The Grumman TBF Avenger (designated TBM for aircraft manufactured by General Motors) is an American-built torpedo bomber flown by the RN during the Second World War. The Avenger entered U.S. service in 1942, and first saw action during the Battle of Midway. In service with many Allied nations, the Avenger became the most widely-used torpedo bomber of the Second World War. Greatly modified after the war, it remained in use until the 1960s.
One of the primary postwar users of the Avenger was the Royal Canadian Navy, which obtained 125 former US Navy TBM-3E Avengers from 1950 to 1952 to replace their venerable Fairey Fireflies. By the time the Avengers were delivered, the RCN was shifting its primary focus to anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and the aircraft was rapidly becoming obsolete as an attack platform. Consequently, 98 of the RCN Avengers were fitted with an extensive number of novel ASW modifications, including radar, electronic countermeasures (ECM) equipment, and sonobuoys, and the upper ball turret was replaced with a sloping glass canopy that was better suited for observation duties. The modified Avengers were designated AS 3. A number of these aircraft were later fitted with a large magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) boom on the rear left side of the fuselage and were redesignated AS 3M. However, RCN leaders soon realized the Avenger's shortcomings as an ASW aircraft, and in 1954 they elected to replace the AS 3 with the Grumman S-2 Tracker, which offered longer range, greater load-carrying capacity for electronics and armament, and a second engine, a great safety benefit when flying long-range ASW patrols over frigid North Atlantic waters. As delivery of the new license-built CS2F Trackers began in 1957, the Avengers were shifted to training duties, and were officially retired in July 1960. Wikipedia
RCN aircraft were identified in squadron service by a side number, painted on the nose of the aircraft. That number indicated the squadron, and the aircraft number in that squadron. These numbers are shown as "coded" (if known); later the last three digits of the aircraft serial number were used, shown as NAVY+L3.
Avenger serials from US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos--Third Series (50360 to 99860)joebaugher.com, and updated from - Martin "“ RCN Aircraft Finish & Markings 1944-1968.
Harold A Skaarup Web Page - Avenger RN
last update: 2023-03-24 18:26:02Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted directly to AS 3M Feb 1952. With VS 880 coded "311", VU 32. Damaged during recovery after leaving runway on landing. To CF-KCH Conair "606", Destroyed at Boston Brook BC June 6, 1974.Known Squadron Assignments: VX10; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted directly to AS 3 Mk 2 Jan 2, 1953, and finally to AS 3M2 April 1955. With VX 10 coded "420". Used for trials as target tug summer 1954. Converted to AS 3M2 April 1955, with VX 10 coded "386", then VU 32. Sold to civil register as CF-JJC, then N68683. To Mirimachi Air Services CF-BEF, crashed Juniper NB May 20, 1975.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Served with VS881. Lost at sea after dropping out of formation March 18, 1958.Known Squadron Assignments: 1TAG; VS880
Ex USN, retained US Navy serial in RCN service. To AS 3 Mk 1 April 25, 1952. Served with 1 Training Air Group coded "344". to VS 880, made precautionary landing May13, 1955 with smoke in cockpit. Written off Dec 1956.Known Squadron Assignments: VX10;VU32;VS880;VS881
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Used by VX 10 to test MAD equipment as AS 3 Mk1/MAD, coded "431". To AS 3M.Known Squadron Assignments: VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1, then AS 3M. Served with VU 32. Tail wheel up landing June 12,1956. To civil register and current as N33BM, at Big Spring TX. Seen in blue over white scheme, coded "33".Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VC920
Ex USN, retained US Navy serial in RCN service. Converted to AS 3 Mk1. Served with VS 880 coded "317", then to VC 920. Involved in mid-air collision April 7, 1953, repaired.Known Squadron Assignments: VU32
Ex USN, retained US Navy serial in RCN service. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Served with VU 32 coded "361". To civil register as CF-IMN Conair "605". Then to Forest Products Ltd., then Vintage Wings Seattle WA, current as N6VC.Known Squadron Assignments: VX10; VS881; VS880
Used from USNavy, retained USN number in RCN service.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881; VC920
Ex USN, retained US Navy serial. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 with lengthened canopy. Served with 881 Squadron coded "310", then to VC 920. Crashed Brantford ON Oct 4, 1953, repaired.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881
Ex USN, retained US Navy serial. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. With VS 881 coded "311". To Instructional airframe.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;VX10;VS880
Ex USN, retained US Navy serial. With No. 826 Squadron, still in gloss blue finish, coded "VG-ABF,F. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 in March 1952. With VX 10, then VS 880 coded "362". Written off December 1956.Known Squadron Assignments: 1TAG
Ex USN, retained US Navy serial. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 July 28, 1951. Served with 1 Training Air Group coded "318". While serving with VS 880, the aircraft stalled and crashed on take-off with tail-heavy trim April 24, 1952. 1 fatal.Known Squadron Assignments: VC920; VS881
Ex USN, retained US Navy serial. Converted to AS 3 Mk. 1. Served with VC 920, then VS 881 coded "377". Sold to civil register as N9010C, then to Forest Protection Ltd. as C-GLEL.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881
Ex USN, retained US Navy serial. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 Jul 29 1953. Served with VS 881 coded "373". Later modified to AS 3 Mk 1/ECM.Known Squadron Assignments: VX10;VS881;VU32;VT40
Ex USN, retained BuNo. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Used by VX 10 for trial fitment of Mk 2 cockpit hood and radar pod. Served with VS 881 coded "308". Converted to a target tug, with red and yellow striped finish Feb 17, 1956. With VU 32 and VT 40. Ditched off Osborne Head NS May 21,1959 and recovered.Known Squadron Assignments: 825;826;VS881;VC920
Ex USN, retained BuNo in RCN service. Carried full ICAO registration "VG-ABJ" on lower wing, marked "ABJ,J on fuselage. With VS 881 coded "307", then to VC 920. Nosed over on landing on HMCS Magnificent, repaired. To civil register as CF-IMM Conair "604". Crashed Sussex NB may 14, 1973.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880
Ex USN, retained BuNo in RCN service. With VS 880 coded "393". Ditched following power loss on take-off, Oct 29, 1959.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;VS881;VS880
Ex USN, retained BuNo. USN cocde "823" still visible when it first arrived in Canada. Carried code "ABA" on fuselage, and "A" on fin with 826 & 881 Squadrons. This was the only RCN aircraft to have an outlined fin flash. Lost Sep 28, 1956, caught wire after wave-off from HMCS Magnificent, swung to port and into sea.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;825;VU33
Ex USN, retained BuNo in RCN. Overall gloss blue with 826/881 Squadrons, VG-ABB. Also with 825 Squadron. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 November 1951. Served with VU 323 coded "349". With Evergreen Air Services as C-GLEG, crashed at Dunphy NB July 4, 1975.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881; VS880; VT40
Ex USN, retained BuNo in RCN service. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Operated by VS 881 & VS 880 coded "390", to VT 40 coded "805". To civil register as CF-IMI "601". Current as VH VTB.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VC920
Ex USN, retained BuNo in RCN service. Destroyed in ground collision with Banshee 126306 with radio failure Aug 27, 1957. Double fatal.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;1TAG;VS881;VT40;VU32
Ex USN, retained BuNo in RCN service. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Served with 826 & 881 Squadrons. Operated by 1 Training Air Group, VS 881 coded "306", VT 40 & VU32. To civil register as Skyway Air Services CF-KCK coded "608". Crashed Castlegar BC 1967.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;VS881;VX10;VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1/Early, with 826 & 881 Squadrons as VG-ABG. With VS 881 coded "343". Converted to AS 3M. Operated with VX 10 & VU 32. To civil register as CF-KCM "616". Current as N420GP at Tri-State Warbird Museum, Batavia NY.Known Squadron Assignments: 880;VU32;VT40:VC920
Ex USN, retained BuNo. With No. 880 Squadron, coded VG-BD*B". VU 32 & VT 40 coded "319". VT 40 coded "805", also VC920. Fatal crash Fonthill ON May 25,1958.Known Squadron Assignments: 826; 881; VU32
Ex USN, retained BuNo. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1/Early. Operated by 826 & 881 Squadrons as VG-AB*H. With VU 32 coded "312". To civil register May 9, 1959. To civil register CF-XOO. Crashed & burnt at Deer Lake, Nfld. 13 July 1969 at 6am.Known Squadron Assignments: 826; VS881; VU32
Ex USN, retained BuNo. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1; served with 826 Squadron and VS 881. With VU 32 coded "304". To civil register as N6580D Ocala FL. Used in restoration of Avenger 91521.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;VS881;VU32;VU33
Ex USN, retained BuNo in RCN service. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1/Early. Operated by 826 & 881 Squadrons as VG-AB*S.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;VS881;VC920
Ex USN, retained BuNo in RCN service. In RCN service with 826 & 881 Squadrons VG-ABK. To AS 3 Mk 1/Early, with 826 & 881 Squadrons as VG-AB*P. Served with VS 881 coded "315", to VC 920. To civil register as N6853D; current as N53503 American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum, Midland TX.Known Squadron Assignments: VU32
Ex USN, retained BuNo. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Operated by VU 32 coded "368". To civil register as CF-IML Skyway Air Services "603". Crashed Harrison Lake BC 1961.Known Squadron Assignments: FRU743;825;880;VS880;VS881;VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. First Avenger received by RCN. Received as a TBM-3E, first of two aircraft converted as prototype AS 3 Mk 1. Coded "VG-AB*Z" in blue, with 826 Squadron. Served with VS 880 coded "336". Converted to AS 3M in 1956. Served with VS 881, VS 880 & VU 32.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880
Ex USN, retained BuNo in RCN service. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. With VS 880 coded "320". Ditched on approach to HMCS Magnificent Nov 14, 1952Known Squadron Assignments: VX10; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3M 1956. Served with VX 10 & VU 32. To civil register CF-KCF Conair "614". Crashed Winfield BC August 8, 1971.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;VU32;VS881;VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Used by 826 & 881 Squadrons in overall gloss blue, no codes. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. With VU 32, VS 880 coded "365". To VC 920. To civil register as CF-IMQ.Known Squadron Assignments: VT40; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Damaged in ground collision with RCAF Dakota at Shearwater on 3 September 1954. Used by VT 40, coded "387". Converted to AS 3 Mk 1/TT target tug, VU 32 with red and yellow striped finish. Flew last RCN Avenger mission, on 10 June 1960. To civil register as CF-KCJ Skyway Air Services "607". Crashed Sumas WA May 7, 1969.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;VS881;VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1/Early, with 826 & 881 Squadron as VG-AB*C. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Operated by VS 881 coded "303". Last with VC 920. To civil register as CF-IMR, C-FIMR Forest Protection Ltd. "23". To Shearwater Aviation Museum C-FIMR April 2012.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USN, retained USN serial number.Known Squadron Assignments: 881;VS881;VS880;VU32;VU33
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 April 17, 1951. With 881, VS 881, VS 880 coded "309". Modified to AS 3M coded "307" with VU 32 & VU 33. To civil register CF-MXN Conair "619". Crashed Moyie Lake BC Aug 8, 1973.Known Squadron Assignments: VX10; VS880; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN service. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1Oct.21, 1953. No code assigned; to storage. Modified to AS 3M standard, operated by VX 10, VS 880, VU 32. Reserve use after 1958. To civil register CF-KCL Conair "609". As C-FKCL ditched and sank in Oromocto Lake NB May 29, 1978. Salvaged and restored to airworthy conditon N109K. Currently displayed at Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, Reading PA, re-marked as TBM-3E Avenger 53638, assigned to VT 23 aboard USS Langley.Known Squadron Assignments: 826; VS881; 1TAG
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Ditched off Sable Island NS Nov 14,1952. Noted as "TF*P" "Popping Peter" due engine problems.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Crashed near Smithers BC ca 1964 or 65.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;FRU743;825;880;VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Over-all blue, coded "AB*Y" in early 1950s. AS 3 Mk 1 prototype June 27, 1950.Known Squadron Assignments: 881; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. AS 3 Mk 1May 17, 1951.Known Squadron Assignments: VC920; VS881
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Reduced to spares after landing accident aboard HMCS Magnificent late 1954.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881; VU32; VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted directly to AS 3M. Turned over on landing Feb 21, 1959, reduced to spares.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881;VS880;VU32;VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted directly to AS 3M. Was coded 909 with VC920. Crashed in New Brunswick in June 1987.Known Squadron Assignments: 826; 881
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1/Early. Became Instructional Airframe March 6, 1958. Ended as a hulk "AB*A" at Fairey Aviation.Known Squadron Assignments: 826; VS881; VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 March 14, 1951. With 826 Squadron, VS881 coded "316", then VC920. To civil register as Conair "617" CF-KCN. Crashed Angus Home Lake BC Aug 27, 1972.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN service. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 Nov 26, 1954. With VS880 coded "391/308". Sold Wheeler Airlines CF-IMS. Crashed on ferry flight June 21 1960,. Tinowick QB.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 Jan 1, 1955. With VS880 coded "392". To VC920. To civil register N6581D. Crashed in Connecticut 4 August 1986.Known Squadron Assignments: VX10; VS881
Ex USN, retained BuNo.Known Squadron Assignments: VX10
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. With VX10 coded "350". Trials with National Aeronautic Establishment Uplands.Known Squadron Assignments: VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Converted directly to AS 3M Oct 1953. With VU 32. Crashed Aug 13, 1957.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881; VS880; VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Flew with VS881 coded "304". To VS 880 April 1957, to VC 920 coded "906" July 1958. Current as N9710Z, with National Museum of Naval Aviation, displayed on USS Lexington in Corpus Christi, Texas.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881; VC920; VS880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. With VS 881 September 1954. To VC 920 April 13, 1956. With VS 880 September 1956, seen at Gander, Newfoundland in October 1957, coded "386". On US register as N93818 in 2017, at rare Birds LLC, Bloomington MN.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881; VS880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Operated by VS 881 & VS 880, coded "388". Current as N28FB, Ocala FL.Known Squadron Assignments: VX10; VS880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted directly to AS 3M. Operated with VX 10, VS 880 coded "303". Ditched off HMCS Magnificent September 17, 1955.Known Squadron Assignments: VX10; VU32
Ex USN TBM-3E, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3M by October 1954. Coded "389". To Kindley Field, Bermuda with VX 10 for "Julie" active echo ranging equipment trials in October 1956. Later with VU 32. Force landed on beach near Chezzetcook Bombing Range on 25 September 1957, following an engine failure. Covered by raising tide, later recovered.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. With VS 881 crashed on beach at Chezzetcook NS in April 1955, due to engine failure, seen coded "334" at that time.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VT40; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. To AS 3 Mk 1. Operated by VS 880 coded "326". Flown by VT 40, VU 32. To reserve Air Group July 1958. To civil register CF-KCG Skyways & Conair "615". Current at Imperial War Museum, Duxford painted as 46214, flown by Lt G.H.W. bush during WWll.Known Squadron Assignments: VU32; VC920; VT40
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. To AS 3 Mk 1.. Operated by VU 32 coded "355". With VC 920 and VT 40.Known Squadron Assignments: VT40; VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Used by VT 40 & VC 920. To instructional airframe March 1958. To civil register CF-IMT Wheeler Airlines, crashed on ferry flight at Megantic QC June 21, 1960.Known Squadron Assignments: VT40; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Served with VT 40 & VC 920. Nosed over on landing on 19 July 1955, coded "367" at the time. Instructional airframe March 1958. To civil register CF IMU Skyways Air Services.Known Squadron Assignments: 826; 881; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Operated in overall gloss blue VG-ABP by 826 & 881. Converted to AS 3Mk 1 1952/1953, then stored. With VU 32 coded "360", crashed Shearwater NAS March 26, 1955.Known Squadron Assignments: 826/881; VS881; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Initially operated by 826 & 881 Squadron in overall USN dark blue scheme, carrying ICAO registration VG-ABD, marked on fuselage as "ABD", and "D" on top of vertical fin. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952. Operated by VS 881 coded "354".Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Stored at Fairey Aviation pending conversion, reduced to spares.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Stored at Fairey Aviation pending conversion, reduced to spares.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. To storage at Fairey Aviation. Reduce to spares January 1956.Known Squadron Assignments: VU32; VT40
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952. With VU 32 and VT 40 coded "353".Known Squadron Assignments: 1TAG; VS880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN service. Forced landing on Chester NS golf club March 19, 1953. Written off and reduced to spares.Known Squadron Assignments: VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Operated by VU 32 coded "376".Known Squadron Assignments: VC920; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Code "346". Operated by VC 920.. Converted AS 3 Mk 1/TT, used by VU 32 as target tug, with yellow and red stripes on wings. To civil register as N7032C, C-GFPS "3". Current as N145WB, with FEW TBMs LLC, Rio Grande NJ.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN service. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Operated with VS 880 & VC 920. Damaged on landing HMCS Magnificent Aug. 9, 1956. Written off.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted AS 3 Mk 1 1953/54. At Gander, Newfoundland in October 1957, coded "385". With VC 920 coded "909". To civil register N6582D.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. used by 826 & 881 Squadrons in overall gloss blue. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1951/52. Operated by VS 880 coded "333", also used by VU 32. Written off and reduced to spares.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. To storage, awaiting conversion. Reduced to spares.Known Squadron Assignments: VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number with RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952. With VU 32 coded "352". In-flight fire, aircraft abandoned. Crashed near Shearwater jetty, Dec. 13, 1954.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881; VS880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1953/54. With VS 881 & VS 880 coded "381". To civil register as C-FIMK "603' Forest Protection Ltd. As N704QZ with American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum, Midland TX. Registration cancelled Aug. 2013.Known Squadron Assignments: 826; 881
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN service. Used in overall gloss blue by 826 & 881 Squadrons coded VG-ABO and VG-ABK. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1951. To instructional airframe May 1952.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VU33
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted AS 3 Mk 1 1953/54. Operated by VS 880 coded "383". To VU 33 west coast detachment, converted to AS 3 Mk 1/TT. Surplus, sold to civil market as CF-KYA, unknown.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;880;VS880;VT40;VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Operated in overall glossy blue by 826 & 881 Squadrons coded VG-ABB. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1/Early 1951. With 880 Squadron coded VG-BD*F. Operated by VS 880, VT 40 coded "322". To VC 920. Instructional airframe March 1958. To civil register CF-IMV. Crashed in Blissville New Brunswick 9 June 1977.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VU33
Ex USN, retained USN serial number.- in RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Operated by VS 880 and VU 33. Burnt in crash crew training at RCNAS Shearwater.Known Squadron Assignments: VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number with RCN. Operated by 826 Squadron in overall blue. Converted AS 3 Mk 1 1952/53. With VU 32 coded "357". Crashed near Greenwood NS April 9, 1953.Known Squadron Assignments: 880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number with RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Operated by VS 880 coded "329". Collided with Avenger 86168 during night illumination exercise April 17, 1952. 3 fatal.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881; VT40
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN service. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952/53. Operated by VS 881 and VT 40 coded "356".Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. To storage. Reduced to spares Jan. 1956Known Squadron Assignments: 826; 881; VS880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. in RCN. Operated by 826 &881 Squadrons as VG-ABM. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1951/52. With VS 880 coded "340" on return from Bermuda dropped out of formation 75 miles south of Yarmouth NS May 6, 1954. 4 fatal.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881;VU32;VS880;VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN service. To AS 3 Mk 1 1952/53. Undercarriage collapsed at RCAF Station Downsview Oct. 15, 1957. Repaired. To civil register N6584D Simsbury Flying Service Inc. 1969 sold to Hicks & Lawrence as CF-XON. Crashed Juniper NB May 21, 1974Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VX10; VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952. Operated by VS 880, and VX 10 coded "364".. To VC 920. To civil register CF-IMO Forest Patrol Ltd. 1958. Crashed Boston Brook NB July 6, 1970.Known Squadron Assignments: FRU743; VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Part of first batch of Avengers purchased by RCN. To Fairey Aviation eastern plant in April 1951 for conversion to AS 3 Mk.1/Late in 1951. Delivered to 743 Fleet Requirements Unit at HMCS Shearwater in May 1952, coded "VG-TF*D", used for crew training. Still with this unit when it was redesignated VU 32 in late 1952.
Ditched in Bedford Basin on 6 August 1953, due to throttle linkage failure while practicing for an air show. Recovered by Fleet Diving Unit Atlantic in 1972. Restored by members of VT 406, CFB Shearwater. To CFB Shearwater in October 1975, as gate guardian. Deteriorated, moved indoors to 12 Wing hangar in 1999. To Shearwater Aviation Museum in March 2005. Restoration still underway summer of 2006, in public view. Restored and on display YAW by 2012.
Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VS881; VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1/ECM 1952/53. Operated by VS 880, VS 881 coded "372". To VC 920. To civil register CF-IMJ Skyway Air Service "602". Crashed 1958.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. First used in overall gloss blue finish by 826 & 881 Squadron coded "VG-ABC". Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952/53. With VS 880, coded "363". Crashed at Kenora ON Oct. 4, 1953, while escorting Sea Fury from Rivers MB to Shearwater. 3 fatal.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881; VS880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN service. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952/53. Operated by VS 881 & VS 880.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881; VX10
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1951/52. Tested at National Aeronautical Establishment Arnprior and Uplands. Operated by VS 881 & VX 10. Instructional airframe after March1958. To civil register CF-IMW Evergreen Air Services. Crashed near Chipman NB June 10, 1975.Known Squadron Assignments:
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN service. Stored. Reduced to spares.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;VS880;VU32;VC920;VT40
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Entered service in overall gloss blue with 826 & 881 squadron marked VG-ABG. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1951/52. Operated with VU 32 coded "345". Used by VC 920 and VT 40.Known Squadron Assignments: VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952/53. With VU 32, coded "358", crashed after take off Jan. 26 1954.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880; VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1953/54 code "374". Converted to AS 3M coded "310" with VS 880. Served with VC 920. Sold to civil register N4039A. Then CF-BEG C-FBEG. Current N28SF with Avenger Educators LLC, Wilmington DE.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881; VS880; VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952/53. Converted to ECM configuration by 1955, carried code number "371" in this configuration. Flown by VS 881 & VS 880. To VC 920 coded :907". Ditched in lake Erie south of Port Stanley ON Jan.23, 1957.Known Squadron Assignments: 826; 881; 1TAG
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN service. Operated by 826 & 881 Squadron. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1951/52. Operated by 1 Training Air Group coded 331. Crashed while with 881 Squadron, coded VG-ABL, June 13, 1952 near Chedabucto Head NS.Known Squadron Assignments: 1TAG;VU32;VU33
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1951, later to AS 3M. With 1 Training Air Group, VU 32 & VU 33 coded "327". To civil register N7157C. Bought by Goodman Air C-GFPL coded "22".Known Squadron Assignments: 826;FRU743;VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1951. Used by 826 Squadron at Winter Experimental Establishment, Edmonton, dates unknown. With Fleet Requirements Unit 743, coded "TF*Z". With VU 32 coded "325", used at Central Experimental Proving Establishment at Edmonton.Known Squadron Assignments: VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952/53. Served with VU 32 coded "359".Known Squadron Assignments: 1TAG;VU32;VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in Canadian service. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952/52. With 1 Training Air Group / Operational Flight Training School and VU 32 coded "370". To VC 920. Crashed June 26, 1956.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881;VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952/52. Served with VS 881, VU 32 coded "366". To instructional airframe March 6, 1958. Sold to civil register as CF-IMX, Evergreen Air Services. Crashed Sevagle NB June 7, 1974.Known Squadron Assignments: VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Coded "382". With VC 920 coded "908".Known Squadron Assignments: 1 TAG
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. With 1 Training Air Group. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1951/52. 1 TAG coded "334". Crashed at night while doing submarine searchlight illumination March 3/4, 1953. 3 fatal.Known Squadron Assignments: 826
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Used by 826 Squadron in overall blue coded VG-ABJ. Ditched on approach to HMCS Magnificent March 1, 1951.Known Squadron Assignments: 880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number with RCN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1951. Operated by VS 880 coded "321". Collided with Avenger 85711 during night illumination exercise April 17, 1962. 3 fatal.Known Squadron Assignments: 880;VS880;VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1952. Served with 880 Squadron, VS 880 and VU 32 coded "NAVY*351" on fuselage on 25 June 1952.Known Squadron Assignments: VX10;VU32
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to prototype AS 3 Mk. 2, with enlarged canopy, coded "421" while with VX 10 in this configuration. Converted to AS 3M2, served with VU 32. To civil register CF-JJB RichelAir, then N68684. Crashed Oct. 16, 1967.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;880;VS881;VS880;VC920
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1/Early. Served with 826 & 881 Squadron as VG-ABA. With 880 Squadron marked VG-BDG. Converted to AS 3M. With VS 881, VS 880 marked "NAVY*324" on fuselage, and "324" on tail. To VC 920. To civil register CF-MUD Skyway Air Services "612". Ditched Lac Nigault QC with Conair June 11, 1971. Salvaged, to Forest Protection Ltd. "12". Now displayed Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May NJ.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1. Hit HMCS Magnificent rescue cane while landing Sep. 26, 1956. Continued overboard.Known Squadron Assignments: VX10;VS880
Ex USN, retained USN serial number in RCN. Converted to As 3 Mk 1 1954. Operated by VX 10, no code number. Converted to AS 3M Feb 1957. With VS 880 coded "309".Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Converted immediately to AS3 Mk 1/Early. Operated with 826 & 881 Squadron as VG-AB*B. Later coded "302". To instructional airframe March 1958.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881;VS881
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Used by 826 & 881 Squadron in overall blue as VG-ABN. Converted to AS 3 Mk 1 1951/52. Coded "335" with 881 Squadron. Converted to AS 3M in 1954. With VS 881 coded "338". Ditched off Barbados March 21, 1956.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880;VS881
Ex USN, retained BuNo. Operated with VS 881 & VS 880 AEW Flight, coded "416". To Crown Assets Disposal Corporation March 19, 1959.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881;VX10
Ex USN, retained BuNo. Operated by VS 881 & VX 10, coded "411". To Crown Assets Disposal Corporation March 19, 1959.Known Squadron Assignments: 1 TAG
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Operated by 826 & 881 Squadron in overall gloss blue marked VG-ABO. Converted to AS 3 Mk 11951/52. With 1 Training Air Group coded "342". Fatal collision with Sea Fury WG566 during night exercise April 9, 1953.Known Squadron Assignments: VS880;VC920
Built as a TBM-3E, received in Canada on 19 August 1952. Converted to then standard RCN sub hunter configuration, designated Avenger AS 3M. Carried pennant number "303", indicating it was a three seat operational aircraft. With squadron VS 880 at Shearwater, NS from 1953 to 1956. To reserve unit VC 920 at Downsview, Ontario in 1956, pennant number changed to "908" (90 indicated unit, 8 was the 8th aircraft with this unit). Struck off and sold in July 1960. To Conair as a fire bomber or spray aircraft, registered CF-MUE. Later with Forest Protection as a sprayer. To US civil register as N40402, registered to American Airpower Heritage Flying Museum of Midland, Texas. Restored to USN war time markings, first flight after restoration in April 2014.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881;VS880
Ex USN, retained BuNo. Served with VS 881 & VS 880 AEW Flight, coded "413". To Crown Assets Disposal Corporation March 19, 1959.Known Squadron Assignments: 826;881
Ex USN, retained USN serial number. Operated by 826 & 881 Squadron. Damaged March 1951. To instructional airframe.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881;VS880
Ex USN, retained BuNo. Served with VS 881 & VS 880 AEW Flight coded "415". Force landed on frozen Lake de Said NS following engine failure on 31 January 1955. To Crown Assets Disposal Corporation March 19, 1959.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881;VS880
Ex USN, retained BuNo. Served with VS 881 & VS 880 AEW Flight coded "412". Struck off May 29, 1957; broken up for spares.Known Squadron Assignments: VS881;VS880
Ex USN, retained BuNo. Operated by VS 881 & VS 880 AEW Flight, coded "414". Broken up for spares.Known Squadron Assignments:
General Motors TBM-1C Avenger"¨25105 (JZ390)
Grumman G-40 built under license by Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors Corporation
flew into side of Wastwater Screes, England during night navigational exercise Jan 16, 1945. Crew killed.
last update: 2024-December-19736 Squadron Fleet Air Arm, Royal Navy Air Station Inskip (formerly HMS Nightjar). On the evening of 16 January 1945, Lieutenant Bernard John Kennedy (RCNVR) boarded a Grumman TBM-1C Avenger torpedo bomber JZ 390 at HMS Nightjar near Lancashire, along with his Navigator Midshipman Gordon Fell (RNVR) and Wireless Operator Leading Airman Phillip Mallorie (RN), for an ill-fated night navigational training flight. On that Friday evening, Kennedy and his flight crew charted a course between Preston and Blackpool. While flying south along the English west coast, the airplane evidently strayed inland and tragically flew into the rock face at Wastwater Screes, in the mountainous Great Gully region in Cumberland County. All three airman onboard were killed instantly. Lieutenant Kennedy was 23 years old.
Canada's Naval Aviators by John MacFarlane and Robbie Hughes, page 92
(navalreserveassociationofcanada)
Lieutenant Bernard John Kennedy O-38300 OTD - 16 January 1945 - Hamilton Naval Association Grumman Avenger JZ390 - aircrashsites.co.uk Avenger Mk II JZ390 Great Gully Wastwater - Peak District Air Acciden...