Curtiss HS

s/n GCYAE

as/n G-CYAG

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYAE

Ex USN A1248. Erected and registered at Dartmouth, NS. Operated on photo surveys from Roberval, Quebec, late 1920 to 1923. Found to be in poor copndition at beginning of 1921 season, replaced by G-CYDY. Loaned to Dominion Aerial Exploration Company in 1923, operated by their crews for 304 hours that summer and fall, mostly over Quebec. Loan renewed annually to 1926. Struck off and scrapped in Quebec.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 195

s/n GCYAF

c/n 2901

Niagara Boat

G-CYAF

Ex USN A1875. Had been operated by USN from their Dartmouth base in 1918. Erected and registered at Dartmouth, NS. Operated on photo surveys from Roberval, Quebec, late 1920 to 1923. Used for forest fire patrols from Victoria Beach, Manitoba in summer of 1923. Still in use at Victoria Beach when it was damaged in a forced landing on Oxford Lake after engine failure on 2 August 1924. Not repaired.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 195

s/n GCYAG

Curtiss Aeroplanes

G-CYAG

Ex USN A1941. Erected at registered at Dartmouth, NS. Replaced Fairey IIF G-CYCF on first leg of 1920 trans Canada flight, flying as far as Riviere du Loup, Quebec, arriving there after sunset on 7 October 1920. Probably still marked with USN serial at this time. Flew on to Ottawa several days later, then assigned to Northern Ontario Mobile Unit at Sioux Lookout, Ontario, arriving there on 25 October 1920. Flew forestry patrols and transported government scientests throughout north-west Ontario in fall of 1920. Blown ashore and damaged at Sioux Lookout on 17 July 1921. Repaired by 14 June 1922, using hull from ex-USN A1939. Operated over Algonquin Park by Northern Ontario Mobile Unit in summer of 1922. Damaged at Whitney, Ontario on 7 July 1922, retrurned to Ottawa for repairs. Loaned to Dominion Aerial Exploration Company in 1923, operated by their crews from Roberval, Quebec. Stalled and spun while landing at Roberval September 1923, 3 fatalities.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 195

s/n GCYAH

c/n 4122

Curtiss Aeroplanes

G-CYAH

Ex USN, s/n unknown. Erected and registered at Dartmouth, NS. Used for forestry patrols from Sioux Lookout, Ontario by the Northern Ontario Mobile Unit, having arrived at Sioux Lookout on 25 October 1920. Overhauled at Dartmouth winter of 1920/1921, returned to Sioux Lookout on 24 May 1921. Operated over Algonquin Park by Northern Ontario Mobile Unit in summer of 1922. Used at Ottawa Station for development of survey equipment and techniques in summer of 1923. Reported at Victoria Island Depot in Ottawa, unairworthy, for most of 1924.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 195

s/n GCYBA

Curtiss Aeroplanes

G-CYBA

Ex USN, s/n unknown. First aircraft assembled at RCAF Station Jericho Beach, BC. First aircraft to fly from Jericho Beach, on 24 September 1920. To Slave River area in NE Alberta to transport Dominion entomologist studying mosquitos, September 1920, probably by by rail. The first Air Board aircraft on the west coast, it arrived at Vancouver by rail on 28 October 1920, already carrying Air Board markings. By rail to Sicamous, BC shortly after, for photo surveys of Sushwap Lake, returning by rail on 15 November 1920. Exercises with RCN near Esquimalt late 1920. Still in use at Jericho Beach, BC, summer of 1921. Reported in poor condition in February 1922, request to scrap dated 3 March 1922.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 195

s/n GCYBB

G-CYBB

Originally listed as a spare hull at RCAF Station Jericho Beach, BC. No previous registration or serial known, apparently assembled in Canada from spares. Reported complete at end of 1920, not flown and registered until following spring. Operated from Jericho Beach in 1922 and 1923. Fitted with locally fabricated fairing over front camera operator's station. Noted as servicable at Vancouver, week ending 6 January 1924. Detached to Prince Rupert, BC for fisheries patrols in 1924. Sunk at its moorings on 21 September 1924 at Thurston Bay, BC (possibly on Sonora Island, north of Campbell River). Not recovered for several days, declared unrepairable and scrapped.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 195

s/n GCYDR

c/n 9332

G-CYDR

Ex USN A1991. Erected at Dartmouth, ferried to Ottawa Air Station, Ontario, arriving there on 25 May 1921. First operational mission was detachment to Lake Timiskaming, Ontario to survey spruce bud worm infestation around Haileybury, Ontario. Category A crash on Lake Timiskaming on 15 September 1921.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYDS

c/n 9327

G-CYDS

Ex USN A1986. Certificate of Airworthiness never issued. First erected at Dartmouth in May 1921, and then shipped by rail to RCAF Station Victoria Beach, arriving there on 14 June 1921. Assembled there, first flight on 8 July 1921. Caught fire while preparing for second takeoff on 8 August 1921, probably due to fuel leak, crew escaped but aircraft destroyed.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYDU

G-CYDU

Ex USN A1984. Erected at Dartmouth, used for local survey work from there in 1921. Flew 41 hours in 25 flights that year. Surveyed international border in area of St. Croix River. Still at Dartmouth in 1922, one of two operational HS-2L based there that year (see also G-CYEL). Damaged in storm on 23 August 1923. Overhauled at Dartmouth winter of 1923/1924, left for Ottawa Station on 19 April 1924. Operated by No. 1 (Operations) Squadron, Jericho Beach, BC in 1925. Category B accident, in BC, on 23 July 1925. Struck a dead head (semi-submerged log) while attempting to land near suspicious fishing boat off Prince Rupert, pilot applied power, took off, and returned to landing at Casey Cove sub base. Aircraft beached immediately on landing there. Temporary repairs performed by carpenter sent from Jericho Beach. Attempted ferry flight back to Jericho Beach on 24 July 1925. Forced down by engine failure near Duncan's Island, towed to Port Hardy and then shipped to Jericho Beach. Never repaired.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYDX

c/n 459

G-CYDX

Ex USN A1993. Operated from Jericho Beach, 1921 and 1922. First aircraft to arrive in Prince Rupert, BC. Used for pilot training at Jericho Beach, 1923. Students included Tuddy Tudhope, from 23 January 1923. Still in use for fishery patrols on west coast and Fraser River in 1923 and 1924, including detachment to Prince Rupert, BC. Noted as disassembled and under inspection week ending 6 January 1924.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYDY

c/n 4131

G-CYDY

Ex USN A1992. Operated on photo surveys from RCAF Sub-Station Roberval, Quebec, one of three HS-2L based there in summers of 1921 and 1922. Arrived at Roberval on 19 July 1921, to replace G-CYAE. Forced landing near there, on 10 August 1922. Still in use at Roberval in summer of 1923. Last flown in 1925, then stored.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYEA

c/n 9360

G-CYEA

Ex USN A2019. Category A accident off Point Grey, near Vancouver, BC on 11 September 1922. Jercicho Beach commanding officer, Maj. C. McLaurin, was killed in this crash. Fuel leak detected shortly after lift off at Jericho Beach en route to inspect Lake Sumas as possible base, aircraft stalled at 200 feet while attempting emergency landing, struck water in steep nose down attitude 200 feet off shore. Engineer and civilian passenger escaped with minor injuries. Canadian born Major McLaurin had previously served in the RNAS, and was the last commander of the RCNAS before transferring to the Canadian Air Force.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYEB

c/n 950

G-CYEB

Ex USN A1994. Operational at Jericho Beach in 1923. Noted as disassembled and under inspection week ending 6 January 1924. Operated by No. 1 (Operations) Squadron, Jericho Beach, BC 1925.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYED

G-CYED

Ex USN A1985. Arrived at Ottawa Air Station on 27 September 1921 after being erected at Dartmouth, registered at Ottawa. Dispatched to Lake Timiskaming, Ontario to replace the crashed G-CYDR, arriving there in late September 1921. Used at Ottawa to for experimental photo survey flights, regularly carrying Professor H.L. Cooke, in early 1922. To Northern Ontario Mobile Unit at Sioux Lookout, Ontario, departing Ottawa on 26 May 1922. Hull damaged when it struck rocks at Pembroke, Ontario on 11 July 1922. Transferred from Ottawa Station to Victoria Beach Station on 24 april 1923, arriving on 30 May 1923. Used at Dartmouth, NS, Winnipeg, Manitoba and at Jericho Beach, BC. Damaged at the Pas on 7 October 1923, struck the bank trying to avoid a small boat while landing on the Saskatchewan River in poor visibility. Scrapped at end of 1924 season, at Victoria Beach.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYEF

G-CYEF

Ex USN A1988. Intended for RCAF Station Victoria Beach, but first loaned to Northern Ontario Mobule Unit at Sioux Lookout, Ontario. Finally arrived at Victoria Beach on 17 November 1921. Used on forestry patrols from Victoria Beach. Overhauled there in spring of 1922, first flight after overhaul on 16 May 1922. Blown ashore and wrecked in a wind storm at Victoria Beach on 22 June 1923.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYEJ

Gallaudet

G-CYEJ

Ex USN A2223. To Northern Ontario Mobile Unit at Sioux Lookout, Ontario in mid 1922. Category C accident at Perry Sound, Ontario on 5 July 1922, struck a submerged log. Loaned to Dominion Aerial Exploration Company in 1923, operated by their crews from Roberval, Quebec. Reported sank in rough water in St. Lawrence River in September 1923, apparently repaired as loan was extended in 1924 and again in 1925. Loan extension offered in 1926, but aircraft was badly deteriorated and was scrapped in Quebec that year
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYEK

c/n 9363

G-CYEK

Ex USN A2022. Based at Robeval, on Lac Saint-Jean, north of Quebec City, Quebec in 1922. Used for photo surveys of north shore of St. Lawerance River, and for forestry patrols. Regularly detached to sub-camps for these operations.

Nosed under after springing leak in heavy waves just off Godbout Sept. 21, 1922. Towed to shore. Engine and photo equipment, film and notes retrieved, engine salvaged, hull sacrificed. Three on board - Pilot Flight Lieutenant Kenny, Quebec forestry engineer Methot and air engineer/fitter Wright, no injuries - rescued by motorboat from Godbout. (Source:Diana Trafford (CAHS Montreal member)

last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYEL

c/n 9328

G-CYEL

Ex USN A1987. Purchased second hand from USN. Used for photo survey work over maritimes in 1922, based at Dartmouth. Overhauled at Dartmouth winter of 1923/1924. Only operational aircraft at Dartmouth, NS in 1924. Fitted with high compression engine, permitting photo survey work to be done at 10,000 feet. Surveyed New Glasgow and Sable River regions that year. Met US Army round the world flight, and escorted it to Pictou, NS on 3 September 1924. Used by No. 4 (Operations) Squadron, Dartmouth, NS from May 1925. Flared too high during glassy water landing at Dartmouth on 12 August 1925 while on a training flight. Stalled, structure badly distorted by impact. Found to be unrepairable.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 196

s/n GCYGA

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYGA

Ex USN A1307. Last HS-2L registered by RCAF. Flying at Jericho Beach before formation of No. 1 Sqn there. Operated by No. 1 (Operations) Squadron, Jericho Beach, BC 1925 to 1927. Detached to Prince Rupert in summer of 1925 to replace G-CYDU. Broke away from moorings near Bela Coola during overnight wind storm on 16/17 September 1925, driven on shore and damaged. Shipped to Jericho Beach, not repaired.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 197

s/n GCYGL

c/n 117

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYGL

Ex USN A1298. Purchased second hand from USN, shipped to and assembled at Rockcliffe. Used by No. 3 (Operations) Squadron at Rockcliffe and Shirleys Bay, Ont., 1925 to 1926. Used for photo survey work around Ottawa, including coverage of the Rideau Canal. Declared unfit for service on 31 May 1926.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 197

s/n GCYGM

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYGM

Ex USN A1290. Erected at Jericho Beach, BC. Used there by No. 1 (Operations) Squadron. Detached to Prince Rupert on 10 July 1925. Forced landed in Millbank Sound on 23 August 1925, following engine failure. Towed to Klemtu BC (30 miles north of Bella Bella, on Klemtu Island) by US navy vessels, then shipped to Jericho Beach for repairs. Held for spares at Jericho Beach in 1926. No record of use after this crash.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 197

s/n GCYGN

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYGN

Ex USN A1312. Erected at Jericho Beach. Operated by No. 1 (Operations) Squadron, Jericho Beach, BC 1925 to 1926. Detached to Prince Rupert in summer of 1925. Forced landing at sea following an engine failure on 14 October 1925. Reported to have come down 2 miles east of Carmanan Light House (possibly Carmanah Light House, south of Port Renfrew, Vancouver Island). Towed to Port Renfrew, then to Esquimault, BC, where engine was replaced. Back with Prince Rupert detachment by 20 October 1925. Still in use with No. 1 Sdn. In 1926, fitted with wings from G-CYGR that year. Operating out of Esquimault when engine exploded in flight near Sidney, BC (future location of RCAF Station Patricia Bay) on 31 August 1926. Towed in Roberts Bay, repaired using components from C-GYGS. Damaged in heavy landing in glassy water in English Bay o0n 25 October 1926. Partially submerged wreck beached and burned on site.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 197

s/n GCYGO

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYGO

Ex USN A1152. Purchased second hand from USN, shipped to Dartmouth for assembly and testing. Used by No. 4 (Operations) Squadron, Dartmouth, NS 1925 to 1927. Stored there through 1926 and 1927, when budget cuts eliminated all flying at Dartmouth. Still in storage when struck off. Scrapped by burning.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 197

s/n GCYGP

c/n 107

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYGP

Ex USN A1159. Purchased second hand from USN, shipped to and assembled at Rockcliffe. Used by No. 3 (Operations) Squadron at Rockcliffe and Shirleys Bay, Ont., 1925 to 1926. Used for photo survey work around Ottawa, including coverage of the Rideau Canal. Hit water hard during glassy water landing on the Allumette River at Petawawa while surveying Petawawa Forest Reserve on 5 September 1925. Sunk in shallow water. Recovered, shipped to No. 1 Depot, RCAF in Ottawa for rebuild. Still there when struck off and scrapped.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 197

s/n GCYGQ

c/n 119

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYGQ

Ex USN A1303. Erected at Jericho Beach, BC. Held in reserve at Jericho Beach for Prince Rupert detachment through 1925. In use with No. 1 Sdn. In 1926. Scrapped by burning in 1928, having been withdrawn from use earlier.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 197

s/n GCYGR

c/n 142

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYGR

Ex USN A1315. Erected at Jericho Beach. Damaged in accident in Victoria Harbour on 4 November 1925. Still in use with No. 1 Sdn. in 1926. Wings removed from this aircraft that summer, for use on G-CYGN. Used for pilot training from Jericho Beach in 1927, last HS-2L course run that summer. Scrapped by burning in 1928, having been withdrawn from use earlier.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 197

s/n GCYGS

c/n 210

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYGS

Ex USN A1392. Erected at Jericho Beach, BC. Used to train new crews for Prince Rupert detachment. Held for spares at Jericho Beach in 1926. Robbed for parts in fall of 1926 to repair G-CYGN. Sold to Western Canadian Airways in June 1928. Was probably the last operational HS2L in the RCAF at that time.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 197

s/n GCYGT

c/n 97

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYGT

Ex USN A1279. Used by No. 4 (Operations) Squadron, Dartmouth, NS 1925 to 1927. Replaced G-CYEL after it crashed in August 1925. Stored there through 1926 and 1927, when budget cuts eliminated all flying at Dartmouth. Still in storage when struck off. Scrapped by burning.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 197

s/n GCYGU

c/n 109

Lowe-Willard-Fowler

G-CYGU

ex USN, serial A1288. Purchased from USN in 1925, had been stored at Norfolk, Virginia since 1918. Held at Camp Borden for spares. Sold to Canadian Airways in April 1928, never having been uncrated. Became C-CARL. Used at Roberval, Quebec, unitl registration cancelled on 29 October 1929. Reduced to spares.
last update: 2025-February-06 📙 JA Griffin (2005: Smith, Castle): 1968 197