| The Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
The Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
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December 2025 e–Newsletter |
December 2025 e–Newsletter |
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From the Desk of the Executive |
From the Desk of the Executive |
Merry Christmas from your National Executive and the Board of Directors. We wish everyone good health and happiness as we close out 2025 and look forward to 2026. This has been an exciting year for the CAHS, with many special events and a number of new members. We have implemented a new plan and procedure that will bring the Journal closer to being back on schedule. With two production streams and several associate editors, multiple issues will be moving toward completion simultaneously. Thanks to our new e-newsletter editor, we are also seeing increased attention to the CAHS. Our 2025 national convention in Ottawa, held June 18 to 21, featured excellent presentations and very interesting tours. Plans are well underway for our June 2026 convention in Kelowna, B.C. We are pleased to be partnering with Aviation Cultures and the KF Centre for Excellence for this event. Aviation Cultures is an Australia-based, worldwide aviation history group, and the KF Centre for Excellence houses a first-class aircraft collection that will be featured prominently at the convention. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to connect with CAHS friends, both new and longstanding. I thank every member of your National Board of Directors, all Chapter Executive Members, our Journal editor, webmaster, and e-newsletter editor for their hard work, dedication, and commitment. To everyone in our Canadian aviation history community, all the best this Christmas season. Let’s make history again in 2026. Blue skies, |
Merry Christmas from your National Executive and the Board of Directors. We wish everyone good health and happiness as we close out 2025 and look forward to 2026. This has been an exciting year for the CAHS, with many special events and a number of new members. We have implemented a new plan and procedure that will bring the Journal closer to being back on schedule. With two production streams and several associate editors, multiple issues will be moving toward completion simultaneously. Thanks to our new e-newsletter editor, we are also seeing increased attention to the CAHS. Our 2025 national convention in Ottawa, held June 18 to 21, featured excellent presentations and very interesting tours. Plans are well underway for our June 2026 convention in Kelowna, B.C. We are pleased to be partnering with Aviation Cultures and the KF Centre for Excellence for this event. Aviation Cultures is an Australia-based, worldwide aviation history group, and the KF Centre for Excellence houses a first-class aircraft collection that will be featured prominently at the convention. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to connect with CAHS friends, both new and longstanding. I thank every member of your National Board of Directors, all Chapter Executive Members, our Journal editor, webmaster, and e-newsletter editor for their hard work, dedication, and commitment. To everyone in our Canadian aviation history community, all the best this Christmas season. Let’s make history again in 2026. Blue skies, |
Gary Williams, National President, Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
Gary Williams, National President, Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
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Book your hotel for the CAHS National Convention now! The 2026 convention will take place at the KF Centre for Excellence, in partnership with Aviation Cultures. The banquet will take place at the convention hotel, the Four Points Sheraton, located at 5505 Airport Way, Kelowna. The hotel is a short drive from the Centre for Excellence and the Kelowna Airport terminal. Room rates start at $215 per night, and may be extended before and after the convention for those who want to spend extra time enjoying the Okanagan Valley. Parking is $10 per night. The convention rate expires on Friday 15 May 2026. Registration for the convention will open in January. The call for papers is open now. Please check the details on the CAHS convention web page. The deadline for submissions is Thursday 15 January. If you have any questions about your submission, please send an email to CAHS Convention chairperson Jim Bell. |
Book your hotel for the CAHS National Convention now! The 2026 convention will take place at the KF Centre for Excellence, in partnership with Aviation Cultures. The banquet will take place at the convention hotel, the Four Points Sheraton, located at 5505 Airport Way, Kelowna. The hotel is a short drive from the Centre for Excellence and the Kelowna Airport terminal. Room rates start at $215 per night, and may be extended before and after the convention for those who want to spend extra time enjoying the Okanagan Valley. Parking is $10 per night. The convention rate expires on Friday 15 May 2026. Registration for the convention will open in January. The call for papers is open now. Please check the details on the CAHS convention web page. The deadline for submissions is Thursday 15 January. If you have any questions about your submission, please send an email to CAHS Convention chairperson Jim Bell. |
Jim Bell, National Secretary, Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
Jim Bell, National Secretary, Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
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Click the button above, then click on the little magnifying glass to begin your search. |
Click the button above, then click on the little magnifying glass to begin your search. |
| 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. |
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. |
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59-1 Cover with updated content bylines |
59-1 Cover with updated content bylines |
| 59-2 Cover with provisional artwork
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59-2 Cover with provisional artwork
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From the Desk of the Journal Editor |
From the Desk of the Journal Editor |
Current Production After squeezing in one additional article, we're delighted to report that CAHS Journal 59-1 is off to the proofreading team as the final step before going immediately into print production. In the meantime, the layout work continues for 59-2. Any updates before the next newsletter goes out will be published on the Journal page of our website.
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Current Production After squeezing in one additional article, we're delighted to report that CAHS Journal 59-1 is off to the proofreading team as the final step before going immediately into print production. In the meantime, the layout work continues for 59-2. Any updates before the next newsletter goes out will be published on the Journal page of our website.
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New/Old Production The legacy Journals digitization project introduced in the previous newsletter will still go live before the Christmas holiday. A few hosting software tweaks remain before we can do full justice to volunteer Jim Gregory's hard work. Once the initial uploads are complete and working smoothly, I'll also post an update for it on the Journal page.
I'm very happy to note that a number of members (and at least one non-member who has since become a member!) have expressed positive interest in this development. Of them, several have asked about an index for all Journal content. While we do not have a formal paper index, a fairly simple one did exist – produced by a member, if I recall correctly. This was circulated sometime prior to 2010. If I can find a copy on an archive disk, I'll post it to the site in due course. Otherwise, I suggest using the website's fairly simple search function. Just type in the term and hit enter. This typically pulls up anything on the site, including any such terms written in Journal article titles and (for issues published since 2010) subtitles. The search will also pull up related articles hosted on the site – everything is indexed at this level. |
New/Old Production The legacy Journals digitization project introduced in the previous newsletter will still go live before the Christmas holiday. A few hosting software tweaks remain before we can do full justice to volunteer Jim Gregory's hard work. Once the initial uploads are complete and working smoothly, I'll also post an update for it on the Journal page.
I'm very happy to note that a number of members (and at least one non-member who has since become a member!) have expressed positive interest in this development. Of them, several have asked about an index for all Journal content. While we do not have a formal paper index, a fairly simple one did exist – produced by a member, if I recall correctly. This was circulated sometime prior to 2010. If I can find a copy on an archive disk, I'll post it to the site in due course. Otherwise, I suggest using the website's fairly simple search function. Just type in the term and hit enter. This typically pulls up anything on the site, including any such terms written in Journal article titles and (for issues published since 2010) subtitles. The search will also pull up related articles hosted on the site – everything is indexed at this level. |
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Journal Volume 47, Numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 – the first of our legacy editions to soon be made available in digital form.
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Journal Volume 47, Numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 – the first of our legacy editions to soon be made available in digital form.
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Terry Higgins, Creative Director, Website Administrator, CAHS Journal Managing Editor and Graphics Director, Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
Terry Higgins, Creative Director, Website Administrator, CAHS Journal Managing Editor and Graphics Director, Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
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From the Desk of the Treasurer |
From the Desk of the Treasurer |
Wow - we are in the last month of 2025 already! So it is time to reflect back on the year with gratitude. We have gratitude for everyone who continues to support the CAHS with memberships and donations, and for people who attend CAHS events. We are so grateful for the aviation researchers, historians, experts, and enthusiasts who take the time to share their knowledge at our monthly chapter meetings and our annual convention. Thank you to the authors who have made their books available to our readers for a discount, and we are grateful to our aviation artist friends who donate their aviation art for the Journal cover and for our annual calendar. We are so pleased to be able to cooperate in featuring and promoting your expert works while at the same time fundraising for the CAHS and helping our members find new aviation books and art to enjoy. With Christmas less than a month away, don’t forget to explore our Shop to finish your gift shopping. Along with our eye-catching, 13-month, full-colour, bilingual 2026 aviation art calendar we have a wide selection of books for adults and children. A new feature this year is Flying a Gooney Bird, written by Deana Driver in collaboration with bush pilot Dorrin Wallace, highlighting his 40-year aviation career. Browse the thumbnails below and visit our Book Store for aviation history titles for everyone on your list—including yourself. For the art connoisseur, we also have aviation artwork available, with proceeds supporting the CAHS; view the collection here. A gift membership is another great gift option that keeps giving throughout the year as Journal issues are mailed out. You can also contact me if you’d like to arrange for a Journal issue to be wrapped and presented as part of the gift. Speaking of gifts, Tuesday 2 December is Giving Tuesday. As you make donations to your favourite charities and causes, please consider giving to the CAHS as well. You can do so directly through our website; you can also find us at Canada Helps. May you have a beautiful Christmas celebration, a meaningful holiday season, and a joyful start to the new year. We look forward to sharing our mutual love for Canada’s aviation history in 2026 – just around the corner. |
Wow - we are in the last month of 2025 already! So it is time to reflect back on the year with gratitude. We have gratitude for everyone who continues to support the CAHS with memberships and donations, and for people who attend CAHS events. We are so grateful for the aviation researchers, historians, experts, and enthusiasts who take the time to share their knowledge at our monthly chapter meetings and our annual convention. Thank you to the authors who have made their books available to our readers for a discount, and we are grateful to our aviation artist friends who donate their aviation art for the Journal cover and for our annual calendar. We are so pleased to be able to cooperate in featuring and promoting your expert works while at the same time fundraising for the CAHS and helping our members find new aviation books and art to enjoy. With Christmas less than a month away, don’t forget to explore our Shop to finish your gift shopping. Along with our eye-catching, 13-month, full-colour, bilingual 2026 aviation art calendar we have a wide selection of books for adults and children. A new feature this year is Flying a Gooney Bird, written by Deana Driver in collaboration with bush pilot Dorrin Wallace, highlighting his 40-year aviation career. Browse the thumbnails below and visit our Book Store for aviation history titles for everyone on your list—including yourself. For the art connoisseur, we also have aviation artwork available, with proceeds supporting the CAHS; view the collection here. A gift membership is another great gift option that keeps giving throughout the year as Journal issues are mailed out. You can also contact me if you’d like to arrange for a Journal issue to be wrapped and presented as part of the gift. Speaking of gifts, Tuesday 2 December is Giving Tuesday. As you make donations to your favourite charities and causes, please consider giving to the CAHS as well. You can do so directly through our website; you can also find us at Canada Helps. May you have a beautiful Christmas celebration, a meaningful holiday season, and a joyful start to the new year. We look forward to sharing our mutual love for Canada’s aviation history in 2026 – just around the corner. |
Cordially, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide, National Treasurer, Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
Cordially, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide, National Treasurer, Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
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CAHS 2026 Aviation Art Calendar |
CAHS 2026 Aviation Art Calendar |
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| The annual aviation art calendar is available ($15 a copy plus $7 shipping in Canada). This bilingual calendar includes 13 full-colour images featuring a collection of civilian and military aviation aircraft. |
The annual aviation art calendar is available ($15 a copy plus $7 shipping in Canada). This bilingual calendar includes 13 full-colour images featuring a collection of civilian and military aviation aircraft. |
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Flying a Gooney Bird in Canada’s North: A Bush Pilot’s Adventures |
Flying a Gooney Bird in Canada’s North: A Bush Pilot’s Adventures |
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Crash Harrison: Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death |
Crash Harrison: Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death |
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| Written by Deana J. Driver. Reginald Harrison grew up on a farm near the hamlet of Finnie, Sask. during the Dirty Thirties. His interest in flying was heightened as he watched fighter pilots do loops in the sky above his family’s farm, training for the Second World War. Seeking adventure, Reg became an RCAF bomber pilot in England. During his service, he survived four crashes – none of which were his fault – and several close calls. This book retails from the publisher for $25.95 + tax. We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discounted rate of $21 (plus $7 shipping) in Canada. |
Written by Deana J. Driver. Reginald Harrison grew up on a farm near the hamlet of Finnie, Sask. during the Dirty Thirties. His interest in flying was heightened as he watched fighter pilots do loops in the sky above his family’s farm, training for the Second World War. Seeking adventure, Reg became an RCAF bomber pilot in England. During his service, he survived four crashes – none of which were his fault – and several close calls. This book retails from the publisher for $25.95 + tax. We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discounted rate of $21 (plus $7 shipping) in Canada. |
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Alis the Aviator - Paperback |
Alis the Aviator - Paperback |
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The Story of Lilian Bland: An Amazing Aviatrix |
The Story of Lilian Bland: An Amazing Aviatrix |
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Okanagan College and BPL Legacy Association Announce Major Aerospace Training Expansion |
Okanagan College and BPL Legacy Association Announce Major Aerospace Training Expansion |
The Okanagan’s role in Canada’s growing aerospace sector is set to strengthen. The BPL Legacy Association, owners of the KF Centre for Excellence, has announced a $22-million partnership with Okanagan College to build a new 42,000 sq. ft. aerospace training facility at Kelowna International Airport. The purpose-built space will include workshops, classrooms, and a full hangar to house all current and future Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programs. Once complete in 2027, the expanded facility will increase OC’s AME student capacity from 30 to 140 per year. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026. The project is funded through a joint model, with the BPL Legacy Association contributing $17 million and Okanagan College seeking partners for the remaining $5 million. |
The Okanagan’s role in Canada’s growing aerospace sector is set to strengthen. The BPL Legacy Association, owners of the KF Centre for Excellence, has announced a $22-million partnership with Okanagan College to build a new 42,000 sq. ft. aerospace training facility at Kelowna International Airport. The purpose-built space will include workshops, classrooms, and a full hangar to house all current and future Aircraft Maintenance Engineering programs. Once complete in 2027, the expanded facility will increase OC’s AME student capacity from 30 to 140 per year. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2026. The project is funded through a joint model, with the BPL Legacy Association contributing $17 million and Okanagan College seeking partners for the remaining $5 million. |
Medicine Hat Chapter President Featured on Bring Back the Porch Podcast |
Medicine Hat Chapter President Featured on Bring Back the Porch Podcast |
Our CAHS Medicine Hat Chapter president was recently invited to appear on the Bring Back the Porch podcast, hosted by Brian Conrad, to share insights ahead of Remembrance Day. The episode highlights local perspectives on aviation history and remembrance. |
Our CAHS Medicine Hat Chapter president was recently invited to appear on the Bring Back the Porch podcast, hosted by Brian Conrad, to share insights ahead of Remembrance Day. The episode highlights local perspectives on aviation history and remembrance. |
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Jeff Bell sits in the cockpit of a Harvard MkII aircraft in the hangar of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon in October. (© Connor McDowell/The Brandon Sun) |
Jeff Bell sits in the cockpit of a Harvard MkII aircraft in the hangar of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon in October. (© Connor McDowell/The Brandon Sun) |
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The CAHS has received a request of research help from historian (and former CAHS President) Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail. She is currently researching the background and career of Louise Jenkins, the first Canadian woman to buy, own, and operate her own airplane. She lived in Prince Edward Island after the First World War and flew her Puss Moth aircraft during the 1930s. Danielle would like to correspond with anyone who can help her locate more sources about, or even descendants of, Louise. You can contact Danielle here. |
The CAHS has received a request of research help from historian (and former CAHS President) Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail. She is currently researching the background and career of Louise Jenkins, the first Canadian woman to buy, own, and operate her own airplane. She lived in Prince Edward Island after the First World War and flew her Puss Moth aircraft during the 1930s. Danielle would like to correspond with anyone who can help her locate more sources about, or even descendants of, Louise. You can contact Danielle here. |
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Royal Canadian Air Force in history and memory: a survey of the historiography, 1909-2025 |
Royal Canadian Air Force in history and memory: a survey of the historiography, 1909-2025 |
A new book from CAHS Member Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Johnston (free download link below). "The aim of this work is to survey the state of Canadian air power historiography. The intent is not merely to catalogue major works, but to identify the major debates, schools of thought and, perhaps most importantly, the major gaps in the existing literature, for as the Canadian military historian Scot Robertson once wrote, the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF's) story "remains largely untold, except in the most fragmented manner." |
A new book from CAHS Member Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Johnston (free download link below). "The aim of this work is to survey the state of Canadian air power historiography. The intent is not merely to catalogue major works, but to identify the major debates, schools of thought and, perhaps most importantly, the major gaps in the existing literature, for as the Canadian military historian Scot Robertson once wrote, the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF's) story "remains largely untold, except in the most fragmented manner." |
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Multiple Canadian Aviation Events |
Multiple Canadian Aviation Events |
British Columbia Aviation Museum |
British Columbia Aviation Museum |
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F/L Reginald “Crash” Harrison |
F/L Reginald “Crash” Harrison |
F/L Reginald “Crash” Harrison, a distinguished RCAF veteran, passed away at the age of 103. Harrison flew 19 missions in Lancaster bombers with 431 Squadron and remarkably survived four crashes during his service. His courage, resilience and lifelong dedication to sharing Canada’s aviation history left an enduring impact on all who had the privilege of hearing his stories. At the CAHS convention, Harrison captivated attendees with a memorable presentation. An interview featuring Harrison and Dr. Galway, along with additional videos, was recorded and shared by Deana Driver. Her blog post capturing those moments can be viewed here. We honour F/L Harrison’s extraordinary life and service. May he rest in peace. Memorial Service: 6 December 2025, 2 p.m. See Saskatoon Funeral Home for further information. |
F/L Reginald “Crash” Harrison, a distinguished RCAF veteran, passed away at the age of 103. Harrison flew 19 missions in Lancaster bombers with 431 Squadron and remarkably survived four crashes during his service. His courage, resilience and lifelong dedication to sharing Canada’s aviation history left an enduring impact on all who had the privilege of hearing his stories. At the CAHS convention, Harrison captivated attendees with a memorable presentation. An interview featuring Harrison and Dr. Galway, along with additional videos, was recorded and shared by Deana Driver. Her blog post capturing those moments can be viewed here. We honour F/L Harrison’s extraordinary life and service. May he rest in peace. Memorial Service: 6 December 2025, 2 p.m. See Saskatoon Funeral Home for further information. |
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Canadian Aviation Moments |
Canadian Aviation Moments |
Here are the questions and answers to this month's Canadian Aviation Moments: |
Here are the questions and answers to this month's Canadian Aviation Moments: |
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| Question 1: What was the considerable knowledge that was gained in estimating two-shaft engine performance and the relationship between turbine/compressor characteristics in order to achieve the required performance of the Avro Arrow? Source: Arrow Countdown, pg. 49 (Zuuring) |
Question 1: What was the considerable knowledge that was gained in estimating two-shaft engine performance and the relationship between turbine/compressor characteristics in order to achieve the required performance of the Avro Arrow? Source: Arrow Countdown, pg. 49 (Zuuring) |
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| Question 2: How many students and instructors died in accidents in 1941 in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)? Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 131 (Dunmore) |
Question 2: How many students and instructors died in accidents in 1941 in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)? Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 131 (Dunmore) |
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| Question 3: What was particularly satisfying and unusual about Operation Mana that was carried out by the RAF Bomber Command and the United States 8th Air Force starting April 29, 1945?
Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 435 (Bashow) |
Question 3: What was particularly satisfying and unusual about Operation Mana that was carried out by the RAF Bomber Command and the United States 8th Air Force starting April 29, 1945?
Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 435 (Bashow) |
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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! |
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: “Considerable knowledge was gained in estimating two-shaft engine performance and the relationship between turbine/compressor characteristics in order to achieve the required performance. Advances in predicting surges, the nature of rotational stalls and its elimination by variable inlet guide advances was new. The Iroquois was the first to successfully run a transonic compressor and represented a major advance in aerodynamics. The use and merits of hydro-mechanical and electronic controls was considerably advanced. The Iroquois combustion chamber operated at higher operating velocities than was generally practiced at the time. The oxygen relight and enrichment system was novel. After cancellation, many were interested in this development. Reduction of noise was investigated and findings would be of interest to any manufacturer contemplating the use of jet engines in the public domain. The development of special instrumentation was advanced. High speed slip rings, temperature, pressure and vibration probes were used throughout the engine to obtain experimental information. The data logging methods/hardware used in the test cell and in the B47 test programme would have many other industrial applications." Source: Arrow Countdown, pg. 49 (Zuuring) |
ANSWER 1: “Considerable knowledge was gained in estimating two-shaft engine performance and the relationship between turbine/compressor characteristics in order to achieve the required performance. Advances in predicting surges, the nature of rotational stalls and its elimination by variable inlet guide advances was new. The Iroquois was the first to successfully run a transonic compressor and represented a major advance in aerodynamics. The use and merits of hydro-mechanical and electronic controls was considerably advanced. The Iroquois combustion chamber operated at higher operating velocities than was generally practiced at the time. The oxygen relight and enrichment system was novel. After cancellation, many were interested in this development. Reduction of noise was investigated and findings would be of interest to any manufacturer contemplating the use of jet engines in the public domain. The development of special instrumentation was advanced. High speed slip rings, temperature, pressure and vibration probes were used throughout the engine to obtain experimental information. The data logging methods/hardware used in the test cell and in the B47 test programme would have many other industrial applications." Source: Arrow Countdown, pg. 49 (Zuuring) |
ANSWER 2: “During 1941, 170 students and instructors died in accidents. The causes were easily categorized: forty deaths were the result of low flying and aerobatics, stalls caused thirty-seven, night-flying accidents caused thirty-one, collisions another twenty, fifteen were attributed to problems with instruments or propellers, with twenty-seven chalked up to miscellaneous causes.” Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 1313 (Dunmore) |
ANSWER 2: “During 1941, 170 students and instructors died in accidents. The causes were easily categorized: forty deaths were the result of low flying and aerobatics, stalls caused thirty-seven, night-flying accidents caused thirty-one, collisions another twenty, fifteen were attributed to problems with instruments or propellers, with twenty-seven chalked up to miscellaneous causes.” Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 1313 (Dunmore) |
ANSWER 3: “Meanwhile, Bomber Command had become involved in some particularly satisfying and unusual humanitarian flights. At the end of April, a large pocket of resistance in western Holland, deliberately bypassed and sealed off by the Allied land forces, was still under the control of the Germans. Many of the estimated three million Dutch citizens contained therein were close to starvation. For numbers of the elderly and the ill, it was already too late as their own meagre foodstuffs had been plundered by departing Germans prior to the area being sealed off by the Allies. While General Eisenhower and his staff at SHAEF acknowledged the need for an airborne relief mission, code-named Operation Manna, transport aircraft were still in very high demand for combat taskings. Conversely, the Anglo-American strategic bomber fleets now had very little to do, and thus it was decided that the supply drops would be made exclusively by Bomber Command and the Eighth Air force. Soon, a truce was arranged with the local German occupation forces, who designated ten acceptable drop zones and also acknowledged the need for additional truck convoys carrying more supplies after the air drops. While this agreement was not actually signed until 2 May, the first air deliveries began on 29 April at the village of Waardenburg on the Waal River, situated a scant three miles behind the German front lines. Although the village was occupied by a paratroop detachment and the river bank bristled with flak emplacements, there was no enemy opposition, a situation which must have seemed particularly bizarre to crews who had been savaged by German guns just days earlier. At any rate, the guns would remain silent on this sunny, clear inaugural day of Operation Manna….” Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 435 (Bashow) |
ANSWER 3: “Meanwhile, Bomber Command had become involved in some particularly satisfying and unusual humanitarian flights. At the end of April, a large pocket of resistance in western Holland, deliberately bypassed and sealed off by the Allied land forces, was still under the control of the Germans. Many of the estimated three million Dutch citizens contained therein were close to starvation. For numbers of the elderly and the ill, it was already too late as their own meagre foodstuffs had been plundered by departing Germans prior to the area being sealed off by the Allies. While General Eisenhower and his staff at SHAEF acknowledged the need for an airborne relief mission, code-named Operation Manna, transport aircraft were still in very high demand for combat taskings. Conversely, the Anglo-American strategic bomber fleets now had very little to do, and thus it was decided that the supply drops would be made exclusively by Bomber Command and the Eighth Air force. Soon, a truce was arranged with the local German occupation forces, who designated ten acceptable drop zones and also acknowledged the need for additional truck convoys carrying more supplies after the air drops. While this agreement was not actually signed until 2 May, the first air deliveries began on 29 April at the village of Waardenburg on the Waal River, situated a scant three miles behind the German front lines. Although the village was occupied by a paratroop detachment and the river bank bristled with flak emplacements, there was no enemy opposition, a situation which must have seemed particularly bizarre to crews who had been savaged by German guns just days earlier. At any rate, the guns would remain silent on this sunny, clear inaugural day of Operation Manna….” Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 435 (Bashow) |
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! |
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! |
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Special Thanks To Our Supporters |
Special Thanks To Our Supporters |
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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: |
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: |
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Follow us on Facebook and Twitter |
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter |
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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. |
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. |
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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 |
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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