Grostenquin France

The RCAF de Havilland Comet

Trying to obtain accurate detail on the RCAF Comets - after close to 40 years - is proving to be extremely difficult. Can you help us out?


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  1. Extracts from 2 Wing Historical Reports pertaining to the Comet.
    Courtesy National Archives of Canada.

  2. The de Havilland Comet in RCAF Service - 2 May 2002.
    Courtesy Assorted Sources.

  3. The Remains of the RCAF Comets - June 2001.
    Courtesy Assorted Sources.

  4. Disposition of the RCAF Comets - October 1963.
    Courtesy Robert Fassold.

  5. Memories of the Comet - July 1962.
    Courtesy Jim Rittinger.

  6. Structural Details and Fuselage Layout diagram - October 1957.
    This was the normal configuration of the RCAF 412 Squadron Comets. The section labelled "Front Passenger Cabin" was our crew rest compartment.
    Courtesy Robert Fassold.

  7. Detail for the RCAF 1XB Comet - September 1957.
    Courtesy Assorted Sources.

  8. Specifications for the RCAF 1A Comet - May 1953.
    Courtesy Assorted Sources.

  9. History of the Comet in the RCAF - March 1953.
    Courtesy Assorted Sources.


We have managed to accumulate a number of photos of the two Comets which were used by the RCAF. As can be expected, we would really appreciate your assistance in expanding the amount of material pertaining to the two Comets which were in the RCAF. If you happen to have any photo or slide - plese consider making this material available for processing and addition to this section of our web site.


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  1. Comet used for the NDC tour, parked at the ramp in Trenton - 24 May 1963.
    Courtesy Jim Rittinger.

  2. Comet aircraft parked on the ramp - 1961.
    Courtesy Larry Milberry.

  3. Comet Passenger Bulletin (flight from Gander to Marville) - March 1960.
    Courtesy Glen Sweet.

  4. Comet aircraft parked on the ramp at Uplands - 1960.
    Courtesy Jim Rittinger.

  5. Comet aircraft parked on the ramp at Uplands - 1960.
    Courtesy Jim Rittinger.

  6. 412 Squadron crest - 1960.
    Courtesy Jim Rittinger.

  7. Aerial photo of RCAF Comet - 1960.
    Courtesy Jim Rittinger.

  8. Aerial photo of RCAF Comet VC-5301 - 1959.
    Courtesy Canadian Forces.

  9. The Minister of National Defence and his wife arrive at 2 Wing on RCAF Comet VC 5301 - 18 April 1958.
    The rest of the story.
    Courtesy Traven Searle.

  10. The Minister takes the salute from the 2 Wing Honour Guard with the Comet in the background - 18 April 1958.
    Courtesy Traven Searle.

  11. The Minister takes the salute from the 2 Wing Honour Guard with the Comet in the background - 18 April 1958.
    Courtesy National Archives of Canada.

  12. RCAF Comet (VC 5301) parked on the ramp at 2 Wing Grostenquin - 18 April 1958.
    Courtesy Doris Swanson (now Campbell).

  13. Eber McFee in front of an RCAF Comet at Langar, England - 1958.
    Courtesy Clyde Harvie.

  14. RCAF Comet at an unknown location - 1958.
    Courtesy Unknown.

  15. An RCAF Comet on a pre-delivery inspection at Hatfield - September 1957.
    Note the rounded windows which were a part of the modification to convert to Mk 1XB standard.
    Courtesy De Havilland/ BAE Hatfield.

  16. Interior view of the Comet cabin area - 1954.
    Courtesy Michael Baldock.

  17. Interior view of the Comet galley area - 1954.
    Courtesy Michael Baldock.

  18. Photo of the Comet cockpit flight panel - 1954.
    Courtesy David Young.

  19. Welcoming party for the first RCAF Comet at Rockcliffe - June 1953.
    Courtesy Dave Williams.

Photographic Credits

All photos are used with permission.

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Updated: December 14, 2002