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The Canadian Aviation   Historical Society May 2024 e–Newsletter  From the Desk of the Executive  The Canadian Aviation Historical Society National Convention is just over a month away. The hotel's special convention rate will expire on May 17, so reserve your room now by calling 1-306-477-4844 and asking for reservation code "Aviation".   The CAHS 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 on the convention web page). 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. Since this is the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), we have a heavy, but not exclusive, focus on RCAF history and stories.   Convention Schedule   Wednesday   Tour of the Saskatoon Museum of Military Artifacts (afternoon) Meet and Greet (evening)   Thursday (9 am to 4:30 pm) Will Chabun - Canadian Military Aviation in Saskatchewan Jerry Vernon - Wing Commander Paul Pitcher, Battle of Britain Pilot Bruce Gowans - The Cessna Crane (T-50): From Service Flying to Scenic Flights Bernie Runstedler - Father John and the Puss Moth (lunch speaker) James Winkel - Christian Beliefs, Catalinas and Cansos: The Huge Role Amphibious Aircraft Played to Help Develop Northern Saskatchewan Fisheries Dr. H. Robert Galway - The James Bay Treaty Flights of 1929 & 1930: An Illustrated Journey with the Vintage Photographs of Wm. Roy Maxwell Dr Rachel Lea Heide - Genesis of an Air Force: Canadian Airmen’s Sense of Identity in the Great War, 1916-1918   Friday   Tours Awards Banquet (evening) Don Currie - Concorde Visits Regina (banquet speaker)   Saturday   Annual General Meeting Deana Driver Crash Harrison - Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death Fredrick Petrie - Oral Histories in Telling Aviation Stories (lunch speaker) Brian Cotter - LAC Doug Smith, an RCAF Career Clint Ward - The Golden Age of Post War Aviation, A Personal Journey Roddy MacKenzie - Bomber Command & 6 (RCAF) Group in the Second World War   (Note: schedule subject to change) 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 Saskatchewan 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. Jim Bell, Secretary, 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 digital edition of our RCAF Centennial Special (cover pictured above) has been delivered to all current CAHS National Members for whom we have an up-to-date email address. As usual with our digital editions, the delivery email included a link to a download page from which the PDF could be opened. You need to be a current member with log-in credentials (your email address and a password created the first time you visited the Members-only area of the site).   Members may also review and renew their membership on this page. While I note that many members have already used this method to renew since the mailing went out, I have also received a number of queries regarding either: membership status or availability of the print version of this special edition.  The short item below illustrates how to access the membership status tab of the web page. Scroll past it for clarification on receiving a printed edition of the Journal in the mail.   The landing page usually opens with the "Download the RCAF Centennial Special" tab already selected (indicated in dark blue). To view the Journal, just click (tap on a smartphone or tablet) the cover image shown.   Note that this page also includes three other tabs  (indicated in pale blue) that can be selected. To check your membership status, click/tap on the "Review Your Membership" tab (indicated in dark blue when selected). the message shown here means your membership is up to date, but the options to renew now are provided just in case you would like to renew early. However, if your membership is not current but you are still receiving the digital edition because your membership is in a grace period, you will see your membership expiry year indicated (December 2023 is shown here, for example).   All categories of membership can be quickly renewed by selecting one of the five options below that message. In addition to receiving the option to download the digital edition in PDF form, all memberships that include the "Traditional" delivery method will also receive the printed version in the mail. They are being processed in the mailing house now. If you are an Anywhere-Online member wanting to receive the printed edition, it can be purchased on our site here.   Non-members can also purchase the print edition at that same link, or the instant-download digital edition at this link. Terry Higgins, Creative Director, Website Administrator, CAHS Journal Managing Editor and Graphics Director, Canadian Aviation Historical Society From the Desk of the Treasurer This month, we are featuring two items for sale (but don't despair! We still have our previously featured books for available in our shop and at Login Canada). Firstly, as previously mentioned last month, our managing editor has collaborated with a team from the Royal Canadian Air Force's Directorate of History and Heritage to produce a special RCAF-themed issue of the Journal to help celebrate the RCAF's Centennial.  All CAHS members will receive a copy shortly (it is at the mailing house); non-members can purchase copies from the CAHS web shop for $20 plus shipping (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.   Secondly, the CAHS' 13-month bilingual, full colour aviation art 2024 calendar is still available, and it is not too late to still enjoy the calendar's art that runs through to January 2025. It is currently on sale now for $10 per copy (plus $5 shipping in Canada) as we work to clear out the 2024 inventory and get ready for the 2025 calendar (which should be available in time to be purchased at the Saskatoon convention in June; online sales will commence in July). Your purchases help support the CAHS' operations and special projects and also promotes the work of the CAHS' aviation authors and artists. Cordially, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide, National Treasurer, Canadian Aviation Historical Society CAHS 2024 Aviation Art Calendar The annual aviation art calendar is available ($10 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! CAHS Journal RCAF Centennial 1924-2024 Special Edition Print Edition... ($20 +$5 Shipping in Canada) Digital Edition... ($12) Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, featured in this special edition of the Journal of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society are: A Documentary History of the Badges of the RCAF and CAF Air Command – by Brittany Dunn A History of the RCAF in 100 Objects ( a sampling) – by Mike Bechthold RCAF Historiography: Some Highlights From a Survey of the Field – by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Johnston, CD, PhD A Snapshot of RCAF Air Transport During the Early Cold War: Bill Carr’s Command of No 412 Squadron – by Richard Goette The Para-Belles: A More In-Depth Look at the RCAF’s Para-Rescue Nursing Sisters – by Major Mathias Joost (retired) Historical Snapshot: Para-Rescue Nursing Sisters Mini-Bios – by Major Mathias Joost (retired) CAHS Shop... 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 Pacific Western Railcars Honour RCAF 100th! Pacific Western Rail System (PWRS) and North American Railcar Company (NARC) are honoured to announce they have been chosen by the RCAF Association to produce the commemorative railcars to celebrate the 100th Anniversary!   There will be 12-piece Limited Edition National Steel Car 5431 cu ft 3 Bay Hopper set.   The twelve cars are: RCAF 1939 Hawker Hurricane RCAF 1040 North American Harvard MkII RCAF 1941 Consolidated PBY Canso RCAF 1944 AVRO Lancaster RCAF 1951 AVRO CF100 Canuck RCAF 1960 Lockheed CC-130 Hercules RCAF 1963 Boeing Vertol CH-113 Labrador RCAF 1964 Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King RCAF 1980 Lockheed CP-140 Aurora RCAF 1982 McDonnell Douglas CF-188 Hornet RCAF 1994 Bell CH-148 Griffon RCAF 2007 Boeing CC-177 Globemaster III Each car also has the Air Command Crest/Badge, a trademark of His Majesty the King in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of National Defence, used under license.   There is a limited supply remaining, if you would like to purchase the set, please click here. RCAF Centennial Celebrations at Nanton A weekend of RCAF events and celebrations took place in Nanton, Alberta on May 3 and 4 at the Bomber Command Museum of Canada.   by John Chalmers, CAHS Membership Secretary   Read More... RCAF 100th Event April 8th, 2024 The CAHS Medicine Hat Chapter hosted a wonderful event in honour of the RCAF 100th Anniversary.   by Wes Krause, CAHS Medicine Hat Chapter President   Read More... Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame Golf Tournament Join us on June 21 for an unforgettable day at the Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame Golf Tournament! Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun day on the course, this event promises excitement and camaraderie for all.   By participating in our tournament, you're not only treating yourself to a day filled with games, prizes, and networking opportunities but also supporting a noble cause. A portion of the funds raised will go towards a scholarship through the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Foundation, helping aspiring aviators fulfill their dreams.   Don't miss this chance to make a difference while enjoying a fantastic day of golfing fun! Whether you're a golf enthusiast or just looking for a day of leisure, everyone is welcome to join us. Sign up to play, register a team, or contribute to our silent auction. Together, let's soar to new heights and support the next generation of hall of fame aviators. More Information... Register Here Wesley Lowe Painting for the RCAF 100th Oil Painting to celebrate the RCAF 100th Anniversary. 7.4 feet x 3.3 feet.  On display at 17 Wing, Winnipeg in Building 61.  The CAHS would like to congratulate member and artist Wesley Lowe on having his oil painting (7.4 feet x 3.3 feet) celebrating the RCAF 100th Anniversary chosen to be on display at RCAF 17 Wing, Winnipeg in Building 61. It beautifully captures representative moments, aircraft, and people from the past 100 years of service the RCAF has provided Canada. Thank you, Wesley, for sharing your talent and painting with us, the RCAF, and the people of Canada.  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... Canadian Aviation Moments Here are the questions and answers to this month's Canadian Aviation Moments: Question 1:  Which province claimed two of three Canadians who won the Victoria Cross in the air in the First World War?  Who were the two Canadians?   Source: Canada’s Fighting Airmen, pg. 215 (Drew)   Question 2:  What was one of the important questions that had to be answered before work could begin on the sites for the BCATP?    Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 59-60 (Dunmore)   Question 3:  Who were the three brothers from Govan, Saskatchewan who were in Bomber Command together from late 1943 and much of 1944?   Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 316 (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: “Lieutenant McLeod was the youngest Canadian to win the Victoria Cross. He was also one of the few airmen to win the Victoria Cross in a heavy bombing machine, most of the awards of the Victoria Cross going to pilots of scout squadrons who flew the small fighters. He was however the last to see anything unusual in what he had done and shunned the publicity which followed the official story of his bravery, showing very clearly that he did not wish to be considered a hero, but only as one who had performed the duty to which he had been assigned. Alan McLeod was born on April 20, 1899, at Stonewall, a small town about twenty miles from Winnipeg. As Barker was born in the same province, Manitoba claimed two of the three Canadians who won the Victoria Cross in the air.” Source: Canada’s Fighting Airmen, pg. 215 (Drew)   ANSWER 2: “Dozens of important questions had to be answered before the work could begin on the sites, not the least of them being: Should the hangers for the BCATP’s airfields be built of steel or wood? In peacetime, steel would have been the choice, but since the outbreak of war, all metals had become scarce. Use wood? Some experts doubted that wood trusses spanning a hundred feet or more were feasible. Nevertheless, the engineers developed a design using timber with a fire-resistant impregnation. The wartime Timber Controller ensured that the British Columbia fir industry produced the necessary timber. Tests soon proved the practicality of the design, and most of the BCATP’s hangers were built using 'heavy wooden trusses with bolted joints and supported by rigidly braced timber columns.'”   Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 59-60 (Dunmore)   ANSWER 3: “During late 1943 and much of 1944, while Bob Turnbull was continuing to make his distinguished presence felt as commanding officer of 427 Squadron, then later as station commander at Croft, his brothers John, another pilot, and Walter, a navigator, were also carving out commendable records within Bomber Command. Both eventually received DFCs for their superior performance under difficult operational circumstances. The trio hailed from the tiny prairie town of Govan, Saskatchewan. Between them the three brothers, collectively known as “The Flying Turnbulls” completed four tours and 118 operations. On five separate occasions, brothers Bob and John flew to the same target unbeknownst to each other.”   Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 316 (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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