Canada's Forgotten Aircraft Carriers

A special thank you to the Shearwater Aviation Museum for allowing me access to their photo archives for this video.
Aircraft carriers serve in most major navies worldwide, and represent naval might and superiority. And although Canada doesn’t exactly have the largest military in the world, it’s often forgotten that Canada once operated aircraft carriers. In fact, the Royal Canadian Navy has operated three carriers throughout its history. This is the story of Canada’s Forgotten Carriers.
Historically's Forgotten History Series is a series to teach people lesser known and forgotten (yet very interesting) moments in history.
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Attributions:
Music (Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Music by Kevin MacLeod:
Industrial Cinematic
Constance
Invariance
Plans in Motion
I Can Feel it Coming
Intended Force
Song of the Volga Boatmen
Noble Race
Americana
Video Footage:
“U.S. Navy Three Carrier Formation in Western Pacific Ocean”
U.S. Navy, CC BY 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons
“USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Joins Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force During Keen Sword 21”
U.S. Navy, CC BY 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons
“HMCS Bonaventure (CVL 22) - Majestic Class Aircraft Carrier” by canmildoc
• HMCS Bonaventure (CVL ... under fair use
“HMCS Magnificent (CVL 21) - Majestic Class Light Aircraft Carrier” by canmildoc
• HMCS Magnificent (CVL ... under fair use
“Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck” by Dangerousbuzz934
• Avro Canada CF-100 Canuck Creative Commons Attribution License
Photos:
Shearwater Aviation Museum (with permission)
"Paper Texture" Image by bedneyimages on Freepik
Sound Effects:
“Scribbling writing on paper” by breyenkatz creativecommons.org/licenses/...
freesound.org/people/breyenka...

[@samsam3499]

Great video, I was an aircraft handler on the Bonnie during the Cuban crisis. We were in England when it occured and had to leave there a day early. Only one crew member missed the ship. When we were going to England we picked up the survivors from an aircraft crash and the bodies. We flew everybody to Ireland. Quite an experience for an 18 year old kid. Loved the ship, the navy and Halifax.

[@mikecimerian6913]

My uncle was officer on the Bonaventure. I got to visit her when I was a kid.

[@HeavyD6600]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@serial_designation_victoria]

Even if it’s a bit corny I would like to say thank you for your service

[@MelioraCogito]

My stepfather, A. Keeler, was an avionics systems tech for the Banshee's on the Bonnie (c. late '50s until she was retired)-he joined the RCN around 1949-50.

[@P-B-G_YT]

My father Leigh Getson (1942-1981) was serving on the HMCS Bonaventure in the early 60s, and was on her during its 1962 trip to Great Britain, the return to Halifax, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. I was in my mother's womb at the time, being born months later in mid February '63. I didn't learn anything about it until well after his death.

[@bennuredjedi]

What happened to the Canadian Defense Industry besides the Luke warm politicians that marginalized the Canadian Armed Forces. The people of Canada and the members of the CAF deserves better!

[@corybjarnason218]

The people of Canada are the problem. Anything military related doesn't get votes. Until then the government both liberal and conservative will always put military spending and procurement on the back burner.

[@bradjames6748]

It started with diefenbaker actually, after the embarrassment to America called the Arrow the first part of the Norad agreement with the U.S.was diefenbaker signing an agreement that Canada would never embark on any major defense programs without the approval of the American government which was the norad marriage in a nutshell

[@topphatt1312]

But why do we need an extensive armed forces when all we ever use them for anyways is peacekeeping and when we're neighbors with the most powerful nation on earth? Personally I'd rather have a small force of extremely well trained personnel than a big one that isn't as well trained because we just wouldn't have any use for that. Sorry if I come off as aggressive here but I'm actually genuinely confused as to why we need a bigger military.

[@redbaron9029]

​@@topphatt1312 To help amerikan cause of global destruction by becoming part of NATO😅

[@dicksonfranssen]

@@topphatt1312 It's not aggressive if it's the truth. We're a small country that doesn't pull our weight in NATO and can't possibly defend the north never mind our own coastlines. My niece's husband is a Leopard tank instructor and gets bent out of shape when I ask why we need main battle tanks and not Bradleys or Javelins. I think he's been watching too much Red Dawn. Wolverines!

[@tango6nf477]

The role of the RCN in the battle of the Atlantic should not be underestimated, they were very professional, highly motivated and responsible for the protection of many ships and sinking of many U Boats. “Ready, Aye, Ready”

[@jimdavison4077]

That was true, for a bunch of boys most of which never saw the ocean before they did pretty good. The first Canadian built corvettes were sent to the UK without it's main guns, in their place they had wooden posts to hopefully fool the Uboats. Along the way the green timber developed a noticeable bow and soon became the joke of many a sailor. Once they arrived everyone breathed a sigh of relief and the admiralty replaced the fire wood with actual guns.

[@jimdavison4077]

@@user-rv1ji3hp4u because few people know it was Canada that was responsible for all west bound convoys in the north Atlantic until they were handed off to the Royal Navy at the mid Atlantic point. The bulk of ships traveling to Europe from the Americas were under Canadian protection with the exception of those who could sail fast enough to travel alone or use the fast mid Atlantic convoy run which fell under US control. Those werr the very large ocean linners transformed to troop transpoorts and such who could maintain speeds high enough that the Uboats could not catch them. Well over 3/4 of shipping had to travel in the slow convoy which was under RCN control. For that reason Canada eventualy had the thrid largest navy in the world. We also had the fourth largest air force as well but that was another story for another day. But there is no reason to maintIn those numbers during peace time. Better to spend our money on Canadians.

[@jimdavison4077]

@@user-rv1ji3hp4u what a lot of people also underestimate is Canadian production and reverse lend lease. Canada produced ships for the US, aircraft, trucks, tanks, rolling stock for rail roads and an abundance of ammunition of every size and type. When the war was over the US ended up owing Canada a neat and tidy sum, not near as much as the British but still substancial. We produced almost half a million military trucks built on the same design as the dodge 4x4 military truck which was mass produced. The USSR recieved hundreds of thousands of these trucks and Stalin himself said they were the most useful thing they recieved from the west. When you factor in Canada was just 10% of the population of the US it out produced it in troops and munitions during WW2 per person. By the late 50s though that mentality was gone and the seeds of destruction were being sowed.

[@squamishfish]

What people don’t know is Canada had the Third largest Navy in wW2 , main duty was convoy escorts

[@mugsnvicki]

My uncle served on the HMCS Bonaventure as a CPO and I had the honour of going aboard the Bonnie in 1963 as a teenager during a family visit to Dartmouth. RIP Uncle Casey!

[@roberts1922]

My Dad was onboard the Bonnie at the same time and I too as a teen had the pleasure of attending BBQ onboard… 🇨🇦

[@RPMZ11]

@@roberts1922 Make that three.....a great thrill for any kid.

[@terryjeisman7550]

HMCS Bonaventure was the same class as HMA Ships Melbourne and Sydney. Sydney was converted to a troop ship in the early 1960's and was primarily used to ferry troops to Vietnam. The Melbourne remianed in service until mid 1982.

[@domenicodattilio7750]

My uncle also served on the Bonaventure

[@rayogrady4349]

I also had the opportunity to board the bonnie as well. She was jettied at shearwater. Dad was in the utility squadron. She was preparing for deployment.

[@CanadianSmoke]

My father was a pilot with the RAF/RCAF, 1940-1945... so, the only Canadian aircraft carrier I ever knew of was the HMSC Bonaventure. What a rich history we have, thank you for a most informative video.

[@Historically]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimdavison4077]

There is a lot of history you would be impressed by, hole this wet your apatite.

[@jayleon-vx5xj]

i hope we will reacquire this capability in the near future@@jimdavison4077

[@gp_fan]

@@Historically Your video was crap and incredibly ill-informed. Start with all of this "England" crap. The nation is called "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland". OR! Just: "The United Kingdom". Especially since Scapa Flow is in the north of Scotland, you lD 10 T, and it is "Londonderry" in Northern Ireland. I guess you shall tell us all about the country of Holland, or New York. You M0 - ron, you.

[@thomasroulston8972]

As a Canadian who never knew about this. I’m proud.

[@josephvisnovsky1462]

We had 3 carriers, and we crashed one into a rock. The most Canadian thing I have seen in a while.

[@thomasroulston8972]

@@josephvisnovsky1462 yup 👍

[@ignorthepain]

No surprise. Ignorence is always holding canada back

[@josephvisnovsky1462]

@@ignorthepain "ignorence" only holds back those who cannot spell it.

[@lavernekeller2283]

@@josephvisnovsky1462 actually if it weren't for the trudeau liberals under the first TurdDoh we'd still have a decent navy and airforce but they chose to focus on their own priorities like enriching Pierre TurdDoh's bank accounts and giving QueerBek more control over Canada.

[@crush42mash6]

With the largest coastline in the world, we definitely need more ships, Canadian made in Canadian hands and Canadian jobs. We can do this.

[@atomant451]

No we can't, our youth are apathetic about serving in the Military, we have a recruitment problem trying to man the ships we have, let alone trying to man an Aircraft carrier.

[@terabyte1906]

Its funny as a large portion of both recruitment, and retention issues are due to low budget. hell we could make war ships if procurement wasn't so slow and we were willing to spend money lol

[@GamerGod-fp1tj]

@@atomant451 as a youth, im not apathetic. Im fucking terrified of canada's future if we rely too heavily on 'murica. Thank god the government atleast has sense to increase the defense budget, albeit slowly. As for thinking the whole generation is spoiled, i think your a bit too much on the internet. There are plenty of us that think with our brains, and not emotion. And many of us who have a high sense of national pride.

[@mikecimerian6913]

Politics and procurement are bad partners. I remember the Augusta scandal under Mulroney when it was time to replace our Sea Kings. We may as well get them built in Korea, we will get them on time and within costs.

[@ScreamingSturmovik]

@@atomant451 youth isn't apathetic, the government hasn't treated vets well since the end of WW2 and unlike a lot of Americans we have options that keep us out of the military, respect the people, arm the people, and feed the people and they will fight as long as it's a just cause but not just 'cause

[@romandacil3984]

Nice video about Canada's Aircraft Carriers. Budget cuts doomed the Carriers and have all but wiped out the Royal Canadian Navy.

[@dicksonfranssen]

Budget cuts? My parents were WWII refugees so I honestly have zero problems with Syrian and Afghan refugees but having them stay in Toronto hotels is the ultimate in stupidity. I'm pretty sure most of them would rather be working on a farm in Saskatchewan than being bored to death in a hotel room. Why are we buying F35's and used submarines when coastal defense, icebreakers and anti-terror should be our focus. We sold LAV6's to Saudi Arabia as long as they "promised" not to use them against their own people. Meanwhile Ukraine gets some old howitzers, used Gustaf anti-tank weapons and pillows and blankets. More Roméo Dallaire, less stupidity please.

[@framergod69]

@@dicksonfranssen you forgot the leopard 2 that we sent we could have sent them all the leopard 1s.

[@dicksonfranssen]

@@framergod69 In 5 years we'll need them as paper weights. Just so disappointing. Maybe we have some old Lee Enfield rifles we could put scopes on and send that.

[@BlackEpyon]

It's all Diefenbaker's fault.

[@purple_wave_purple_wave2986]

I had no idea Canada had aircraft carriers. Great documentary on Canada's navy during that time period.

[@Historically]

Thank you!

[@BradFalck-mn3pc]

Yes and in true Canadian fashion they spent millions in 1970 refurbishing the Bonnie only to scrap it 2 years later.....😢

[@scottbuckley6578]

​​@BradFalck-mn3pc hope our few subs don't get that treatment

[@dicksonfranssen]

@@scottbuckley6578 The used subs the Navy begged the government NOT to buy? The British must be laughing all the way to the bank. "For sale, slightly used 1970 MG. The top leaks, lots of rust, burns oil if the engine even starts, needs a new interior." One almost sank off the Irish coast and killed a sailor.

[@TrickiVicBB71]

​@BradFalck-mn3pc I hear from old vets she was a rust bucket on the inside despite the refit. Just better to send her to scrappers

[@stulynn2005]

Actually the Magnificent carried TBM-3E's. One of which I still work with and fly in every chance I get. It also flew lead at Queen Elizabeth's coronation ceremony in Spithead NL53503

[@Historically]

Woah! Thanks for the correction, and that’s very cool!

[@gordthompson6389]

In the summer of 1964, I was a UNTD Cadet at HMCS Cornwallis in Digby, NS. On a weekend leave myself and another cadet went to Halifax and visited HMCS Dockyard. At the time the Bonaventure was in Halifax having returned from a mission in the Mediterranean. We were given permission to board the Bonnie and toured the flight deck of the ship. It had encountered a major storm on the mission and had lost a tracker overboard. The rough waves of a storm it sailed through had completely upheaved the deck and it was unable to allow any planes to land on the ship. While it was a disappointment to see her in such poor condition, it was obvious that the ship had a proud life of service in the RCN and my visit to her deck was a highlight of my summer of '64 along with our tour aboard the HMCS Fort Erie as we sailed to the Azores, the UK, Wales and Ireland during the remainder of the summer. Although the decommissioning of the Bonaventure was not unexpected, it was a sad time for those who sailed and served on her proudly while she was in service.

[@lelandranger749]

Thank you for your service!

[@Change-rw6ut]

The Dutch Navy also operated a Colossus class air craft carrier, the ex HMS Venerable, as the HNLMS Karel Doorman as from 1948 till 1969 when it was sold to Argentina (where it even was operated in the Falklands war).

[@Skihist2]

It is so embarrassing what happened to not only the Navy but all the armed forces…

[@clearcreek69]

I know we have 4 submarines & one works

[@brucemaguire3238]

Because politicians are experts at making stupid decisions. Aka Avro Arrow

[@clearcreek69]

@@brucemaguire3238 Yes

[@weirderdolphin9902]

Isn’t it…

[@donte10111]

​@@user-rv1ji3hp4ubringing your hurt feelings over an objective truth is sad for someone trying to defend the armed forces. You don't sound like you've done anything with the armed forces with a take like that, if you have, again sad

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

Grandpa's basement was covered in pictures of all the Canadian ships with their dazzle camo, it was glorious, there were big photos under glass from the Canadian Forces print shops too, grandpa was the coxswain of a few ships in the 50's and 60's, I suspect he saw most of the Dazzle Camo removed in person lol.

[@jonathonalsop2120]

I was just reading the wiki articles on these carriers, which led to reading about another Majestic class carrier, the HMAS Melbourne. When the Bonaventure was decommissioned its catapult was sold to Australia for parts to go into the Melbourne. Bizarrely during its life the Melbourne cut two destroyers in half, in two separate mishaps killing nearly two hundred. When it was sold for scrap in 1985 the catapult was one of the few things left in place, and upon arrival in China it was studied for Chinas own secret carrier program, which just this past year produced the first Chinese developed carrier.

[@connorjackson5906]

So the Chinese copyed canadian aircraft carrier catapults? COPY CATS

[@toddtomaszewski4626]

WOW. Sometimes, espionage can take a very quiet backseat. The Chinese are extremely cunning in their endeavors. I remember when they were caught stealing our nuclear secrets from Los Alamos during the Reagan Administration. Damnit he was pissed off.

[@matthewsecord7641]

We should have 3 modern carriers, with backups. Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic. Yes, Arctic which is much more important now than many realize. We have to have our own teeth, and a LOT of that is to stop relying on the USA to protect us. Granted, and appreciated the support from the USA, BUT if we can't protect our northern peoples and lands, first of all why bother? I l'm from Halifax, and you maybe hearing it here first....if we don't as a nation, stand up for ALL Canadians regardless of how remote, how culturally different...then we have absolutely nothing to be proud of. We have lost our way by spending money in appeasment. See what happens when we neglect our military for 60 years. Nothing at ALL against our people that serve. They need no less than double or triple the funds to do their jobs properly.

[@martkbanjoboy8853]

People from Toranto give not a damn about what CFB Halifax looks like, or whether the Navy or CF has boats made of newspaper. They see it as a far away municipal Halifax problem. It is enough to make you physically ill how vapid and brainwashed they are with their damn ugly isolationist views.

[@GamerGod-fp1tj]

hey dont be pessimistic, its mainly budget problems. we procure some of the most skilled soldiers, and it still holds true to this day. For a country our size though, we need to up that spending. Airforce should atleast have numbers rivaling russia. We should have plenty of anti-ship missiles and anti-submarine warfare capabilities for the inevitable clash over the arctic. And we should atleast have the capability to contribute a bit more power with our allies

[@martkbanjoboy8853]

@@GamerGod-fp1tj there would be nothing left of our guys very quickly if Canada had to commit all our combat units to physically defend Canada in a high intensity war. All this talk of having Americans manning the trenches - pure⁴ fantasy. Axworthy plagarized most of his ideas about 'soft power.' Axworthy thinks you can play the soft power game and not require the means to back it up. He is smoking crack. This is the characteristic way Canadian academic - elitist politicians think in terms of defence.

[@426shelby426]

What is a carrier going to do against missile targeting population centers? Carriers are not a defensive unit they are for offence. What we need is air defense

[@GamerGod-fp1tj]

@@426shelby426 in a war for the arctic , an aircraft carrier will be more useful than an air defense system 2000 kilometres away from the combat

[@djgrom9542]

My uncle served on the HMCS Bonaventure. He spoke all the time about spotting that Russian submarine. He would have been thrilled to see this footage :)

[@loftsatsympaticodotc]

Wow, I recall as a child, my dad taking me down to the shipyards in St. John, N.B, and explaining to me what this "huge ship" was all about. It was the "Magnificent" in drydock, sometime in the early 1950s. Closed in 2003, the St. John Drydock was intended to be, in 1918. the "largest in the world" " The new dock will be 1,150 feet and its width at the bottom 125 feet."

[@smeefamily54]

I sailed on the Bonny at that time for the refit. My dad was the electrical Officer and he was allowed to bring two children on board for the two day trip. We stayed at Crystal Beach for a month before going home to Nova Scotia. Totally enjoyed the voyage.

[@OntarioBearHunter]

3rd largest navy..and now can barely scrape together enough small ships to patrol our coasts if we wanted.

[@Stay_at_home_Astronaut81]

The Bonaventure was the best looking of the refitted Colossus/Majestic class carriers.

[@Davidcfillion]

Great video, thank you for putting it together

[@Historically]

Thank you David!

[@poko247]

WoW a couple of the Shearwater pictures were fantastic! Great Video! Well Done! Cheers! poko

[@Historically]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@daninanity6651]

Magnificent info and photos. Thanks for compiling this. I hope to someday visit the Shearwater Aviation Museum.

[@Historically]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheOceanChannel2]

Finely someone covered this! amazing work

[@Historically]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheOceanChannel2]

@@user-rv1ji3hp4u I was going to but I forgot 😅 I’m working on other things.

[@mattblom3990]

Thanks for this! I'm a Canadian naval history fan and have part of a bookshelf as a mini shrine to Bonaventure. Framed picture, statistical writeup, and a Bonaventure keychain displayed in front.

[@atomkiemele8930]

My father served on the Bonny in the 60's. Such a shame what we did to her once she was paid off.

[@rayogrady4349]

Shameful fate for such a great ship.

[@rnavstar]

My Grand father was on it too.

[@craiggardner5347]

Thanks for the memories. I was aboard the Bonny for a personal tour with an officer at Naden in Esquimalt around 1958. We lived looking at Naden, Fisgard light and Fort Rodd. I miss the activity.

[@brustar5152]

Served my RCN ERA apprenticeship there in '62' onward. Many fine memories of Nelles Block, Equimalt and Victoria

[@paulphilipempey1]

Very interesting and informative documentary, so thank you for the upload. My father, Roy Fairfield Empey, served on HMCS Bonaventure, and was present at Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast for its refurbishment from HMS Powerful.

[@Historically]

Very cool! Glad you enjoyed it, that’s quite the connection!

[@FidoHouse]

Thank you for this history...really glad to have watched and learned.

[@Historically]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@isaal-magyari9203]

great video ,well researched and presented

[@davemackenzie2872]

My Dad served on the HMS Nabob in the war. He was was on shore leave when it was struck by a Torpedo. Thank God he was on leave as the Torpedo hit where bunk was. Great video. Cheers

[@Francisco1.9.8.8.]

Greetings from Uruguay! Very good mini documentary. Great photos and footage, especially those of the storm! It's good to see this kind of less covered stories. Thanks for sharing.

[@Historically]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@daver7465]

Great video! My grandfather served on the Bonnie so this was really interesting for me. I'll second your suggestion to visit the Shearwater Aviation Museum, it's really fantastic!

[@avrolcaster]

Awesome video! My grandfather served on the Bonaventure. Loved hearing his stories from it. Cool to see an outsider talk about it too! I miss hearing him talk about it so this was awesome!

[@Historically]

Glad you liked it!

[@charliemoore6561]

well done very enjoyable to watch instead of doing homework, you just earned yourself a subscriber

[@Historically]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Viking88Power]

Some great rare photos

[@alexcarroll3565]

Great job on this video!

[@Historically]

Thanks!

[@loqutisborg5416]

I'm a 65 year old Canadian. I DID NOT KNOW Canada had an aircraft carrier.

[@drfye]

We had 3 after ww2 until about the 70's

[@martkbanjoboy8853]

That's kinda sad as Canadians know more about US politicians they can't vote for first and foremost.

[@doogleticker5183]

HMS Nabob, HMS Puncher, HMCS Warrior, HMCS Magnificent, and HMCS Bonaventure...now, the RCN has a third-world navy. But its great history is definitely worth remembering...I feel sorry for presently serving Canadian sailors...but the decline started under PM Diefenbaker and all politicians ever since have continued to demilitarize the military. 😢

[@user-zx7dp3qp6u]

The RCN was never anything but a 2nd world navy and it's a shadow of that now. There Army is a entirely different animal and have always been able to punch way above their numbers and apparent abilities.

[@doogleticker5183]

@@user-zx7dp3qp6u - That is a stunning display of ignorance. "The RCN ended the war with the third-largest naval fleet in the world, and an operational reach extending into the Atlantic, Pacific, Caribbean, and Mediterranean. The List of Royal Canadian Navy ships of the Second World War lists over 1,140 surface warships, submarines, and auxiliary vessels in service during the war." The RCN punched above Canada's weight in all areas, including the RCN that bore the load of 35% of convoy traffic to England and was involved in 75% of the convoys to Murmansk beginning in 1943. They were there at the very beginning with few ships in 1939, from the beginning of the Battle of the Atlantic until its end with German capitulation in 1945 (the longest campaign during WWII) at which time the RCN had become the third largest Navy on Earth. This force played a decisive part in defeating the German submarines (U-boats) from deep in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Arctic Circle and the Mediterranean Sea. They fought against the Japanese in the Pacific and took part in other kinds of military operations in the waters off Europe, like patrolling and mine sweeping in the English Channel and supporting Allied landings in Normandy, Sicily, mainland Italy, and southern France. The total population of Canada was 11 million and 1.1 million, or 10 percent of the total population donned a uniform at some point in the war. Roughly 750,000 served in the Canadian Army, 250,000 in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and 100,000 in the Royal Canadian Navy. The RCN specialized in ASW operations but also had cruisers serving in the British Pacific Fleet and escort (as in convoys) carriers in the Atlantic. This is not anything but a first world war effort. If we use your calculus, nothing but the USA had a first-world Navy at the end of WWII. Consequently, it can be deduced that you are an uneducated idiot with a twisted view of historical facts. Bro' you done f*cked up.

[@Richard-od7yd]

The ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY doesn't need the Aircraft carrier as it was . Today a more versatile platform is more advantageous . The RCN does just fine as a Patrol and Anti Submarine service . The Russians are deathly afraid of Canadas capabilities in the Stormy Northern Sea , I know , I've worked with them before and those boys and girls are seriously deadly .

[@luckyguy600]

well, we sure can't afford anything military these days under Liberal leadership. Besides, we gave our all to the Ukraine including food rations and scrap metal in the form of armour. In reality/ we can never defend this country of ours. Too big. ( maybe we will sell some of it off ?) or be taken over. I seldom even mention that I served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the 'destruction years' 68-72. I just got out and made my way into airline service till retirement. Total waste of good productive years.

[@Richard-od7yd]

@@luckyguy600 MCGAE Make Canada Great Again Eh ?

[@johnandrews3568]

Great Doc! I worked with a guy who served on the Bonnie. He had some crazy stories.

[@Historically]

Glad you enjoyed it! And that’s super neat, I’m sure he had a lot of cool stories from his service

[@harveywaitchison2062]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, thanks.

[@Historically]

Glad you liked it!

[@f1matt]

Thank you for this excellent video.

[@Historically]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@slyderace]

Interesting video! I never knew we had carriers. I served in the Army Reserves on the East Coast in the early 2000s and worked security at the port of Halifax for 6 months. Fell in love with the city after that and ended up moving there for a few years. I have visited the naval museum a few times but never saw any photos of the carriers.

[@liviosa69]

Me too❤🇨🇦

[@mikeyo4406]

I had no idea!!! Thanks for the video

[@treebush]

Awesome video always wanted to learn more about the canadian carriers but info, videos and photos were so hard to find really sad how the caf turn into with the constant budget cut and what the the canadian military used to be liked

[@robertsansone1680]

Very interesting. Thank You

[@glenhallick3953]

The loss of Banshee jet fighters was to have been partially compensated with the Tribal air defence destroyers, armed with the area-defence Tartar surface-to-air missile. However this project was changed, and the Tribals were redesigned into anti-submarine destroyers, carrying two Sea Kings, Air defence went to the Sparrow point defence missile. Not until the late 1980's/early 1990's did the Tribals become air defence watships, with the vertical launch Standard SAMS. At the time in the early 1960's there were few options to replace the Banshee. One was the A-4 Skyhawk, an attack aircraft employed for air defence, as the Royal Australian Navy eventually did. Aircraft such as the Harrier were very much in their infancy and at least 15 years from service in the Royal Navy.

[@orthicon9]

I lived near Halifax, and we could always tell when a Tracker flew over because of how they interfered with the TV reception. It seemed to be the only aircraft that did that.

[@thebosun181]

Very enjoyable!

[@Historically]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cweedcoins1640]

great video loved it

[@Historically]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Knuck_Knucks]

I like the effects, animation and editing you employed. Thanks. 🐿

[@Historically]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@statelyelms]

Never knew this.. great video

[@mapleleaf4ever]

I've actually done some sheet metal work on the Avenger at the Shearwater Museum. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the Halifax area!

[@davidhunt8298]

Wow! That was a great video. My dad was in the Air Force and stationed in Shearwater at the time of the anniversary celebration. He took me for a tour of the Bonnie as I was five or six at the time. It is funny but I remember Bonnie parked under the bridge in the harbor and one of the American carriers coming in for a visit and anchoring in the outer harbor because she would not fit under the bridge.

[@Historically]

Thanks for the kind words, and those are some awesome experiences, sounds like you have some good memories with the Bonnie

[@RLJSlick]

Very well done!

[@Historically]

Thank you!

[@ryanyoung8245]

My grandad served on the Nabob, this video is great, thank you for doing this. It includes a great profile shot of the starboard camouflage, any idea what colours? I'm building a 1/700 scale model and clear pictures are hard to find and description of the colours used. I have a book on the nabob but pictures aren't the best.

[@CJetsPlanespotting]

Extremely common Historically banger

[@markchapman2585]

Great video

[@Historically]

Thanks!

[@BCsJonathanTM]

Duuuude! Well done!

[@Historically]

Thank you! Appreciate it!

[@Henrybailliebrown]

Very well done! :)

[@Historically]

Thank you!

[@dweller6065]

Thanks for the upload. Remarkable how far and wide the Majestic class carriers served. The Brtis operated 6; Aussies operated 2 - the Melbourne and Sydney - the Indians operated the Vikrant - the Canadians operated the Bonny. Canada's naval defence assessment has historically recognized threats in the Atlantic from the Germans and later the Soviets. I wonder if this risk assessment has changed in recent years, given heightened tensions in the Pacific? Any rumblings within Canada to adopt a helicopter/VTOL carrier in coming years?

[@Historically]

Glad you enjoyed it! To answer your last question, Canada had attempted to purchase French Mistral-class heli carriers in 2015 (as mentioned in the video) but it fell through due to cost.

[@rcikybobby123]

very well done thanks

[@Historically]

Thank you!

[@wolfecanada6726]

An uncle flew Sea Kings off Bonaventure in the late 60s. Great documentary.

[@Historically]

Very cool! And thank you!

[@ph11p3540]

A special arctic operations amphibious warfare ship would be nice to have in enforcing Canadas arctic soverenty as well as being a large scale disaster response vessel. As the arctic warms up and more international ships use the Northwest Passage such a ship could come in handy during a disaster.

[@RJM1011]

The same as what Spain and Australia use would be good for Canada to buy and use these days. Thank you for the video it was GOOD to learn from.

[@josiahsawatzky557]

It's been said but I'll say it anyways. Thanks for the great and informative video. My grandfather served on the HMS Puncher during WWII.

[@andrewnash6121]

Thanks!

[@grahamkearnon6682]

Shocking to think I as a Brit sailor went to war on that Hms Hermes in the early eighties, now 40 years later & now Canadian I shake my head at being just turned 18 going through that experience that did scar me for life.

[@user-qy2qu8tk3z]

If youre interested the old cfb summerside, now slemon park, has a tracker, voodoo, argus, and buffalo on display on the main road into the base.

[@ingerlander]

A Canadian carrier with no heaters! Surely, somewhere along the process did not just one person put his hand up and say "wait a minute".

[@brustar5152]

Not at all surprising when one remembers it was only secondarily provided to Canada. Yu must also do some reading about the Flower class Corvettes of which the RCN escorted all those convoys into the N. Atlantic and beyond during WWII. They were not a "dry" ship. Those guys got soaked while on watch, stayed soaked while off watch in cold messes and went back on watch still soaked for endless days of the same at sea.

[@Squawk737yt]

My father-in-law flew Trackers off the Bonnie! I think he's one of the last left...great stories.

[@dananthony304]

H.M.C.S. Huron.. the destroyer class my father, Richard L. Anthony served on in the fifties... Been waitong quite awhile to see this in a video, was almost sure I may never. Thank you for this footage. Unfortunately, I lost the crew cap I had inherrited upon his death.

[@brentsandy95]

Great Documenrary

[@ralphrutherford2583]

Well done

[@Historically]

Thank you!

[@Mayor_Mike]

The CAF and budget cuts. Name a more iconic duo.

[@pittsky]

My grandfather, Fred Pitt, served on the HMS Nabob when it was torpedoed. He survived and I have the helmet he wore on the Nabob in my man cave. He was a diver.

[@Historically]

That’s pretty cool!

[@tinbasher7543]

My grandfather was on it as well, William Carson Leahy

[@1joshjosh1]

Good video

[@Historically]

Thanks!

[@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623]

The biggest enemy of any armed service is usually the other branches, because they all compete over limited funds. The Royal Navy lost its fleet carriers thanks the machinations of the RAF.

[@onlyincanadaapity1883]

My father served on it. I remember running on it as a child.

[@martinroncetti4134]

As did my father.

[@nickfoster9350]

My grandpa served on Canada's last aircraft carrier: HMCS Bonaventure. He was Chief Petty Officer, and a member of the RCN for thirty five years. Canada has a proud military heritage, and by the end of WW2, Canada actually had the third largest navy in the world.

[@grahamh8631]

Yes Great Video. I never know about that.

[@henrycarlson7514]

Interesting , Thank You . I had No idea that Canada had Aircraft Carriers

[@HadrianDan]

Nabob, Bogue, Hermes, Colossus, Warrior, Majestic along with Navy Symbol. Great video! Can comment if forgot to list a name on there or more.

[@captainyossarian388]

5:03 Wow. It's amazing that they got her back to port.

[@StoryboardMindset]

They even managed to launch a couple aircraft from the listing deck to help keep the UBoat at bay.

[@SteffanoDucati]

My Uncle was 2nd in Command on the Bonaventeur ... went aboard with him many times

[@P-B-G_YT]

My father (1942-1981) was serving on the HMCS Bonaventure in the early 60s, and was on her during its 1962 trip to Great Britain, the return to Halifax, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. I was in my mother's womb at the time, being born months later in the late winter.

[@seanwebb605]

You're father likely isn't your biological father. Do you have the mailman's eyes?

[@P-B-G_YT]

@@seanwebb605 You're implying my mother was a whore. You're despicable. Go away.

[@thomasdiamond9458]

I was on the Bonney in 1969, I was in Sea Cadets and spent 3 days on her, my father was on the Bonney when they brought her over from Ireland. These days with the vast numbers and types of anti ship missiles and drones I think the days of the big ships are numbered, as is the Tank and AFVs, warfare is changing fast very fast.

[@luckyguy600]

Drones are the new 'bad boy' on the street. Tanks are done for. Good thing too. ( we do not have many) and we gave away 4 to the Ukraine.

[@user-iy8yj6rp1c]

My father served throughout the Second World War starting in 1941 with the Canadian Navy, finishing out on the HMCS Warrior in 1946. He lied about his age and entered as a 17 year old. He served on mine sweepers and frigates and saw lots of action.

[@GSteel-rh9iu]

11:00 HMS Powerful -> HMCS Bonaventure (Majestic-class)

[@mebeasensei]

HMAS Melbourne was also a Majestic Class, but they built an angled flight deck on her, along with a steam catapult. They then bought A4 Skyhawk jets which were pocket sized, but very capable sub-sonic planes. Along with Grumman Trackers and Wessex helicopters they kept the Melbourne in service until 1982. I don't see why Canada wouldn't have done the same with the Maggie.

[@1982mikedn]

Great video! Just a small comment, ”The” isn’t needed before the name of Canadian/UK/Aussie/Commonwealth warships, due to the ships prefix at the time, Her Majesty’s (Canadian) Ship.

[@Historically]

Thanks for the correction!

[@qbi4614]

His ???

[@1982mikedn]

@@qbi4614 At the time Bonaventure was in service the prefix would have been “Her”.

[@mikepower7072]

Im going to keep my eyes open if you cover the mic Mac since my father served on that ship.

[@mrdan2898]

Interesting. As a Canadian I did not know this.

[@jimmaughan1898]

A buddy of mine served on the Bonaventure. He was chucked out the navy for smuggling weed aboard when in San Diego. O' the '60's

[@bonjourtoi3894]

À l'époque où nous avions une vraie armée.

[@kevin-yv1ig]

Navy.

[@ThePenguins4life]

I think they should have named the HMCS bonavanture to bonneadventure (good adventure in french )or something like that

[@Historically]

It was named after Bonaventure Island in Quebec

[@andypearson2243]

My dad was on both the magnificent, Bonaventure commissioning both served on Maggie in the Suez canal crisis, I also have pictures of him on the Bonaventure in 58

[@dicksonfranssen]

Get those photos scanned and backed up on at least two remote hard drives in TIF or RAW format, they're irreplaceable. I have my grandma's old photo albums with photos of my long dead uncle in uniform and my brother in law's dad standing next to a 12 inch turret somewhere off the coast of Japan.

[@patrick1564]

From that Turbo train high speed rail to the Avro Aero I strongly have always just figured it’s the wrong ppl in charge, boring untalented hacks. Kind of like the high command

[@dsnitris2007]

My uncle was on the HMCS Puncher.

[@garryr]

Thanks. Learned more about the Bonaventure that I ever did from my father who served on her. He was also on the Nookta and the Haida.