The Early Cold War
Naval Aviation

Between 1946 and 1970, Canada's navy operated three aircraft carriers to help fulfil its anti-submarine mission and to help protect ships against enemy aircraft. These carriers required specialized equipment, procedures, and training for their crews.

HMCS Magnificent

HMCS Magnificent seen here with Fairey Firefly aircraft on its flight deck (left), was Canada's second post-war aircraft carrier.

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) acquired Magnificent in 1948 to replace HMCS Warrior. Drawing on experience with Warrior, Magnificent was modified for cold weather operations and also incorporated improved crew facilities. Serving in the RCN until 1956, Magnificent operated with other Canadian ships, as well as alongside elements of Britain's Royal Navy, the United States Navy, and other navies from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), particularly in Atlantic, Caribbean, and European waters.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19750148-097