UNITS
Question: What is the only wartime combat squadron to have operated in Saskatchewan
Answer: "One historical oddity was watching the dozen or so Canadian-built Hurricane fighters of the RCAF’s No. 135 Squadron flying over the Mossbank area in the first half of 1942. This squadron was raised for home defense duties, which it took up in the summer of 1942 in B.C".
Source: Windsock, Volume 20, Number 8, Page 4
Question: What was Canada’s first national air demonstration team? What was one of their most popular maneuvers?
Answer: "Since the day in 1929 when three Royal Canadian Air Force biplanes put on the first public display of precision air force flying, Canadian aviation has never been the same. The aircraft were front-line fighter planes, the pride of the RCAF: Armstrong Whitworth Siskin IIIA biplanes. Powered by a single 450-horsepower engine, the Siskins had a ceiling of 27,000 feet and a top speed of 156 miles per hour. Together, the three planes and their pilots made up the Trans-Canada Air Pageant team – the Siskins – Canada’s first national air demonstration team. The Siskins were born at RCAF Station Camp Borden in Ontario. For three years, they delighted audiences across Canada with their feats of aerial derring-do. One manouver called for a low-level pass with all three planes abreast and tied together by a single length of rope. It was this kind of heart-stopping flying that earned the Siskins an international reputation for skill and showmanship."
Source: Snowbirds Flying High – Canada’s Snowbirds Celebrate 25 Years, Page 3
Question: What is Canada’s search and rescue area of responsibility?
Answer: 15,540,000 square kilometers, which extends out well in the Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic oceans. More than 700 CF members are dedicated to search and rescue in Canada. The air force has five primary SAR squadrons across Canada:103 Squadron (Gander, Nfld), 413 Sqn. ( Greenwood, NS), 424 Sqn. ( Trenton, Ont.), 435 Sqn. (Winnipeg) and 442 Sqn. ( Comox, BC). The CF, which has overall responsibility for effective operation of the co-ordinated aeronautical and maritime SAR system with its Canadian Coast Guard colleagues, directly contributed to the saving of more than 1,000 lives and the provision of assistance to approximately 20,000 people in 2005. There are three Joint Rescue Coordination Centres in Canada, located in Victoria, Trenton, Ont. and Halifax. Air and marine controllers from these centres co-ordinate the search, find the available resources and dispatch rescuers to the scene.
Source: Air Force Revue, Winter 08, Page 25
Question: What was the name of Canada’s first national air force, and how many personnel and airplanes did it have?
Answer: "On 16 September 1914 (while the original Canadian Expeditionary Force was forming up in Valcartier), Col Sam Hughes, Minister for the Militia and Defence, authorized the creation of the Canadian Aviation Corps (CAC). This corps was to consist of one mechanic and two officers. E.L. Janney of Galt, Ontario, was appointed as the Provisional Commander of the CAC with the rank of Captain. The expenditure of an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars for the purchase of a suitable airplane was approved. The aircraft selected was a float-equipped Burgess-Dunne bi-plane from the Burgess Aviation Company of Massachusetts. Captain Janney flew the aircraft back to Canada. Upon his arrival in Sorel, Quebec, Captain Janney was arrested by Customs officials and the aircraft was impounded. After Canada Customs received notification from the Department of the Militia and Defence, Captain Janney and the aircraft were released. As it turned out, this was to be the only flight of Canada’s first military aircraft."
"After landing at Plymouth, England, the aircraft was off-loaded and shipped to the Salisbury Plain, where it was considered unsuitable for military service. It was placed in storage, where it eventually rotted and was written off."
"This ended the first attempt at a national air force."
Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft, Pages 21-22
Question: Who had the highest scores during WWII: British or German night fighter crews -- and why?
Answer: "After the war, there was some surprise at how low the scores of our leading successful night fighter crews were compared with those of many Luftwaffe night fighter crews. The reason was simply one of opportunity. First, from 1941 onwards the number of enemy aircraft over Britain at night was so much fewer than the hundreds, even thousands, of RAF bombers over Germany. RAF night fighters had relatively few chances. "Then there was geography. The few Luftwaffe aircraft usually spent perhaps only 30 minutes over the Channel and British soil. In that time they had to be picked up by GCI, a fighter directed at them and an interception completed before they crossed back over the Channel. They could not be pursued into enemy territory; such were our fears that British radar secrets might be discovered by the Germans, that only right at the end of the war, were RAF aircraft with any but the most outdated radars allowed to fly over enemy soil.
"In contrast, Luftwaffe night fighters had a plethora of targets that were over their territory, for at times as long as six hours. The Luftwaffe could hardly fail to make contact and attack -- and identification was easy: anything with four engines was obviously 'hostile'. On clear nights, even day fighters ("Wilde Sau") had a ball. Having exhausted fuel or ammunition, they even had time to land, refuel and rearm to take off for another go at the bomber stream on the way out. If their ground and air radar had been as good as ours, who knows how much greater would have been the slaughter of Bomber Command? "Alternatively, if our night fighter aces had had such opportunities, those high Luftwaffe scores must have been exceeded."
Source: CAHS – The Journal of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society – Vol. 46 No. 3 – Fall 2008 – "Some thoughts on the development of "ALLIED NIGHT FIGHTING TECHNIQUES"during the Second World War – By Jack Meadows DFC,AFC,AE, W/C RAFVR (ret) – Page 87
Question: How many appearances did the Red Knight make and in how many seasons?. How many pilots flew the Red Knight and what type(s) of airplane was it?
Answer: "So, who (or what) was the Red Knight? The cadet indicated that it was actually a team. Well, eventually it was, but not in the beginning. The visitors may have been interested to know that the Red Knight programme actually originated in Trenton. Had a script been provided to the young cadet, he might have told his tour group that the Red Knight was the solo aerobatic performer of the RCAF's Training Command from 1958 through 1969. Although originally authorized to perform only three shows, the Red Knight went on to make over 600 appearances throughout North America. The role of. the Red Knight was actually shared by 17 different pilots over the 12 seasons. The Red Knight was commonly sent to venues considered too small for the established aerobatics teams of the day. The. Red Knight pilots brought an extremely impressive and professional aerobatics show to communities that might not otherwise get the chance to see such an event."
Source: CAHS – The JOURNAL of the CANADIAN AVIATION HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Vol. 46 No. 3 – Fall 2008 – THE RED KNIGHT – John Corrigan – Page 105
Question: What Canadian squadron was credited with the last 2nd Tactical Air Force Mustang kill of the war, on April 16, 1945?
Answer: "442 (F) Squadron converted from Spitfires to the Mustang IV (P-51D) in the spring of 1945 and flew long-range bomber escort missions. The unit was credited with the last 2nd Tactical Air Force Mustang kill of the war, on April 16, 1945"
Source: Canadian Aviation Historical Society Journal, Vol.47, No. 2, Summer 2009, Page 42
Question: In what year did the RFC decide to establish a training organization in Canada? How many stations and training squadrons were established in that year?
Answer: "In 1917, the RFC decided to establish a training organization in Canada.
"RFC Station Camp Borden was the main training site and was accepted on 2 May 1917. In no time, all five squadrons and a school for aerial gunnery were operating at full capacity. RFC Station Deseronto consisted of aerodromes at Mohawk and Rathburn and it was operating with five training squadrons by the end of May 1917. RFC Station North Toronto consisted of aerodromes at Long Beach, Leaside and Armour Heights, and by the end of June 1917 there were three training squadrons operating."
Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft – A Military Compendium, T.F.J. Leversedge, Page 22
Question: When and who established the original Snowbirds’ team in 1971? The establishment of the Snowbirds was connected with the Centennaires in at least 2 ways. What were the two links between the Centennaires and the Snowbirds?
Answer: "Colonel O.B. Philp, former commanding officer of the Centennaires and base commander of Canadian Forces Base Moose Jaw (now15 Wing Moose Jaw), established the original Snowbirds team in 1971. It was comprised of volunteer instructor pilots from the Canadian Forces Flying Training School in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. They flew seven ex-Centennaire Tutor aircraft, practicing in the evenings and performing on weekends."
Source: Snowbirds – Behind The Scenes With Canada’s Air Demonstration Team – photographs And Text By Mike Sroka – Page 23
Question: When did the Canadian Government, prior to World War II, take the situation in Europe seriously in regards to appropriation of funds for defense spending? Of the planned, in 1939, eleven permanent and twelve auxiliary squadrons, how many were planned to reinforce the RAF in need? What were the "most cutting-edge" bombers and fighters the RCAF had in the service inventory at the commencement of WWII hostilities?
Answer: "By 1934, the Canadian government was beginning to see the need for a renewed emphasis on national defence spending in general and on military aviation in particular, although it was not imbued with quite the same sense of urgency as were many Britons.
"Nonetheless, it took the Munich Crisis of 1938 to really reinforce the lamentable state of the Canadian military. In order to counter the harsh realities of technological obsolescence and diminutive force structure, the January 1939 Parliament approved an unprecedented $60-million appropriation for defence spending, of which $23.5 million would be earmarked for the RCAF. The plan was to build an operational air force of eleven permanent and twelve auxiliary squadrons, although all of them were to be dedicated to home defence, with no provision being made at that time for a Canadian expeditionary force to reinforce the RAF in time of need.
"Obsolete and underpowered Fairey Battle light bombers and a handful of Hawker Hurricane fighters were the most 'cutting-edge' aircraft in the service inventory at the commencement of hostilities."
Source: No Prouder Place – Canadians and the Bomber Command Experience 1939-1945, David L. Bashow, Pages 19-20
Question: Who devised the name "Snowbirds" for Canada’s military air formation team? What year did the Snowbirds first appear and where was their first appearance.? How many shows did they do in the first year and what was the public’s reaction?
Answer: "The new team was named 'Snowbirds', the result of a name-the-team contest held at the base elementary school in June 1971. The winning entry was submitted by Doug Farmer, a Grade 6 student. The team first appeared as the Snowbirds at the Saskatchewan Homecoming Air Show in 1971. This performance was followed by appearances at other major air shows and at military bases across Canada. During their first show season, the team performed 27 times. Public response indicated that re-establishing a Canadian formation team was a popular move."
Source: Snowbirds –Behind The Scenes With Canada’s Air Demonstration Team, by Mike Sroka, Page 23
Question: What was the paper strength of RAF Bomber Command on Aug 31/1939? What was its effective strength three days later?
Answer: "On 31 August 1939, Bomber Command had a paper strength of 55 squadrons and 920 aircraft, but three days later, its effective strength had plummeted to 25 squadrons and 352 aircraft. They were clustered in four groups, each flying a single type: Bristol Blenheims, Armstrong Whitworth Whitleys, Vickers Wellingtons and Handley Page Hampdens, all twin-engine monoplanes. This extremely rapid force reduction occurred because ten squadrons equipped with 160 obsolete single-engine Fairey Battles were deployed to France as the Advanced Air Striking Forces (AASF) on 2 September, only to be decimated in combat the following spring. Also, two Blenheim squadrons from 2 Group were assigned to the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) as part of its air component and one of the Whitley squadrons was not yet operationally ready. Seventeen of the remaining squadrons could not be mobilized, since they had been saddled with training mandates on the outbreak of hostilities."
Source: No Prouder Place – Canadians and the Bomber Command Experience 1939-1945, Page 21
Question: What was the single reason, caused by bureaucracy, that limited the Short Stirling bomber to a 15,000-ft ceiling?
Answer: "...it was doomed to mediocrity because of its ninety-nine foot wingspan, which was not long enough to generate sufficient lift for the aircraft’s massive fuselage. This limited the operational ceiling of early variants to around 10,000 feet, exacerbated by the initial installation of underpowered Bristol Hercules II radial engines. Although Stirlings would eventually be fitted with uprated Hercules IX power plants, nothing could be done about the short wingspan, which had been insisted on by an obtuse and myopic Air Ministry solely in order to fit the 100-foot-wide hangar doors mandated by the RAF’s prewar expansion schemes."
Source: No Prouder Place, Page39
Question: What was the name of the WW1 equivalent to the BCATP of WW2? How many pilots were graduated and, of those, how many went overseas -- and how many fully trained observers graduated?
Answer: "The RFC-Canada program graduated 3,135 pilots, of whom 2,500 went overseas and 137 fully trained observers.
"In spite of the government’s original timidity, Canadians reacted positively to the plan that provided a strong outlet for the grassroots interest in aviation. Most of the students and many of the instructors were Canadian and the bases had a pronounced effect on aviation in Canada in spite of the government’s initial fear of flying."
Source: From Baddeck to the Yalu, Page 31
Question: What factors helped to mitigate the effects of combat stress in Bomber Command crews?
Answer: "... However, crew solidarity, a sense of shared danger, and an exceptionally strong motivation not to do anything to jeopardize the other members of their aircrew team or family helped to mitigate the effects of combat stress. Many aircrew prevailed in the face of formidable obstacles simply because they would rather perish than let their buddies down. Bomber crews, in many ways, became classic examples of small-unit cohesiveness. Loyalty, and the strength they derived from these loyalties, is a major reason why most of them were able to prevail in the face of such daunting adversity.
"We were intensely preoccupied with our own crew and very strongly motivated not to let it down. Apart from our commanders and three or four other crews that were close contemporaries, we knew few other aircrew on the station as more than passing acquaintances."
Source: No Prouder Place, Page 181
Question: When was the first United States Air Force Red Flag exercise held? When did the Canadian Armed Forces first participate in it? When was the first "Maple Flag" exercise held and how often has it been held since then (biannually or annually)?
Answer: "The famous Maple flag air combat training exercise grew out of Canada’s 1977 participation in the U.S.A.,F. Red Flag exercise, created in 1975 to give combat aircrew the tough practical experience that would help them survive their first few missions in a "shooting war". The Canadian Forces had its first 'Maple Flag' exercise in 1978 and it has continued regularly ever since -- biannually until 1987 and then annually thereafter."
Source:
Question: What did 439 Squadron, when it was based in Europe, use for target tugs for gunnery practice -- and how did they configure the airplane so that it could tow the target?
Answer: "For gunnery practice, a taxiing Sabre would open its speedbrake doors. Into the wells would be placed a T-shaped handle with 1,000 feet of cable attached: at the end of it was a banner-type target. The door would be closed, locking the handle in place. The Sabre would take off at an alarmingly steep angle ( to minimize damage to the target).
"'I imagine there was more speed than I thought" Jack recalled. "But I never got used to it.
"'Making repeated firing passes at the target would be four more Sabres, each with two guns loaded with 100 rounds of .50 cal ammunition, dipped in coloured wax so that the identity of the firing aircraft could be determined. Rounds passing through it at an angle of 15 degrees or less were ruled invalid, as this posed too much danger to the Sabre target tug and the intrepid aeronaut inside.
"'You’d try to close to 1,000 feet, which was the ideal range, at probably 300-350 miles per hour, with the tow-plane at only 185 mph.
"Pilots were expected to put at least 20 per cent of their rounds into the target."
Source: Windsock, September 1994
Question: Which RCAF squadron established a record with attacks on 22 U-boats, including 3 sinkings? What was its title?
Answer: "Formed as a Bomber unit at Halifax, Nova Scotia on 5 September 1939. Mobilized on the 10th, and redesignated Bomber Reconnaissance on 31 October, the squadron flew Wapiti, Digby and Liberator aircraft on East Coast anti-submarine duty. It established a record with attacks on 22 U-boats, including 3 sinkings, and won the proud but unofficial, title 'North Atlantic Squadron'. The squadron was disbanded at Torbay, Newfoundland on 15 August 1945.
"Chronology: Formed as No. 10 (B) Sqn., Halifax, N.S. 5 Sep 39. Mobilized 10 Sep 39. Redesignated No. 10 (BR) Sqn. 31 Oct 39. Disbanded at Torbay, Nfld. 15 Aug 45."
"Summary: Sorties: 3414. Operational/Non-operational Flying Hours: 30,331/7976. Victories: 1. U-Boat 30 October 1942, Digby 747 "X" from Gander with F/L D.F. Raymes and crew - returning from patrol of convoy ON140, sank U-520 with four 250-pound depth charges at 4747N 495OW. This was the squadron's seventh attack and Eastern Air Command's third kill.
"2. 19 September 1943, Liberator 586 "A"from Gander with F/L R.F. Fisher and crew - returning to Gander from Iceland after escorting Prime Minister Churchill (returning in HMS Renown from the Quebec Conference ONS18) sank U-341 at 584ON 253OW, Eastern Air Command's fifth kill.
"3. 26 October 19431 Liberator 586 "A"from Gander with F/L R.M. Aldwinkle and crew - convoy escort: sank U-420 at 5049N 4101W after an hour-long engagement, Eastern Air Command's sixth and last kill.'
"Casualties: Operational: 7 aircraft; 25 aircrew, of whom 24 were killed or missing, 1 wounded. Non-operational: 27 fatal (including 3 drowned), 6 non-fatal.
"Honours and Awards: 24 DFCs, 6 AFCs, 1 CM, 1 AFM, 3 BEMs, 33 MiDs.
"Nickname: North Atlantic
"Source: www.rcaf.com» The Squadrons "1 -100 Series Squadrons", No. 10 Squadron
Question: What interest was shown in establishing a national air force during WW1?
Answer: "Royal Canadian Flying Corps, 1916
"During 1916, there was a renewed interest in aviation within the Department of the Militia and Defence. The War Council and the Canadian headquarters overseas thought that Canada should have its own air services supporting the war. Much effort was placed on realizing this dream; however Ottawa would not support this concept and the second attempt to create a national air force died."
"Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft, Page 22
Question: Which RCAF squadron was the first to win gallantry awards amongst other firsts during WWII?
Answer: "Formed as a fighter unit at Trenton, Ontario on 21 September 1937 with Siskin aircraft -- the nucleus had come from the Fighter Flight of No. 3 (Bomber) Squadron on 17 May, -- the squadron moved to Calgary, Alberta in August 1938, and was re-equipped with Hurricane aircraft in February 1939. It was mobilized at St Hubert, Quebec, on 10 September, and on 5 November it moved to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. On 28 May 1940, before going overseas, it absorbed No. 115 (Fighter) Squadron of the Auxiliary from Montreal.
"On 26 August 1940, the unit had its first encounter with German aircraft, and was the first squadron of the RCAF to engage the enemy, to score victories, to suffer combat casualties, and to win gallantry awards.
"The squadron was renumbered No. 401 (Fighter) Squadron at Driffield, Yorkshire, England on 1 March 1941. "
"Summary (Canada September 1939 - February 1940) Sorties: 28 Operational/Non-Operational Flying Hours: 12 / 139
Casualties: Operational: Nil Non-Operational: 2 aircraft
Summary (England June 1940 - February 1941)
Sorties: 1694 Operational/Non-Operational Flying Hours: 1569 / 1201
Casualties: Operational: 10 aircraft; 13 pilots, 3 killed Non-Operational: 2 killed
Victories: Aircraft: 30 destroyed, 9 probable, 34 damaged
Top Scores: S/L E.A. McNab, DFC; 4 1/3,
F/L McGregor, DFC; 4, F/O B.D. Russel, DFC; 3, F/O J.W. Kerwin 3 Honours and Awards: 3 DFCs
Source: RCAF.COM » The Squadrons "1 -100 Series Squadrons » No. 1 Squadron
Question: When was Bomber Command of the RAF formed and what was its initial purpose?
Answer: "On 14 July 1936, Bastille Day, Bomber Command formed as part of a broad-brush reorganization of the RAF. Along with the formation of distinct Fighter, Coastal, and 'Training Commands, this structural change was made in order to encourage greater specialization and to promote greater efficiency. It provided Bomber Command with a more distinct and defined strategic role, based on a growing conviction among air planners that long-range air attacks deep into enemy territory could be productive.
"At issue was the precise role the command would perform in the event of war, and this was initially not clearly defined. It was conceived primarily as a deterrent, to be used only for bombing military targets. Senior military and political leaders only vaguely assumed that RAF bombing policy would re-engage where it had left off in 1918, its raison d'etre to attack enemy industrial centres to deprive them of war materials and also to demoralize the population."
Source: No Prouder Place – Canadians and the Bomber Command Experience 1939-1945, David L. Bashow, page 17
Question: Was there ever a Canadian Naval Air Service?
If there was:
1.What was the name of it?
2. When was it started and when was it disbanded?
3. What was its compliment of personnel and aircraft?
4. What type of aircraft were used?
Answer: "Because of the importance of Halifax to the war effort, and the threat posed by German submarines, the British Admiralty suggested the establishment of two air stations on the east coast: One at the Eastern Passage (Dartmouth) and one at Sydney, both in Nova Scotia.
"Initially, the Americans rendered assistance by providing two flying boats to patrol the area around Halifax and the Bedford Basin.
"On 5 September 1918, the Canadian government approved the Royal Canadian Naval Air Service. Personnel were to be trained on lighter-than-air airships (dirigibles) and heavier-than-air airships (aircraft). By the signing of the armistice, the RCNAS had 81 cadets, of whom 60 were undergoing training in the United States, with 13 in the United Kingdom and 8 in Canada awaiting training. Additionally, 6 coxswains had enlisted for airship duties and were serving in the United Kingdom. However, on 5 December 1918, the RCNAS was disbanded and all the cadets and coxswains were demobilized."
Source: Canadian Combat and Support aircraft – A Military Compendium, T.F.J. Leversedge, ISBN 978-1-55125—116-5
Question: Which one of the Canadian military services flew military aircraft during the Korean War? What was the aircraft and to which flight were they attached?
Answer: "On 1 March 1947, the Canadian Army Air Component was formed and, to equip it, 36 Auster AOP Mark MVI aircraft were ordered.
"Following the success of the Auster Taylorcraft in the Second World War, an improved and upgraded version of the aircraft, simply known as the Auster Mk VI, was introduced just prior to the Korean War. The Auster Mk VI differed from its predecessors in its more powerful engine, protruding rear flaps, longer undercarriage legs and increased fuel capacity. "Like the Taylorcraft, the primary roles of this aircraft were also artillery spotting, along with liaison and light observation duties. During the Korean War, Canadian Army crews were attached to the Commonwealth Division Air OP Flight."
"TOS: 1948SOS: 1958 No: 42
"Source: Canadian Combat and Support aircraft – A Military Compendium, T.F.J. Leversedge, ISBN 978-1-55125—116-5, Page 56
Question: How did the responsibilities in regards to forestry flying change for the Canadian Air Force in 1921? What impact did the change have on the type of aircraft used? Answer: "Initially, forestry flying consisted of spotting and reporting fires, but in July 1921 the aircraft of the Northern Ontario Mobile Unit went a step further by transporting rangers and equipment to fight the conflagrations., The aircraft thus moved from a passive to an active role, known as 'fire suppression'.
"This created a need for a new type of aircraft, one capable of airlifting firefighters, pumps, etc. The old H2SL could carry only minimal loads. In 1923, the RCAF introduced a larger, sturdier machine -- the Vickers Viking, followed in 1926 by a type designed specifically for fire suppression, the Vickers Varuna.
"Source: Legion Magazine, Sep-Oct 2009, by Hugh A. Halliday, Page 34
Question: When, and for what reason, did Rockcliffe’s military history begin, and when was it taken over by the RAF?
Answer: "Rockcliffe's military history began in 1898, when the Department of Militia and Defence needed land for a rifle range. Upon acquiring the area north of the 50-foot limestone escarpment that separates the top part of the base from the lower, more land was added a few years later.
"During WW1, army units trained there before the Royal Air Force flew three round-trip airmail flights to Toronto with JN-4 aircraft in 1918."
Source: Airforce, Fall 2004, Page 9
Question: When did the RAF form an all-Canadian squadron and what was the number of the squadron?
Answer: "In the late ‘30s, aspiring Canadian aviators paid for their own flying lessons and then bought tickets across the Atlantic to join the British Royal Air Force (RAF). It was the only game in town; the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) saw no need to satisfy young Canadians’ itch to fly. Moreover the government was not interested in equipping the RCAF to meet an enemy force.
"So many Canadians joined the RAF that a Canadian squadron, No. 242, was formed in November 1939. Its commanding officer and all pilots were CAN/RAF (Canadians serving in the RAF).
"Source: Canada’s World War II Aces – Heroic Pilots & Gunners of the Wartime Skies, Larry Gray
Question: How many hours were flown in the two final years of RCAF forestry work? What was the peak year for the number of aircraft used by the RCAF in forestry work and what was the number used?
Answer: "Due largely to the addition of spring patrols and the use of far-flung detachments, the two final years of RCAF forestry work were also the most active. In 1929, the force flew 5,819 hours on these operations, and the figure for 1930 was 5,316 hours. In terms of aircraft, 1929 also represented a peak, with 23 aircraft dedicated to the work from Alberta to Manitoba. That year, the airmen detected 368 fires." Source: Legion Magazine, Sep-Oct 2009, "The Forest Watchers" by Hugh A. Halliday, Page 35
Question: What reciprocal agreement was established between the Royal Flying Corps and the U.S. Army’s Signal Corps in 1917?
Answer: "With the United States’ entry into the war in April 1917, a reciprocal agreement was established between the RFC and the U.S. Army’s Signal Corps. This agreement brought Americans to Canada for training, and in turn it allowed the RFC to train in a snow-free environment.
"Fort Worth Texas was selected as the training centre and the school of aerial gunnery and the wings from Camp Borden and Deseronto ceased training in Canada in November 1917 and moved to the Fort Worth area. RFC Station North Toronto remained open in Canada to test the feasibility of training personnel in a Canadian winter. This test was so successful it was decided that the training for the winter of 1918-19 was to be in Canada.
"Meanwhile, the other RFC training units proceeded on their 1600-mile rail trip to Texas for the winter of 1917-1918."
Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft – A Military Compendium, T.F.J. Leversedge, Page 22
Question: Who devised the name "Snowbirds" for Canada’s military formation team? In what year did the Snowbirds first appear and where was their first appearance.? How many shows did they do in the first year and what was the public’s reaction?
Answer: "The new team was named "Snowbirds, 'the result of a name-the-team contest held at the base elementary school in June 1971. The winning entry was submitted by Doug Farmer, a Grade 6 student. The team first appeared as the Snowbirds at the Saskatchewan Homecoming Air Show in 1971. This performance was followed by appearances at other major air shows and at military bases across Canada. During their first show season, the team performed twenty-seven times. Public response indicated that re-establishing a Canadian formation team was a popular move." Source: Snowbirds –Behind The Scenes With Canada’s Air Demonstration Team, By Mike Sroka, Page 23
Question: What year did the Snowbirds begin flying air shows in the United States and begin wearing the distinctive red flying suits that became a Snowbirds trademark?
Answer: "1973
· Team Lead: George Miller
· Shows expands to include aerobatic formation maneuvers; formation changes are prohibited
· Flies first air shows in the United States
· Pilots begin wearing distinctive red flying suits that become a Snowbirds’ trademark
Source: Snowbirds – Behind The Scenes With Canada’s Air Demonstration Team, Mike Sroka by Page 25
Question: How many personnel did the RAF establishment have on strength in Canada when the armistice was signed on 11 November 1918? Answer: "By the time the armistice was signed on 11 November 1918, the RAF establishment in Canada had a total strength of 11,928 all ranks. It was staffed by 993 officers and 6,158 other ranks, with 4, 333 cadet pilots and 444 other officers under training."
Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft – A Military Compendium, T.F.J. Leversedge, Page 23
Question: Why did Rockcliffe in 1919 "become the focal point for aviation in the capital"? Answer: "...The following year, after Parliament passed the Air Board Act to regulate flying, Rockcliffe 'became the focal point for aviation in the capital'. The reasons were obvious – flat land for wheeled aircraft, the river for seaplanes, and safe flying over the country side, away from dense population."
Source: Airforce – The Magazine of Canada’s Air Force Heritage – Fall 2004 – Vol. 28 No 3 – Page 9
Question: 414 Electronic Warfare Support (EWS) Squadron was re-formed on Jan 23/2009 . When was it originally formed , what was its function then and when was it last disbanded? What is its nickname?
Answer: "The re-formation of 414 Electronic Warfare Support (EWS) Sqn. was marked at a ceremony held Jan 23rd 2009 at Vintage Wings of Canada, near Ottawa. The unit, which is located in Ottawa, but reports to 3 Wing Bagotville, Que, is responsible for providing electronic warfare support to Canadian Forces Combat training.
"Nicknamed 'Black Knight' Sqn., 414 EWS Sqn. traces its origins to WWII, when it was a fighter reconnaissance squadron. It has existed in various forms since that time, and was last disbanded in 2002 when it was known as 414 (Combat Support) Sqn."
Source: Airforce Revue Magazine – Spring 2009 – Page 7
Question: How many SFTSs and E&RFTSs (EFTSs) did the RAF have in 1939? How many trained pilots did they turn out each year and how many part-timers were in various stages of training in the RAF Volunteer Reserve?. Answer: "By 1939, the RAF had 15 SFTSs (two overseas – Egypt and Iraq) and more than 45 E&EFTSs – some barely started. It was also turning out about 750 trained pilots per year for the regular force and had thousands of part-timers in various stages of training in the RAF Volunteer Reserve. On the outbreak of the Second World War, the E&RFTSs were renamed Elementary Flying Training Schools (EFTSs)."
Source: CAHS Journal – Winter 2009 – Page 139
Question: 406 "Lynx" Squadron, as the Battle of Britain was winding down, became the first RCAF night fighter squadron. Which crew of the 406 Squadron scored the first RCAF night-fighter victory?
HINT: The navigator was from Regina and the Iron Cross insignia from the downed aircraft is now displayed in the Canadian War Museum. Answer: "Two hours and 10 minutes after they had taken off, Fumerton (Robert Carl 'Moose' Fumerton) and Bing (Sergeant L.P.S 'Pat' Bing of Regina) landed at Acklington. They had scored their first victory, the first ever for an RCAF night fighter, and 406 Squadron’s first success. The next morning, the men of 406 found the wreckage and cut out the black Iron Cross insignia of the Luftwaffe, taking it back to base (the insignia is now on display in the Canadian War Museum).
"None of the German crew survived, so the officers of 406 Squadron provided a full military funeral."
Source: Canada’s World War II Aces – Larry Gray – Page 41
Question: How many personnel had the RFC/RAF training establishment, during its approximately 21 months in Canada, recruited, how many pilots were graduated and how many fatal crashes were there?
Answer: "In its twenty and a half months in Canada, the RFC/RAF training establishment had recruited 16,663 personnel and had graduated 3,135 pilots, of whom 2, 539 went overseas and 356 remained in Canada as instructors, and 137 observers, of whom 85 were sent overseas. At the time of the armistice, it had an additional 240 pilots and 52 observers who were ready for overseas service. There had been 130 fatal crashes involving RFC/RAF aircraft in Canada during this same period."
Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft– T.F.J. Leversedge – Page 23
Question: What was the number of the squadron (Bomber)(Auxiliary) authorized at Regina in 1935? When did it commence flying training? When was it renumbered and what was it renumbered to?
Answer: "Authorized as No. 20 (Bomber ) Squadron (Auxiliary) at Regina, Saskatchewan on 1 June 1935, the unit commenced flying training in April 1937, when it received four Moth aircraft. It was renumbered No. 120 Squadron on 15 November 1937. Called out on voluntary full-time duty in September 1939, and redesignated Bomber Reconnaissance on 31 October, the squadron flew Delta, Hudson, Stranraer, Canso A and Catalina on West Coast anti-submarine duty until disbanded at Coal Harbour, British Columbia, on 1 May 1944. "Source: www.rcaf.com/Squadrons/squadronDetail.php?No.-120-Squadron-33
Question: What is the name and the number of the squadron that was adopted by Regina? The squadron was sent comforts by the Rotary Club and which bomber squadron ladies’ auxiliary?
Answer (Part 1) "No. 426 Squadron RCAF, now known as 426 Transport Training Squadron, and Thunderbird Squadron originated as a squadron in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) that fought during the Second World War as a bomber squadron. After undergoing several reformations, it remains active today as a transport training squadron. The motto of the squadron is 'On Wings of Fire'; and the squadron's badge contains a Thunderbird. The badge refers to the squadron's Thunderbird designation."
Source: Wikipedia;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._426_Squadron_RCAF
Answer (Part 2) "The Thunderbird squadron is the squadron adopted by Regina and to which the 120th Bomber Squadron ladies’ auxiliary and the Rotary club sent comforts."
Source: Regina Leader Post – Aug 19, 1944 - Page 2
Answer: "Ace Wop May was credited with 13 German aircraft, and 4 other "probables". The figure 7 was mentioned in Dispatches when he was awarded the D.F.C. in 1918
Source: Website – The Chronicles of W.R. (WOP) May – www.wopman.com/resources/myths.htm
Question: What prestigious record did 409 squadron from Cold Lake set in the fall of 2010?
1. The best score since 1992 at the United States Red Flag exercise.
2. The best score in the history of the Maple Flag exercises at Cold Lake.
3. The most intercepts off the west coast in Exercise Amalgam
4. The most times that any squadron has participated in Trident Fury
5. The squadron got a score not previously achieved at Combat Hammer
Answer: No. 5
"409 Tactical Fighter Sqn. (The Nighthawks) from 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta, were participating in exercise Combat Hammer at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in October" (2010)
"The exercise evaluates a tactical fighter squadron’s ability to execute air-to-ground operations from initial build-up to final impact against both moving and static targets.
"The squadron was evaluated by American and Canadian experts. Once the scores were tallied, all 18 of the laser-guided bombs dropped by 409 TFS had hit their targets. The 86th FWS recognized the score as a new evaluation record. 409 TFS is the only unit (American or foreign) to achieve 100 percent hits against moving targets at a Combat Hammer since the exercise began in the 1980s."
Source: Airforce Revue Magazine – Vol 34/No 3 – Page 7
Question: What was the number of the squadron (Bomber)(Auxiliary) authorized at Regina in 1935? When did it commence flying training? When was it renumbered and what was it renumbered to? Answer: "Authorized as No. 20 (Bomber ) Squadron (Auxiliary) at Regina, Saskatchewan on 1 June 1935, the unit commenced flying training in April 1937 when it received four Moth aircraft. It was renumbered No. 120 Squadron on 15 November 1937. Called out on voluntary full-time duty in September 1939, and redesignated Bomber Reconnaissance on 31 October, the squadron flew Delta, Hudson, Stranraer, Canso A and Catalina on West Coast anti –submarine duty until disbanded at Coal Harbour, British Columbia on 1 May 1944. "Source: www.rcaf.com/Squadrons/squadronDetail.php?No.-120-Squadron-33
Question: What was the unique feature of the Red Knight aerobatic shows? Which aircraft(s) were flown by the Red Knight?
Answer: "The Red Knight was commonly sent to venues considered too small for the aerobatics teams of the day. The trademark of the Red Knight was his brilliant red aircraft; first the T-33 Silver star and then, for the last two seasons, the CL-41 Tutor. The unique feature of the Red Knight displays was that all the maneuvers were performed within the boundaries of the airfield – keeping the action in view of the spectators through the entire show."
Source: Airforce Revue – Vol. 32/No.3 – Page 13
Question: September 2008 marked the 50th anniversary of which Canadian military solo aerobatics display? How many years was the act active? How many appearances at how many locations did this act make?
Answer: The Red Knight. "September 1958 marked the first 'official' public appearance. That display, part of the Canadian International Air Show (CIAS), took place during the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto. The act, which would become Training Command’s solo aerobatics display, continued for the next 12 years, making over 600 appearances at more than 300 locations throughout Canada and the United States. This achievement ranks second only to the Snowbirds for Canadian military aerobatics display" Source: Airforce Revue – Vol. 32/No. 3 – Page 12
Question: What was the purpose of the Crimson Route and why was it named that?
Answer: "...With the Lend-Lease Act passed by the American Congress and signed by President Franklin Roosevelt early in 1941, the United States assumed an active part in the joint effort with Canada to take advantage of the 'stepping stones' provided by the Canadian Prairies, Newfoundland, Labrador, Greenland and Iceland, thus making possible the ferrying of short-range aircraft from North America to Great Britain via chain of airfields following a northern route. This joint project became known as the 'Crimson Route' project. This chain of proposed airfields initially was called the North-East Staging Route, but became known as the Crimson Route – purportedly named after crimson symbol of the Red Cross, which was responsible for evacuating wounded soldiers from the European theatre to North American along the same route."
Source: Windsock – November 2010 – Page 1
Question: What does the 419 Squadron motto (Moosa aswayita) mean and in what language was it written?
Answer: "The 419 Squadron motto, written in the Cree Indian language, was, and still is to this day, Moosa awayita (Beware of the Moose) in honour of the nickname acquired by the first commanding officer, Wing Commander John 'Moose' Fulton, Distinguished Service Order (DSO), DFC, Air Force Cross (AFC)."
Source: CAHS Journal - Spring 2010 – Page 17
Question: During its five-year life, the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan involved how many schools and units and how many sites (not including relief fields)? What percentage of the pilots, navigators, bomb-aimers, air gunners, and wireless operators of the Commonwealth air forces were trained under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan?
Answer: "During its five-year life, the plan involved 360 units and schools at approximately 230 sites, not including relief airfields. Canada had virtually unlimited space, good flying conditions and was a safe distance from the conflict in Europe. It was one of the largest aviation-training programmes in history and was responsible for training nearly half the pilots, navigators, bomb aimers, air gunners, and wireless operations of the Commonwealth air Forces."
Source: CAHS Journal, Spring 2010, Page 16
Questions: 1. How many sorties did the RAF Bomber Command fly during World War II?
2. How many aircrew of all nationalities flew with Bomber Command?
3. How many were killed, wounded, became prisoners of war, managed to evade capture and escaped from prison camps?
3. In what year did 1/3 of the casualties occur? 4. What number of those killed were air gunners?
5. How many men and women were killed or wounded while engaged in various ground duties?
Answer: "Historians differ as to the exact figures, but during World War II RAF Bomber Command flew more than a third of a million sorties with 125,000 aircrew of all nationalities serving within the Command. Approximately 55,550 were killed, 9,838 became prisoners of war, 8,500 were wounded, 1,500 managed to evade captures and 100 escaped from POW camps. Over one-third of all these casualties occurred in 1944.
"Of the total killed, 20,000 were air gunners. In addition, some 2,000 men and women were killed or wounded while engaged in various ground duties either from enemy action, accidents or from the effects of exposure working all hours day or night in the bitter cold of six war winters. It is high praise indeed for those ground staff whose faithful service on the operating airfields, in administration, training and supply units contributed so much to the success of the bomber offensive. Without then, the bombers would have never left the ground."
Source: CAHS Journal, Spring 2010, Page 27
Questions: 1) Which RCAF bomber squadron became one of the most decorated units during WWII?
2) What were members of this unit proud to call themselves?
3) How many operational sorties did this squadron fly?
4) How many, over a span of 3 ½ years, operational missions did this squadron fly and how many aircraft did it lose flying these operational missions?
HINT: This was the only Canadian squadron to be named after a person.
Answer: "No. 419 Squadron was the only Canadian squadron to be named after a person and all members were proud to call themselves 'Moosemen'. In addition, the squadron had an excellent record flying a total of 4,325 operational sorties, inflicting heavy damage on the enemy. Over a span of roughly three and a half years the squadron logged up 400 operational missions losing 129 aircraft. As a result of its wartime record, 419 Squadron became one of the most decorated units during World War II."
Source: CAHS Journal, Spring-2010, Page 28
Question: Which RCAF squadron sank 5 German submarines -- a record for an RCAF unit? How many medals were awarded to members of this squadron?
Answer: "During the European invasion of June 1944, 162 Squadron RCAF, commanded by Cecil Chapman, sank four German submarines and shared in the destruction of a fifth, a record for an RCAF unit.
"At this time the Canso crews of the outfit operated from Wick, Scotland, in an effort to attack the southern flank of the route used by the U-boats to reach the North Atlantic from Norway. By war’s end, they could boast a VC, two DSOs, seven DFCs and three DFMs. Chapman himself accounted for one of the submarines and became one of the squadron’s two DSO recipients."
SOURCE: True Canadian Heroes In the Air, Arthur Bishop, Page 125
Question: Why did the RAF switch from target specific bombing during WWII to night area bombing from 1941 to late 1944?
Answer: "From 1941 until late 1944, the majority of Bomber Command’s sorties consisted of area bombing by night: and the chief reason for this turn of events was that 'the only target on which the night force could inflict effective damage was a whole German town.'
"The RAF’s Official History Branch narrative identifies this linkage directly with Sir Charles Portal and the more pessimistic, yet pragmatic, attitude which he would bring to future Air Staff deliberations on bombing policy. Ultimately, due allowance was made for the inaccuracy of bombing, by ensuring that targets selected were not isolated, but if possible in large centres of population and industry. This was the reason for the initiation of area bombing and the selection of 'industrial centers' instead of factories." Source: No Prouder Place, Page 33
Question: What were Bomber Command’s activities limited to during the first 6 months of the Second World War?
Answer: "British bombing policy was deliberately non-provocative for the first six months of the Second World War. Bomber Command’s activities were limited to strategic reconnaissance, propaganda leaflet raids, and the destruction of enemy shipping in their home ports and at sea. Crews were repeatedly cautioned that the greatest care was to be taken not to injure enemy civilians and that, for the present, there were no alternative bombing targets to the German High Seas Fleet."
Source: No Prouder Place, Page 24
Question: What "first" of World War II did a tiny force of 10 Squadron Whitleys accomplish on September 3/4 1939?
Answer: "On the night of 3/4 September, Robert Stevenson of Victoria, British Columbia, and John Sproule of Brandon, Manitoba, had each climbed aboard Whitleys as part of a ten-aircraft leaflet raid on German cities. Collectively, this tiny force dropped 5.4 tons of leaflets and assured their place in history as the first to drop material of any nature on Germany during the Second World War."
Source: No Prouder Place, Page 26
QUESTION: What was the original home base of the Golden Hawks when the team was formed in 1959 -- and why was it formed?
Answer: "The Golden Hawks were formed in the spring of 1959 as part of the RCAF’s contribution to the commemoration of Canada’s Golden Jubilee of Flight. Their original home base was CFB Chatham. During Canada’s Centennial year, September 17, 1967, was designated as "Golden Hawk Day" in Chatham. In honour of the team, the base unveiled a pedestal mounted F-86 Sabre aircraft in Golden Hawk colours and paid tribute to the team, which had made the base well known throughout the country."
SOURCE:http://www.museevirtuel-virtualmuseum.ca/edu/ViewLoitLo.do?methoCd=preview&id=4185&lang=EN
Question: What was a side benefit of the RFC Training Plan even though the Canadian government was a reluctant participant in it?
Answer: "While the Canadian government was a reluctant participant in the training scheme, its passive participation resulted in so many Canadians mastering the art of flying that it was Canadians and not Americans who mapped and pioneered the North American Arctic, thereby ensuring that this vast territory would fly the Maple Leaf rather than the Stars and Stripes."
Source: Dancing in the Sky -Page 12
Question: What strategic new weapon emerged during WW I? How did the functions of this weapon evolve?
Answer: "The rapidly changing nature of modern warfare would gradually demonstrate that a strategic new weapon had emerged. Initially, the airplane’s function had been to observe and report on the enemy’s troop movements. This role quickly expanded to include photographing the enemy troops, bombing his installations, strafing his troops and, finally , attacking and destroying both his airplanes and the men who flew them. The famous aerial dogfight s did not develop until the spring of 1915. This phase of the air war led to growing losses of pilots and critical need to train replacements."
Source: Dancing in the Sky.- Page 26
Question: How did the RFC/RAF Training Plan in Canada during WWI benefit the Americans?
Answer: "In 1917, the United States, while an industrial powerhouse, was militarily weak, lacking both weapons and the trained manpower necessary for the creation of a modern military establishment. Although capable of raising a powerful citizens’ army, the U.S. air force existed largely on paper. The RFC/RAF Training Plan jump-started the American air force, enabling it, in just a few months, to compete with the world’s major air powers. Now the world’s most powerful military nation, the United States trained many of its early military pilots at the aerodromes of Canada under British command. Its first aviation schools were modeled directly from the aeronautical school set up by the RFC at the University of Toronto."
Source: Dancing in the Sky – Page 12
Question: 1) What fraction of the RAF Bomber Command squadrons were Allied or Dominion units by January 1943 2) What percentage of the Bomber Command’s operational aircrew on strength by war’s end was Canadian 3) How many of the RAF Bomber Command squadrons did the Canadian operational aircrew serve in?
Answer: “Canadian aircrew permeated Bomber Command as they did the RAF in general, for the entire duration of the war. Indeed, by January 1943 nearly one-third of all bomber Command squadrons were designated either Allied or Dominion units and Canadians comprised roughly twenty-five percent of the command’s operational aircrew on strength at war’s end. They served in virtually every RAF squadron, and did so with great distinction.”
Source: NO PROUDER PLACE– Page 47
Question: What threat did 8 squadron try to minimize by sending two still-unarmed Northup Delta float planes on a week-long circumnavigation of Newfoundland on 4 September 1939.? Please note that this same threat had so worried the Canadian government during the First world War and again since the mid-1930s.
Answer: “Even with these meager facilities, Sydney was the only principal naval base other than Halifax on Canada’s Atlantic coast. The Cape Breton port was the bastion for the defence of not only the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but also Newfoundland. Feeble as the Canadian resources were, they were more substantial than the British or bankrupt Newfoundland (still a colony separate from Canada) could provide. One of the first missions of the newly arrived 8 squadron was, on 4 September 1939, to dispatch two of its still-unarmed Northrup Delta float planes on a week-long circumnavigation of the vast island. Admiral Meyrick in Bermuda requested the reconnaissance to ensure that the Germans had not, in anticipation of the outbreak of war with Britain, pre-positioned submarines or surface warships, or vessels to refuel and supply them, in any of Newfoundland’s numerous isolated bays. This, of course, was the threat that had so worried the Canadian government during the First World War and again since the mid-1930s.”
Source: War In The St. Lawrence – Page 24,25
QUESTION: What RCAF Station, although only operation for four years, had the most diverse sets of operations in both the civil and military aviation realms for the period?
ANSWER: “Lost in time and history is a small but significant RCAF station in the Ottawa area. Shirleys Bay was only operational for four years, from 1925 to 1928, but these were important years for the RCAF in which much was learned of the new capabilities of nascent air force. Added to the youth of the air force was the fact that the station had the most diverse sets of operations in both the civil and military aviation realms for the period.”
SOURCE: RCAF Station ?, by Mathias Joost, CAHS Journal, ,Summer 2012, Page 66
Question: Which squadron provided the first 24 hrs support out of Halifax to shipping in approaches to ports in Canada and was considered the only modern maritime patrol aircraft in the RCAF’s inventory. What planes did they use and how many did they have? Answer: “The greatest danger of submarine attack was in coastal waters where the concentration of shipping in approaches to ports enabled the enemy most readily to find targets. For the first forty-eight hours (about 740 kilometres) out of Halifax, the convoys were escorted by two of the RCN’s destroyers. There was support for the first twenty-four hours by Supermarine Stranraer twin-wing flying boats operated by 5 Squadron RCAF at the Dartmouth air station. There were only five Stranraers in the squadron, and these were the only modern maritime patrol aircraft in the RCAF’s inventory.” Source: War In The St. Lawrence – Page 22
Question: What unit has the motto Per Ardua Ad Astra and what does it mean? Answer: “The name of the RCAF may have changed , but the commitment, endurance, and readiness to serve the country’s needs that marked its past achievements persists. It is enshrined in the RCAF motto: “ Through Adversity to the stars”.” Source: The Nova Scotia International Tattoo 1999– Page 15
Question: How many RCAF flying squadrons were there overseas. How many of them were heavy bomber squadrons?
Answer: “These RCAF units were governed by RCAF regulations, procedures, and chains of authority. Eventually there were forty-seven flying squadrons overseas, including fourteen heavy bomber squadrons..”
Source: NO PROUDER PLACE– Page 47
QUESTION PART 1: What was the name of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society when it was formed in January 1963:
QUESTION PART 2: What was the name of Vol. 1 No 1 newsletter of the association that is now known as the Canadian Aviation Historical Society
ANSWER: January 1963.The Canadian Aviation Historical Society was formed and issued its first Journal. (Original name was Early Birds Association of Canada and Vol 1, No. 1 only was issued under the name of The Early Bird Enthusiast.)”
SOURCE: 1. 125 Years of Canadian Aeronautics – 1840 – 1965 – Page 295
2. Vol 1 – No. 1 – Journal of what is now called the Canadian Aviation Historical Society Journal
Question: Who proposed to the War Office in England that Royal Fying Corps squadrons could be raised and trained in Canada? When was this proposal made and was the Government of Canada in favor of this proposal at this time? Answer: “Meanwhile, Canada’s minister of militia, the mercurial Sir Sam Hughes had been won over to the view that Canada should participate in an air-training scheme; no longer was the airplane the creation of the devil, Hughes now saw it as vital to winning the war. In September 1916, Hughes was in England, where he made an offer to the War Office to raise and train Royal Flying corps squadrons in Canada and place them at the disposal of the Imperial Government. ” Source: Dancing In The Sky– Page 32