1 Air Division

The de Havilland Comet

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.


Click on the description text to view the photos.

    The Canadian government placed an order with de Havilland of England for two Comet aircraft - November 1951

  1. Aerial photo of three BOAC Comets in flight - 11 July 1951.
    Note G-ALYP in foreground.
    Courtesy Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Centre PL-52890.

  2. Larger image of BOAC G-ALYP - 11 July 1951.
    G-ALYP, serial 06003, was delivered in April 1952. This aircraft mysteriously crashed over the Mediterranean Sea, off Elba, Italy, on 10 January 1954, killing all 6 crew and 29 passengers. This accident resulted in the RCAF comets being grounded in January 1954.
    Courtesy Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Centre PL-52890.

  3. Aerial photo of BOAC Comet G-ALZK in flight - 11 July 1951.
    Courtesy Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Centre PL-52891.

  4. Larger image of G-ALZK in flight - 11 July 1951.
    G-ALZK, serial 06002, was one of two prototypes and it was delivered in July 1950. This aircraft was eventually scrapped in March 1957.
    Courtesy Canadian Forces Joint Imagery Centre PL-52891.

Photographic Credits

All photos are used with permission.

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Updated: September 13, 2004