IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

HISTORY

The North American Harvard Mk. II, designated AJ538, was a military training aircraft used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II. The aircraft was taken on strength by No. 1 Training Command on 14 July 1941 and assigned to No. 31 Service Flying Training School (SFTS) located at Kingston, Ontario.

SERVICE HISTORY

During its service, AJ538 was involved in several incidents:

• 20 August 1941: The aircraft experienced a Category C crash at Kingston Aerodrome at 15:15. This type of crash typically involved significant damage to the aircraft but was not severe enough to classify as a Total Loss.
• 17 May 1942: AJ538 was involved in another Category C crash at Kingston Aerodrome at 17:10. The aircraft was repaired and returned to service after both incidents.

FINAL DISPOSITION

In early 1944, AJ538 went missing and is believed to have been lost in Lake Ontario. Despite search efforts, the wreckage was never located. The aircraft was officially handed over to No. 6 Repair Depot on 9 May 1944 for write-off procedures, after the search was Abandoned. The final administrative action was taken on 21 July 1944, when AJ538 was struck off the RCAF’s inventory.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreckage of AJ538 remains undiscovered in Lake Ontario, and the exact location is unknown. Given the circumstances of its disappearance, the aircraft likely lies at a significant depth, which could make future recovery efforts challenging. The potential remains of the aircraft would be of interest to both aviation historians and underwater archaeologists, offering a unique glimpse into World War II-era military aviation.

RESOURCES & LINKS

1. Royal Canadian Air Force Historical Section: RCAF Historical Records
2. Aviation Safety Network: Aviation Safety Network
3. Canadian Aviation Museum: Canadian Aviation Museum
4. Lake Ontario Shipwreck and Aircraft Research: Lake Ontario Shipwrecks

KEYWORDS

• AJ538, North American Harvard Mk. II, RCAF, Lake Ontario, Kingston Aerodrome, WWII Training Aircraft, Aircraft Loss, Unlocated Wreckage.

ANALYSIS The loss of AJ538 is a poignant reminder of the risks associated with military training during World War II. The aircraft served diligently at No. 31 SFTS in Kingston, Ontario, but its unexplained disappearance in early 1944 adds to the mysteries of wartime aviation. The wreckage, if located, would provide valuable historical insights into the aircraft’s final moments and the training operations conducted by the RCAF during the war. The ongoing mystery surrounding its location continues to intrigue both historians and divers alike.