IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
AIRCRAFT TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The North American Harvard Mk. I was a single-engine advanced trainer aircraft used primarily by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and other Allied air forces during World War II. Designed for pilot training, the Harvard was known for its robust construction, making it an ideal platform for training pilots who would eventually fly more complex aircraft in combat situations. The Harvard Mk. I featured a low-wing monoplane design with a tandem cockpit, allowing instructors and trainees to fly together.
HISTORY: #
The North American Harvard Mk. I, with the serial number 1344 (NA-61/61-1648), was taken on strength at Camp Borden on December 1, 1939. The aircraft was involved in an incident shortly before its official assignment when it sustained Category C damage at Porcupine, Ontario, on November 28, 1939, while being ferried to Camp Borden. Following repairs, the aircraft was assigned to the Flying Training School at Borden on November 30, 1939.
Over the next few months, the Harvard Mk. I saw service at various training commands, including Trenton and the Central Flying School at RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario. The aircraft was actively involved in training operations during a critical period of pilot preparation for the war effort.
Tragically, on February 15, 1941, the Harvard Mk. I met its end when it crashed into the Bay of Quinte at 10:10 AM during a training flight. At the time of the crash, the aircraft had logged 795 hours and 45 minutes of flight time. The exact circumstances of the crash are not fully documented, but the incident resulted in the aircraft being written off.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Harvard Mk. I was officially struck off charge on March 7, 1941, after being deemed a total loss due to the crash. The wreckage of the aircraft remains at the bottom of the Bay of Quinte, a silent testament to the rigorous training operations conducted by the RCAF during World War II.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly related to the Harvard Mk. I wreck site. However, the Bay of Quinte is known for having various submerged hazards, including aircraft wrecks, so caution is advised for any underwater operations in the area.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The wreck of the Harvard Mk. I has been known since the time of the crash in 1941, but specific efforts to document or recover parts of the wreckage may not have been widely publicized.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Royal Canadian Air Force Archives: For historical records related to the service of the Harvard Mk. I and other RCAF aircraft.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Aviation Museums in Canada: For exhibits and detailed histories of aircraft like the Harvard Mk. I.
KEYWORDS: #
Harvard Mk. I, North American Aviation, RCAF, Bay of Quinte, 1941 Aircraft Crash, Canadian Aviation History.
ANALYSIS: #
The loss of the Harvard Mk. I during a training mission highlights the inherent risks of military aviation, even during non-combat operations. The aircraft played a crucial role in preparing pilots for the challenges of aerial warfare, and its wreck in the Bay of Quinte serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those in the training command. The exact details of the crash may remain unclear, but the aircraft’s contribution to the RCAF’s efforts in World War II is well remembered.
