Canadian Warplanes 4: Grumman Goose

Grumman Goose

(RCAF Photo via Mike Kaehler)

Grumman Goose Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. 925), RCAF Station Borden, Ontario, 14 Aug 1940.

The Grumman G-21 Goose is an amphibious flying boat designed by Grumman to serve as an eight-seat "commuter" aircraft for businessmen in the Long Island area. The Goose was Grumman's first monoplane to fly, its first twin-engined aircraft, and its first aircraft to enter commercial airline service. During World War II, the Goose became an effective transport for the US military (including the United States Coast Guard), as well as serving with many other air forces. During hostilities, the Goose took on an increasing number of combat and training roles. it was primarily as a staff transport by the RCAF during the Second World War. (Wikipedia)

Grumman G-21A Goose Mk. I (2), (Serial Nos. FP471, FP473), Mk. II (29), (Serial Nos. 382-397, 796-798, 917, 924-926, 939-944), for a total of 31 aircraft.

The first RCAF Grumman Goose Mk. II (Serial No. 917) was flown by No. 12 (Communication) Squadron then transferred to No. 13 Squadron in November 1940. 917 crashed on 21 July 1942. In March 1944, the Canadian government purchased sixteen ex-U.S. Navy Grumman Goose aircraft and three were assigned to No. 12 (Communications) Squadron, (Serial Nos. 383, 386 and 390). All three were painted with the first No. 12 (Communication) Squadron nose art, a Maple Leaf Roundel and red cowling with aircraft red lightning flash markings.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3581487)

Grumman Goose Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. 917), 29 Oct 1939.

(RCAF Photo via Bill Bailey)

NX925 before delivery. NX925 was the U. S. civil aircraft registration it had when purchased by the Canadian government.

(RCAF Photo via Gary R. Donovan)

Grumman Goose Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. 925), RCAF Station Borden, Ontario, ca Aug 1940.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3589800)

Grumman Goose Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. 941), 15 Jul 1940.

Grumman Goose 941 was flown by No. 13 Operational Training Squadron based at RCAF Station Sea Island, British Columbia. Prior to military service the aircraft was on the Canadian civil aircraft registry as CF-BQE. It also at one time carried the code AN*J. This aircraft was sold through war assetts to North West Air Services in Seatlle, Washington on 5 Jan 1945.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3589797)

Grumman Goose Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. 941), 15 Jul 1943.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3583400)

Grumman Goose Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. 983). This aircraft is mounted on wheeled dollies.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3581543)

Grumman Goose, RCAF (Serial No. 924) with General Andrew McNaughton, 31 Oct 1939.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3584148)

Grumman Goose Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. 386), c/n B55, 2 July 1948.

(Library and Archives Canada Photo, MIKAN No. 3583792)

Grumman Goose Mk. II, RCAF (Serial No. 386), c/n B55, 25 July 1945.

This RCAF image RE2822-8 was taken 25 July 1945, showing Grumman Goose (Serial No. 383), U.S. Navy (BuNo. 37797), taken on charge by No. 12 (Communication) Squadron on 8 March 1944. The RCAF roundel marking was first painted [LAC Skip Rutledge] on Canadian flown Wellington Mk. X aircraft in Tunisia, North Africa, in August 1943. This same “unofficial” Maple Leaf marking was now adopted by No. 12 (Communication) Squadron and painted on all V.I.P. aircraft flown at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, Ontario. It is interesting to note [for model builders] the original [over painted] U.S. Navy “National U.S. Star” is still showing behind the new RCAF nose markings. Two of these aircraft were photographed still wearing the U.S. Star on 29 August 1944, so the RCAF markings and nose art were applied soon after that date.