The highly successful 2022 CAHS National Convention in Winnipeg, 28 September-1 October, proved to be a rewarding experience as members gathered from across the country for an in-person gathering. It was a much-anticipated event, as we finally overcame the COVID-limitations that had sidelined our traditional in-person convention. Sessions were also available via Zoom, making this our first hybrid convention! Some members took advantage of the Zoom connection, which assisted them with the challenges of travel costs and the pandemic.
The entire program underscored the value of enjoying authoritative presentations, reconnecting with friends, sharing aviation stories, meeting new aviation enthusiasts, buying books, conversing at the awards banquet, and more. As always, there was plenty to see, especially with visits to the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada; the RCAF 17 Wing Heritage Park and restoration building; and the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon.
The executive, directors and members congratulate National Secretary Jim Bell for doing a superb job of organizing the convention. He arranged a stellar lineup of presenters and chose an ideal hotel. The weather was perfect almost throughout. Although Winnipeg was shrouded by overcast on the bus tour day closing the convention, the sun broke through at Brandon, and we appreciated a final stop to view the CT-133 Silver Star, beautifully restored in Red Knight colours on Portage Avenue.
We extend our thanks to the speakers, volunteers and all of the participating organizations and sponsors who made the 2022 convention another memorable occasion. In true CAHS fashion, planning for the 2023 convention, to be held in Eastern Canada --- possibly in the Kingston/Ottawa area --- is already under way. We encourage you to attend. There is much to look forward to!
Gord McNulty,
Vice President,
Canadian Aviation Historical Society
Convention 2022 at a Glance
This year the Canadian Aviation Historical Society hosted their first in person event since the start of the pandemic. Three days of presentations, tours and networking were brought together at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. To read about the convention, please click here.
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
Future CAHS journal subjects?
Journal 58-1, which will be in the mail soon
This latest issue has no scarcity of diversity as far as subject matter goes, but, as with many individual Journal numbers throughout our nearly sixty years of publication, with the exception of the Voodoo article, it does have a particular focus on the pioneer years between the First and Second World Wars. While there are, no doubt, still a wealth of yet-to-be-told stories from that history-rich era waiting to be put into words, we would like to see more diversity in due course.
Looking at the mix currently in the works, or at least in consideration, for journal numbers through to approximately Volume 61, I am happy to see a more diverse range of subjects, eras, genres, but still, I have to wonder if we will ever see submissions on subjects that one would think are shoe-ins for our Journal. A few –well, okay, more than a few – that come immediately to mind are:
The CF-188 in Canadian Service – true, it is still in active service, but there there have been Canadian Hornets buzzing around the globe for some 40 years now.
Boeing 747s flown by Canadian operators… even a fleet list and operational highlights would do. Several Canadian fleets came from the more than 1500 examples produced over the course of 5+ decades.
The de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver: a technical history of an internationally successful utility aircraft.
Canadiar CL-215/415 – from development to international sales, the world's first purpose-built water-bomber.
Of course, each of these should trigger similar thoughts for related subjects and their place in the annals of Canadian aviation history.
Let me, or any of the associate editors, know what you have waiting in your files and notebooks. We'd be happy to hear from you!
Terry Higgins, Creative Director, Website Administrator,
CAHS Journal Managing Editor and Graphics Director,
Canadian Aviation Historical Society
From the Desk of the Treasurer
Ottawa has been experiencing incredible weather this last week of October - temperatures in the 20Cs (including one day hitting 28C with the humidex); sunshine, and clear skies. Despite definitely living in the moment and enjoying the beautiful fall, I have been thinking ahead toward the holiday season (can you believe that Christmas is less than two months away?), so that you have some gift options for the aviation enthusiast on your list.
In Our Youth is still available - please note the pre-purchase deadline has been extended to 10 November, and then I am placing a bulk order to the publisher. Former CAHS President and aviation historian Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail is making her book For the Love of Flying available to CAHS friends and members for $20 (plus $6 shipping in Canada). You can also check out past book offers still available by clicking on the book montage photo below.
I am working with our team of aviation artists to produce our annual full-colour, 13-month calendar for 2023. You can pre-order now for $15 a copy (plus $5 shipping in Canada). Watch the newsletter next month: we will reveal all the art being included in the calendar, and Danielle will have more books available at discounted rates. Hope you are getting some great gift ideas and making a list!
Cordially, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide,
National Treasurer,
Canadian Aviation Historical Society
CAHS 2023 Aviation Art Calendar
Pre-order now for $15 a copy (plus $5 shipping in Canada). Watch the newsletter next month for a more complete overview of artists and subjects!
The deadline for shipping in time for Christmas is 7 December 2022.
This book tells the story of Laurentian Air Services and its subsidiaries, Air Schefferville, Delay River Outfitters and more.
Drawing on interviews with Laurentian’s owners, pilots and ground crew, Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail explores this innovative company’s colorful 60-year history from its founding in Ottawa in 1936 with Waco biplanes through the 1990s when it operated twin-engine turboprops. This book is filled with lively flying anecdotes from the cockpits of world-famous bushplanes, including the de Havilland Beaver and Otter, the Douglas DC-3 and the Grumman Goose. From daring rescues and close calls, to the filming of Hollywood’s Captains of the Clouds, Laurentian’s pilots did it all.
Interlaced with these fascinating accounts are stories of back-country air tourism, the mineral and hydro-power boom in Quebec and Newfoundland-Labrador and tales of flying into fishing and hunting camps in remote regions of Ungava. With an exciting collection of photographs – many never before published – this is a long-overdue book that will appeal to all who enjoy the romance of flying on the frontier.
Get your copy for only $20 (plus $6 shipping within Canada).
The deadline for shipping in time for Christmas is 7 December 2022.
The Lives, Adventures, and Sacrifices of Early Canadian Flyers
by Angus Scully (9x6 inches, 288 pages)
Using long-forgotten photographs from provincial archives, formerly confidential military records, and precious family collections, In Our Youth: The Lives, Adventures, and Sacrifices of Early Canadian Flyersshares the stories of 32 young, Canadian pilots in the First World War—a time when flying was pure adventure and danger.
Get your copy for only $22 (the Publisher's retail is $29.95 plus tax and shipping) plus $6 shipping (within Canada).
The pre-order deadline is 10 November 2022.
The CAHS will place one large order with the publisher after the pre-order deadline, and shipping to our customers will occur after the stock has been supplied by the publisher.
Ken Barnes: From Victory Aircraft Lancasters to SPAR Aerospace's Canadarm.
Gordon Barnes shares the story of his father, Ken Barnes, who worked as a draftsman for Victory Aircraft, Avro Canada, and finally SPAR Aerospace. Ken also had a lifelong love of aviation and was an accomplished aviation artist. This presentation was given to the CAHS Regina Chapter in November 2021.
RCAF CC-177 Globemaster III, 177704, was among highlights of Air Force Day at CWHM Aug. 13, 2022.
Beautiful weather helped to ensure the success of this year’s Air Force Day at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (CWHM) on August 13. The museum was delighted with record attendance.
RCAF CH-147F Chinook, 147305, viewed from the observation deck at CWHM on Air Force Day 2022.
The Boeing CH-147F Chinook, shown at the CWHM 2022 Air Force Day, is a versatile heavy lift helicopter for the RCAF.
Air Force Day attendees on Aug. 13, 2022 toured RCAF CC-130H Hercules #130614.
Strong representation by the RCAF included a CC-177 Globemaster III, a CH-147F Chinook and a CC-130H Hercules. Visitors enjoyed a chance to tour inside the aircraft and meet the crews.
A colourful array of additional visiting aircraft included the familiar CT-133 Silver Star and a de Havilland Vampire jets from the Waterloo Warbirds; Hannu Halminen’s immaculate P-51 Mustang in 424 (City of Hamilton) Squadron colours; and Great War Flying Museum biplanes led by the Sopwith 1½ Strutter.
Photos and report by Gord McNulty
Lifelong aviator Don Fisher
left a remarkable legacy
With a heavy heart the CAHS relays the passing of Don Fisher, long time CAHS member and passionate aviator. To read about his life, please click here.
by Gord McNulty
Canadian Aviation Moments
Here are the questions and answers to October's Canadian Aviation Moments:
Spoiler alert - if you read any further than each question, you will find the answer to the questions directly below. Good luck and have fun!
Question 1: What did Billy Bishop do after First World War until 1931?
Source:
Canada’s Fighting Airmen,
pg. 55 (Drew)
ANSWER: “After the war, he returned to Canada and in partnership with Lieutenant-Colonel William G. Barker, VC, DSO, MC, formed one of the first commercial aviation companies in this country. In addition to local flights, they established a passenger service between Toronto and Muskoka, but the Canadian public was not yet convinced of the security of this form of travel, and the results proved disappointing. They discontinued the service, and Bishop went to England where he has been in business ever since. ”
Question 2:For what was the Grumman G-21A Goose used, and where were many of these stationed?
Source:
Jericho Beach and the West Coast Flying Boat Stations,
pg. 262 (Weicht)
ANSWER: “The RCAF operated 31 G-21As for general utility purposes, many of which served on the British Columbia coast. Some of these aircraft were requisitioned from private users.” “The Goose served as a utility aircraft with the RCAF and was a frequent visitor to all of the west coast Flying Boat Stations, as well as Jericho Beach. ”
Question 3:What was the Preston Green Mark II under-defence mounting that was used on the bombers of RAF Bomber Command and how did it conflict with the H2S radar?
Source:
No Prouder Place,
pg. 254 (Bashow)
ANSWER: “Ventral protection was another matter. While the need, based on known German tactics, was acknowledged, fitment of the H2S radome to the bellies of the bombers effectively challenged the installation of a robust turret in that location. Informal solutions were encouraged, and early pioneers included the engineering staff of 419 Squadron, before the unit became the first 6 Group squadron to receive Canadian-built Lancaster Mark X’s in March 1944. The most successful formalized arrangement was the so-called Preston Green Mark II under-defense mounting. Trialed on a Halifax III flying out of Boscombe Down in February 1944, it consisted of a single .5-inch Browning protruding through the rear of the H2S radar blister. While the radar was considered essential, bomber production was significantly outstripping that of the radar sets, and therefore it was decided to install Preston Green mountings in a formal mid-under position in all Halifax IIIs not H2S-equipped, and this would eventually include quite a few 6 Group aircraft. The adapter was fixed across the base of a bowl-shaped enclosure immediately behind the bomb bay. The gunner had an aft-facing bucket seat within the blister, with a tilting back rest. The gun could be swung clear of its aperture when searching but could be rapidly locked in the firing position if needed. Had more Bomber Command aircraft been fitted with the Preston Green turret, this previously non-existent protection from attack from below would have cut down the toll taken by Luftwaffe fighters using upwards firing cannon. Unfortunately, when H2S production increased, the turrets were taken out, much to the annoyance of the bomber crews.”
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.
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.
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