Lockheed Hudson in RCAF Service

The RCAF was the second most important operator of the Lockheed Hudson by numbers, receiving a total of 248 aircraft (twenty eight Mk.I, one Mk.II, three Mk.IIIs, 137 Mk.IIIA, forty three Mk.Vs and thirty six Mk.VIs). The Hudson entered service with No.11 Squadron RCAF in October 1939, and that squadron would be the last to use the aircraft, retaining it until September 1944. Eventually three squadrons would fly anti-submarine patrols from the east coast of Canada (No.11, No.113 and No.119) and one from the west coast (No.120). At the same time No.407 Squadron (RCAF) operated the Hudson with Coastal Command in the United Kingdom.

The Hudson was also used by Nos.31, 34 and 36 Operational Training Units, No.1 Central Flying School and No.4 Air Observer School. Not even training was entirely peaceful, for on 4 July 1943 a Hudson from No.31 OTU attacked and probably damaged a U-boat during a training flight.

The Hudson remained in service with the RCAF for longer than with most air forces, and the last aircraft was not withdrawn until 13 December 1948.

Lockheed Hudson Aircraft in WWII, Andrew Hendrie, Crowood Press. A look at the development of the Hudson, and its career with the RAF, USAAF, RNZAF and RAAF. Covers the anti-submarine and anti-shipping uses of the Hudson, as well at its role in Air-Sea Rescue and special operations. The text is supported by a good collection of first hand accounts.
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How to cite this article: Rickard, J (23 May 2008), Lockheed Hudson in RCAF Service, http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_lockheed_hudson_RCAF.html

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