•  Aircraft: Avro Anson Mk. I
• Tail Number: 652A
• Manufacturer: Avro (built in the UK)
• RAF Serial Number: AW478 (Ex-RAF)
• Taken on Strength: 13 August 1941, de Havilland of Canada, Toronto
• Final Mission: 8 January 1942
• Final Disposition: Written off on 1 May 1942

AIRCRAFT TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Avro Anson Mk. I was a British-built twin-engine aircraft used primarily for training purposes during World War II. It was one of the most widely used aircraft for training navigators, radio operators, and other aircrew members. The Anson was known for its versatility and reliability, making it a staple in the Commonwealth Air Training Plan.

HISTORY

The Avro Anson Mk. I, with the serial number 652A, was originally part of the Royal Air Force (RAF) under the designation AW478 before being transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). On 13 August 1941, the aircraft was taken on strength at de Havilland of Canada in Toronto and subsequently assigned to No. 1 Training Command.
On 18 October 1941, the Anson was transferred to No. 1 Air Observer School based in Malton, Ontario. The school was part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which trained aircrew from across the Commonwealth.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On the evening of 8 January 1942, the Anson Mk. I took off from St. Jeans, Quebec, bound for Malton, Ontario. The aircraft went missing during the flight. Onboard were civilian pilot C. Rutherford and three students: Leading Aircraftmen (LACs) A.M. Morgan of the RCAF, B.B. Sutton of the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force), and J. Witts of the RAAF. Despite an extensive search over southern Ontario and northern New York State, no trace of the aircraft or its occupants was found initially. The search was called off on 20 January 1942.
In April 1942, some wreckage from the aircraft was discovered on the American side of Lake Ontario, but the bodies of the crew were never recovered. The aircraft was officially written off on 1 May 1942.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) in effect related to the wreckage of the Avro Anson Mk. I in Lake Ontario.

RESOURCES & LINKS

For further information on historical aviation sites and artifacts in Lake Ontario and related resources, explore the following:

• • British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Resources: Provides detailed information on the air training programs across Canada, including Lake Ontario sites.
• • RCAF Historical Archives: Archives detailing the Royal Canadian Air Force’s history, including training exercises and historical aircraft operations near Lake Ontario.
• • Aviation Archaeology in Lake Ontario: A dedicated resource for underwater aviation archaeology, including aircraft wrecks and artifacts in Lake Ontario.