Sixty-one years ago today, on March 18, 1964, the Royal Canadian Navy’s aircraft carrier HMCS Bonaventure (CVL 22) embarked on a significant mission that underscored Canada’s growing role in international peacekeeping. Departing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, the vessel set sail for Famagusta, Cyprus, carrying troops, vehicles, and supplies to support the Canadian Contingent serving under the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). This operation, known as Operation Snow Goose, marked a pivotal moment in the ship’s storied career and highlighted Canada’s commitment to global stability during a tense period of Cold War geopolitics.
The Context: Cyprus in Crisis
In early 1964, Cyprus was gripped by escalating violence between its Greek and Turkish communities, a conflict rooted in decades of ethnic and political tensions. Following the island’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960, disagreements over power-sharing and constitutional arrangements had erupted into armed clashes by late 1963. The situation deteriorated rapidly, threatening to draw in Greece and Turkey—both NATO members—and destabilize the eastern Mediterranean. In response, the United Nations established UNFICYP on March 4, 1964, to prevent further bloodshed and maintain peace. Canada, already establishing itself as a leader in peacekeeping, was among the first nations to contribute troops to this mission.
The initial deployment of Canadian forces to Cyprus had occurred earlier that month, but sustaining the contingent required a steady flow of personnel and matériel. Enter HMCS Bonaventure, Canada’s last aircraft carrier and a versatile asset capable of transporting significant loads across the Atlantic.
HMCS Bonaventure: Canada’s Floating Workhorse
Commissioned in 1957, HMCS Bonaventure was a Majestic-class light aircraft carrier originally laid down as HMS Powerful for the Royal Navy during World War II. Acquired by Canada in 1952 and modernized with an angled flight deck, steam catapults, and advanced radar, “Bonnie,” as she was affectionately nicknamed, was a symbol of Canadian naval prowess. By 1964, she had already proven her worth in NATO exercises, anti-submarine patrols, and humanitarian efforts, including a notable 1962 mission to rescue survivors of a downed airliner off Ireland.
For the Cyprus resupply mission, Bonaventure was recalled from NATO exercises in the Mediterranean near Gibraltar on March 7, 1964. She steamed back to Halifax, arriving on March 13, where dockworkers and crew immediately began loading her with the necessary supplies. The cargo included 95 soldiers from the Royal 22nd Regiment (the famed “Van Doos”), 54 vehicles—ranging from jeeps to Ferret scout cars—and 400 tons of stores, including ammunition and provisions. Tracker aircraft, typically used for anti-submarine warfare, were also stowed on her flight deck, showcasing the carrier’s adaptability for troop transport.
On March 18, with her decks packed and troops aboard, Bonaventure set sail once more, cutting an impressive figure as she departed Halifax Harbour. The journey across the Atlantic and into the Mediterranean was a testament to the ship’s endurance and the crew’s efficiency, covering thousands of miles to reach Famagusta by March 30.
Operation Snow Goose: A Logistical Triumph
Operation Snow Goose was more than a routine resupply run—it was a demonstration of Canada’s ability to project power and support peacekeeping efforts far from home. Upon arrival in Famagusta, the troops and supplies were offloaded efficiently, bolstering the Canadian Contingent’s capacity to patrol ceasefire lines and mediate between the warring factions. The mission was a success, reinforcing UNFICYP’s early efforts to stabilize the island and paving the way for Canada’s decades-long commitment to the Cyprus peacekeeping operation.After completing her task, Bonaventure’s crew enjoyed a brief day of respite in Famagusta before the carrier departed for Malta and Gibraltar, making short stops en route. She then crossed the Atlantic again, heading to Norfolk, Virginia, to conduct trials with the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk—a potential replacement for her aging Banshee fighters. Though the Skyhawk trials hinted at future modernization, financial constraints would ultimately prevent their adoption, signaling the beginning of the end for Bonnie’s role as a fighter carrier.
Legacy of the Mission
The Cyprus resupply mission of March 18, 1964, remains a standout chapter in HMCS Bonaventure’s history. It showcased the carrier’s versatility, transitioning seamlessly from NATO war games to a humanitarian and peacekeeping role. For the crew, it was a moment of pride—many later recalled the satisfaction of delivering critical support to their comrades in a distant conflict zone.
Bonaventure continued to serve until 1970, when budget cuts led to her decommissioning. Sold for scrap and broken up in Taiwan in 1971, she left behind a legacy as Canada’s final aircraft carrier and a vital tool in the nation’s Cold War-era naval operations. The Cyprus mission, in particular, exemplified how “Bonnie” bridged military might with Canada’s peacekeeping ethos—a duality that defined her 13-year career.
Today, 61 years later, the memory of that voyage endures as a reminder of Canada’s contributions to global peace and the remarkable capabilities of HMCS Bonaventure, a ship that carried far more than just aircraft—it carried a nation’s resolve across the seas.