Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 24:34-25:37

Why HMCS Bonaventure had no wartime record

The late launch and change from HMS Powerful to the Canadian carrier HMCS Bonaventure.

Aircraft CarriersHMCS BonaventureMajestic Class Aircraft CarriersRoyal Canadian NavyShip NamingWorld War II
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Question

Did HMCS Bonaventure have a Second World War service record?

Short answer

No; she was launched as the Majestic-class HMS Powerful in February 1945 and was renamed by Canada later.

Notes

The Majestic-class hull later known as HMCS Bonaventure was launched only in February 1945, too late to establish a wartime service record. She was originally being built for Britain as HMS Powerful. Canada subsequently acquired and renamed the ship after Bonaventure Island. The chronology distinguishes a carrier begun during the war from the postwar Canadian naval-aviation career associated with her better-known name.