| The Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
The Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
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February 2026 e–Newsletter |
February 2026 e–Newsletter |
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From the Desk of the Executive |
From the Desk of the Executive |
I’ve always liked February. The winter days tend to be very cold, but sunny, perfect for outdoor winter activities or winter celebrations such as Winterlude in Ottawa, Carnaval de Québec in Quebec City, or Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg. That said, those same days can also provide an ideal excuse to stay inside. In Canada’s National Capital Region (prior to Covid), those frigid winter days would also mean fly-in events taking place on the frozen Ottawa River at Aylmer and Montebello, Quebec. Believe it or not, in February 1948, there was an air show put on at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, which included an Argentine Naval Aviation Canso (ex-RCAF overhaled by Canadair) demonstrating a jet assisted take-off to spectators; a far cry from the summer air shows we’re more accustomed to! |
I’ve always liked February. The winter days tend to be very cold, but sunny, perfect for outdoor winter activities or winter celebrations such as Winterlude in Ottawa, Carnaval de Québec in Quebec City, or Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg. That said, those same days can also provide an ideal excuse to stay inside. In Canada’s National Capital Region (prior to Covid), those frigid winter days would also mean fly-in events taking place on the frozen Ottawa River at Aylmer and Montebello, Quebec. Believe it or not, in February 1948, there was an air show put on at RCAF Station Rockcliffe, which included an Argentine Naval Aviation Canso (ex-RCAF overhaled by Canadair) demonstrating a jet assisted take-off to spectators; a far cry from the summer air shows we’re more accustomed to! |
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-065899 |
Photo Credit: Department of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-065899 |
Several well-known Canadian aviation anniversaries also take place in February, including the anniversary of the first powered flight in Canada on 23 February 1909, as well as the anniversary of ‘Black Friday’, the cancellation of the Avro Arrow, on 20 February 1959. Perhaps its fitting then, that this month CAHS National members will be receiving their copy of CAHS Journal Vol 59 No.1, an issue that covers subjects ranging from early civil aviation in Canada to Cold War fighter jets. As the guest editor for this Journal issue, I took the opportunity to showcase some of the talented researchers and writers who are past or current CAHS Ottawa Chapter members and that call Ottawa home (though two moved away since submitted their articles to me). Vol. 59 No.1 includes Bernie Runstedler’s article examining a century-old air crash, Palmiro Campagna’s article on the American involvement in cancelling the Avro Arrow, my own photo essay on Ottawa’s No. 428 All-Weather (Fighter) Squadron, Reuben Aaron Hornstein’s article (discovered and transcribed by Hugh Halliday) on Eastern Air Command (EAC) Meteorological Flights, Mathias Joost’s article on early Chinese-Canadian aviators, and John Crook’s article on de Havilland Dragons in Canada. It’s also worth mentioning Terry Higgins’ work on documenting the aircraft used by EAC Met Flight, which is included in this issue as a photo sidebar to Hornstein’s article. While a good amount of work went into this Journal issue (as with every issue), I can honestly say it was enjoyable project to be involved with, and I am excited to share the results of that work with our readers! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy Reading! |
Several well-known Canadian aviation anniversaries also take place in February, including the anniversary of the first powered flight in Canada on 23 February 1909, as well as the anniversary of ‘Black Friday’, the cancellation of the Avro Arrow, on 20 February 1959. Perhaps its fitting then, that this month CAHS National members will be receiving their copy of CAHS Journal Vol 59 No.1, an issue that covers subjects ranging from early civil aviation in Canada to Cold War fighter jets. As the guest editor for this Journal issue, I took the opportunity to showcase some of the talented researchers and writers who are past or current CAHS Ottawa Chapter members and that call Ottawa home (though two moved away since submitted their articles to me). Vol. 59 No.1 includes Bernie Runstedler’s article examining a century-old air crash, Palmiro Campagna’s article on the American involvement in cancelling the Avro Arrow, my own photo essay on Ottawa’s No. 428 All-Weather (Fighter) Squadron, Reuben Aaron Hornstein’s article (discovered and transcribed by Hugh Halliday) on Eastern Air Command (EAC) Meteorological Flights, Mathias Joost’s article on early Chinese-Canadian aviators, and John Crook’s article on de Havilland Dragons in Canada. It’s also worth mentioning Terry Higgins’ work on documenting the aircraft used by EAC Met Flight, which is included in this issue as a photo sidebar to Hornstein’s article. While a good amount of work went into this Journal issue (as with every issue), I can honestly say it was enjoyable project to be involved with, and I am excited to share the results of that work with our readers! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy Reading! |
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Kyle Huth, CAHS National Vice President and Journal Guest Editor, CAHS Ottawa Chapter President and Chapter Newsletter Editor |
Kyle Huth, CAHS National Vice President and Journal Guest Editor, CAHS Ottawa Chapter President and Chapter Newsletter Editor |
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At the request of our partner, Aviation Cultures, the deadline for speaker submissions is extended to the end of the day on Thursday 5 February. If you are thinking about making a submission, please do so soon. Convention registration will open soon, but you can reserve your hotel room now. |
At the request of our partner, Aviation Cultures, the deadline for speaker submissions is extended to the end of the day on Thursday 5 February. If you are thinking about making a submission, please do so soon. Convention registration will open soon, but you can reserve your hotel room now. |
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 has been published in both its print an digital editions.
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59-1 has been published in both its print an digital editions.
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| Journal 59-2 is currently in-progress. Here is the cover artwork in its current form.
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Journal 59-2 is currently in-progress. Here is the cover artwork in its current form.
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From the Desk of the Journal Editor |
From the Desk of the Journal Editor |
Current Production CAHS Journal 59-1 is now at the printers' mailing house and being prepared for dispatch to Canada Post. The digital edition has been posted to the members-only area of our website and emailed to all current members. The layout for 59-2 is in its final stages before full-draft proofreading. Journals 59-3 and 59-4 are at the layout blocking-in stage. Updates have been posted on the Journal page of our website.
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Current Production CAHS Journal 59-1 is now at the printers' mailing house and being prepared for dispatch to Canada Post. The digital edition has been posted to the members-only area of our website and emailed to all current members. The layout for 59-2 is in its final stages before full-draft proofreading. Journals 59-3 and 59-4 are at the layout blocking-in stage. Updates have been posted on the Journal page of our website.
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New/Old Production Last month, we were delighted to report that the launch volume – Volume 47 (2009 publication year) – of the CAHS Journal Legacy Editions Digitization Project was posted to the members-only area of the site. The next Volume (46, 2008) has just been added as well. All eight individual Journals featured have also been posted to our shop's digital editions section. Access details for members (perpetual free PDF access) and non-members (downloadable PDF purchase) are posted on the Journal page of the website. |
New/Old Production Last month, we were delighted to report that the launch volume – Volume 47 (2009 publication year) – of the CAHS Journal Legacy Editions Digitization Project was posted to the members-only area of the site. The next Volume (46, 2008) has just been added as well. All eight individual Journals featured have also been posted to our shop's digital editions section. Access details for members (perpetual free PDF access) and non-members (downloadable PDF purchase) are posted on the Journal page of the website. |
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Journal Volume 46, Numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 – the second volume of our legacy editions is now available in digital form on both the members-only area of our site and in the web shop.
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Journal Volume 46, Numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 – the second volume of our legacy editions is now available in digital form on both the members-only area of our site and in the web shop.
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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 |
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! While you are being inundated with advertising for gift ideas such as jewelry, chocolate, and romantic trips (not that there is anything wrong with any of those gifts!), don't forget that the CAHS offers some great and unique gift ideas for the aviation enthusiasts in your life. We have a significant number of aviation history books in our shop, as well as aviation art for sale. The beautiful 13-month, full colour, and bilingual aviation artists 2026 calendar is still in stock. You can purchase past issues of the CAHS Journal, including full sets. Buying someone a gift membership is a wonderful way of having a gift that continues to arrive throughout the year. Don't forget that we also have a free gift membership option for Air Cadets. On a different note, let me bring up an awkward - but future looking - topic: planned giving: Please consider including a donation to the CAHS in any estate planning or will-writing you are doing. "Planned giving (also called legacy giving) is the practice of donors' committing to charitable contributions as part of their financial or estate planning, including naming a nonprofit/charity as a beneficiary in one's will, retirement plan, or life insurance policy" ( source). The CAHS can also help you find a home for your aviation library since we have connections to aviation museums who might want to expand their libraries as well audiences who are interested in purchasing aviation books (CAHS members, air show attendees, etc). Contact us if you want help donating or selling aviation book collections. Wishing you, our friends, all the best as we are in the depths of winter. Stay warm, and plan those summer trips to aviation museums, airs shows, and our convention! |
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! While you are being inundated with advertising for gift ideas such as jewelry, chocolate, and romantic trips (not that there is anything wrong with any of those gifts!), don't forget that the CAHS offers some great and unique gift ideas for the aviation enthusiasts in your life. We have a significant number of aviation history books in our shop, as well as aviation art for sale. The beautiful 13-month, full colour, and bilingual aviation artists 2026 calendar is still in stock. You can purchase past issues of the CAHS Journal, including full sets. Buying someone a gift membership is a wonderful way of having a gift that continues to arrive throughout the year. Don't forget that we also have a free gift membership option for Air Cadets. On a different note, let me bring up an awkward - but future looking - topic: planned giving: Please consider including a donation to the CAHS in any estate planning or will-writing you are doing. "Planned giving (also called legacy giving) is the practice of donors' committing to charitable contributions as part of their financial or estate planning, including naming a nonprofit/charity as a beneficiary in one's will, retirement plan, or life insurance policy" ( source). The CAHS can also help you find a home for your aviation library since we have connections to aviation museums who might want to expand their libraries as well audiences who are interested in purchasing aviation books (CAHS members, air show attendees, etc). Contact us if you want help donating or selling aviation book collections. Wishing you, our friends, all the best as we are in the depths of winter. Stay warm, and plan those summer trips to aviation museums, airs shows, and our convention! |
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 $8 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 $8 shipping) in Canada. |
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Air-Crazy: Fascinating stories of Canadian women in the air |
Air-Crazy: Fascinating stories of Canadian women in the air |
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| When airplanes were first invented over 100 years ago, they were flown by men. Women weren't even supposed to be passengers. But many "air-crazy" women wanted to fly, and eventually they did - becoming pilots, stewardesses, flight instructors, and astronauts. Author and historian Elizabeth Muir tells stories about some of these courageous and determined women across Canada who contributed so much to Canadian aviation history. The CAHS discount rate is $12 (plus $8 shipping in Canada). |
When airplanes were first invented over 100 years ago, they were flown by men. Women weren't even supposed to be passengers. But many "air-crazy" women wanted to fly, and eventually they did - becoming pilots, stewardesses, flight instructors, and astronauts. Author and historian Elizabeth Muir tells stories about some of these courageous and determined women across Canada who contributed so much to Canadian aviation history. The CAHS discount rate is $12 (plus $8 shipping in Canada). |
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Flight, Volumes 1 - 3 Combo |
Flight, Volumes 1 - 3 Combo |
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North Atlantic Crossroads |
North Atlantic Crossroads |
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| by Darrell Hillier Gander was a bustling hub of aviation during the Second World War as thousands of bombers passed through on their way to Britain. In North Atlantic Crossroads, the challenges and hazards of transatlantic ferrying come alive. Tales of search and rescue, aircraft salvage, medevac missions, and VIP visits highlight the activities of the Ferry Command Gander unit, notably the work of its aircraft maintenance department, headed by the incomparable John Joseph “Joe” Gilmore. Postwar, the boom in commercial air travel transformed Gander, setting the airport on its way to becoming the crossroads of the North Atlantic. This book can be purchased for $15 (plus $8 shipping in Canada) |
by Darrell Hillier Gander was a bustling hub of aviation during the Second World War as thousands of bombers passed through on their way to Britain. In North Atlantic Crossroads, the challenges and hazards of transatlantic ferrying come alive. Tales of search and rescue, aircraft salvage, medevac missions, and VIP visits highlight the activities of the Ferry Command Gander unit, notably the work of its aircraft maintenance department, headed by the incomparable John Joseph “Joe” Gilmore. Postwar, the boom in commercial air travel transformed Gander, setting the airport on its way to becoming the crossroads of the North Atlantic. This book can be purchased for $15 (plus $8 shipping in Canada) |
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Tight Floats and Tailwinds |
Tight Floats and Tailwinds |
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| by Tim Cole The story of a young Canadian farm boy and his life’s journey as a bush pilot and then as a bureaucrat, and how he found his way back to his aviation roots. This collection of stories describes the progress of Tim Cole through one half of the history of aviation in Canada. The regular price is $34.99. The CAHS is offering this book to our members and newsletter recipients again at a discounted rate of $32 + $8 shipping in Canada. |
by Tim Cole The story of a young Canadian farm boy and his life’s journey as a bush pilot and then as a bureaucrat, and how he found his way back to his aviation roots. This collection of stories describes the progress of Tim Cole through one half of the history of aviation in Canada. The regular price is $34.99. The CAHS is offering this book to our members and newsletter recipients again at a discounted rate of $32 + $8 shipping in Canada. |
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First Public Engine Run of 1947 de Havilland Mosquito at KF Centre for Excellence |
First Public Engine Run of 1947 de Havilland Mosquito at KF Centre for Excellence |
From Emma Jones at the KF Centre for Excellence: "Last week we hosted our first public engine run of our 1947 de Havilland Mosquito. To make the event extra special, we had the Honourable, Steven Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement turn the engine's controls and speak to the crowd and media."
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From Emma Jones at the KF Centre for Excellence: "Last week we hosted our first public engine run of our 1947 de Havilland Mosquito. To make the event extra special, we had the Honourable, Steven Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement turn the engine's controls and speak to the crowd and media."
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You can also watch a story by Global News where they interview KF Centre volunteer guide, as well as a member of the Kelowna Pipe Band, Andrew Moore, who's father flew a Mosquito when he was 19. |
You can also watch a story by Global News where they interview KF Centre volunteer guide, as well as a member of the Kelowna Pipe Band, Andrew Moore, who's father flew a Mosquito when he was 19. |
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Nominations for the Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame (CAHF) |
Nominations for the Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame (CAHF) |
Some contributions deserve to be remembered for generations. Leadership, service, and innovation can come from many places.
Your nomination helps honour individuals and organizations that advanced Canadian aviation and ensures their impact is not forgotten. Nominate today at CAHF. For over 50 years, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame has honoured and preserved the legacy of those who made lasting contributions to Canadian aviation. |
Some contributions deserve to be remembered for generations. Leadership, service, and innovation can come from many places.
Your nomination helps honour individuals and organizations that advanced Canadian aviation and ensures their impact is not forgotten. Nominate today at CAHF. For over 50 years, Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame has honoured and preserved the legacy of those who made lasting contributions to Canadian aviation. |
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Nominations for the 2026 Elsie MacGill Awards |
Nominations for the 2026 Elsie MacGill Awards |
Get your nominations for the Elsie MacGill Awards in before 15 March 2026! Categories include: business; education; engineering; flight operations;government; rising star; and, trailblazer. |
Get your nominations for the Elsie MacGill Awards in before 15 March 2026! Categories include: business; education; engineering; flight operations;government; rising star; and, trailblazer. |
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© Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada |
© Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada |
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Multiple Canadian Aviation Events |
Multiple Canadian Aviation Events |
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Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada |
Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada |
Storytime with a Pilot February 5 @ 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. |
Storytime with a Pilot February 5 @ 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. |
Aviation Imaging Night 2026 February 21 @ 6 - 9 p.m. |
Aviation Imaging Night 2026 February 21 @ 6 - 9 p.m. |
| Family Day Weekend - THINGS with WINGS February 14 - 16 @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
Family Day Weekend - THINGS with WINGS February 14 - 16 @ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
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Canadian Bushplane Aviation Museum |
Canadian Bushplane Aviation Museum |
Family Day February 16 @ 10 a.m. 3 p.m. |
Family Day February 16 @ 10 a.m. 3 p.m. |
| Family Day (must prebook) February 16 @ 10 a.m. 4 p.m. |
Family Day (must prebook) February 16 @ 10 a.m. 4 p.m. |
National Aviation Weekend February 21 - 22 |
National Aviation Weekend February 21 - 22 |
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| Greenwood Military Aviation Museum |
Greenwood Military Aviation Museum |
Application Due: Summer Student Museum Tour Guides April 15 |
Application Due: Summer Student Museum Tour Guides April 15 |
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Canadian aviation author and educator Peter Pigott passed at the end of December 2025 from cancer. He has published 25 books to date, 20 of which about the history of Canadian Aviation.
Donations to the Cancer Society of Canada would be appreciated.
See Peter's Obituary and Celebration of Life information here. |
Canadian aviation author and educator Peter Pigott passed at the end of December 2025 from cancer. He has published 25 books to date, 20 of which about the history of Canadian Aviation.
Donations to the Cancer Society of Canada would be appreciated.
See Peter's Obituary and Celebration of Life information here. |
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The aviation community is sad to announce the passing of the very accomplished Bud White. In addition to being a distinguished pilot, he was also a long time member of the CAHS Vancouver Chapter, the Air Force Officers' Association, and the Board of the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. For more details on Bud's Aviation history, see his page on Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame (CAHF) website.
You can also read former Lockheed Martin F-35 test pilot LCol(Ret’d) Billie Flynn's tribute to Bud on LinkedIn.
Further information to be added to the CAHS In Memoriam page when available. |
The aviation community is sad to announce the passing of the very accomplished Bud White. In addition to being a distinguished pilot, he was also a long time member of the CAHS Vancouver Chapter, the Air Force Officers' Association, and the Board of the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. For more details on Bud's Aviation history, see his page on Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame (CAHF) website.
You can also read former Lockheed Martin F-35 test pilot LCol(Ret’d) Billie Flynn's tribute to Bud on LinkedIn.
Further information to be added to the CAHS In Memoriam page when available. |
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Medicine Hat: 12 February 2026 |
Medicine Hat: 12 February 2026 |
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Montreal: 19 February 2026 |
Montreal: 19 February 2026 |
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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 happened to Avro Aircraft and A.V. Roe Canada Ltd after the cancellation of the Avro Arrow program in 1959? Source: Arrow Countdown, pg. 73 (Zuuring) |
Question 1: What happened to Avro Aircraft and A.V. Roe Canada Ltd after the cancellation of the Avro Arrow program in 1959? Source: Arrow Countdown, pg. 73 (Zuuring) |
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| Question 2: What was an example of an error in aircraft recognition during the Second World War? Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 159 (Dunmore) |
Question 2: What was an example of an error in aircraft recognition during the Second World War? Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 159 (Dunmore) |
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| Question 3: What was Tiger Force and what was Canada asked to provide?
Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 441 (Bashow) |
Question 3: What was Tiger Force and what was Canada asked to provide?
Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 441 (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: “Boat hulls made by Avro Aircraft? You bet…just one of the attempts to find work for the much diminished capacity of the Malton plant. The design department explored many options. By 1962 Avro Aircraft would find no support for their ideas. The company effectively ceased to exist and was wound up. Even A.V. Roe Canada Ltd. became Hawker Siddley Canada.” Source: Arrow Countdown, pg. 73 (Zuuring) |
ANSWER 1: “Boat hulls made by Avro Aircraft? You bet…just one of the attempts to find work for the much diminished capacity of the Malton plant. The design department explored many options. By 1962 Avro Aircraft would find no support for their ideas. The company effectively ceased to exist and was wound up. Even A.V. Roe Canada Ltd. became Hawker Siddley Canada.” Source: Arrow Countdown, pg. 73 (Zuuring) |
ANSWER 2: “Throughout the war, errors in aircraft recognition resulted in untold numbers of casualties. The authorities worked diligently on the problem of distinguishing friendly and enemy aircraft. Sketches and detailed plans appeared in countless publications; scale models dangled from ceilings in every air force establishment. Training journals carried stories of poor aircraft recognition and its dire consequences. Typical was the tale of the Mustang pilot who spotted a Germans Junkers 88 bomber flying at three hundred feet near the French coast. The Mustang pilot fired one burst, then realized the other aircraft was a Beaufighter not a Junkers. Fortunately his shots had missed. But another Mustang appeared. It too mistook the Beaufighter for an enemy. It opened fire. And missed. The Beaufighter got away and landed safely back at base, where its pilot reported that he had been attacked by two Messerschmitts but had beaten them off." Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 159 (Dunmore) |
ANSWER 2: “Throughout the war, errors in aircraft recognition resulted in untold numbers of casualties. The authorities worked diligently on the problem of distinguishing friendly and enemy aircraft. Sketches and detailed plans appeared in countless publications; scale models dangled from ceilings in every air force establishment. Training journals carried stories of poor aircraft recognition and its dire consequences. Typical was the tale of the Mustang pilot who spotted a Germans Junkers 88 bomber flying at three hundred feet near the French coast. The Mustang pilot fired one burst, then realized the other aircraft was a Beaufighter not a Junkers. Fortunately his shots had missed. But another Mustang appeared. It too mistook the Beaufighter for an enemy. It opened fire. And missed. The Beaufighter got away and landed safely back at base, where its pilot reported that he had been attacked by two Messerschmitts but had beaten them off." Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 159 (Dunmore) |
ANSWER 3: “In September 1944, the Canadian Cabinet War Committee had decided that, as a basis for planning, Canada would provide one army division and ancillaries of up to 30,000 troops drawn from the European theatre to fight with the Americans in an invasion of the Japanese home islands. This formation, the 6th Canadian Division, was to be led by Major-General Bert Hoffmeister, who had been a distinguished and successful divisional commander in Italy and northwest Europe. Service was entirely voluntary, and each volunteer would receive a fast ticket home to Canada and thirty days leave prior to embarkation for the Pacific. The air element of this Canadian contribution consisted of participation in “Tiger Force,” the name the RAF had given to its Very Long Range (VLR) Pacific bomber contingent, and detailed planning for this air component was being conducted by year’s end. The RAF intended to deploy thirty-six heavy bomber squadrons equipped with Lancasters [and later equipped with Avro Lincolns] and would use air refuelling to bomb Japan from as yet undetermined locations in the Pacific. Eighteen fighter squadrons, initially Mustangs, eventually to be de Havilland Hornets [a derivative of the Mosquito], would escort the bombers, and the force would include four long-range transport, one air/sea rescue, and one photo-reconnaissance squadron.” Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 441 (Bashow) |
ANSWER 3: “In September 1944, the Canadian Cabinet War Committee had decided that, as a basis for planning, Canada would provide one army division and ancillaries of up to 30,000 troops drawn from the European theatre to fight with the Americans in an invasion of the Japanese home islands. This formation, the 6th Canadian Division, was to be led by Major-General Bert Hoffmeister, who had been a distinguished and successful divisional commander in Italy and northwest Europe. Service was entirely voluntary, and each volunteer would receive a fast ticket home to Canada and thirty days leave prior to embarkation for the Pacific. The air element of this Canadian contribution consisted of participation in “Tiger Force,” the name the RAF had given to its Very Long Range (VLR) Pacific bomber contingent, and detailed planning for this air component was being conducted by year’s end. The RAF intended to deploy thirty-six heavy bomber squadrons equipped with Lancasters [and later equipped with Avro Lincolns] and would use air refuelling to bomb Japan from as yet undetermined locations in the Pacific. Eighteen fighter squadrons, initially Mustangs, eventually to be de Havilland Hornets [a derivative of the Mosquito], would escort the bombers, and the force would include four long-range transport, one air/sea rescue, and one photo-reconnaissance squadron.” Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 441 (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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