WWII era bomber makes final flight to Halifax

FREDERICTON – The last of the fleet of Second World War era Avengers used for aerial spraying in New Brunswick has left the province to become a museum exhibit at a base where it once served in the Halifax area.

Avenger pilots and other aviation enthusiasts called it a sad day as the former navy torpedo bomber – built in 1944 – lifted off the runway in Fredericton today.

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It has been purchased for display at the Shearwater Aviation Museum in Nova Scotia.

At one time, Forest Protection Ltd. had as many as 30 of the aircraft, which were used for the spruce budworm spray program over New Brunswick forests in the 1960s and 1970s and later for forest fire fighting.

Over the last 10 years, the company has been selling its remaining Avengers to collectors and museums.

John Webber of the Shearwater Aviation Museum Foundation says the aircraft will be restored to its original condition and Navy colours, and kept on public display.