Canadensis in Alaska
Canadensis: a large amphibious rodent of the family
Castoridae of Europe and North America. It possesses thick fur, is gregarious and lives in colonies. Its body grows to an average length of 30 inches or more, and often weighs as much as 50
pounds.
It is commonly known as the beaver, the same name bestowed upon a famous Canadian built bush plane, designed and built by De Havilland Aircraft of
Canada.
This utility aircraft served in the U.S. Army, USAF and foreign Army Aviation units. Decades after production ceased, it still performs yeoman passenger and cargo work throughout the world. The following short treatise introduces the USAF, and to a lesser extent, the Army’s L-20
Beavers operated in the Territory of Alaska, where it figured into North America’s defense beyond the usual notations in a light utility transport’s
portfolio.
AVIATION AND THE TERRITORY OF
ALASKA
After WWII ended in September 1945, U.S. government regulated censorship imposed upon Territorial Alaska during the Japanese occupation of Attu in the Near Islands group, and Kiska in the Rat Islands group, was finally lifted. Alaska military and civilian aviation activity was described in American magazine
articles.
Returning Alaska-based servicemen described the land, sea and air war against the Japanese, building the "Alcan" (Alaska-Canadian Highway), and enthusiastically described its rugged beauty, fantastic fishing, hunting and gold mining. Many ex-GIs became licensed pilots and mechanics, and returned to gain employment in Alaska’s aviation
community.
Despite a continued military presence in Alaska, rapid post WWII demobilization included surplusing of military aircraft. Tired combat weary Alaska-based P-38s, P-39s, P-40s, and those with mere factory to Alaska ferry times were buried, abandoned on various islands or flown to Elmendorf Field, where weapons were removed and the hulks sold to local scrap dealers. However, valuable C-46, C-47, G-21A Goose, B-25
Mitchell, at least one or more tired old B-18A Bolo aircraft were sold at Elmendorf
Field.
Occasional sales also included a few Army Land-Sea-Air Rescue Unit UC-64A and UC-64B floatplane
Norseman (several were transferred to the newly formed 10th ARS in 1946), Stinson L-5, L-1E ambulance, an SR-9C plus at least one SNJ-4 sold at bargain prices to government agencies and civilians with hard cash.1"Lower forty-eight"2 surplus sales of Curtiss C-46 Commandos, weary C-47s, Stinson AT-19s and other aircraft were purchased, overhauled, then flown to Alaska and put to work, hauling passengers and freight into the bush. Militarily, Alaska reverted to an undefended
Territory.
Postwar Alaska military aviation was heavily downsized, leaving the USAAF to defend approximately 571,065 valuable square miles of Territory with several squadrons of 56th FG NAA F-51H Mustang fighters,3 and 449th FS Northrop P-61
. . . .
|

DeHavilland
DHC-2 Beaver
|