Identification & Site Information:

• Aircraft: Avro Anson Mk. I

• Tail Number: 652A

• Manufacturer: Avro (UK)

• RAF Serial Number: AW478 (Ex-RAF)

• Taken on Strength: 13 August 1941, de Havilland of Canada, Toronto

• Final Mission: 8 January 1942

• Final Disposition: Written off on 1 May 1942

Aircraft Type Description:

The Avro Anson Mk. I was a twin-engine aircraft widely used for training during World War II, particularly in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). Known for its versatility, it was equipped to train navigators, radio operators, and other aircrew. Despite its modest speed and unarmed configuration, the Anson was a reliable and integral part of Commonwealth wartime aviation training programs.

History:

Service Record:

• Originally part of the Royal Air Force (RAF) as serial number AW478, the Anson Mk. I was transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1941.

• Taken on strength by de Havilland of Canada on 13 August 1941, the aircraft was assigned to No. 1 Training Command and subsequently to No. 1 Air Observer School in Malton, Ontario.

Final Mission:

On 8 January 1942, the Anson Mk. I embarked on a training flight from St. Jean, Quebec, to Malton, Ontario. The aircraft carried:

• Civilian Pilot: C. Rutherford

• Leading Aircraftmen (LAC):

• A.M. Morgan (RCAF)

• B.B. Sutton (RAAF)

• J. Witts (RAAF)

The aircraft vanished during the flight. Despite an intensive search across southern Ontario and northern New York State, no immediate trace was found. The search was called off on 20 January 1942.

Discovery:

In April 1942, fragments of the wreckage were found on the American side of Lake Ontario. However, the remains of the aircraft and crew were not recovered, leaving the exact circumstances of the crash a mystery.

Final Disposition:

• Date of Write-Off: 1 May 1942

The Anson Mk. I was officially written off following the discovery of partial wreckage in Lake Ontario. The remains of the crew were never recovered, underscoring the tragic nature of the incident.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) pertain to this wreckage in Lake Ontario.

Resources & Links:

1. British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP): Historical context for the training operations during WWII.

2. RCAF Historical Archives: Detailed records of aircraft like the Avro Anson and their missions.

3. Aviation Archeology in Lake Ontario: Research into submerged wartime aircraft in the region.

Conclusion:

The Avro Anson Mk. I (652A) exemplifies the dedication and sacrifice of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during World War II. The loss of the aircraft and its crew highlights the risks inherent in aviation training, even far from the battlefield. The discovery of wreckage in Lake Ontario offers a glimpse into the tragedy, though many details remain shrouded in mystery. Today, the Anson Mk. I is remembered as a symbol of the collaborative effort to prepare aircrews for the challenges of war.

Keywords:

• Avro Anson Mk. I

• 652A

• Lake Ontario Wreck

• RCAF

• British Commonwealth Air Training Plan

• WWII Aircraft Losses

• No. 1 Air Observer School

Glossary:

• Avro Anson Mk. I: A twin-engine British aircraft used primarily for training during World War II.

• British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP): A joint training program established by Commonwealth nations to prepare aircrews during WWII.

• Taken on Strength: The official incorporation of an aircraft into military service.

• Write-Off: The official designation of an aircraft as destroyed or irreparable.