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It was just six weeks before the end of the Second World War when the telegram arrived for the Lee family in Winnipeg, all capital letters, like someone shouting to be heard above a rising internal wail: REGRET TO ADVISE THAT YOUR SON FLYING OFFICER... -
The film Captains of the Clouds often runs on TV movie channels. It is a favourite of those who like aviation movies. Where else can you find Billy Bishop playing himself? In 1940-41, the United States was neutral, but Hollywood was anti-Nazi and pro-British. Britain,... -
As the Canadian Corps prepared for the attack on Vimy Ridge, it was assisted by I Brigade, Royal Flying Corps. Four squadrons of Corps (army co-operation) aircraft mapped the German defences and located enemy artillery batteries; by April 9, 1917, 180 of 212 hostile batteries... -
Early in the First World War, flying boats, seaplanes and airships were thrust into battle over the ocean The airplane was barely 11 years old when it went to war. By the age of 15, it had matured into a formidable weapon. When not delivering... -
The air war was the nursery of Canada’s bush flying heritage Since 1973, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame in Wetaskiwin, Alta., has honoured more than 200 individuals who contributed to the nation’s aerial achievements, progress and heritage, including pilots, executives, designers and writers. More are... -
Stearne Tighe Edwards was a faithful friend to his fellow pilots and a respectful adversary to his enemy combatants The air war of 1914-1918 is widely seen as one of fighter pilots duelling in pristine skies high above the industrial-scale slaughter below. It is a...
Air Force
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Our first Air Force
Formed, disbanded and resurrected, 401 Squadron has been at the heart of Canada’s air defences for a century. Much of the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 401 Squadron can be seen in a quick glance around Klersy’s, the unit’s lounge in its hangar at 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta. There are...
