Grand Opening of LCol William G. Barker, VC Park
an inspiring event in Ottawa
Sept. 6, 2024

Story and Photos by Gord McNulty,
posted October 2024
LCol William G. Barker, VC Park unveiled at original Rockcliffe site. Sept. 6, 2024
A throng of RCAF veterans and air force dignitaries, joined by civic and federal politicians, attended an impressive Grand Opening of the LCol William G. Barker, VC, Memorial Park in Ottawa on Sept. 6.
Sunshine prevailed at the Grand Opening.
The park is highlighted by an eight-foot statue of the renowned First World War aviator, Canada’s most decorated war hero.  Sunshine fortunately prevailed for the ceremony, hosted by 410 (Ottawa) Wing of the RCAFA.
Inscription on the statue of LCol William G. Barker, VC at the park.
William ‘Bill’ Barker was awarded the Victoria Cross after he engaged 15 enemy aircraft, shooting down five while being severely wounded, in 1918. He was credited with 50 enemy losses and was instrumental in establishing the RCAF in 1924.
 
Barker was inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame in 1974 along with his better-known First World War contemporary, the colourful William A. ‘Billy’ Bishop.    
 
The park is situated on the site of the former RCAF Station Rockcliffe.  Barker died tragically when, as vice president of Fairchild Aircraft of Canada, he was test flying a new Fairchild aircraft near the Rockcliffe airfield in 1930. He was 35.  An honour guard of 2,000 soldiers and some 50,000 spectators attended his funeral in Toronto.
 
The journey to the new park began more than 15 years ago under the leadership of Hon. Col. John Wright, Founding Chair of the RCAF Foundation.  A partnership involving the Foundation, the Canada Lands Company, 410 Wing and the City of Ottawa made the park and unveiling another highlight of the RCAF 100th anniversary events. 
 
Barker’s great granddaughter, Mary Mackenzie, came from Victoria, BC, to attend as well as sculptor Armando Barlon of Victoria. Mary told CBC Ottawa that she was “just thrilled” to attend the special occasion.  
 
 “It’s a little surreal, to be honest, and incredible,” she said.  “What an honour to have such a beautiful statue to commemorate his legacy and all that he accomplished in his short life.”
LGen Eric Kenny, Commander of the RCAF, was among the speakers at the unveiling.
Speakers included Jeremy Diamond, CEO of the RCAF Foundation; Marie-France Lalonde, MP for Orleans; Rawlson King, Deputy Mayor of Ottawa; RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton; and LGen Eric Kenny, Commander of the RCAF, among others.  Cathy Priestman of 410 Wing was master of ceremonies. It was a pleasure to join Michael Cuffe in representing 447 (Hamilton) Wing and conversing with RCAFA colleagues. 
 
The memorable occasion ended with a flypast of two Spitfires and a Hurricane from Vintage of Wings of Canada that was appreciated by everyone.
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