIA CAF70 Captain Keith Bradley Mirau 2021-09-23 1974-August-09 KIA CAF70 Corporal Michael William Simpson 2026-01-07 1974-August-09 KIA CAF70 Master Corporal Ronald Clifford Spencer CD 2021-08-31 1974-August-09 KIA CAF70 Corporal Bruce Kenneth Stringer 2023-03-04 1974-August-09 KIA CAF70 Captain Robert Barr Wicks CD 2021-08-30
Mustang TF Mk. IV serial 9563
s/n 9563
c/n 122-39285
9563
Known Units:
EX US P-51D-25-NA serial number 44-72826. Delivered in April or May 1947, initially operated with USAAF serial. Served with No. 402 Squadron (Auxiliary), at Stevenson Field, Manitoba, coded "AC*U". Assigned to Air Defence Command, and later to Training Command. Sold to James H. Defuria and Fred J. Pitts (dba Intercontinental Airways of Canastota, NY) on 25 February 1957. To US registery as N6344T. Stored, unconverted, at RCAF Station Carberry, Manitoba, 1957-1962. Sold to Aero Enterprises, Elkhart, IN on 10 May 1960. Ferried Carberry-Winnipeg-Elkhart, July 1962. To John Milton, Edwardsville, IL on 4 May 1964. To Max & Danny Ramsay, Johnson, KS on 31 March 31 1973. To Thomas J. Watson, Stowe, VT on 4 January 1978. Returned to Canada in 1984. To Dennis J. Bradley of Burlington, Ontario / Canadian Warplane Heritage, Hamilton, Ontario, March 1985. Registered as C-FBAU on 31 January 1985. Deleted from register in 1991. To Steve C. Collins, Dunwoody, GA/Starke, FL on 4 November 1991. Registered as N51YS. Flew marked as USAAF 472826, named "Old Boy", coded "TJ-W". To Marius Maxwell/Mikoyan LLC, Paducah, KY (later Rapid City, South Dakota) on 1 May 2002.last update: 2025-November-19
1947-June-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1960-September-20 to Civil Register USA Sold, to US civil register. 2019-08-20
1960-September-20 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Mustang TF Mk. IV serial 9567
s/n 9567
c/n 122-39599
9567
Known Units:
Ex USAF P-51D-25-NA serial number 44-73140. Delivered in April or May 1947, initially operated with USAAF serial. With No. 417 (FR) Squadron at Rivers Camp, Manitoba in 1947 / 1948, coded "AT*F". Placed in long term storage at Rivers in September 1948. Later used by this unit for spares. Took part in Exercise Mustard 2 (mass air attack) at Rivers on 30 October 1952. Took part in Exercise Buffalo IV in August 1953. Used by No. 424 Squadron (Auxiliary) at Hamilton, Ontario, coded "BA*U". Assigned to Tactical Air Command, dates not known. Sold to James H. Defuria and Fred J. Ritts (dba Intercontinental Airways of Canastota, NY) on 25 February 1957. To US registery as N6337T. Stored unconverted at RCAF Station Carberry, Manitoba, 1957-1962. Stored at Winnipeg when finally sold. Sold to Aero Enterprises, Elkhart, IN on May 1960. Ferried Carberry-Winnipeg-Elkhart, July 1962. To J.D. Kent, Des Moines, IN on 13 April 1964. To Dr. Burns M. Byram, Marengo, IA on 8 November 1967, registered as N169MD. Flew as Race #71. To Charles Ventors/Aerodyne Sales, El Reno, OK, Oct. 1978, registered as N51N. To Dennis J. Bradley of Burlington, Ontario / Canadian Warplane Heritage, Ontario, January 1982. Registered as C-FBAU. Flew marked as RCAF 9567, coded "BA-U". Crashed during forced landing at Massey, Ontario on 7 July 1984. Two occupants escaped unhurt, it appears that the aircraft was destroyed by fire with only the starboard horizontal stabiliser salvageable. I.D. transferred to unknown restoration project airframe. Remains to Fill-R-Up Ltd, Edmonton, Alberta, July 1985. Registration C-GZQX reserved, possibly for Fill R Up Ltd., but not taken up, cancelled by 1986. To Trans America Helicopters, Edmonton, Alberta, 1986. To Marvin L. Gardner, Mercedes, TX, April 1986. To Gordon Plaskett/BG Aero, King City, CA, September 1996. Registered as N314BG. To Brett Ward/Pioneer Aero Service, Chino, CA, January 1987. Rebuilt at Chino, CA. First flight on 25 July 1988. There is a report of registration N151PA being reserved c.1988 but never taken up, not confirmed. Delivered to UK. Flown there marked as USAAF 414151, coded "HO-M", named "Petie 2nd". Owned by Doug Arnold/Warbirds of GB Ltd, Biggin Hill, 1988-1995. To David Arnold/Flying A Services, North Weald, UK, 1995. Withdrawn from use, reported stored, North Weald. To Ice Strike Corporation, Rockford, IL, 1995-2003, registered as N314BG. Restored to airworthy by Pioneer Aviation, Chino, CA. Listed for sale by Courtesy Aircraft for $1,500,000 in December 2003. Registered to L&L Sales and Leasing of Chesterfield, Missouri on 17 April 2006.last update: 2025-November-19
1947-June-07 Taken on Strength 2022-02-07
1960-September-20 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
H-5 Dragonfly serial 9601
s/n 9601
m/d S-51
c/n 51-18
9601
Known Units:
First RCAF helicopter. Delivered to Canadian Pratt & Whitney at Longueil, Quebec on 12 March 1947 by RCAF and Sikorsky crew, then on to Trenton next day. Crashed at Trenton at 09:50 on 28 March 1947 while being operated by the Central Flying School, first RCAF helicopter crash. Tail rotor disintegrated on take off, after being damaged by ground contact due to over rotation in practice auto rotation. Pilot seriously injured. Originally reported as Category A, but repaired and returned to service. Visited No. 10 Repair Depot at Calgary in April 1948. To rescue flight at Edmonton on 19 April 1948. Damaged again during training flight at Rivers, Manitoba in December 1948, power settling during recovery from practice autorotation. Tail boom nearly severed. On loan to No. 112 (T) Flight at that time. With K Flight of North West Air Command at RCAF Station Edmonton in 1950, marked "VC*CCX". Had 353:00 airframe time in February 1950. Turned on side during cross wind landing at an air show in August 1950. Category C damage on 19 June 1952 at Rivers. Main rotor blades contacted tail boom on shut down. With Helicopter Conversion flight of the Light Aircraft School in summer of 1954. Later with Central Experimental Proving Establishment at RCAF Station Cold Lake, Alberta. Last used operationally at RCAF Station Chatham, NB. Withdrawn from use in January 1965. Transferred to National Aeronautical Collection on 26 February 1969. On display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton in 2010, on loan. Back at National Aeronautical Collection in 2012. Still belongs to Department of National Defence. Now on display at National Airforce Museum in Trenton.last update: 2025-November-19
Canso A serial 9754
s/n 9754
P
Boeing Canada
9754
P&W 14 cylinder radial R-1830-92
Known Units: 162
Accepted at the Boeing Canada factory by No. 13 Aircraft Inspection Detachment. Held by this unit pending completion of radio installation. To Eastern Air Command on 3 March 1943. Carried name "Mary K" on nose, without squadron codes, date unknown. Coded "P" of No. 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, RAF Wick, Scotland.
On 24 June 1944, with Flight Lieutenant D.E. Hornell and crew, sank U-1225 at 63-00N 00-50W. U-boat was sited at 19:00, one engine shot off during attack but aircraft pressed on and dropped several depth charges around the sub. As a result of AA fire from the U-boat, the Canso was on fire and had to ditch. The crew spent 21 hours in the water with one dinghy. Two members died before they were rescued. Flight Lieutenant Hornell died shortly after rescue and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross "for inspiring leadership, valoUr and devotion to duty". Note that the Canso displayed at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton with this serial is actually ex C-FPQL, ex RCAF 11084.
last update: 2025-November-191944-June-24 Accident: 162 Squadron Loc: North Atlantic Names: Bodnoff | Campbell | Cole | Denomy | Hornell | Matheson | Scott | St Laurent
Convoy Patrol 1944-06-24 to 1944-06-24
162 (BR) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Wick
162 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron RCAF (Sectabimur usque per ima) RAF Wick, Scotland. Canso A aircraft 9754 P was about ten hours into an antisubmarine patrol off the coast of Norway when it spotted German submarine U-1225 on the surface. The Canso turned to attack, exchanging gunfire with the U-boat and suffering catastrophic damage, including loss of an engine, in the process of dropping depth charges on and sinking the submarine. The Canso was forced to ditch at sea. The entire crew was able to abandon the sinking aircraft. Two inflatable life-rafts were available to the crew but one failed and sank leaving one that was not big enough for the entire crew to get out of the cold water. This meant that some crew members were always directly immersed in the cold water. Hypothermia would take the lives of two crew members in the 21 hours spent waiting for rescue and finally take the life of pilot Flight Lieutenant David Ernest Hornell (RCAF) shortly after he saw the rescue of his remaining crew. Several medals would be awarded to surviving crew members, but Flight Lieutenant Hornell would be posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross as a result of his actions on this operation
Citation (edited):
Distinguished Service Order: Flying Officer Bernard Charles DENOMY.
Distinguished Flying Cross: Flying Officer Graham CAMPBELL, Flying Officer Sidney Edward MATHESON
Distinguished Flying Medal: Flight Sergeant Israel Joseph BODNOFF, Flight Sergeant Sidney Reginald COLE.
These officers and airmen were members of the crew of the aircraft captained by Flight Lieutenant Hornell, who successfully engaged a U-boat in northern waters. In the engagement they displayed a high degree of courage, discipline and devotion to duty, co-operating splendidly with their captain in his determination to destroy the enemy submarine. Subsequently they suffered great hardships whilst adrift on the sea. During this long period each member of the crew assisted the others to the utmost extent unmindful of his own distress. (London Gazette No. 36630, Dated 1944-07-28)
162 Squadron Catalina 9754 'P' Fl/Lt. Hornell, RAF Wick, U-1225
Denomy's Original Summary of Events June 24 1944.
Transcription Denomy Letter above
162 Operations Record Book June 24, 1944
1944-August-03 Struck off Strength Struck off, after being lost on 24 June 1944, see comments. 2019-08-20
1944-June-24 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Israel Joseph Bodnoff DFM 2024-10-13 1944-June-24 Survived RCAF Flight Sergeant Sidney Reginald Cole DFM 2024-10-13 1944-June-24 Survived RCAF Wing Commander Bernard Charles Denomy DSO 2024-10-13 1944-June-24 KIA 
RCAF Flight Lieutenant David Ernest Hornell VC 2024-10-13 1944-June-24 Survived RCAF Flying Officer Sidney Edward Matheson DFC 2024-10-13 1944-June-24 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Donald Stewart Scott MiD 2024-10-13 1944-June-24 KIA RCAF Sergeant Fernand St Laurent MiD 2024-10-13 
Canso A serial 9825
s/n 9825
c/n CV 259
Canadian Vickers
9825
P&W 14 cylinder radial R-1830-92
Known Units:
With No. 116 (BR) Squadron in Newfoundland or Nova Scotia, c.1943 to 1945. Coded "DZ*B". To stored reserve 10 July 1945. Stored at Mont Joli, Quebec post war. Reported on 6 January 1948 as "TSN 1293:35, TSO N/A, condition good, fitment std." Stored in pieces at Harold Carlaw Memorial Military Museum at Campellford, Ontario by 1995, in fake RCAF markings, coded "Z-DB". Still there in 2009. Fuselage listed for sale in spring of 2010. Moved by truck to Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton in late 2010, to be used for parts in another restoration project. Hulk sold.last update: 2025-November-19
1950-August-17 Struck off Strength Struck off, scrapped 2019-08-20
Bolingbroke Mk. IVT serial 9889
s/n 9889
m/d 142M
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
9889
Known Units:
Delivered to long term storage. To No. 2 Training Command on 30 September 1942. Dual controls installed by 3 May 1943. Stored at Winnipeg, 17 to 28 July 1943, then back to No. 2 Training Command. To No. 2 Air Command on 1 December 1944. To storage on 2 February 1945. Pending disposal from 13 October 1945. Stored at MacDonald, Manitoba, where it was noted with 834:10 logged time, never overhauled. Parts from this aircraft being used to make a composite aircraft at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton still in restoration 2021, to be marked 9023.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-June-24 Accident: 7 Bomb & Gunnery School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Browne | Morris | Robinson | Simpson
1943-December-16 Accident: 3 Bomb & Gunnery School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Sprankley
1946-May-12 War Assets (WA) To War Assets Corporation for disposal 2019-08-20
1946-May-15 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Bolingbroke Mk. IVT serial 9949
s/n 9949
m/d 142M
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
9949
Known Units:
Cat "B" accident at No. 1 B&GS in Jarvis, ON on 9 Sep 1942. Transferred to No. 2 TC on 22 Jan 1944 and assigned to 3 B&GS at MacDonald, MB. To No. 2 TC stored reserve as of 27 Apr 1944. Formally transferred to No. 2 AC stored reserve as of 1 Dec 1944 and awaiting disposal instructions as of 12 Oct 1945. Stored post-war at MacDonald and noted with 724:50 airframe hours .Parts from this aircraft being used to make a composite aircraft at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton, to be marked 9023. Still in restoration in 2021.last update: 2025-November-19
1942-September-09 Accident: 1 Bomb & Gunnery School Loc: Aerodrome Taxi Strip Names: Buckland | Hall | Waine
1942-November-21 Accident: 1 Bomb & Gunnery School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Gurney | Hutchinson | Mcinally | Ohara | Putman
1946-May-15 Struck off Strength To War Assets Corporation for disposal and later sold 2022-01-01
Bolingbroke Mk. IVT serial 9981
s/n 9981
m/d 142M
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
9981
Known Units:
Assigned to unknown unit. To No.4 TC stored reserve as of 4 Apr 1944. Formally transferred to No. 2 AC as of 1 Dec 1944 and awaiting disposal at MacDonald as of 12 Oct 1945 with 603:40 airframe hours.Parts from this aircraft being used to make a composite aircraft at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton, to be marked 9023. Still in restoration 2021.last update: 2025-November-19
1943-June-28 Accident: 2 Bomb & Gunnery School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Clark | Hector | Huston | Monaghan
1946-May-15 Struck off Strength To War Assets Corporation for disposal and later sold 2022-01-02
Bolingbroke Mk. IVT serial 9989
s/n 9989
m/d 142M
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
9989
Known Units:
Initially allocated to an unknown unit. To No. 2 TC stored reserve as of 18 Apr 1944. Back to an No. 2 TC unit on 6 Nov 1944. Formally transferred to No. 2 AC on 1 Dec 1944. To No. 2 AC stored reserve on 2 Feb 1945. Awaiting disposal as of 12 Oct 1945; stored post-war at MacDonald with 672:40 airframe hours. Parts from this aircraft being used to make a composite aircraft at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton, to be marked 9023. Still in restoration 2021last update: 2025-November-19
1946-May-15 Struck off Strength to War Assets Corporation for sale and later sold 2022-01-03
Bolingbroke Mk. IVT serial 10040
s/n 10040
m/d 142M
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
10040
Known Units:
To No. 2 Training Command from 16 February to 3 June 1943, then back to No. 1 TC. To No. 2 TC again on 22 January 1944, for use at No. 3 Bombing & Gunnery School at RCAF Station MacDonald, Manitoba. To No. 2 Air Command on 1 December 1944. To stored reserve on 10 February 1945. Available for disposal from 12 October 1945, when it had 838:50 airframe time. Stored post war by No. 10 Repair Depot at MacDonald. Stored outdoors on Manitoba farm for several years. Acquired by Western Canada Aviation Museum of Winnipeg in 1976. To Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario by 1983. One of several airframes being used to restore/replicate Mk. IVW 9023. Still in restoration 2021last update: 2025-November-19
1946-May-15 Struck off Strength Struck off, to War Assets Corporation for sale 2019-08-20
Bolingbroke Mk. IVT serial 10117
s/n 10117
m/d 142M
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
10117
Known Units:
Delivered to stored reserve with No. 2 Training Command. Issued to No. 3 Bombing & Gunnery School at MacDonald, Manitoba on 4 January 1944. To No. 2 Air Command on 1 December 1944. To stored reserve on 10 February 1945. Pending disposal from 12 October 1945. Stored post war at MacDonald. Had 442:10 airframe time when struck off. Sold to local farmer. To B. Bourne of Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1976, as hulk. Sold in 1979, details not available. At Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario by 1988, under restoration. Parts from this aircraft being used to make a composite aircraft at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton, to be marked 9023. Still under restoration in 2021.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-May-15 Struck off Strength Struck off, to War Assets Corporation for sale 2019-08-20
Bolingbroke Mk. IVT serial 10184
s/n 10184
m/d 142M
Fairchild Aircraft Ltd.
10184
Known Units:
Delivered to long term storage, issued from storage on 26 May 1943. To No. 2 Air Command on 1 December 1944. To storage on 5 December 1944. Pending disposal from 12 October 1945, stored at MacDonald, Manitoba. Had 703:10 airframe time when struck off. Parts from this aircraft being used to make a composite aircraft at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton, to be marked 9023. Still in restoration 2021last update: 2025-November-19
1944-May-13 Accident: 3 Bomb & Gunnery School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Harry | Hellekson | Henderson | Jackson | Merret
1944-July-11 Accident: 8 Bomb & Gunnery School Loc: Aerodrome Names: Bussetel | Carter | Carter | Crosby | Fletcher | Gust | Maclean | Scobie
1946-May-15 Struck off Strength Struck off, to War Assets Corporation for sale 2019-08-20
Cornell Mk. II serial 10694
s/n 10694
c/n FC195
Fleet Aircraft Ltd???
10694
Known Units:
To Canadian Airways for overhaul, 17 June to 2 September 1944. To storage with No. 3 Training Command when completed. Stored at No. 9 SEHU. Noted as "frozen series" on 7 July 1945. To No. 1 Air Command on 2 January 1946. Pending disposal from 15 March 1946. To civil register as CF-ESD. This registration re-used by 1972. Later to civil register as C-GCWC, registered to Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum of Hamilton, Ontario on 24 November 1981. Latest Certificate of Registration issued on 28 May 1997.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-December-02 Struck off Strength Struck off, to War Assets Corporation for disposal 2019-08-20
Cornell Mk. II serial 10835
s/n 10835
c/n FZ282
Fleet Aircraft Ltd
10835
Known Units:
Lend Lease funded aircraft, also issued RAF serial FZ282 and USAAF serial 43-36332 (PT-26B-FE), RAF serial number marked as company number. 1,000th Fleet built Cornell; donated by Fleet employees to RCAF 21 October 1943. Named "Spirit of Fleet". First assigned to No. 3 Flying Instructors School at Arnprior, Ontario. To storage 20 January to 27 June 1944. To No. 1 Air Command on 15 January 1945. Pending disposal from 13 September 1945. Noted with 614:30 total time while in storage. Later to civil register as C-GCWC, with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton from 1981. Still airworthy 2006 and 2010. Note that Canadian registry lists company number as FC195, this may be a major component number of the BAC contract number. On display at Hamilton International Airshow, June 2013.last update: 2025-November-19
1946-August-01 Free Issue Free issue to Foreign Liquidation Commission at Bell Niagara Modification Center No. 7 at Niagara Falls, New York 2019-08-20
1946-August-01 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Canso A / 2SR serial 11024
s/n 11024
c/n CV 302
Canadian Vickers
11024
P&W 14 cylinder radial R-1830-92
Known Units: 3 OTU
PBY-5A designation RCAF 11024 rolled off the production line in the fall of 1943 and TOS (taken on strength) December 7, 1943 by Western Air Command. RCAF Canso 11024 was ferried from Canadian Vickers manufacturing plant in Cartierville Quebec arriving at #3 Operational Training Unit RCAF Station Pat Bay on Vancouver Island.
The first operational record of flying was noted on January 23, 1944. The No. 3 O.T.U. Daily Diary entry showed 11024, coded "K" conducting night flying dual instruction with students of Course #20. It wasn't two days later that the aircraft suffered some minor damage and was out of commission until February 5th.
The next four months for "K" were busy. Training missions included over 40 flight / navigation exercises, 10 bombing and 6 gunnery. Other flying included air tests, air compass swings, photo work, dingy drills, water mooring and one search. With up to 20 other Cansos and 3 Lysanders, "K" provided support to training courses number 20 through 26 and Special Course I.
By the first week of June 1944 the Royal Air Force N0. 32 O.T.U. was re-assigned as R.C.A.F. No 6 O.T.U. and relocated to Comox, British Columbia from Pat Bay's East Camp. No. 3 O.T.U. was quick to move into many of the vacant buildings and hangers, giving them added ramp and storage space. It may be the reason that there was no record of 11024 flying until the first week of July.
On July 7th "K"was assigned a trip to Sea Island Vancouver BC. Following a water landing, the aircraft proceeded up the slipway and at the top, the brakes failed to function and the aircraft rolled down the other side. "K" contacted a fixed fuel tank and a building. Fortunately there were no injuries to crew members, however the PBY sustained serious damage to the wing tips, floats and nose, a category "C" accident. 11024 was sent to Canadian Pacific Airlines on the field where it underwent repairs until October 12 and was then stored.
Eighteen days after the accident, on February 26th, PBY Canso 11024 piloted by Squadron Leader Chasson arrived at Coal Harbour to replace the crashed PBY.
The first few flights in early March were in a transport role, including trips to Alliford Bay, Port Hardy and Comox British Columbia.
The first operational mission for PBY 11024 was a patrol on March 10, 1945 and it was not an auspicious event. Captained by Squadron Leader Chasson, the trip was marred by bad weather, severe icing and an unserviceable radio. The Station Daily Records deemed it a "Patrol Incomplete"
.On March 15th, our PBY 11024 transported a group of personnel on a familiarization tour of Alaska. After stopping at Alliford Bay for a briefing, the group continued on to Yakutat and eventually Anchorage and Kodiak. they returned to Coal Harbour after the ten day trip piloted by Flight Lieutenant Fraser.
Over the next 2 1/2 months 11024 and crews were assigned over twenty operational patrol missions, the last on June 4, 1945. During this period the crews identified 15 ships and one aircraft. Several of the missions were either cancelled or not completed due to weather. the Coal Harbour Meteorological Office calculated that there were 26 days with rain in the month of April. Flights after that included radio range exercises, pilot navigation exercises, transport and a couple of aircraft searches.
On August 1, 1945, No. 6 BR Squadron conducted it's last operational patrol. the Daily Diary notes "No. 6 BR Squadron became non-effective as at 23:59 hrs today. On August 7, 1945 the last remaining aircraft left Coal Harbour for storage at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
source: The Catalina Preservation Society
The Catalina Preservation Society
1944-July-07 Accident: 3 Operational Training Unit Loc: Vancouver British Columbia Names: Barker | Campbell | Davis | Eves | Findlay | Hattrick | Hawe | Hitchens | Hoskins | Murdock | Smith | Stevenson | Thelan | Wagner
1961-October-20 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale. 2019-08-20
Canso A / 2SR serial 11084
s/n 11084
c/n CV 417
Canadian Vickers
11084
P&W 14 cylinder radial R-1830-92
Known Units: 102;103;3 OTU
Delivered new to storage. To No. 3 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC on 1 July 1944. Category C crash at Patricia Bay on 18 November 1944. Repairs started at Patricia Bay, transferred to No. 3 Repair Depot at Sea Island on 12 May 1945 for completion. Back to WAC on 11 July 1945. To No. 2 Air Command for storage on 8 August 1945. Stored post war at No. 10 Repair Depot, Calgary. To Aircraft Industries Limited on 13 June 1952 for modification to Mk. 2SR search and rescue configuration. Assigned to No. 103 (R) Unit at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS on 16 November 1953. Back to AIL for one day repair of fuel tank leak on 7 February 1955. Back to AIL on 24 February 1956 for modifications and repairs, including: installation of Homelite APU, automatic electric bilge pumps, APX6 ignition analyzer, rubber seals on rivets in compartment R05, and sliding cockpit windows; replacement of trailing edges; resealing of rear flare chutes; repairs to dents in nose section and hull; and the inevitable fuel tank repairs. Back to No. 103 RU on 28 August 1956. To AIL from 12 September to 9 October 1958 for fabric repairs and corrosion inspection. To No. 102 (K) Unit at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario on 14 May 1959. Received ICAO registration VC-CBP, dates unknown. Available for disposal at No. 6 RD, Dunnville from 22 or 23 February 1961. Sold to Quebec Department of Lands and Forests, registered as CF-PQL. Last Certificate of Registration, as C-FPQL, issued to Quebec on 15 July 1992. Sold to Royal Aviation of Quebec, Quebec c.1994, their registration cancelled on 13 February 1996. To Canadian Warplane Heritage of Hamilton, Ontario on that date. Restored, marked as Canso 9754, as flown by Flight Lieutenant D. Hornell when he won the Victoria Cross in 1944. Maintiained in flyable condition, visited CFB Greenwood and Yarmouth, NS in summer of 2009 for air shows.last update: 2026-February-19
1944-November-18 Accident: 3 Operational Training Unit Loc: Patricia Bay British Columbia Names: Binley | Crawford | Fry | McConnell | Ramsay | Symington | Veitch | Wilson
1961-September-26 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale. 2019-08-20
Anson Mk. V serial 12417
s/n 12417
m/d 652A
c/n BRC1567
MacDonald Brothers Aircraft
12417
Known Units:
Dismantled and stored at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, 2020last update: 2025-November-19
1945-March-14 Accident: 14 PHOTO Squadron Loc: Aerodrome Names: Prendergast | Price | Wilson
1954-June-18 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Starfighter CF-104D Mk 1 serial 12641
s/n 12641
as/n 104641
m/d 583-04-15
c/n 583A-5311
inst/n 876 C
Lockheed
12641
Orenda J79-OEL-7
Known Units: 6ST/R OTU; 417OTS
last update: 2026-January-01
1970-July-28 Serial Change 417 CA 104641 2020-06-05
1987-August-10 Classified Instructional CA 876 C 2020-06-10
1995-February-01 to Storage CFD Mountainview CA 2020-06-05
1995-November-01 Museum / Display CWPH Mount Hope CA Still on CF books 2020-06-05
Starfighter CF-104 serial 12790
s/n 12790
as/n 104790
m/d CL-90
c/n 683A-1090
inst/n 860 B; 875 C
Canadair
12790
Orenda J79-OEL-7
Known Units: 6ST/R OTU; AETE; 1CAG
last update: 2026-January-01
1962-May-01 Base Assignment RCAF Station Cold Lake CA 2020-06-19
1968 Base Assignment 4 Wing Baden-Soellingen DE 2020-06-19
1970 Inspection or Overhaul AETE Cold Lake CA Trials with Canadian-developed practice bomb carrier 2020-06-19
1970-June-02 Serial Change 104790 Renumbered as Canadian Forces 104790 2019-08-20
1986-May-13 Classified Instructional 860 B 2020-06-18
1987-May-27 Classified Instructional Baden-Soellingen DE 875C / 1860C 2020-06-19
1990-January-01 Struck off Strength 2019-12-03
1990-June-30 Museum / Display Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton, ON, marked as 104756 Tiger 2019-12-03
Auster Mk. VI serial 16666
s/n 16666
as/n VP643
c/n 2590 / TAY 255 V
Auster Aircraft Ltd.
16666
Known Units:
RAF serial VP643 assigned for first tests in UK. Assembled by No. 10 Repair Depot detachment at Gimli, Manitoba, first flight there on 16 July 1948. Operated by Canadian Army. Sold to the Brampton Flying Club. To civil register as CF-LXT. Owned by K.W. Rowe Limited of Owen Sound, Ontario in 1976. Last Certificate of Registration issued on 3 May 1968. Destroyed in hanger fire at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario on 15 February 1993.last update: 2025-November-19
1957-January-04 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale. 2019-08-20
1993-February-15 Destroyed on Ground (Accident) Mount Hope Ontario CA CWHM hangar fire 2022-03-10
Auster Mk. VI serial 16681
s/n 16681
as/n VP664
c/n 2859 / TAY 866 BJ
Auster Aircraft Ltd.
16681
Known Units: 444(AOP); 1(AOP)
RAF serial VP664 assigned for first tests in UK. Erected at MacDonald Brothers Aircraft in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Operated by No. 444 (AOP) Squadron at CJATC, Rivers Camp, Manitoba until this unit was disbanded on 1 April 1949. Had 70:10 airframe time on this date. To North West Industries in Edmonton, Alberta on 14 March 1950, for installation of skiis. To storage at No. 10 Repair Depot, RCAF Station Gimli, Manitoba on completion on 4 July 1950. "Made ready for allotment to field" on 5 February 1953. To No. 1 AOP Flight at Camp Petawawa, Ontario on 5 May 1953. To storage at No. 6 Repair Depot, Ontario on 19 November 1954. Sold to the Brampton Flying Club. To civil register as CF-KRF. Off register by 1971. Re-registered C-GCID 1983. To CWH 2004 for static display.last update: 2025-November-19
1956-January-04 Struck off Strength Struck off, to Crown Assets Disposal Corporation for sale. 2020-10-11
Vampire Mk. III serial 17051
s/n 17051
m/d DH 100
P
English Electric Co.
17051
Known Units: 400
RAF serial VP740 assigned but never applied. With No. 400 Sqn, Downsview, ON from 1948 to 1951. Coded AA-P, based on ICAO registration VC-AAP. Carried Sqn stripes on nose and booms. Flew chase for first CF-100 flight on 19 January 1950. Pilot was Don Rogers of Avro Canada. On 25 August 1951, Flight Lieutenant D.J. Brown from 400 Sqn was practicing inverted flying for the upcoming CNE Airshow. Upon completing the sequence, the engine flamed out. Flight Lieutenant Brown attempted a force landing but the aircraft stalled and plunged to the ground while attempting to avoid buildings, killing the pilot. The engine was subsequently found to have suffered a severe in-flight fire prior to the accident.source: Kestrel Publications
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum displays a Swiss-built Vampire FB.Mk. 6 (formerly SwAF J-1145) in the markings of RCAF #17051.
last update: 2025-November-19
1951-September-05 Struck off Strength after Cat. "A" crash 2024-01-21
Chipmunk 2 serial 18035
s/n 18035
as/n 12035
m/d DHC-1B-2-S5
c/n 173-211
de Havilland Canada
18035
DH Gypsy Major 10
Known Units: 1FTS;PFS;3CFFTS
To 1 Flying Training School RCAF Station Centralia 1 Aug 1956. To storage at 6RD Dunnville site 24 June 1958-Jan 1962. To Primary Flying School at Centralia 29 Jan 1962- 21 Dec 1964. Reserve storage at Centralia and London Dec 1964-Dec 1966. To 6RD Trenton 13 Dec 1966-May 1967. To Primary Flying School at RCAF Station Borden 16 May 1967 until 20 Mar 1970, when PFS moved to CFB Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.From 12035
With 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at CFB Portage, Manitoba, 30 July 1970. To storage at Saskatoon 25 Aug 1970, until 24 Nov 1971, when it was sold by Crown Assets Disposal Corporation to Adrian Sandziuk, Weston Ont. and registered as CF-POW, marked with original RCAF serial number. It was bought by John Weir 17 Oct 1972, and transferred to Canadian Warplane Heritage 5 September 1973. Sold to Hannu Halminen on 16 June 2004, Certificate of Registration issued same day. Visited Toronto Aerospace Museum in May 2006, for Chipmunk fly-in, marked as RCAF 18035. Returned to CWH 7 May 2008. Current 2025.
last update: 2025-November-19
1970-June-02 Serial Change Became CAF 12035 . 2019-08-20
1971-November-24 Struck off Strength 2020-10-26
Chipmunk 2 serial 18041
s/n 18041
as/n 12041
m/d DHC-1B-2-S5
c/n 179-217
de Havilland Canada
18041
DH Gypsy Major 10
Known Units: 1FTS;PFS;3CFFTS
To 1 Flying Training School, RCAF Station Centralia 1 Aug 1956. Stored at 6RD Dunnville 3 Sep 1958. To Primary Flying School Centralia 1 Mar 1961. To PFS Borden 11 Aug 1966. To PFS Portage 20 Mar 1970.From 12041
With 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at CFB Portage, Manitoba, 30 July 1970. To storage at Saskatoon 25 Aug 1970. To Crown Assets Disposal Corporation 22 Nov 1971, sold to F.T. Cousins, Calgary Alberta. To civil register as CF-BXK, later C-FBXK. Owners included Northwestern Air Lease of St. Albert in 1976, Thomas Mitchell (last registration cancelled 5 October 1982), Don Farms Ltd. (last registration cancelled 18 May 1988), Henri Dielwart (from 7 May 1988 to 24 September 2003), and the Canadian Warplane Heritage (last Certificate of Registration issued on 24 September 2003). Visited Toronto Aerospace Museum in May 2006, for Chipmunk fly-in, with RCAF serial still marked. Sold to US register N18041 with Harry Schoning, Driggs ID. Current.
last update: 2025-November-19
1970-June-02 Serial Change Became CAF 12041 . 2019-08-20
1971-November-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Canuck Mk. 4B / 5 serial 18506
s/n 18506
as/n 100506
18506
Known Units:
Converted to Mk. 5, date unknown (before delivery?). Served with No. 433 Squadron, dates unknown. With Electronic Warfare Unit at RCAF Station St. Hubert, Quebec in the 1960s. Taken on strength by Canadian Armed Forces on 1 February 1968, but retained RCAF serial number. Donated to Toronto Central Technical School as a training aid. Moved to Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton in 1976. Ownership to No. 735 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets in 1977. Sold to 447 Wing Association for $500 in October 1981. Preserved at Hamilton airport in front of 447 Wing of the RCAFA, on a pole, carrying fake CF serial of 100506. This building was demolished by 2010, aircraft was parked on the ramp at the nearby Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Reported sold to A. Rubin of Markham, Ontario, who reportedly intended to make in airworthy. Internet reports in late 2010 suggest aircraft ownership is in question.last update: 2026-January-15
1966-February-22 Struck off Strength Struck off (or to instructional airframe?) 2019-08-20
Canuck Mk. 5 / 5C serial 18785
s/n 18785
as/n 100785
18785
Known Units:
Converted to Mk. 5C ECM trainer at Malton, Ontario by de Havilland Canada in 1964. With Electronic Warfare Unit at RCAF Station St. Hubert, Quebec in the 1960s. Still with this unit when it became No. 414 (EW) Squadron. To CAF.From 100785
Date of conversion to Mk. 5D not known. With No. 414 (EW) Squadron at CFB North Bay, Ontario. Painted in black scheme based on original Canuck prototype scheme, for type retirement in 1981. Make last operational Canuck flight on 3 December 1981. Delivered to Museum at Rockcliffe on 10 February 1982, last CAF Canuck flight. Still at Museum in April 1995. On display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton from 1 August 1996, still there in 2022.
last update: 2026-January-15
1970-November-01 Serial Change Became CAF 100785. 2019-08-20
1981-December-03 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Harvard 4 serial 20213
s/n 20213
m/d NA-186
c/n CCF4-4
Canadian Car & Foundry
20213
Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 Wasp
Known Units: FIS
First Assigned to Training Command, for use by Flying Instructors School at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario. Still there in 1955, coded "GO*213". To Inactive Reserve with 6 Repair Depot on 21 November 1963, stored at Dunnville, Ontario. Pending disposal from 29 May 1964, still at Dunnville. Sold to Muskoka Airways of Gravenhurst, Ontario. To S. Mazara of Toronto 1968 to 1972, registered as CF-UUU. To Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton in 1973. Last Certificate of Registration issued on 1997. Still airworthy in 2016, carrying markings of Primary Flying Training School.last update: 2025-November-19
1965-July-05 Crown Assets Disposal Corporation (CADC) To Crown Assets Disposal Corporation 2019-08-20
1965-July-05 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Harvard 4 serial 20412
s/n 20412
m/d NA-186
c/n CCF4-203
Canadian Car & Foundry
20412
Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1 Wasp
Known Units: Trenton;CFS
Delivered to Training Command at RCAF Station Trenton 9 Oct 1952. To Central Flying School RCAF Station Saskatoon 19 Aug 1959. CFS moved to RCAF Station Gimli 4 Sep 1962. To RCAF Station Saskatoon 12 Nov 1964 for storage and disposal. To Crown Assets Disposal Corporation 27 Oct 1966, and sold to William Thompson, Toronto Ont. To Sidney H. Bonser, Oakville, Ontario, Canada 1968 and registered CF-VMG. Re-registered C-FVMG in 1975. Harvard 412 was operated by Canadian Warplane Heritage, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, 1979-1998. Sold to Moore Aviation Restoration Inc, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, May 11, 1998. Canadian Warplane Heritage, Hamilton, Ontario purchased the aircraft June 2006. Flown in yellow scheme as RCAF 20412. On display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton in 2010. Still there in 2013. Current 2024.last update: 2025-November-19
1966-October-27 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Silver Star 3PT serial 21275
s/n 21275
as/n 133275
m/d CL-30
c/n T-33-275
inst/n 768 B
Canadair
21275
Rolls-Royce Nene 10 turbojet
Known Units: 414
Served at 2 Advanced Flying School RCAF Station Portage la Prairie. Seen with 414 Squadron RCAF Station Uplands Nov 1969. Renumbering authorized 10 Nov 1970. Stored at RCAF Station Saskatoon. Left Saskatoon on 26 September 1977 for return to service, the last stored CF aircraft at Saskatoon. Seen in Snowbird markings at CFB Downsview, 18 March 1978. Stored at Aerospace Maintenance Development Unit at CFD Mountain View, Ontario from March 1994, used for spares. On display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton in 2010, with original RCAF serial marked. Being restored in 2022 to Snowbird scheme for display.NOTE - airframe marked "133275" on display at Saskatchewan Western Development Museum, Moose Jaw, Sask is actually 21401.
last update: 2025-November-19
1977-November-15 Classified Instructional per Griffin 2005 Instructional Register 2022-03-14
Sabre 6 serial 23651
s/n 23651
m/d CL-13B
c/n 1441
Canadair
23651
Orenda 14
Known Units: 421;439;1;GH
First flight 1 Feb 1956. Delivered to No. 1 Air Division. With 421 (F) Squadron at 2 (F) Wing, RCAF Station Grostenquin, coded "AX*651". To 439 (F) Squadron, 1 (F) Wing RCAF Station Marville. Selected in Europe by Golden Hawks pilots to be used by the Golden Hawks team. Twelve Sabres were returned to Canada by C-130 aircraft to No. 6 Repair Depot RCAF Station Trenton 21 Nov 1960. To No. 1 (F) OTU RCAF Station Chatham 2 Mar 1961. Painted in GH colours Sept 1961. Assigned to Flight Lieutenant Lloyd Hubbard, as GH #3, left wing position, for 1961 season. Remained as Hubbard's aircraft, now as lead for 1962 & 1963 seasons. To Golden Hawks RCAF Station Trenton 19 Mar 1963. Golden Hawks disbanded 7 Feb 1964. Assigned to RCAF Station Rockcliffe for National Aviation Museum 8 Apr 1964. Total flying time at retirement 1066:15 hours. Officially transferred to National Aviation Museum 25 Feb 1969. Left side of airframe modified to show engine and machine gun placement. In July 1998, the aircraft was placed on long-term loan with Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton ON. In late 2022, the aircraft was officially deeded from the Canada Aviation and Space Museum to CWH. Current 2023.last update: 2025-November-19
Tutor serial 26038
s/n 26038
as/n 114038
m/d CL-41A
Canadair
26038
Known Units:
Operated by 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, CFB Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1982 and 1983. Later stored at Aerospace & Telecommunications Engineering Support Squadron, CFB Mountain View, Ontario. Reported as available for sale to museums, May 2005. Classified as Museum Artefact on 23 August 2005. Delivered to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton 9 September 2005, on display by mid 2008. Still there in 2022.last update: 2025-November-19
1971-January-08 Serial Change Became CAF 114038 2019-08-20
2005-August-23 Struck off Strength 2021-12-14
2005-September-09 Museum / Display 2021-12-14
Voodoo CF-101B serial 101045
s/n 101045
as/n 57-382
m/d F-101
c/n 560
McDonnell
101045
P&W J57-P55
Known Units: 409; 416
Ex USAF s/n 57-382, F-101B-95-MC. With 409 squadron, no dates. With 416 All Weather Fighter Squadron, CFB Bagotville, Quebec and later at CFB Chatham, NB. Flew right wing in 1979 squadron demonstration team, the Bobcats. Was mounted on pole at CFB Ottawa (Uplands), Ontario. Was to be moved to Diefenbunker Museum, Carp, Ontario, but went to Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, in Hamilton, Ontario, circa 2000. Current 2024.last update: 2025-November-19
1984-September-25 Struck off Strength 2019-08-20
Freedom Fighter CF-116A, CF-5 serial 116757
s/n 116757
m/d CL-219-1A10
c/n 1057
Canadair
116757
Known Units:
Originally ordered as RCAF 14757, re-marked before completion. Delivered direct to storage at CFB North Bay or CFB Trenton. Later to No. 434 Squadron at CFB Cold Lake, carried squadron markings on tail, and speed bird on intake. Took part in gun camp at CFB Portage, Manitoba in December 1974 while with this unit. Stored at CFB Trenton by May 1989. Preserved, on display at RCAF Memorial Museum at CFB Trenton, Ontario by April 1995. On display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton by June 2000, believed to be on loan from RCAF Museum. Still at Hamilton in 2021.last update: 2025-November-19
1989-May-08 Struck off Strength 2020-07-14
Musketeer serial 134222
s/n 134222
as/n 134222
m/d C23
c/n M1346
inst/n 802 B
134222
Known Units:
Used by 3 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at CFB Portage, Manitoba. Became Instructional Airframe 802B on 18 February 1982. Stored at CFB Borden in March 1994, pending disposal. Stored dismantled at Merrickville, Ontario for several years. Delivered to Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton in March 2012, for restoration. Now displayed on pylon in Mount Hope, On.last update: 2025-November-19
1973-April-04 Serial Change renumbered, became 134222 2019-08-20
1982-February-18 Classified Instructional CA 802 B 2020-07-10
Kiowa serial 136272
s/n 136272
m/d OH-58
c/n 44072
Bell
136272
Known Units: 427
Ex US Army OH-58A-BF 71-20937. With 427 (Tac Hel) Squadron at CFB Petawawa, Ontario. In Storage with No. 408 (Tac Hel) Squadron at CFB Edmonton, Alberta in February 1995. Seen at Bell hanger at Calgary, Alberta in 2007. At Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton, Ontario by mid 2008, stored outdoors awaiting restoration. Moved inside and under restoration by 2010. Moved from museum by truck, October 2010. Undergoing restoration in 2012 by Mohawk College apprentices in nearby WestJet hanger at Hamilton airport. Sold.last update: 2025-November-19
1995-March Struck off Strength 2021-10-25
Mitchell B-25J-35 serial 45-8883
s/n 458883
as/n 45-8883
m/d 108-47734
c/n 108-47723
North American Aviation
45-8883
Known Units:
From Joe Baugher:
8883 (MSN 108-47734) N75755, then C-GCWA (ntu), then C-GCWM. Airworthy with Canadian Warplane Heritage, Hamilton, Ontario.
Restored as HD372 of 98 Sqn RAF.
From CWHM:
The Museum's B-25J Mitchell was assembled in Kansas City in early 1945, but never saw military service. It was operated as a civilian transport for over 25 years and the Museum found it abandoned at Wilmington Airport, Delaware, in 1975. After repairs, the aircraft was flown to the Museum, where it underwent extensive restoration. The aircraft now displays the markings of a B-25J of RAF No. 98 Squadron, which fought over North West Europe during 1944-45. It is dedicated to the Canadians who flew with that squadron.
last update: 2025-November-19Hurricane Mk. I serial P3069
s/n P3069
A
Gloster Aircraft Co.
P 3069
Known Units: ;1;401
Operated by No. 1 (F) Squadron, RCAF, from Northolt, Middlesex, UK. Coded YO*A. One of ten aircraft that took part in the squadron's first engagement of the Battle of Britain, on 26 August 1940. Was damaged by return fire from Do17Z of 7/KG2 following attack on Debden at 15:30 that day, repairable. Used by No. 401 (F) Squadron, RCAF, mid 1941. Coded YO*A. Note that the aircraft operated by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum c.1984 to 1993 marked as P3069, "YO*A" was actually ex RCAF 5377 .last update: 2025-November-19
Stearman (Kaydet) serial FK107
s/n FK107
m/d D-75N1
FK 107
Known Units:
Equivalent to USAAF PT-17. Stearman marked with this serial on display at Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton in 2022.last update: 2025-November-19
1942-December-05 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Lancaster MK.X/10MR serial FM213
s/n FM213
m/d 683
Victory Aircraft
FM 213
Merlin
Known Units: 405;107
Mk.X Lancaster FM213 was built at Victory Aircraft, Malton in July 1945, and remained in Canada. It was later converted to a RCAF Mk. 10MR configuration. Category B damage at Trenton on 1952-01-24, when starboard main gear collapsed while taxiing. Centre section replaced with one from KB895, then in storage. With No. 405 (MP) Squadron, coded "AG*J", at RCAF Station Greenwood, NS. Used by No. 107 (Search and Rescue) Unit, RCAF Station Torbay, Newfoundland. With this unit when it visited Prestwick, UK in June 1959. Mounted on a pole at the Royal Canadian Legion in Goderich, Ontario, for 16 years.
With help from the Sulley Foundation in 1977, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum acquired the aircraft in 1977 and transported it to it's home at Mount Hope, Hamilton. Eleven years passed before it was completely restored and flew again on September 24, 1988.
Now with CWHM painted as KB726, "VR*A", of 419 Squadron during WW2.
Lady Orchid Story Maiden Flight of the restored FM213
1964-June-30 Struck off Strength 2020-10-27
Cornell Mk. II serial FV702
s/n FV702
m/d M62A3
c/n 1070
Fleet Aircraft Ltd
FV 702
Known Units:
Delivered to stored reserve. To No. 1 Air Command on 15 January 1945, stored at No. 5 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit. Noted as "frozen series" on 7 July 1945. Pending disposal at No. 5 REMU from 8 April 1946. Free issue to Royal Canadian Flying Club, for use at the Ottawa Flying Club. To civil register as CF-CVF. Registered to B. Ruther of Toronto, Ontario from at least 1964 to 1982. Reported sold on 27 May 1982, registration cancelled. Deleted from register on 9 October 1991. Registered to Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum of Hamilton, Ontario from 24 September 1997.last update: 2025-November-19
1947-May-06 Free Issue Free issue 2019-08-20
1947-May-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Cornell Mk. II serial FV720
s/n FV720
m/d M62A3
c/n 1088
Fleet Aircraft Ltd
FV 720
Known Units:
Delivered to stored reserve. To No. 1 Air Command on 15 January 1945, stored at No. 5 Reserve Equipment Maintenance Unit. Noted as "frozen series" on 7 July 1945. Pending disposal at No. 5 REMU at Picton, Ontario from 8 April 1946. Free issue to Royal Canadian Flying Club Association, for use by Brandon Flying Club. To civil register as CF-CVT. Registered to Roach Ltd. of Fredericton, NB in 1960s and 1970s, latest known Certificate of Registration issued on 28 March 1968. Registered in Alberta when sale was reported on 27 May 1982. Deleted from register on 10 December 1990. Registered to Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario on 4 June 2001. This registration cancelled on 7 June 2006. To A. Beam of Fort Erie, Ontario on 26 June 2006, reported based at Fort Erie. On display at CFB Trenton air show in July 2009.last update: 2025-November-19
1947-May-06 Free Issue Free issue 2019-08-20
1947-May-06 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Dakota III / 3CSR serial FZ692
s/n FZ692
as/n 12945
m/d C-47A-DK
c/n 12295
Douglas
FZ 692
Known Units: 233;437;121;424
Ex USAAF C-47A-5-DK serial number 42-92489, ex RAF FZ692. FZ692 flew 16 with 233 Squadron and 208 operational trips with 437 Squadron for a total of 224. It ended up flying hundreds of individual legs between airfields in Europe. FZ692 participated in two major airborne operations, Normandy and the Rhine Crossing. It carried 298 casualties to medical aid and repatriated 456 prisoners of war. It carried over 5,100 passengers to destinations around Europe and carried over two hundred tons of freight (414,368 lbs).
Ex USAAF C-47A-5-DK serial number 42-92489, ex RAF FZ692. Served with Tactical Air Command, possibly based at CJATC, Rivers, Manitoba. Took part in Operation Loup Garou (airborne assault on Sept Isle, PQ) February 1954. With No. 121 (K) Unit at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC, dates not known.
Serving with 424 Squadron at CFB Trenton when renumbered. Performed JATO ignition in flight as part of 1970 Canadian National Air Show over Toronto waterfront, September 1970. Declared surplus on 22 February 1973. To Crown Assets Disposal Corp. 18 may 1973. Sold to maritime Aircraft Overhaul and Repair, Moncton NB. To US civil register as N91GA in July 1973, operated by Gilley Airways. To Department of Energy, Mines and Resources as C-GRSB by 11 March 1975, one of several Dakotas still operated by this government agency on environmental and mineral surveys, and development of survey equipment. Registration briefly to Innotech Aviation in 1985 and 1995, probably for modifications. Latest Certificate of Registration issued to Environment Canada in July 2003. In storage at Ottawa when it was announced in November 2013 that the aircraft would be donated by Environment Canada to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton.
FZ692 has been restored to the paint scheme it would have worn at the end of World War II with 437 Squadron RCAF.CWHM
Excerpt from "Fifty Years - Canadian Warplane Heritage"
Serial Numbers: USAAF 42-92489, RAF/RCAF FZ692, CAF 12945
Construction Number: 12295
Civil Registrations: N91GA, C-GRSB, C-GXAU
Constructed as a C-47A-5-DK by the Douglas Aircraft Company at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the Dakota was taken on strength by the USAAF as 42-92489 on February 19, 1944. It was immediately transferred to the RAF under Lend-Lease and delivered to Montreal where it was taken on strength on February 29,1944, as a Dakota Mk. III with the RAF serial FZ692. The Dakota was ferried across the ocean, where it was assigned to No. 233 Squadron RAF at Blakehill Farm in Wiltshire, England, on March 15,1944. The aircraft wore code 5T-UK, and on D-Day it dropped parachutists of the 3rd Airborne Brigade, which included the lst Canadian Parachute Battalion, into Normandy. FZ692 flew a total of 16 operational trips with the RAF before being transferred to the RCAF.
Dakota FZ692 was taken on strength by the RCAF on September 28, 1944, and was assigned to No. 437 Squadron, the first RCAF transport unit formed overseas. Dakota FZ692 flew 208 operational trips with 437 Squadron. During World War II, between its service with the RAF and RCAF, the aircraft flew hundreds of individual legs between airfields in Europe. It participated in two major airborne operations: Normandy and the Rhine Crossing. It carried 298 casualties to medical aid and repatriated 456 prisoners of war. It carried over 1,000 passengers, including Barnes Wallace as well as carrying over 400,000 pounds of freight to 16 destinations around Europe. On June 16 1946 FZ692 arrived back in Canada.
Following its return to Canada, FZ692 first served with Tactical Air Command at RCAF Station Rivers, Manitoba. The Dakota carried out supply and live para-drops, as well as towing Waco gliders full of troupes. Also there images of FZ692 on skis while attached to 121 KU.
In 1950, FZ692 took on a search and rescue role with the Air Force, assigned to North West Air Command's (NWAC) "K" Flight. In May 1951, on a rescue effort with a twist, "K" Flight was assigned to search for a Bellanca Skyrocket, missing between Bathurst Inlet and Yellowknife, NWT. Dakotas FZ692 and KN258 were tasked with the operation. The Bellanca had only the pilot on board-World War II fighter pilot veteran Johnny Bourassa (formerly pathfinder pilot Flight Lieutenant Bourassa DFC & Bar) of Peace River, Alberta. Both Dakotas returned empty-handed. However, the Bellanca was eventually spotted four months later on Wholdia Lake, about 1,000 km northeast of Edmonton. While the aircraft was found, it was minus Johnny. He had left a note saying that he was walking out. He was never found.
FZ692 next served with 121 KU on the West Coast, where it wore a natural metal scheme with a white fuselage top, orange and blue rescue markings, and the fuselage codes QT-692. During its time with 121 KU, the aircraft was converted to a Dakota Mk. 3CSR version.
By the mid-1960s, FZ692 was with 102 KU based at Trenton. The Dakotas were assigned to search and rescue as their primary role but also had a secondary role as a domestic transport. On July 8, 1968, 102 KU became 424 Communications and Rescue, and on September 18, 1968, it became 424 Transport and Rescue.
In June 1970, FZ692 was renumbered as CAF 12945. It continued to serve with 424 Squadron until its retirement, when it was officially struck off strength on March 18,1973. In June 1973, Gilley Airways Corp, purchased the Dakota from the Canadian government and operated it briefly as N91GA, flying cargo. In March 1975, the aircraft returned to government service with the Canadian Department of Energy, Mines, it and Resources as C-GRSB based in Ottawa was modified by Innotech Aviation to conduct surveys, and remote environmental and energy sensing. The nose cone was also modified to house a radar antenna. by Al Mickeloff and Bill Cumming
1970-June Serial Change Renumbered as CAF 12945 2019-08-20
Expeditor Mk. 3T serial HB143
s/n HB143
m/d D-18S
HB 143
Known Units:
At RCAF Station Pennfield Ridge, NB in August 1945, probably with Transport Conversion Squadron. Served with No. 443 Squadron (Auxiliary) at Sea Island (Vancouver), late 1950s to early 1960s. On display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton in 2010, marked "BA*E". Current 2022.last update: 2025-November-19
1966-February-21 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Mitchell Mitchell III serial HD372
s/n HD372
as/n 43-28000
m/d B-25J-5
D
HD 372
Known Units: 98
Equivalent to USAAF B-25J.last update: 2025-November-19
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB726
s/n KB726
m/d 683
A
Victory Aircraft
KB 726
Merlin
Known Units: 419
Issued to #419(B) Squadron on 27.5.44. Lost on a raid to Cambrai in which U/G Andrew Mynarski was lost (later awarded VC) Survivors & POW's (B)Sergeant J.W.Friday,(FE)Sergeant R.E.Vigar RAF, Evaders were(WOG)WO W.J.Kelly,(AG)Flying Officer G.P.Brophy, (P)A.DeBreyne, Brodie.
( Note: Mk X Lancaster FM213 was restored to flying condition in 1988 by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum It is painted in the colours of KB726 and named the "Mynarski Memorial Lancaster")
Operations Record Book (Missing after Night Bombing)
Operations Record Book Monthly Summary
Bombing Cambrai France 1944-06-12 to 1944-06-13
419 (B) Sqn (RCAF) RAF Middleton St George
419 Moose Squadron RCAF, Middleton St George. On the night of June 12/13, 1944, during a operation to bomb the rail yards at Cambrai, France in support of the D-Day Landings in Normandy, Lancaster BX KB726 VR-A was struck by cannon fire from a JU-88 night fighter aircraft flown by Oberleutnant Freiderich Thorl of Stab1/NJG4. This attack punctured wing fuel tanks and set the bomber on fire. The pilot, De Breyne, ordered the crew to abandon the aircraft before it crashed at Gaudiempre, France
Rear gunner Brophy was trapped in his turret after the hydraulic system failed in the burning aircraft. Mid-upper gunner Mynarski attempted unsuccessfully to free Brophy before Mynarski reluctantly bailed from the aircraft with his clothes and parachute in flames. Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski VC (RCAF) was killed in action, surviving to reach the ground but ultimately dying from his burns. Andrew Mynarski was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross
Flying Officer George Patrick Brophy (RCAF) went down with the aircraft but was miraculously thrown clear in the crash and survived, later avoiding capture as an Evader.
Flying Officer Robert Brody (RCAF), Flying Officer Arthur De Breyne (RCAF) and Warrant Officer 2 William James Kelly (RCAF) also survived and avoided capture as Evaders but Pilot Officer John William Friday (RCAF) and Sergeant Roy Ernest Vigars (RAFVR) were taken as Prisoners of War
Nachtjagd Combat Archive 1944 Part 3 12 May - 23 July by Theo Boiten, page55
Mynarski's Lancaster, The Story of Two Famous Canadian Lancaster Bombers KB726 & FM213 by Bette Page, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
Avro Lancaster The Definitive Record (2nd Edition) by Harry Holmes
When a Gunner Fought Through Hell To Save a Friend -YouTube
419 Squadron Lancaster X KB726 VR-A Pilot Officer De Breyne RAF Middleton St ...
1944-June-13 Evader RCAF Flying Officer A Robert Bodie 2025-11-06 1944-June-13 Evader RCAF Flying Officer George Patrick Brophy 2024-10-07 1944-June-13 Evader RCAF Flying Officer Arthur De Breyne 2024-10-07 1944-June-13 PoW RCAF Pilot Officer John (Jack) William Friday 2025-11-06 1944-June-13 Evader RCAF Warrant Officer 2 William James Kelly 2025-11-06 1944-June-13 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer Andrew Charles Mynarski VC 2025-11-06
1944-June-13 PoW RAFVR Sergeant Roy Ernest Vigars 2025-11-06 
Lancaster Mk.X serial KB895
s/n KB895
m/d 683
O
Victory Aircraft
KB 895
Merlin
Known Units: 428;434
Had served with No. 434 (B) Squadron in 6 Group, named "Lady Orchid". Returned to Canada post war, RCAF KB895. Centre section (main spar) used to repair damage to FM213 in 1952.last update: 2025-November-19
1945-December-31 Accept from other Air Force Received from RAF 2019-08-20
1947-January-22 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Dakota Mk. IV serial KN456
s/n KN456
as/n 44-76596
m/d C-47B-DK
c/n 16180/32928
Douglas
KN 456
Known Units:
USAAF C-47B-25-DK 44-76596 to RAF as Dakota IV KN456 Apr 1945. SOC Nov 9, 1948.
last update: 2025-November-19Dakota Mk. IV serial KN563
s/n KN563
m/d C-47B-DK
c/n 33179/16431
Douglas
KN 563
Known Units: 435
USAAF C-47B-30-DK 44-76847 30 Apr 1945. RCAF - Royal Canadian Air Force KN563 08 May 1945. Operated by No. 435 (T) Squadron, RCAF, in India. Crashed in Burma 21 June 1945, 6 fatalities. Wreckage discovered 1996, crew given military burial. W/O 21 June 1945. The Dakota C.4 went missing during a supply drop flight to the British Army in Northern Burma (Myanmar). It came down in the jungle in a ravine with a steep slope. The crash side was found by a local hunter in 1996, 50 km SE of Khamti, Myanmar 5(5).
last update: 2025-November-19 1945-June-21 KIA RCAF Flying Officer David Mclean Cameron 2024-07-30 1945-June-21 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 1 Stanley James Cox 2024-07-30 1945-June-21 KIA RCAF Leading Aircraftman Cornelius John Kopp 2024-07-30 1945-June-21 KIA RCAF Pilot Officer William Joseph Kyle DFC & Bar 2024-07-30 1945-June-21 KIA RCAF Flight Sergeant Charles Peter McLaren 2024-07-30 1945-June-21 KIA RCAF Warrant Officer 2 William Bennet Rogers 2024-07-30 Spitfire LF Mk XVIe serial TE214
s/n TE214
m/d Type 361
c/n CBAF IX.4424
Castle Bromwich
TE 214
Merlin 266
Known Units:
Walker:
Taken on RCAF strength on 10 January 1963. At National Aeronautical Museum, Rockcliffe, by the late 1960s. Still there in 2006. On display at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton in 2010, coded "NT*T". Transferred to CWHM ownership 2024.
airhistory.org.uk/spitfire
MU 27-04-1945 RAF Ternhill as fake serial 'TE353' extant Canada War Museum
last update: 2026-March-29
Firefly (Fairey) A.S. Mk. V serial VH142
s/n VH142
VH 142
Known Units:
last update: 2026-January-01
1950-June-08 Struck off Strength 2022-02-07
Firefly (Fairey) serial WH632
s/n WH632
c/n F.8755
WH 632
Rolls Royce Griffon
Known Units:
formerly Royal Navy Firefly.
The Museum's Firefly was built in 1951 and first served with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, at Ford, UK. Later, it was transferred to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 1953. It was retired from the RAN in 1960 and ended up in a museum in New South Wales, Australia. The Museum purchased it from them in 1979. Although a Mk.VI, it has been restored in the colours and markings of a RCN No. 825 Squadron Firefly Mk. V operating from HMCS Magnificent in 1949-50.
last update: 2025-November-19