Conventions, Aviation Tour, DeCourcy dedication, Pierre Gillard blog, Fort Erie's T-Bird, 2025 Elsie Awards, Greatest Force by Marcus Gibson, Heritage Fair Showcase, Pattersone Scholarship, Heli Research Request, Marjorie Ward, Museum Events, Quiz
The Canadian Aviation
Historical Society
The Canadian Aviation
Historical Society
July 2025 e–Newsletter
July 2025 e–Newsletter
From the Desk of the Executive
From the Desk of the Executive
CAHS Convention 2025
Our annual convention this past month was a great success. We returned to Ottawa as the host city for the first time since 2013, with the Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport Hotel as our main site. Attendees enjoyed presentations by 16 speakers over two days, an awards banquet, as well as tours of local aviation facilities including the National Research Council, No 412 Squadron, RCMP Air Division, and Porter Airlines. Please click here for a detailed description and pictures of convention events and speakers.
CAHS Convention 2025
Our annual convention this past month was a great success. We returned to Ottawa as the host city for the first time since 2013, with the Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport Hotel as our main site. Attendees enjoyed presentations by 16 speakers over two days, an awards banquet, as well as tours of local aviation facilities including the National Research Council, No 412 Squadron, RCMP Air Division, and Porter Airlines. Please click here for a detailed description and pictures of convention events and speakers.
Attendees gathered in front of the Convair 580 for a photographic reminder of a memorable tour.
Attendees gathered in front of the Convair 580 for a photographic reminder of a memorable tour.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend the 2026 Convention, planned for 17 - 20 June, in Kelowna, BC. The 2026 convention will be held in partnership with Aviation Cultures and the Kelowna Flightcraft Centre for Excellence.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend the 2026 Convention, planned for 17 - 20 June, in Kelowna, BC. The 2026 convention will be held in partnership with Aviation Cultures and the Kelowna Flightcraft Centre for Excellence.
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.
From the Desk of the Journal Editor
From the Desk of the Journal Editor
Volume 58, Number 4 (see cover image above left) has been published in its full-colour digital form as a high-resolution PDF and sent to all current members for whom we have an up-to-date email address. If you did not receive the email, select the "LOG IN" menu item on our website to access it or any CAHS Journal published since 2010.
The print edition is currently in production at the printers, and the Journal page on the website will be updated with delivery information as soon as it becomes available from them.
Volume 59, Number 1 (cover above right), with Ottawa Chapter President Kyle Huth as guest editor, is currently in the works. The digital edition will be delivered, and the print edition sent to the printers, likely sometime before next month's e-newsletter publication date. Again, updates will be posted to the Journal page on our website. Layout and editorial fine-tuning are well along. Features include:
The Avro Arrow: USA Update (Palmiro Campagna)
A Day at the Fair – A Modern Analysis of a Very Old Accident: Curtiss JN-4(Can) G-CADI – 22 September 1920 (Bernie Runstedler)
Chinese-Canadian Aviators of the Inter-War Period (Joost)
A 1945 History of the RCAF Eastern Air Command Meteorological Flight (Reuben Hornstein, curated and introduced by Hugh Halliday)
and an evocative piece of cover art, "CF-105, Guardians of the True North," by frequent contributor Peter J. Robichaud.
Onward:
Following Kyle as guest editor, long-time CAHS member, contributor, and Regina Chapter newsletter editor Will Chabun has supplied an equally interesting range of articles for Volume 59 Number 2. Some layout work has already been completed on this one. Look for an update through July.
Will is also one of our new Associate Editors already hard at work on more than a dozen articles that will appear in the balance of Volume 59 and throughout Volumes 60 and 61. He is working in concert with fellow Associate Editor Mathias Joost (CAHS Ottawa and National Executive). Three additional associate editors will be formally welcomed aboard in early July.
I look forward to working with all of them to catch up on the current backlog and reach and maintain a more regular publication schedule.
While I still have a fair number of article projects in my intake file to process for handoff to the new associate editorial team, we are always happy to see more. Having a good range of articles on hand means we can continue to offer a diverse selection of subjects (genres, eras, biographies, aircraft monographs, etc.) and varying lengths for each future Journal edition. Having full feature-length articles and shorter items (such as photo essays, Historical Snapshots, History in Brief, and the like) from which to choose during Journal planning makes the job of seeing any issue through to completion within the shortest possible timeframe that much easier.
We welcome any such contributions from members and nonmembers alike. If you have something that you think would be a good fit, please get in touch with either Will or Mathias to initiate the process. Contact links for the other associates will be provided in next month's newsletter.
Volume 58, Number 4 (see cover image above left) has been published in its full-colour digital form as a high-resolution PDF and sent to all current members for whom we have an up-to-date email address. If you did not receive the email, select the "LOG IN" menu item on our website to access it or any CAHS Journal published since 2010.
The print edition is currently in production at the printers, and the Journal page on the website will be updated with delivery information as soon as it becomes available from them.
Volume 59, Number 1 (cover above right), with Ottawa Chapter President Kyle Huth as guest editor, is currently in the works. The digital edition will be delivered, and the print edition sent to the printers, likely sometime before next month's e-newsletter publication date. Again, updates will be posted to the Journal page on our website. Layout and editorial fine-tuning are well along. Features include:
The Avro Arrow: USA Update (Palmiro Campagna)
A Day at the Fair – A Modern Analysis of a Very Old Accident: Curtiss JN-4(Can) G-CADI – 22 September 1920 (Bernie Runstedler)
Chinese-Canadian Aviators of the Inter-War Period (Joost)
A 1945 History of the RCAF Eastern Air Command Meteorological Flight (Reuben Hornstein, curated and introduced by Hugh Halliday)
and an evocative piece of cover art, "CF-105, Guardians of the True North," by frequent contributor Peter J. Robichaud.
Onward:
Following Kyle as guest editor, long-time CAHS member, contributor, and Regina Chapter newsletter editor Will Chabun has supplied an equally interesting range of articles for Volume 59 Number 2. Some layout work has already been completed on this one. Look for an update through July.
Will is also one of our new Associate Editors already hard at work on more than a dozen articles that will appear in the balance of Volume 59 and throughout Volumes 60 and 61. He is working in concert with fellow Associate Editor Mathias Joost (CAHS Ottawa and National Executive). Three additional associate editors will be formally welcomed aboard in early July.
I look forward to working with all of them to catch up on the current backlog and reach and maintain a more regular publication schedule.
While I still have a fair number of article projects in my intake file to process for handoff to the new associate editorial team, we are always happy to see more. Having a good range of articles on hand means we can continue to offer a diverse selection of subjects (genres, eras, biographies, aircraft monographs, etc.) and varying lengths for each future Journal edition. Having full feature-length articles and shorter items (such as photo essays, Historical Snapshots, History in Brief, and the like) from which to choose during Journal planning makes the job of seeing any issue through to completion within the shortest possible timeframe that much easier.
We welcome any such contributions from members and nonmembers alike. If you have something that you think would be a good fit, please get in touch with either Will or Mathias to initiate the process. Contact links for the other associates will be provided in next month's newsletter.
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
From the Desk of the Treasurer
From the Desk of the Treasurer
Well, another annual convention has come and gone. Thanks to Jim Bell for organizing the fantastic event; thanks to all the speakers for sharing their interesting stories and research; and thanks to everyone who attended and added to the great feeling of comraderie. It was a pleasure to speak with each person who dropped by my sales table to browse. I really appreciated catching up with you, and thanks for your purchases and fundraising support.
If you weren't able to make the convention, you can still purchase many of the items that were for sale. There are still copies of the beautiful full-colour, 13-month, bilingual 2026 aviation art calendar for the great price of $15 each (plus $7 shipping within Canada). We are still offering a number of discounted book offers, including Roger Gunn's book on Great War pilots, Peter Pigott's book on aerial firefighting, Scott Maclagan's book on the Cold War, Tom Douglas' book on aviation pioneer Duke Schiller, and Chris Weicht's numerous book titles. Check out the thumbnails below, as well as the CAHS shop, for purchasing details and even more offerings. I hope you find something interesting to add to your summer reading list and aviation library.
Well, another annual convention has come and gone. Thanks to Jim Bell for organizing the fantastic event; thanks to all the speakers for sharing their interesting stories and research; and thanks to everyone who attended and added to the great feeling of comraderie. It was a pleasure to speak with each person who dropped by my sales table to browse. I really appreciated catching up with you, and thanks for your purchases and fundraising support.
If you weren't able to make the convention, you can still purchase many of the items that were for sale. There are still copies of the beautiful full-colour, 13-month, bilingual 2026 aviation art calendar for the great price of $15 each (plus $7 shipping within Canada). We are still offering a number of discounted book offers, including Roger Gunn's book on Great War pilots, Peter Pigott's book on aerial firefighting, Scott Maclagan's book on the Cold War, Tom Douglas' book on aviation pioneer Duke Schiller, and Chris Weicht's numerous book titles. Check out the thumbnails below, as well as the CAHS shop, for purchasing details and even more offerings. I hope you find something interesting to add to your summer reading list and aviation library.
Cordially, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide,
National Treasurer,
Canadian Aviation Historical Society
Cordially, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide,
National Treasurer,
Canadian Aviation Historical Society
CAHS 2026 Aviation Art Calendar
CAHS 2026 Aviation Art Calendar
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.
Four of Our Finest: The Great War Pilots Fall, Atkey, Claxton, and Quigley
Four of Our Finest: The Great War Pilots Fall, Atkey, Claxton, and Quigley
Roger Gunn has meticulously researched four lesser-known Canadian pilots of the First World War, four pilots who should be better known. Joseph Fall, Alfred Atkey, William Claxton and Francis Quigley. They led fascinating lives and Roger traces them from their beginnings in Canada to their life in the skies over the Western Front and beyond.
We are offering this book for $20.00 plus $20 shipping per copy in Canada.
Roger Gunn has meticulously researched four lesser-known Canadian pilots of the First World War, four pilots who should be better known. Joseph Fall, Alfred Atkey, William Claxton and Francis Quigley. They led fascinating lives and Roger traces them from their beginnings in Canada to their life in the skies over the Western Front and beyond.
We are offering this book for $20.00 plus $20 shipping per copy in Canada.
Fire Eaters: Aerial Firefighting Over the Last Century
Fire Eaters: Aerial Firefighting Over the Last Century
Beginning with the Canadian “H-Boats” in 1924, aircraft have become indispensable in detecting and extinguishing wildfires. Peter Pigott tells the incredible stories of the Ontario Provincial Air Service through to Dash 8-400AT air tankers and uninhabited aircraft able to fly for sixteen hours.
We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discount rate of $26.50 plus $8 shipping in Canada.
Beginning with the Canadian “H-Boats” in 1924, aircraft have become indispensable in detecting and extinguishing wildfires. Peter Pigott tells the incredible stories of the Ontario Provincial Air Service through to Dash 8-400AT air tankers and uninhabited aircraft able to fly for sixteen hours.
We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discount rate of $26.50 plus $8 shipping in Canada.
The book 'Whispering’ Duke Schiller: The Forgotten Hero of Early Aviation by Tom Douglas is a compelling tribute to Clarence Alvin “Duke” Schiller, an under-celebrated pioneer in the field of aviation. It spans Schiller’s early life in Canada, detailing his journey from his birth in Iowa to his family’s resettlement in Cooksville, Ontario, and outlines his significant contributions to early aviation, including his time as a bush pilot and his service in multiple air forces. The narrative also delves into his adventurous career, marked by harrowing missions, daring rescues, and notable achievements in aviation that captured the public’s imagination during the 1920s, ’30s, and early ’40s.
This book retails from the publisher for $29.95 (plus tax and shipping). We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discounted rate of $29.50 (shipping and taxes included) in Canada; you will receive both a hard copy and a PDF copy.
The book 'Whispering’ Duke Schiller: The Forgotten Hero of Early Aviation by Tom Douglas is a compelling tribute to Clarence Alvin “Duke” Schiller, an under-celebrated pioneer in the field of aviation. It spans Schiller’s early life in Canada, detailing his journey from his birth in Iowa to his family’s resettlement in Cooksville, Ontario, and outlines his significant contributions to early aviation, including his time as a bush pilot and his service in multiple air forces. The narrative also delves into his adventurous career, marked by harrowing missions, daring rescues, and notable achievements in aviation that captured the public’s imagination during the 1920s, ’30s, and early ’40s.
This book retails from the publisher for $29.95 (plus tax and shipping). We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discounted rate of $29.50 (shipping and taxes included) in Canada; you will receive both a hard copy and a PDF copy.
Scott Maclagan spent the Cold War in CF-100 jet interceptors, flying over Canada. The mission was to be ready for a Soviet attack – and to monitor all unknown aircraft spotted on radar. In this book, the only published account of the experiences of a Cold War flier over Canada, Scott recounts his recruitment by the air force, the early training which graduated only two of a hundred young men, and his many adventures flying as a navigator in the two-crewmen Canadian-built CF-100 jet. He and his pilot partner were in line to fly the famed Avro Arrow which was to replace the CF-100.
This book retails from the publisher for $29.95 + tax. We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discounted rate of $22 (plus $10 shipping) in Canada.
Scott Maclagan spent the Cold War in CF-100 jet interceptors, flying over Canada. The mission was to be ready for a Soviet attack – and to monitor all unknown aircraft spotted on radar. In this book, the only published account of the experiences of a Cold War flier over Canada, Scott recounts his recruitment by the air force, the early training which graduated only two of a hundred young men, and his many adventures flying as a navigator in the two-crewmen Canadian-built CF-100 jet. He and his pilot partner were in line to fly the famed Avro Arrow which was to replace the CF-100.
This book retails from the publisher for $29.95 + tax. We are selling it as a CAHS fund-raiser at a discounted rate of $22 (plus $10 shipping) in Canada.
Ted Barris To Lead Battle of Britain / Second World War Aviation Tour in September 2025
Ted Barris To Lead Battle of Britain / Second World War Aviation Tour in September 2025
Author Ted Barris will be leading a Battle of Britain/Second World War Aviation tour this fall through tour organizer Merit Travel (departing 21 August and returning 10 September).
Story and photos by John Bertram,
Vice President,
CAHS Toronto Chapter
Author Ted Barris will be leading a Battle of Britain/Second World War Aviation tour this fall through tour organizer Merit Travel (departing 21 August and returning 10 September).
The story of the CWHM Spitfire Mk XVIe dedicated to Sqdn. Leader Tommy DeCourcy.
The story of the CWHM Spitfire Mk XVIe dedicated to Sqdn. Leader Tommy DeCourcy.
A heartwarming event was held at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum on June 7, with the dedication of the museum’s Spitfire Mk. XVIe in memory of RCAF Squadron Leader Thomas DeCourcy, DFC, (1921-1945) of Windsor, ON.
.
Story and photos by Gord McNulty
A heartwarming event was held at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum on June 7, with the dedication of the museum’s Spitfire Mk. XVIe in memory of RCAF Squadron Leader Thomas DeCourcy, DFC, (1921-1945) of Windsor, ON.
Pierre Gillard is a Longueuil-Quebec based avionics professor, aviation writer and photographer, and aviation museum co-founder. Originally from Belgium, Pierre reports on Quebec aviation and historic topics (especially the history of French-built Alouette II and Alouette III helicopters) in his blog Passion Aviation.
Pierre Gillard is a Longueuil-Quebec based avionics professor, aviation writer and photographer, and aviation museum co-founder. Originally from Belgium, Pierre reports on Quebec aviation and historic topics (especially the history of French-built Alouette II and Alouette III helicopters) in his blog Passion Aviation.
Author Marcus Gibson is pleased to announce that his new book is available for purchase in hard or electronic copy.
This book is the first-ever full analysis of the impact of RAF Bomber Command on Nazi Germany, proving it was the foremost military force in securing victory.
New research at last dispels the many myths about Bomber Command’s true effectiveness in crippling Germany’s industrial output.
Provided by Marcus Gibson
Author Marcus Gibson is pleased to announce that his new book is available for purchase in hard or electronic copy.
This book is the first-ever full analysis of the impact of RAF Bomber Command on Nazi Germany, proving it was the foremost military force in securing victory.
New research at last dispels the many myths about Bomber Command’s true effectiveness in crippling Germany’s industrial output.
It is always exciting to see the next generation take an interest in history and join the ranks of historians preserving and telling our stories. Canada's History Society has just announced its Heritage Fair National Showcase featuring outstanding student history projects from across the country. This year’s participants were selected from approximately 50 regional Heritage Fairs across the country. Aviation historians will be especially interested in submissions on Elsie McGill and her impact on Canada's aeronautical industry; pilots in the Second World War; the role of Mosquito aircraft during the war; the Avro Arrow and other RCAF aircraft from the 1950s; and Roberta Bondar, the first Canadian woman in space. Enjoy!
It is always exciting to see the next generation take an interest in history and join the ranks of historians preserving and telling our stories. Canada's History Society has just announced its Heritage Fair National Showcase featuring outstanding student history projects from across the country. This year’s participants were selected from approximately 50 regional Heritage Fairs across the country. Aviation historians will be especially interested in submissions on Elsie McGill and her impact on Canada's aeronautical industry; pilots in the Second World War; the role of Mosquito aircraft during the war; the Avro Arrow and other RCAF aircraft from the 1950s; and Roberta Bondar, the first Canadian woman in space. Enjoy!
Milton Patterson Scholarship
Awarded to WO2 Amun Fatima
Milton Patterson Scholarship
Awarded to WO2 Amun Fatima
The CAHS is pleased to announce the latest winner of the Patterson Scholarship, a prize donated by Milton Patterson to support Air Cadets at the 631 Sentinel Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in their pursuit of aviation careers. This year's winner is WO2 Amun Fatima who plans on first studying air transport operations, scheduling, and logistics, and then she plans on getting her commercial pilot license. Thanks so much to Brian Cotter (Secretary of the CAHS Toronto Chapter) for attending the 14 June 2025 Annual Ceremonial Review at 631 Sqn and presenting the award in-person on behalf of the CAHS. Congratulations WO2 Fatima, and best wishes with aviation studies and career!
The CAHS is pleased to announce the latest winner of the Patterson Scholarship, a prize donated by Milton Patterson to support Air Cadets at the 631 Sentinel Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in their pursuit of aviation careers. This year's winner is WO2 Amun Fatima who plans on first studying air transport operations, scheduling, and logistics, and then she plans on getting her commercial pilot license. Thanks so much to Brian Cotter (Secretary of the CAHS Toronto Chapter) for attending the 14 June 2025 Annual Ceremonial Review at 631 Sqn and presenting the award in-person on behalf of the CAHS. Congratulations WO2 Fatima, and best wishes with aviation studies and career!
Research Request - Canadian Helicopter History
Research Request - Canadian Helicopter History
CAHS members Bob Petite in Leduc, Alberta and Ken Swartz in Toronto, Ontario have been researching the history of the Canadian helicopter industry and its pioneers for 40+ years.
They have been documenting the history of all Canadian operators and various helicopter supported projects.
They would like to interview additional Canadian civil and military helicopter pilots and mechanics for their project - especially who started their careers in the late 1940s and in 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s.
And they are also interested in copying Canadian helicopter photo collections.
CAHS members Bob Petite in Leduc, Alberta and Ken Swartz in Toronto, Ontario have been researching the history of the Canadian helicopter industry and its pioneers for 40+ years.
They have been documenting the history of all Canadian operators and various helicopter supported projects.
They would like to interview additional Canadian civil and military helicopter pilots and mechanics for their project - especially who started their careers in the late 1940s and in 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s.
And they are also interested in copying Canadian helicopter photo collections.
Marjorie Ward died on June 19 at the age of 102. Max Ward passed away a few years ago. My late wife, Mireille, and I met her on a Bristol 170 flight from Edmonton in 1970 or 1971 when I was assigned to work at the Yellowknife, NWT base for the summer. She served us sandwiches on the flight. That really shocked my Belgian wife, as the wife of an airline owner in Belgium may not have done that. She and Max had a long and wonderful life. She was Max's rock of ages. Thought you all should know. Wardair was my first civilian job after the RCAF. See Marjorie's Obituary here.
By Roger Beebe Treasurer and Membership Officer, CAHS Manitoba Chapter
Marjorie Ward died on June 19 at the age of 102. Max Ward passed away a few years ago. My late wife, Mireille, and I met her on a Bristol 170 flight from Edmonton in 1970 or 1971 when I was assigned to work at the Yellowknife, NWT base for the summer. She served us sandwiches on the flight. That really shocked my Belgian wife, as the wife of an airline owner in Belgium may not have done that. She and Max had a long and wonderful life. She was Max's rock of ages. Thought you all should know. Wardair was my first civilian job after the RCAF. See Marjorie's Obituary here.
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:
Question 1: Why was a sideslip indicator needed for the Avro Arrow?
Source:
Arrow Countdown,
pg. 33 (Zuuring)
Question 1: Why was a sideslip indicator needed for the Avro Arrow?
Source:
Arrow Countdown,
pg. 33 (Zuuring)
Question 2:How many student pilots out of four could be expected to fail Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)?
Source:
Wings For Victory,
pg. 100 (Dunmore)
Question 2:How many student pilots out of four could be expected to fail Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)?
Source:
Wings For Victory,
pg. 100 (Dunmore)
Question 3:On the 10th of April 1945, 6 Group of RAF Bomber Command registered a distinction that it could do without. What was the distinction?
Source:
No Prouder Place,
pg. 426 (Bashow)
Question 3:On the 10th of April 1945, 6 Group of RAF Bomber Command registered a distinction that it could do without. What was the distinction?
Source:
No Prouder Place,
pg. 426 (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!
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: “There are occasions during Arrow flight when, in order to make appropriate control corrections, the pilot must know precisely the onset and extent of aircraft sideslip. The reader familiar with aerodynamics and instrumentation will remember that the ball in the turn and slip indicator does not indicate sideslip but only lateral acceleration sensed at the cockpit. During landing in delta configured aircraft, if sideslip is not caught immediately a roll can be started in the opposite direction of the casual sideslip. Because the damper in the ‘Gear Down Mode’ has only limited automatic correction, the pilot must be very vigilant to detect this onset of sideslip. F/L Jack Woodman, in his flight notes, tells us of the amount of rudder work needed during the landing phase to keep the Arrow level. At high speed the Arrow was able to roll very quickly. If the pilot chose to fly the Arrow clean, i.e. without any artificial damping, beta instrument data was critically important.”
Source:
Arrow Countdown,
pg. 33 (Zuuring)
ANSWER 1: “There are occasions during Arrow flight when, in order to make appropriate control corrections, the pilot must know precisely the onset and extent of aircraft sideslip. The reader familiar with aerodynamics and instrumentation will remember that the ball in the turn and slip indicator does not indicate sideslip but only lateral acceleration sensed at the cockpit. During landing in delta configured aircraft, if sideslip is not caught immediately a roll can be started in the opposite direction of the casual sideslip. Because the damper in the ‘Gear Down Mode’ has only limited automatic correction, the pilot must be very vigilant to detect this onset of sideslip. F/L Jack Woodman, in his flight notes, tells us of the amount of rudder work needed during the landing phase to keep the Arrow level. At high speed the Arrow was able to roll very quickly. If the pilot chose to fly the Arrow clean, i.e. without any artificial damping, beta instrument data was critically important.”
Source:
Arrow Countdown,
pg. 33 (Zuuring)
ANSWER 2: “'One student pilot in four could be expected to fail EFTS. (RAF schools had a slightly lower rate of washouts, apparently due the more elaborate method of pilot selection in Britain.). Schools had had a higher washout rate than others; it all depended upon the individual instructors – and upon the need for pilots. Although, early in the war, when the need for aircrew was urgent, many borderliners were given the benefit of the doubt and managed to pass through the system, by 1943 the pendulum had swung to the other extreme: the washout rate had risen to over 30 per cent at EFTSs. Now it was too high; the standards were being too rigidly enforced. The word from HQ was that “insufficient attention is sometimes given backward students and they have been too ruthlessly eliminated.”
Source:
Wings For Victory,
pg. 100 (Dunmore)
ANSWER 2: “'One student pilot in four could be expected to fail EFTS. (RAF schools had a slightly lower rate of washouts, apparently due the more elaborate method of pilot selection in Britain.). Schools had had a higher washout rate than others; it all depended upon the individual instructors – and upon the need for pilots. Although, early in the war, when the need for aircrew was urgent, many borderliners were given the benefit of the doubt and managed to pass through the system, by 1943 the pendulum had swung to the other extreme: the washout rate had risen to over 30 per cent at EFTSs. Now it was too high; the standards were being too rigidly enforced. The word from HQ was that “insufficient attention is sometimes given backward students and they have been too ruthlessly eliminated.”
Source:
Wings For Victory,
pg. 100 (Dunmore)
ANSWER 3: “Although the fighter opposition was limited on this operation, 6 Group registered a distinction on the day it could well have done without. The Germans fielded, apparently for the first and only time during the war, an innovative new weapon for their Me 163s, named Jagerfaust (Fighter Fist). This new system which demonstrated great promise, consisted of a salvo of ten vertically mounted 50mm mortar barrels mounted in the speedy rocket’s wing roots, five on each side. Triggered by photo-electric cell activated by the shadow of an enemy aircraft as it passed overhead, the system, was designed to allow even poorly trained pilots to make accurate attacks on enemy bombers. All the Komet pilot had to do was fly his aircraft, either head-on or tail-on, under the enemy bomber within 100 meters of its altitude and the triggering mechanism would do the rest. On this particular day, prominent rocket pilot Leutenant Fritz Kelb of JG 400 launched out of Brandis and caught what he thought was a lone B-17 separated from its parent formation near Leipzig, Kelb made a single, devastating high-speed attack with the Jagerfaust system and then reported the bomber as being shot down, shedding pieces. However, there was no USAAF activity in the vicinity of Leipzig on 10 April 1945, and a recent testimonial from a Canadian source strongly implies that Kelb’s Jagerfaust victim was a 415 Squadron Halifax. Thus, the only aircraft to be destroyed in combat by this new technology was in all probability Canadian.”
Source:
No Prouder Place,
pg. 426 (Bashow)
ANSWER 3: “Although the fighter opposition was limited on this operation, 6 Group registered a distinction on the day it could well have done without. The Germans fielded, apparently for the first and only time during the war, an innovative new weapon for their Me 163s, named Jagerfaust (Fighter Fist). This new system which demonstrated great promise, consisted of a salvo of ten vertically mounted 50mm mortar barrels mounted in the speedy rocket’s wing roots, five on each side. Triggered by photo-electric cell activated by the shadow of an enemy aircraft as it passed overhead, the system, was designed to allow even poorly trained pilots to make accurate attacks on enemy bombers. All the Komet pilot had to do was fly his aircraft, either head-on or tail-on, under the enemy bomber within 100 meters of its altitude and the triggering mechanism would do the rest. On this particular day, prominent rocket pilot Leutenant Fritz Kelb of JG 400 launched out of Brandis and caught what he thought was a lone B-17 separated from its parent formation near Leipzig, Kelb made a single, devastating high-speed attack with the Jagerfaust system and then reported the bomber as being shot down, shedding pieces. However, there was no USAAF activity in the vicinity of Leipzig on 10 April 1945, and a recent testimonial from a Canadian source strongly implies that Kelb’s Jagerfaust victim was a 415 Squadron Halifax. Thus, the only aircraft to be destroyed in combat by this new technology was in all probability Canadian.”
Source:
No Prouder Place,
pg. 426 (Bashow)
Chapter News
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!
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
