The Supermarine Stranraer was a flying boat designed and built by the British Supermarine Aviation Works company. It was developed during the 1930s on behalf of its principal operator, the Royal Air Force (RAF). Derived from the Supermarine Scapa, the aircraft's design was heavily shaped by Specification R.24/31. While initially rejected by the Air Ministry, Supermarine persisted with development as a private venture under the designation Southampton V. During 1933, a contract was placed for a single prototype; it was around this time that the type received the name Stranraer. First flown on 24 July 1934, the Stranraer entered frontline service with the RAF during 1937; most examples of the type were in service by the outbreak of the Second World War.
The Stranraer's typically undertook anti-submarine and convoy escort patrols during the early years of the conflict. During March 1941, it was withdrawn from frontline service, but continued to be operated in a training capacity up until October 1942. In addition to the British-built aeroplanes, the Canadian Vickers company in Montreal, Quebec, also manufactured 40 Stranraers under licence for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). These Canadian Stranraers served in anti-submarine and coastal defence capacities on both Canada's Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and were in regular service until 1946. Following their withdrawal from military service, many ex-RCAF Stranraers were sold off to fledgeling regional airlines, with whom they served in various commercial passenger and freighter operations into the 1950s.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Stranraers were exact equivalents of their RAF counterparts. In Canadian service, they were usually employed in coastal patrol against submarine threats in a similar role to the British Stranraers. The Canadian Vickers-built Stranraers served with the RCAF throughout the war, the last example being withdrawn on 20 January 1946. Wikipedia
Wikipedia Supermarine Stanraer
Known Squadron Assignments: ;3
Served with Test and Development Flight at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, dates unknown. Operated by No. 5 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Dartmouth, NS, 1938 to 1941. Coded "QN*P". Category D damage while there. Operated by No. 6 (BR) Squadron, from RCAF Station Alliford Bay, BC, in 1942 to 1943. With No. 9 (BR) Squadron at Bella Bella, BC in summer of 1942, coded "KA*A". With No. 3 Operational Training Unit at RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC when it crashed at sea in the Stuart Channel, near Crofton, on 18 July 1943. Two fatalities. 2016-02-09Known Squadron Assignments: ;13
With No. 13 (Operational Training) Squadron when lost on 15 December 1941. Forced landed in Nanoose Bay, near Nanimo, BC in bad weather. Hit high waves and sank, all 8 on board killed. Wreckage recovered several days later by salvage vessel Skookum No. 2. 2011-12-07Known Squadron Assignments: ;4
Category A accident on 30 December 1941, no details. 0000-01-01Known Squadron Assignments: ;6
With No. 13 (OT) Squadron, RCAF Station Patricia Bay, BC, 1941 to 1942. With No. 6 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Alliford Bay, BC when it was damaged on 20 June 1942. Starboard engine failed when cylinder came loose, aircraft made a forced landing near Nassett, BC without further damage. Still with No. 6 Squadron when it crashed in Skidgate Channel, between between Maude and Lina Islands in the Queen Charlottes, on training flight, 14 February 1943. Aircraft porpoised on landing, eventually submerged, and depth charges went off. 6 fatalaties. 2016-06-14Known Squadron Assignments: ;WAC;5
Ferried from east coast to west coast by crew from No. 5 (BR) Squadron. Left Rockcliffe on 7 October 1941, ferried via Ontario and Manitoba, then Regina, Saskatchewan to Brooks, Alberta, then Penticton, BC. Tip float damaged by dock at Penticton, on 23 October 1941, repairs took 12 days. Went missing on 4 November 1941, en route from Penticton, BC to Vancouver Island. Crashed 10 miles south-east of Squamish, BC. Flew into high terrain in bad weather. All 5 crew killed. Wreckage not located until 6 October 1947. 2011-06-11Known Squadron Assignments: ;120
Serving with No. 120 (BR) Squadron, out of RCAF Station Coal Harbour, Vancouver Island, when it ditched. Reported by radio that it had engine problems. Crew later sighted by 952, then 950, but these aircraft diverted to reported submarine in area, weather closed in, and crew never sighted again. Memorial service for crew held in Victoria, BC on 23 August 2002. See also 909. 0000-01-01Known Squadron Assignments: ;166
Served with No. 4 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Stations Jericho Beach and Ucluelet, BC, from 1939 to 1941. Operated by No. 7 (BR) Squadron, RCAF Station Prince Rupert, BC, 1941 to 1943. Operated in utility role by No. 166 (T) Squadron, RCAF Station Sea Island, 1943. 0000-01-01