Canadian Warplanes 3: Lockheed Hudson

Lockheed Hudson

(RCAF Photo)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. I, coded OY-C, from No. 11 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, RCAF, based at RCAF Station Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, c1942.

The Lockheed Hudson was an American-built light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built initially for the Royal Air Force (RAF) shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by the RAF thereafter. The Hudson served throughout the war, mainly with Coastal Command, but also in transport and training roles, as well as delivering agents into occupied France. They were also used extensively with the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) anti-submarine squadrons. (National Air Force Museum of Canada)

Lockheed L-214 Hudson Mk. I (28), (Serial Nos. 759-786), Mk. III (141), (Serial Nos. T9385, V9069, V9171, V9223, BW381-BW384, BW399-BW408, BW410, BW412, BW423, BW430- BW434, BW436- BW439, BW441- BW444, BW447- BW454, BW456- BW458, BW460, BW614, BW616- BW635, BW638- BW660, BW682, BW683, BW685- BW698, BW700- BW713, BW715- BW720, BW722- BW724, BW728, BW768, BW770- BW772, BW775- BW777, FH340, FH395, FH416, FH466), Mk. V (43), (Serial Nos. AM576, AM720, AM721, AM723, AM726, AM729, AM733, AM736, AM737, AM745, AM747- AM749, AM751, AM752, AM755, AM759, AM761, AM763- AM767, AM769, AM770, AM772, AM773, AM886-AM896, AM899, AM901-AM903, AM905), L-414 Hudson Mk. VI (35), (Serial Nos. EW873, EW956, FK393, FK399, FK408, FK409, FK443, FK460, FK464, FK465, FK467, FK468, FK470, FK495, FK506, FK511, FK512, FK514, FK518, FK534, FK539, FK541, FK546- FK548, FK550- FK553, FK560- FK564, A334), for a total of 247 aircraft.

RCAF On Strength (247), RCAF 400 Squadron (2), Canadian Aircraft Losses (245), Canadian Ferried (1). Detailed records of all known RCAF and Canadian casualties in the RAF during the Second World War may be viewed on line in the Canadian Aircraft Serials Personnel Information Resource (CASPIR). The CASPIR website is researched, coded, maintained entirely by Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) volunteers with only one staff assisting periodically. This work has taken several years and is unlikely to be finished as continuing research leads to “new finds” and rediscovered Canadian aviation heritage and history.  The CWHM volunteer team looks forward to continuing to update and correct the record as additional information and photos are received. Check here.

In the early morning hours of 11 Nov 1940, seven Hudson bombers landed in Northern Ireland.  They had taken off the night before from Gander, Newfoundland, and they were the first aircraft to fly the Atlantic on a practical basis, the beginning of modern Transoceanic service over the Atlantic Ocean.  As you read this, aircraft are in the air on the same route, controlled on the western side from Gander.

Flying aircraft directly to England from North America was an incentive of Lord Beaverbrook, then Minister of Aircraft Production, and he had used his contacts in Canada with the Canadian Pacific organization to establish an entity called ATFERO (Atlantic Ferry Organization) to begin this.  They used the airport built at Hatties Camp, Mile 213 on the Newfoundland Railway (now known as Gander) built as a joint project by England, Newfoundland and Canada.  When completed it was the largest airport in the world, but had almost no facilities besides runways and a weather station.  By the wars end it would be the largest airbase in Canada with RCAF, RAF and USAAF sections, and would soon begin serving civilian aircraft operations as it was originally intended.  (Paul Squires)

(World War Photos)

Lockheed Hudson, No. 407 Squadron, RCAF, December 1943.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3199589)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. 1, (Serial No. 776), coded MX-T, No. 120 (BR) Squadron based at RCAF Station Patricia Bay, British Columbia, 15 Oct 1941. Diverted from RAF order, tested and delivered marked with RAF serial N7373. To RCAF Station Trenton on 15 May 1940. Back to Rockcliffe later that year. To NO. 13 (OT) Squadron at RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC before end of 1940. Operated by No. 120 (BR) Squadron from RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC, March to July 1941, coded "MX*T" and then “AN*T”. Category A crash at Tsehum Harbour, BC (now part of Sidney, BC at 13:55 on 21 February 1942. Pilot overshot on landing attempt at Patricia Bay, failed to raise the flaps, and dived into the sea. Two bodies recovered, including pilot Sgt. W.M. Hatfield. Aircraft was on loan from 3 OTU to No. 115 Squadron at the time.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3581428)

Lockheed Hudson, No. 11 Squadron, 25 Sep 1939.

(Vintage Wings Photo via Etienne du Plessis' Flickr site)

This factory fresh Lockheed Hudson Mk. III (Serial No. T9450), has just been completed in California to the specifications of the Royal Air Force, which asked for the Type A-1 roundel on its camouflaged flanks. Here, it is photographed in the United States before delivery overseas. From Burbank, California, these aircraft made their way to Gander, Newfoundland, flown by civilian Ferry Command pilots. From there, they flew on to Greenland, Iceland and eventually Scotland.

(ATFERO) Atlantic Ferry Organization, Dorval, Quebec. Hudson III aircraft crashed and burst into flames shortly after take-off from St Hubert, Quebec for a flight to Gander, Newfoundland with the loss of all aboard, cause unknown, 19 Feb 1941. Canadian civilian Radio Officer SH McCaughan, American Pilot Captain LA Jackson and American second Pilot G Christopher were all killed in this flying accident

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3224857)

Douglas Boston and Lockheed Hudson aircraft of RAF Ferry Command en route to Britain, May 1943.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3583746)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. III, RCAF (Serial No. BW456), Central Test Establishment, 17 April 1945. Taken on strength for use by Test and Development Establishment at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario for de-icing tests. Loaned to Home War Establishment for records purposes only, on 16 March 1942. With the Establishment when the port oleo collapsed in a heavy landing and ground loop at Rockcliffe at 09:45 on 21 March 1942 due to visibility being obstructed by ice on the windshield. Category B damage repaired on site by mobile repair party from No. 9 Repair Depot, returned to service. Had 14:00 logged time. Noted on 12 November 1942 as transferred from Home War Establishment to Canadian Training Establishment. To No. 1 Training Command on 7 April 1944. To Winter Experimental and Training Flight at Kapuskasing, Ontario on 22 December 1943. With this unit to RCAF Station Gimli, Manitoba on 1 April 1944. To No. 2 Air Command on 1 December 1944. To No. 1 Air Command on 22 January 1945. Pending disposal from 1 April 1946. By 4 June 1946 on the books of No. 9 (T) Group, still pending disposal. Noted with 580:25 total time, 21:35 since overhaul, while in storage.

(IWM Photo, CH 996)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. I, RAF (Serial No. T9277), QX-W, No. 224 Squadron based at Leuchars, Fife, in flight off the Scottish coast.  1940.  

(DND Photo via Chris Charland)

Lockheed Hudson, coded G-RR, No. 407 'Demon' (GR) Squadron, RCAF. The squadron used the Mk. III, IIIA and IV between June 1941 and April 1943, when the type was superseded by the Vickers Wellington

(DND Photo via Chris Charland)

Lockheed Hudson formation, No. 407 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron, RCAF, c1940.  The Lockheed Hudson used Lockheed-fowler flaps between the ailerons and fuselage.  They slide back 42 inches in streamline guides. The ailerons are inter-connected to droop with the flaps. There are low-drag slots in each wing-tip in front of the ailerons.  No. 407 (GR) Squadron was nick-named the "Demon" squadron.  The squadron's Hudsons were replaced by Vickers Wellingtons early in 1941.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4315394)

Lockheed L-414 Hudson, RAF (Serial No. 783), ex- N7388, with two members of the RCAF. 783 was diverted from RAF order, tested and delivered marked with RAF serial N7388. To RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario on 15 May 1940. Back to Rockcliffe on 2 July 1940. Operated by No. 11 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Dartmouth, NS from 9 August 1940. Stored at Halifax from 11 November 1940 to 4 March 1941. With the Test & Development Establishment at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario from 17 January 1942, for fitting of special radio equipment. Back to No. 11 Squadron from 29 January 1942. To Central Training Establishment on 21 October 1943, probably for use by an Operational Training Unit. To storage on 22 May 1944. Stored at No. 4 Repair Depot at Scoudouc, New Brunswick, where it was reported with 1079:35 total time. Pending disposal from 28 June 1944.

(DND Photo via Chris Charland)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. V (Serial No. AM679), coded RR-B, No. 407 'Demon' (GR) Squadron, RCAF, taking off from a grass field with a Spitfire.  This Hudson was lost during an anti-shipping strike against a convoy off of Terschelling Island (West Frisian Islands) on 16 May 1942.  The aircraft was carrying four 250-pound bombs when it was last seen going in low and making a direct hit on the stern of a ship it was attacking.  The Hudson then burst into flames and struck the water.  No remains of any of the four crew members was ever found.  As a result, their names are engraved on the Runnymede War Memorial at Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.  This memorial honours those with no known grave. Served with No. 407 (GR) Squadron, RCAF c.1941/42, coded RR*B". Failed to return from attack on shipping on 15 May 1942, one of 5 squadron aircraft lost in that mission. Seen to score a hit on one freighter before bursting into flames and crashing into sea. All 4 crew killed.

(DND Photo via Chris Charland)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. Is, No. 11 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron, RCAF, affectionately nicknamed the “The Joe Squadron”.  The squadron was based at RCAF Station Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, at the time.  Note that the area where a gun turret would normally be, is faired over with perspex.  That would change with the squadron's introduction of the Hudson Mk. III into service in March 1942.  The squadron's first wartime sortie was fown by the squadron commanding officer Wing Commander A. Lewis on 10 Nov 1939.  It involved a naval co-operation height finding and sighting practice for the anti-aircraft guns on the battlecruiser HMS Repulse and the aircraft carrier HMS Furious.  Shore batteries at Halifax also took part. HMS Repulse would later be sunk by Japanese bombers on 10 Dec 1942.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4090379).

RCAF Sunderlands, Cansos, Hudsons, Venturas, Digbys, Liberators and Stranraers went after the German U-boat threat in the North Atlantic with a vengeance. This is a photo of U-754, a German Type IX U-boat under attack by a Lockheed Hudson, RCAF (Serial No.625), No. 113 Sqn, on 31 July 1942.  All 43 hands on the U-boat were lost. Canadian warships and aircraft sank, or shared in the destruction of some 50 U-boats.

(Toronto Star Photo Archive)

Lockheed Hudson in the background with Flight Sergeant George Calver of Grandview, Manitoba, with Air Marshal W. A. Bishop at the de Havilland Plant in Toronto in 1943.  Flt Sgt Calver lost both his legs in a bombing mission over Cologne, Germany, and told the press he wanted to fight again.  He flew to Toronto from Montreal, for the first time since he lost his legs, to address workers at the de Havilland aircraft plant.  With new artificial limbs, he was anxious to get back into the fight.

(Toronto Star Photo Archive)

Lockheed Hudson.  

(RCAF Photo)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. III (Serial No. BW628), RCAF No. 122 (Composite) Squadron based at RCAF Station Patricia Bay (now Victoria International Airport), British Columbia.  In this photo it is carrying an air droppable life boat . When released, it descended by parachute. The aircraft was later equipped in December, 1945 with ASV (Air-to-Surface Vessel) radar.

BW628 was acquired through Lend-Lease (Requisition No. 62, 2467 and Contract No. DA-5).  It was taken on strength with the RCAF's Eastern Air Command at Halifax, Nova Scotia on5 Feb 1942.  It was immediately allocated to No. 31 Operational Training Unit at Debert, Nova Scotia.  While at Debert, it was involved in one minor accident.  On 26 June 1942, it sustained Category C5 damaged after the pilot Sergeant E. L. Downey, taxied into another Hudson (Serial No, BW437).  Downey's aircraft struck the port elevator while he was preparing to depart for a night time solo flight.  BW628 was put into storage on 22 May 1944.  On 9 Dec 1944, it was transferred to No. 122 (Composite) Squadron at RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC.  The squadron was known as the 'Flying Joe Boys' and also to a lesser extent, the 'Flying Nightmares'.  On 13 March 1945 it was sent out for Air Sea Rescue modifications.  This Hudson was taken off strength with the RCAF on 14 Dec 1948 and disposed of by War Assets.

First used by No. 31 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Station Debert, NS. Category C5 damage at Debert at 03:15 on 21 June 1942, when this aircraft collided on the ground with Hudson BW437. Allocated to No. 4 Repair Depot at Scoudouc on 25 June 1943, following a Category B crash. Delivered there on 1 July 1943. To Clarke Ruse Aircraft for repairs, 3 July 1943 to 29 January 1944. To storage with Eastern Air Command when completed. Fitted with droppable life boat, for ASR, at No. 21 Repair Depot from 13 July 1944. To Western Air Command, for use by Air Sea Rescue Flight of No. 122(K) Squadron in BC, on 9 December 1944. To workshop reserve at RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC on 13 March 1945, for further modifications for rescue work. Back to 122 Squadron on 22 March 1945. To No. 10 Repair Depot on 6 October 1945 for radar installation. Back to Western Air Command on 4 January 1946, probably to No. 3 (Comm) Flight at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC. Back to No. 10 Repair depot on 23 January 1946. To Western Air Command on 17 April 1946. With No. 123 (C&R) Flight at RCAF Station Sea Island, BC in June 1947, when it carried out practice boat drop in English Bay. Gave rides to multiple air cadets at Patricia Bay in summer of 1947. Noted in fair condition on 1 December 1947, with 496:38 total time, one of the last serviceable Hudsons in the RCAF. Flew flood relief transport missions in BC interior in May and June 1948. Pending disposal with North West Air Command from 20 August 1948. Still with No. 123 (S&R) Flight at Sea Island at that time.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3650934)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. VI RCAF (Serial No. FK564), coded R, dropping an airborne lifeboat over Quidi Vidi Lake, St. John's, Newfoundland, 16 April 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3582226)

Lockheed Hudson (Serial No. 6317).

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3613291)

Lockheed Hudson (Serial No. ), c/n 414-7136), Goose Bay, Labrador, ca 1944.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3390782)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. III, coded T, RCAF (Serial No.), Torbay, Newfoundland, 1944.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3199074)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. I, RCAF (Serial No. N7350), later (Serial No. 765)  No. 11 (BR) Squadron, Rockcliffe, 20 Sep 1939. This aircraft was lost in a Category A crash at Bellingham, Washington on 13 June 1942, while serving with No. 13 Operational Training Squadron (OTU) based at RCAF Station Patricia Bay, British Columbia. (Chris Charland)

Diverted from RAF order, tested and delivered marked with RAF serial N7350. Operated by No. 11 (BR) Squadron at Ottawa from 16 September 1939, then with this unit to RCAF Station Dartmouth, NS in late 1939. To Western Air Command on 4 March 1941. Operated by No. 120 (BR) Squadron from RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC, March to late 1941. Serving with No. 13 (OT) Squadron when it crashed and burned on takeoff from Bellingham, Washington State at 16:18 on 6 July 1942. 3 fatalities, including both P/O R. McLachlen, second pilot; radio operator, Sgt./WAG Victor A. Utting; and P/O/ E.R. Brooks. 4 passengers seriously injured. (Information provided by Sgt. Utting's younger brother, Phillip S. Utting)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4327274)

Eastern Air Command, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Aircraftman Second Class H.G. Wheeler with smoke bomb on board a Lockheed Hudson, 15 Aug 1940.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3581429)

Lockheed Hudson, recruits formed in flights, 25 Sep 1939.

Lockheed (A-28-LO) Hudson, RAF (Serial No. 6780), c/n 414-6780, ex-USAAF (Serial No. 42-6605), delivered 18 May 1942 to RAF Ferry Command in Canada as (Serial No. EW896) for pilot training.  No. 45 Group.  This Hudson swung on landing and tipped up at North Bay, Ontario on 10 July 1943.  It was repaired, but later force-landed in the bush, 60 miles southwest of Gander, Newfoundland, on 23 Dec 1944.  It was repaired and flown out on 17 Feb 1945.  (Col Bruggy)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3582236)

Lockheed Hudson cockpit, 15 July 1942.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3581478)

Lockheed Hudson lineup, No. 11 Squadron, 16 Oct 1939.

(Newfoundland Post Card)

Lockheed 414 Hudson Mk. IIIA, (A-29-LO), (Serial No. 41-23631), ex-USAF (Serial No. BW769), now painted as RAF (Serial No. T9422), C/N 414-6448.  Gander, Newfoundland, as initially mounted on a cairn near the airport, ca 1960s.

(Plismo Photo)

Lockheed 414 Hudson Mk. IIIA, (A-29-LO), (Serial No. 41-23631), ex-USAF (Serial No. BW769), now painted as RAF (Serial No. T9422), C/N 414-6448.  Gander, Newfoundland.

(Bzuk Photo)

Lockheed 414 Hudson Mk. IIIA, (A-29-LO), (Serial No. 41-23631), ex-USAF (Serial No. BW769), now painted as RAF (Serial No. T9422), C/N 414-6448.  Gander, Newfoundland.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3589737)

Lockheed L-214 Hudson, 13 Jun 1943.

(Library and Archves Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3589727)

Lockheed L-214 Hudson, Consolidated PBY-5 Canso, Avro Anson, 30 Jun 1943.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN Nos. 3589739)

Lockheed L-214 Hudson, 21 June 1943.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3589746)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. III (Serial No. BW638), 21 June 1943.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3589741)

Lockheed Hudson, RCAF 638, 21 June 1943.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3581219)

Lockheed Hudson flown during the 1939 Royal Visit to Canada.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3581710)

Lockheed Hudson (Serial No. 2420) being towed by an RCAF Cletrac M2 High Speed Tractor, c1940.

This is a Hudson Mk. II (Serial No. T9385(, c/n 414-2420.  It was transferred to the RCAF from the RAF, and they kept the serial number. It first served with No. 12 (Communications) Squadron at RCAF Station Rockcliffe. On 13 December, 1941 while later serving with the Test & Development Establishment based at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, the aircraft sustained Cat B damage. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude after having both engines fail at the same due to severe icing. The Hudson then struck trees and a telegraph pole one mile east of Mountain. Grove, Ontario on the The aircraft was subsequently written off. (Chris Charland)

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3582080)

Lockheed Hudson crash at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario, 21 March 1942.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3582227)

USAAF Lockheed Hudson visiting Rockcliffe, Ontario, c1942.

(IWM Photo, CI 408)

Lockheed Hudson Mk. VI of No. 194 Squadron RAF taxies past other aircraft of the squadron at Palam, India.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 4674230)

No. 194 Squadron RAF badge depicting an elephant symbolic of The Friendly Squadron, 6 April 1943. No. 194 Squadron was reformed at RAF Lahore, Punjab on 13 October 1942 as a transport unit equipped with Hudsons. It maintained mail and passenger routes in India until it became an airborne forces squadron in September 1943.

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