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Vertol H-21B
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9639 was one of 12 H-21Bs which started their RCAF
service on 17 November, 1955, and one of six which was still on
strength at the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968
when it was redesignated as a Vertol CH-125. '639 was loaned to
Dominion Helicopters, based at Knob Lake, Quebec, and flown as CF-JJR
for a period for operations on the Mid-Canada Line. It was returned
to the RCAF on 2 Septemer, 1965 and continued to serve primarily
in the Search and Rescue role until it was struck off strength along
with the remainder of the fleet on 12 January, 1972.
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The H-21B (later to be reclassified the CH-125
after the integration of the Canadian Armed Forces) was more commonly
referred to by Air Force personnel as the Vertol or the "Flying
Banana", a reference to its enlongated and curved shape.
'641 was the only H-21B to serve with No. 102 Communications and
Rescue Unit operating out of RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario, however,
when the Unit was redesignated as 424 C&R Squadron at CFB Trenton,
Ontario '639 was also on strength as the assets of 104 and 131 Composite
Units had just been been transferred to 424 Squadron.
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