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The Canadian Aviation   Historical Society April 2024 e–Newsletter  From the Desk of the Executive  When I began academic historical research as a university student, the first history conference at which I presented was celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). At that time, I had not put a lot of thought into what it would be like to be around to celebrate such a milestone number as 100. But here we are; 1 April 2024 is the centennial of the RCAF's establishment, and we are all alive to witness this historical milestone and take part in the many celebrations that are taking place all throughout this year. The CAHS is pleased to help keep you informed of centennial events through our events page and through the RCAF's official centennial page; keep checking these pages for updates on new events. We are also very proud that so many of our members - including founding members - have served in the RCAF and contributed to Canada's aviation history. Many stories of RCAF accomplishments will be shared at CAHS Chapter meetings (check meeting notices here) and the CAHS 2024 Convention in Saskatoon (visit the convention page for location, hotel, registration, and speaker updates) through 19-24 June. And the RCAF has not just had a military impact on Canada's defence and security; civilian aviation has also been impacted as bush pilots mapped the country in the 1920s and 1930s, as British Commonwealth Air Training Plan bases were turned into civilian airports post-Second World War, as aircraft design evolved and were purchased for civilian use, and as retired RCAF members took jobs with civilian airlines. We hope that you have fun this year celebrating this momentous milestone and learning new things about the RCAF's past. Happy Birthday, RCAF, and here's to another 100 years of making history.   Cordially, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide, National Treasurer, Canadian Aviation Historical Society Join the CAHS – Information for New Members… Renew or Extend Your Membership Here… Browse our Shop… Looking for a specific Journal or Article? Click the button above, then click on the little magnifying glass to begin your search. Donate any Amount… Click the button above or, if you have a smartphone, simply point its camera app at the on-screen QR code to donate via mobile. From the Desk of the Journal Editor The title pages and covers of our RCAF Centennial Special Edition. Select any one of the images above to see a larger view on the CAHS website. The event is finally upon us – the Royal Canadian Air Force has just hit its centenary milestone. When you read this, our RCAF 1924-2024 Centennial Special Edition will be at the printers or on its way to our members' mailboxes. Within a few days of this newsletter landing in your inbox, all current CAHS National members on our email list will receive a follow-up message that includes a link to this special edition's digital version (in PDF form). This will be our Journal's first print edition with colour reproduction throughout. It also has an increased page count – 54 instead of the usual 36 to 44 of our regular editions.   Our Journal has always been strong on RCAF-related content, of course, with both in-depth and shorter ("Historical Snapshot" or "History in Brief") items dispersed within each publication year. However, this is the first time RCAF-centric academic historians have penned all items within a single issue. Funnelled to our pages via Director of RCAF History and Heritage Dr. Richard Mayne, this tidy collection of papers provides us with a range of subjects from heraldry to museum objects and RCAF historiography. While some of these articles include impressions in-passing of a few notable RCAF personalities, two are more directly biographical: one on an experienced postwar pilot operating at the squadron command level and another on a small group of pioneering para-rescue nurses.   Our guest editor, Dr. Mayne, has also authored an engaging, in-depth paper on a very early Canadian military aviation personality of note. But page real estate has forced us to hold it over for a later regular issue of our Journal. More on that when the time comes. In the meantime, here is a small sampling of articles from earlier Journals in keeping with the RCAF theme.   The first, written by CAHS national treasurer and Air Force historian Dr. Rachel Lea Heide, marks the anniversary of a tragic event over Moose Jaw, SK, on 8 April 1954. Her "Jealous Regard for Reputation: Moose Jaw Civil-Military Relations After the Air Collision of 8 April 1954," initially published in CAHS Journal Vol 51, No 4, can be accessed here or by selecting the first title-page image below. CAHS Treasurer, Rachel Lea Heide, was interviewed on the crash and its impact through the aviation sector which can be read here.    The second, "The Other Operation Eclipse of 1945: The RCAF Capturing Celestial Bodies Over Manitoba," was a shorter Historical Snapshot item I had compiled for Vol 57, No 3. It covers the RCAF's success in recording a total solar eclipse from above the clouds. You can access that PDF here or by selecting the second title-page image below. Incidentally, the RCAF would try again in 1954, but documentary material on that mission appears to be as elusive as that of the 1945 mission. I'm still looking! If anyone out there knows more, I'd love to hear from you.   Happy Anniversary RCAF. Until next time… Terry Higgins, Creative Director, Website Administrator, CAHS Journal Managing Editor and Graphics Director, Canadian Aviation Historical Society From the Desk of the Treasurer Seeing as we are celebrating the RCAF Centennial in this newsletter, we are highlighting RCAF-themed books you can purchase through the CAHS website at a discount. The list below also includes a few books on the Royal Air Force (RAF) where operations directly impacted Canadian shores. Our managing editor has collaborated with a team within the RCAF Directorate of History and Heritage to produce a special RCAF-themed issue of the Journal to help celebrate the Centennial (see above).  All CAHS members will receive a copy in the coming weeks; non-members can purchase copies from the CAHS web shop for $20 (print edition) or $12 (digital edition). Being (or becoming) a CAHS member holds the benefit of receiving this special edition for free and being able to access the PDF version in the members' section of the website.   Our 13-month bilingual, full colour aviation art 2024 calendar also features a number of RCAF aircraft; you can still secure your copy here. We hope that you find some interesting reading through the CAHS and find some gifts to give to support your aviation history buff friends; perhaps you can even hook some new fans of Canada's aviation history with a book or calendar or trip to an RCAF Centennial event.   Cordially, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide, National Treasurer, Canadian Aviation Historical Society CAHS 2024 Aviation Art Calendar The annual aviation art calendar is available ($15 a copy plus $5 shipping in Canada). This bilingual calendar includes 13 full-colour images featuring a collection of civilian and military aviation aircraft. Order yours here now! The Defenders In honour of the upcoming RCAF Centennial (on 1 April 2024), author Chris Weicht continues to offer his book DEFENDERS at the discounted rate of $45 plus $20 shipping in Canada (contact us for bulk purchases and combined shipping rates).   The Defenders - RCAF Defence of Canada's West Coast and Alaska 1939-1945 is new instalment Chris Weicht's extensive Air Pilot Navigator series about narratives on aviation in western Canada. Shipped directly from the publisher after your order is placed here. Gus: From Trapper Boy to Air Marshal Gus--From Trapper Boy To Air Marshal, by Suzanne K. Edwards, is the life story of Air Marshal Harold "Gus" Edwards, as told by his daughter. As the title suggests, self-educated Gus Edwards moved from humble beginnings in the coal mines to become one of the most senior officers in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Well known for his championing of Canadianization, Edwards became a controversial figure during the Second World War.   This book can be purchased for $5 (plus $6 shipping in Canada). Buy now... North Atlantic Crossroads Gander was a bustling hub of aviation during the Second World War as thousands of bombers passed through on their way to Britain. In North Atlantic Crossroads, the challenges and hazards of transatlantic ferrying come alive. Tales of search and rescue, aircraft salvage, medevac missions, and VIP visits highlight the activities of the Ferry Command Gander unit, notably the work of its aircraft maintenance department, headed by the incomparable John Joseph “Joe” Gilmore. Postwar, the boom in commercial air travel transformed Gander, setting the airport on its way to becoming the crossroads of the North Atlantic.    This book can be purchased for $15 (plus $6 shipping in Canada). Buy now... In Plain Site: A Biography Of The RAF Airbase At Caron, Saskatchewan In Plain Site is the first life-cycle biography of a Second World War air training facility in Canada. Readers with an interest in aviation history, flight training, Saskatchewan history, the RAF, or Canada's impressive war effort will be interested in this book.   For more details about the book and the author's research, check out his website.   Both pricing options include 15$ shipping, no additional shipping charge will be applied. Softcover: $22.50+$15 Hardcover: $36.50+$15 Buy now... Bomber Command: Churchill's Greatest Triumph Roddy MacKenzie's father served in Bomber Command during the Second World War, but like so many brave veterans who had survived the war, he spoke little of his exploits. So, when Roddy started on his personal journey to discover something of what his father had achieved, he uncovered a great deal about the devastating effectiveness of Bomber Command and the vital role it played in the defeat of Third Reich. He realized that the true story of Bomber Command's achievements has never been told nor fully acknowledged. Roddy became a man on a mission, and this startlingly revealing, and often personal study, is the result.  Buy now... CAHS Shop... You are invited to the 2024 CAHS National Convention in Saskatoon The Canadian Aviation Historical Society is pleased to invite you to our annual convention in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Wednesday 19 June to Saturday 22 June 2024, held in partnership with the RCAF History and Heritage in recognition of the RCAF's 100th anniversary. Convention registration is now open (forms for online or mail-in registration are provided below). Full convention registration is only $225 for members and will include the Wednesday reception, lunch for three days, our annual banquet, two days of speaker sessions, and the tours. Registration for online attendance will include access to all convention sessions via Zoom, but not the tours or evening events. Recordings will be made for sessions where the presenter grants permission, and these recordings will be available to all attendees after the convention, subject to technical limitations. Most convention activities will take place at the Saskatoon Aviation Museum.   Our list of speakers is below. Since this is the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Canadian Air Force, we have a heavy, but not exclusive, focus on RCAF history and stories. The schedule will be finalised soon and will be posted on the CAHS convention web page.   Will Chabun Canadian - Military Aviation in Saskatchewan Brian Cotter - LAC Doug Smith, an RCAF Career Don Currie - Concorde Visits Regina Deana Driver Crash Harrison - Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death Dr. H. Robert Galway - The James Bay Treaty Flights of 1929 & 1930: An Illustrated Journey with the Vintage Photographs of Wm. Roy Maxwell Bruce Gowans - The Cessna Crane (T-50): From Service Flying to Scenic Flights Dr Rachel Lea Heide - Genesis of an Air Force: Canadian Airmen’s Sense of Identity in the Great War, 1916-1918 Roddy MacKenzie - Bomber Command & 6 (RCAF) Group in the Second World War Fredrick Petrie - Oral Histories in Telling Aviation Stories Bernie Runstedler - Father John and the Puss Moth Saskatoon Aviation Museum - guided tour Jerry Vernon - Wing Commander Paul Pitcher, Battle of Britain Pilot Clint Ward - The Golden Age of Post War Aviation, A Personal Journey James Winkel - Christian Beliefs, Catalinas and Cansos: The Huge Role Amphibious Aircraft Played to Help Develop Northern Saskatchewan Fisheries Annual General Meeting   The convention hotel is the Sandman Hotel Saskatoon, 310 Circle Drive West, Saskatoon, S7L 2Y5, conveniently located near the Saskatoon International Airport and just off one of Saskatoon's main roads. Situated 2.7 km from Saskatoon International Airport, the hotel features free parking, a lounge and restaurant, a business centre, an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness centre. The rooms feature free Wi-Fi, TVs, coffeemakers, and sitting areas. Some rooms add pull-out sofas and/or kitchenettes. You can reserve your hotel room now at the special convention rate of only $105.00 plus taxes by calling 1-306-477-4844 and asking for reservation code "Aviation". Known as the "City of Bridges" due to its numerous river crossings, Saskatoon boasts stunning panoramic views and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the vibrant Meewasin Valley, home to lush parks, walking trails, and the Meewasin Valley Authority. The city's cultural scene is thriving with a diverse range of art galleries, theatres, and music festivals. History enthusiasts can delve into the past at the Western Development Museum or the Ukrainian Museum of Canada. Baseball fans can watch the Saskatoon Berries in their inaugural season in the Western Canadian Baseball League. Flights are available in the Saskatoon Aviation Museum's de Havilland Tiger Moth. The convention is a great opportunity for you to renew friendships and make new ones with people who share your passion for aviation. Updates will be provided in the newsletter and on the convention web page. We hope to see you there. Our Society is very thankful for the support of our Corporate Members, Museum Members, Individual Donors, and from the proceeds generated by the time-limited Special Offer items in our e-shop. Aviation News and Events Winnipeg celebrates RCAF 100th Anniversary Winnipeg marked the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force by participating in a nationwide campaign, which involved the city changing its colours. Watch Here Commemorative envelope salutes Royal Canadian Air Force's 100th anniversary Explore the significance of the Royal Canadian Air Force's centennial through a special commemorative envelope capturing Canada's military aviation history. History Purchase Envelope The Birth of the RCAF Explore the fascinating story of the Royal Canadian Air Force's inception and evolution.    By Dr Carl Christie CAHS Member Read More... Turbine to Tiger Moth Two RCAF Instructor pilots wind back the clock to 1944, with the help of a leading aircraftman’s logbook.  Read More... Wanted: An Appeal for All Trades Short around 2,500 aviators in the regular and reserve force, the RCAF is adopting creative ways to attract a new generation – including highlighting it’s future as it celebrates its past! Read More... Last Flying Martin Mars Finds Retirement Home Explore the transition of the last Martin Mars flying boat, from commercial service to a centerpiece exhibit at the B.C. Aviation Museum. Read More... BC Aviation Museum adds to their collection British Columbia Aviation Museum acquires Hawaii Mars after two years of negotiations with Coulson Aviation – Next Gen Firefighting, announced on March 30th. Read More... Donation It is with our deepest appreciation that I want you to know of the generous donation of the Pioneers of Powered Flight: The first 50 Years Canadian coin set gifted to us by Mr. Robert Ludwig who lives in California. This donation was given without any terms or conditions. Your executive is still discussing what the final disposition of the coin set will be, and your suggestions are welcome and can be sent here.   The CAHS expresses its sincere gratitude for the support and contribution that Mr. Ludwig has given.   Gary Williams National President Canadian Aviation Historical Society RCAF 100th Anniversary Events CAHS now has a page for any RCAF Centennial event information provided to us. A link to the page (the image above) will also be placed on any CAHS Chapter webpages that have events in their area. Read More... Eileen Boyd (left) and Harold E. Wright, two of the three originators of the RCAF 100 New Brunswick Banner project. (via Harold Wright) Webpage Gallery for RCAF 100 New Brunswick Banner Project 1924-2024 CAHS has created a webpage to share the images and locations for the RCAF 100 New Brunswick Banners.  Gallery In Memoriam William “Bill” Tee: Toronto-area aviation enthusiast With a heavy heart, the CAHS shares the news of the passing of William “Bill” Tee.     by Gord McNulty, CAHS Vice President Read More Canadian Aviation Moments Here are the questions and answers to this month's Canadian Aviation Moments: Question 1:  Which Canadian pilot in the Second World War reached France late in 1917 and ended up 6th amongst all the thousands of British pilots and fourth amongst the Canadians?   Source: Canada’s Fighting Airmen, pg. 185 (Drew)   Question 2:  What activity got the BCATP started 6 months earlier than would otherwise have been possible?    Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 58-59 (Dunmore)   Question 3:  What was the increase in the monthly average number of sorties and the average payload per sortie by the RAF Bomber Command from 1943 to 1944?   Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 313 (Bashow) Spoiler alert -  the answers to this month's questions follow. Skip the rest of this section and come back later if you wish to guess/research the answers first. Good luck and have fun! ANSWER 1: “No more romantic figure emerges from the records of British aviation than that of Major Donald MacLaren, of Vancouver. Leaving a fur-trading post in the Peace River country far north of the railway, he enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps in the spring of 1917, trained as a pilot at Camp Borden in Ontario, reached France late in the same year, and in a few months of brilliant fighting shot down forty-eight German aeroplanes and six balloons, which placed him sixth among all the thousands of British pilots and fourth among Canadians, in the number of machines destroyed. His rapid transition from fur trader to one of the greatest airmen of the war is an aspiring story of a Canadian’s achievement of which surprisingly little is known.” Source: Canada’s Fighting Airmen, pg. 185 (Drew)   ANSWER 2: “The fall survey – which probably got the BCATP started six months earlier than would otherwise have been possible – showed that twenty-four airfields were available immediately, needing only the addition of a few buildings to make them ready for training. Fifteen others needed more extensive work. About eighty would have to be built from scratch.”   Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 58-59 (Dunmore)   ANSWER 3: “Also, the monthly average number of sorties increased from 5400 in 1943 to 14,000 in 1944 and the average payload-per sortie nearly doubled. Furthermore, unlike the manpower shortages that were experienced by the land forces during the period, both aircrews and aircraft continued to pour into the bomber groups. In the words of Martin Middlebrook: Harris could now regularly dispatch up to 1500 aircraft at any one time, in three or more major raids, dropping 6-7000 tons of bombs. It had taken nearly a year to drop that number of bombs in 1939-40! The introduction of the P-51 Mustang as a long-range escort for the American heavies and the need for the Luftwaffe to come up into action and attempt to stem the invasion had drawn the night fighter force into daylight action during the summer and reduced its strength. Bomber casualties now fell yet again, to just1.0% in this period.”   Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 313 (Bashow) Chapter News Select a chapter to discover what they have been up to since the last newsletter. Many of our Chapters remain very active on Zoom with presentations every bit as good as they would be if we did not have pandemic restrictions to deal with! Special Thanks To Our Supporters In addition to its members, contributors, and newsletter subscribers, the CAHS is thankful for the ongoing support of its Corporate Members, Museum Members, and Partner Organizations, as well as the many individuals and organizations whose financial donations are so generously given.   If you would like to become a Corporate Member or Museum Member - or if you know an organization that might like to join - we are always happy to receive new applications. Please use the hyperlinks above to learn more about our corporate members and partner organizations.  Corporate Members: Corporate Partners: Aviaeology Publishing / SkyGrid Studio CANAV Books Northern Lights Awards / Elsie MacGill Foundation The RCAF Association Vintage Wings of Canada   Museum Members: Alberta Aviation Museum Billy Bishop Home and Museum Bomber Command Museum of Canada Botwood Flying Boat Museum British Columbia Aviation Museum Calgary Mosquito Society Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre Canadian Historical Aircraft Association The Canadian Museum of Flight Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum Comox Air Force Museum First In Last Out Great War Flying Museum The Hangar Flight Museum Harvard Historical Aviation Society Montreal Aviation Museum National Air Force Museum Quebec Aerospace Museum Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada Shearwater Aviation Museum Western Development Museum Follow us on Facebook and Twitter e-Newsletter Archive If you have changed your mailing or e-mail address, please get in touch to keep us up to date. Contact the Membership Administrator here. To enquire about membership payment records, contact the Treasurer here.   Click here to renew immediately online, or to join as a new member. If you would like to register or renew by mail, printable forms are also available in the bottom area of this page on our site.   If you have any aviation history-related news or events to share, please contact our newsletter editor here.    Please feel free to forward to friends and family members, or encourage them to sign up on our website to receive the newsletter directly for FREE.    We hope that you enjoy receiving this monthly newsletter and find the contents informative and enjoyable. If you no longer wish to receive it for any reason, please use the unsubscribe option below to have your email address removed immediately from the mailing list. The Canadian Aviation Historical Society (CAHS) P.O. Box 2700 • Station D • Ottawa • Ontario • K1P 5W7 visit us at www.cahs.com The CAHS is incorporated as a Canadian Registered Charity under a Federal Charter with the business registration number 118829589 RR001

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