May 27th marked 70 years since the dramatic showdown in the NorthAtlantic that resulted in the sinking of the Bismarck and the demise of any dreams of surface navy dominance for the Kriegsmarine.
In a series of presentations
May 27th marked 70 years since the dramatic showdown in the NorthAtlantic that resulted in the sinking of the Bismarck and the demise of any dreams of surface navy dominance for the Kriegsmarine.
In a series of presentations on Saturday June 11th, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Vintage Wings of Canada paid tribute to the role played by the venerable Fairey Swordfish biplane bomber in this and other engagements through out the war. In attendance was 91-year old Commander Terry Goddard, a Canadian Swordfish aviator who participated in the attack on the Bismarck.
At this recent dedication, Robert Kostecka, VWoC volunteer and historian, cleverly set up an interview scenario between Rob Fleck and Cdr (Ret'd) Goddard. The audience was spellbound as Terry Goddard chatted about his direct personal experiences, especially relating to
his missions against Bismarck. This unique opportunity to hear first hand about that fateful day will never be equalled.
A day prior to the presentation, Vintage Wings dedicated their Fairey Swordfish to Cdr Goddard. In addition to participating in the attack on the German battleship Bismarck, Terry flew most of the Second World War in a "String bag" as a Naval Aviator, known then as an Air Observer.
Photo galleries of the event can be found at the following links: