| The Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
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November 2023 e–Newsletter |
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From the Desk of the Executive |
The Canadian Aviation Historical Society (CAHS) stands as a testament to Canada's rich aviation heritage, dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the nation's aviation and aerospace history. With a commitment to collecting, documenting, and promoting Canada's aviation achievements, the society plays a crucial role in ensuring that the stories of pioneers, aviators, and the evolution of flight are preserved for future generations. As Giving Tuesday approaches on November 28, aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike have the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing efforts of the CAHS in safeguarding Canada's aerial legacy. To support the preservation of aviation and aerospace history, consider making a donation to the Canadian Aviation Historical Society. These funds are vital for maintaining archives, organizing events, and advancing educational programs that foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Canada's aviation history. Additionally, individuals can contribute to the cause by donating to their local aviation museum or a specific CAHS chapter. This targeted approach ensures that the support directly benefits the preservation initiatives in specific regions, helping to maintain the integrity of Canada's diverse aviation history. By donating on Giving Tuesday, individuals can contribute actively to the legacy of flight and play a role in preserving the remarkable achievements that have shaped Canada's aviation landscape. Donations can be made to the CAHS ca be made through Canada Helps or directly through the website. |
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Katherine Simunkovic, Newsletter Editor, 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 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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From the Desk of the Journal Editor
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Cover design for current works in progress; left to right, the RCAF Centennial 1924 - 2024 Special Edition detailed in last month's newsletter, and the final two regular numbers of Volume 58.
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The print edition of Volume 58 Number 2 is either still in the postal system on its way to, or already with, traditional members, while the digital edition will be distributed via email to both traditional and online-only members within the week following the posting of this newsletter. Both editions will also be available to non-members through early December in our e-shop.
Meanwhile, we have the three Journals pictured above at various editorial and layout stages. We'll be posting content details on the CAHS.com Journal page as they mature toward production.
Material for several of Volume 59's Journals has arrived from several of our associate editors, with signals that more is on the way shortly. Some of the content for Volume 60 is also developing nicely. Things are shaping up for a busy couple of months in the layout and design department. |
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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 |
Just in time for Christmas shopping, the CAHS website is featuring aviation art that is for sale through a number (currently eight) of our aviation artist members and aviation art calendar contributors. We invite you to browse the beautiful art that is being made available to CAHS members and friends. We have original art, as well as prints and greeting cards, at various price points. Please keep checking our art sale website over the next few weeks - and even after the holidays - as our artists provide new pieces for sale and as new artists participate. The CAHS is very excited to launch this partnership that brings attention to the amazing skills of our aviation artist members and makes these marvellous pieces available to our members and readers. The artists will also be donating part of their proceeds to the CAHS. Please check the list of books below (as well as on our shop page) to see if you can find the perfect aviation book for the avid readers on your shopping list. Don't forget that we have some books specific to young people (Freddie the Flyer, Alis the Aviator, the Lilian Bland Story), so we hope we can help you inspire the next generation to fall in love with aviation! The 13-month full-colour aviation art calendar will also make a beautiful gift for the art or aviation aficionado. A membership to the CAHS, which includes four issues of the Journal, also makes a great gift too! |
Cordially, Dr. Rachel Lea Heide, National Treasurer, Canadian Aviation Historical Society |
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CAHS 2024 Aviation Art Calendar |
| The annual aviation art calendar is available to pre-order ($15 a copy plus $5 shipping in Canada) with delivery to customers expected by mid-Dec. This bilingual calendar includes 13 full-colour images featuring a collection of civilian and military aviation aircraft. |
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Freddie the Flyer by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail
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| Aviation historian, and former President of the CAHS, Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail, has published a gorgeous picture book that pays homage to aviator Freddie Carmichael — the first Indigenous commercial pilot in the Arctic —with each month of the year highlighting moments from his life, the beauty of the North and the power of dreams. The CAHS discount rate is $19 (plus $6 shipping in Canada). Danielle also has a number of upcoming events to promote and discuss her books, including Freddie The Flyer. For information on where you can see her or how to schedule an event with her, please visit her website. |
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Alis the Aviator now in Paperback
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| by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail Come along on an aviation journey with Alis! This spunky female guide will take you through an ABC of planes featuring gorgeous cut-paper art. An A to Z of planes past and present, this book has stunning cut-paper art and a cute-as-a-button guide named Alis. Named for Dr. Alis Kennedy, likely one of the first Indigenous women to obtain a commercial pilot licence in Canada, Alis will take you on an aviation tour from the Avro Arrow to the Zeppelin and everything in between. Meticulously researched and uniquely crafted, this is a one-of-a-kind book that will delight aviation fans big and little. Get your PAPERBACK copy for just $10.00 (GST included) plus $6.00 shipping per copy in Canada. |
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The Story of Lilian Bland: An Amazing Aviatrix |
| The CAHS is pleased to feature this new book about the amazing life story of Lilian Bland, the first woman ever to design, build, and fly her own airplane, beautifully illustrated to inspire young readers. This delightful picture book celebrates the life of Lilian Bland, remembered both in England and in her adopted home of Quatsino Sound, on Vancouver Island, for her many achievements - especially her ground-breaking achievements in aviation. Retailing for $19.95 + tax, the CAHS is selling the book as a fund-raiser at a discount rate of $15 (plus $6 shipping in Canada). |
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Christopher Weicht Flat Rate Box Set: The Defenders & Red Star Over Canada
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Author Chris Weicht is offering a special where buyers can get one copy of The Defenders and one copy of Red Star Over Canada in a Canada Post FLAT RATE BOX for $85.00 ($65 for the books and $20 for shipping).
See the description for The Defenders in the next book offering below.
Get yours for just $65.00 (GST included) plus $20.00 shipping per copy in Canada.
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Red Star Over Canada: Author Chris Weicht brings to life a mystery in Canada's North. Why did an uninhabited island along the mid-coast of British Columbia play a mysterious part in a long range 1937 flight by Russian aviators? Was it a non-stop flight, or did they land and secretly refuel on Goose Island? What happened to the famous Russian flyer, Levanesky, once touted as the Russian Lindbergh? Why did the American and Canadian governments seem to go along with the deceit? |
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The Defenders by Christopher Weicht
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| On 2 June 1942, Japan launched an attack on the US Navy facilities at Dutch Harbour, Alaska. The United States officially appealed for Canada’s help in the defence of the besieged Alaska and its Aleutian Islands, that were under attack and partially occupied by Japanese Air and Naval Forces. Canada immediately sent 15 Squadrons of battle hardened RCAF Fighter and Bomber Reconnaissance aircraft, which fought valiantly with the Japanese Mitsubishi Zero and Rufe and Aichi Jake Seaplane fighters, as well as with the atrocious Aleutian weather which together cost many lives. Get yours for just $45.00 (GST included) plus $20.00 shipping per copy in Canada.
The book is 9" x11" requiring a flat rate box at $20 shipping. |
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CAHS Sticker for Car Window
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| We have created a sticker that you can affix to a car window to advertise your support for the CAHS. The adhesive is on the back, and the sticker background is clear. Size is approximately 4" x 4". $7 each with shipping and handling included. |
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| 2023 Elsie MacGill Northern Lights Award Gala |
The Elsie MacGill Award Gala, celebrating women in aviation and aerospace took place on October 21. By Gord McNulty, CAHS Vice President Photos by Gus and Clara Corujo |
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| Larry Milberry celebrated his 80th birthday in style |
Larry Milberry, author and historian, turned 80 years old. By Gord McNulty, CAHS Vice President Photos by Gus and Clara Corujo |
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Calgary’s Richard de Boer promoting Mosquito restoration |
Bringing the de Havilland Mosquito back to life through restoration. Story by Gord McNulty, CAHS Vice President |
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Air Marshal George Johnson – a research inquiry |
(Note: Our CAHS newsletter welcomes research inquiries for which our members may be able to help!) |
| George Owen Johnson (1896-1980) was born in Woodstock, Ontario, and served as a fighter pilot of the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. An ace fighter pilot during the war, he was a recipient of both the Military Cross and the Croix de Guerre. Post-war, he was one of the first officers in the Royal Canadian Air Force and rose to the rank of Air Marshal during service with the RCAF during the Second World War. Johnson’s outstanding career with the air force included overseeing assembly of aircraft provided to Canada as part of the Imperial Gift of war trophies provided to Canada following the First World War, serving as superintendent of Camp Borden, and flying in the first trans-Canada flight, in 1920. During the Second World War, Johnson’s rank continued to rise during increased responsibility in positions with the RCAF. An informative article about Air Marshal Johnson can be seen on Wikipedia when you click here. Now, his grandson, Rob Murray of Vancouver BC, is further researching Johnson’s history, which is not an easy task. “Not only is my grandfather deceased, but so are all his contemporaries,” says Rob, “which makes it difficult to locate more information and archival about him. So I would welcome any assistance in locating material about my grandfather.” Rob would be pleased to hear from anyone who may be able to assist in his quest for photos, papers, records, details, etc. about grandfather, AM George Johnson, and can be reached by email HERE or by telephone at 650-275-2701. by John Chalmers,
CAHS Membership Secretary |
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Research inquiry re Panarctic Oils Lockheed Electra Crash |
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Shortly after midnight on October 30, 1974, a Lockheed L188 Electra airplane bearing call letters CF-PAB, shown at right, owned and operated by Panarctic Oils Ltd. of Calgary, crashed onto the thin sea ice two miles short of the runway at Rea Point, Melville Island, NWT. People onboard survived the impact and were strewn about the broken ice. |
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Hurt and soaking wet, they endured the bitter cold for about two hours before a rescue crew arrived on-scene. Three people were taken alive to the Panarctic base camp and evacuated soon after by air to Edmonton. One person succumbed enroute and the other two, first officer David Hatton and flight engineer Garry Weyman, eventually recovered from their injuries. Thirty-two passengers and two crew members were killed in the crash. See more info when you click here. Very soon after the accident, an NWT Coroner's inquest and a Ministry of Transport accident investigation were launched. Both quickly became enmeshed in legal and jurisdictional wrangling that fostered suspicions of hidden negligence and mistrust of the inquest and investigation. Public response eventually moved the federal government, which had a majority equity position in Panarctic Oils, to launch a public inquiry, headed by Justice W.A. Stevenson. The inquiry was tasked with determining, hopefully with finality, the cause or causes of the accident. Judge Stevenson handed down his report in late 1976. Possibilities and probabilities were suggested but no single, definitive reason or explanation was determined as to why the pilot flying the Electra caused the airplane to enter a rapid descent from a low altitude on the approach, dooming the flight to the final impact. Of the circumstances of this accident, which happened 49 years ago, many of the people with first-hand knowledge are no longer with us. There is, I believe, one gentleman that may be able to offer some important insight, and that is David Hatton, first officer of the crash. Mr. Hatton, if you see this notice, or if anyone that knows him and could pass along my contact information, I would dearly like to contact you. The circumstances of this accident are tragic, but of historical value, as a record of aviation in Canada, worthy of being chronicled. If you are able to help locate David Hatton, please contact me: Richard Grynas Edmonton, AB Email
Home: 780-450-0413 Mobile: 780-710-5746 |
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RCAF Book Launched Live and Online |
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At the Bombardier Centre for Aerospace and Aviation at the Downsview Campus of Centennial College in Toronto, the new book about the RCAF was launched on October 30. Pathway to the Stars: 100 Years of the Royal Canadian Air Force, published by the University of Toronto Press, made its public debut at a live and online event. |
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Pathway to the Stars, published as part of the celebrations surrounding the centennial of the RCAF on April 1, 2024, can be purchased from book stores or ordered online from the U of T Press in hardcover, e-book or pdf format when you click here. Proceeds from the book support the programs of the RCAF Foundation. Well-known sports broadcaster, Rob Black, left, interviewed the two authors of the splendid new volume about the RCAF. Authors LGen (Ret.) Mike Hood, former commander of the RCAF, and HonCol Tom Jenkins, far right, spoke about the book and the inspiring story of the air force. Also interviewed was Robert “Scratch” Mitchell, a third-generation pilot of the RCAF. After concluding remarks by Jeremy Diamond, chairman of the RCAF Foundation, folks attending in person had opportunity to purchase the book and have it signed by the authors. by John Chalmers,
CAHS Membership Secretary |
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| On the Wings of War and Peace |
Bringing together leading researchers on Canadian air power, On the Wings of War and Peace captures the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during the first decades of the Cold War – a period which marked the zenith of air force accomplishments in peacetime Canada. Follow this link for more information. |
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2024 Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship Applications Open |
The fifth annual Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship is open for online applications today until November 30. Air Canada and CAE are partnering to provide scholarships for up to eight aspiring Canadian women in aviation. Applications will close on November 30, 2023 on the Northern Lights Aero Foundation website. To access applications, please click here. |
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Canadian Aviation Moments |
Here are the questions and answers to this month's Canadian Aviation Moments: |
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| Question 1: What ingenious methods were devised for indicating to the airmen during the First World War where the front of the line lay?
Source: Canada’s Fighting Airmen, pg. 113 (Drew) |
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| Question 2: What was the nickname that the RCAF airmen had for the Wapiti, and how much did the RCAF pay Britain for them? Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 54 (Dunmore) |
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| Question 3: What was the cost of the Battle of Berlin, in personnel and equipment, to the Canadian 6 Group of the RAF Bomber Command? Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 310 (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! |
ANSWER 1: “Ingenious methods were devised for indicating to the airmen where the front of the line lay. By flares, smoke puffs, metal reflectors, cloth strips on the ground and other prearranged signals the foremost detachments would show where they were. The observer would then locate their position on the map and send the information to headquarters by wireless. It was very responsible work and called for absolute accuracy, as a mistake either in a map reading or as to the identity of the troops---a mistake easily made in bad weather—might result in the artillery shelling their own men or an infantry formation advancing into an area occupied.”
Source: Canada’s Fighting Airmen, pg. 113 (Drew) |
ANSWER 2: “In 1936, the Wapiti appeared. Essentially a metal version of the venerable DH9A of Great War vintage, it incorporated all the shortcomings of the original and introduced a few new ones of its own. An open-cockpit biplane with a fixed gear, it came into service at a time when modern air forces were fielding monoplanes with enclosed cockpits and retractable undercarriages. Using the wings and tail unit of the ancient 'Ninack,' the Wapiti exemplified the make-do-and-mend approach to national defence of the period. RCAF airmen quickly dubbed it the 'What a pity.' One of them recalled the Wapitis when they arrived: 'The government had bought them for a dollar apiece from the British who had used them out in Afghanistan. They were armour-plated in some unique locations: there was a piece of boiler plate under the carburettor, and another piece strategically located under part of the pilot’s seat. Those Afghans, by all accounts, were fantastic shots! The Wapitis, when they arrived, were full of sand, dirt and whatever…' Another, C.R. Dunlop, described the Wapiti as 'a beast' that 'glided like a brick.'” Source: Wings For Victory, pg. 54 (Dunmore) |
ANSWER 3: “While many Canadians became casualties in RAF units during the Berlin attacks, the 6 Group record is easier to quantify. The following statistics apply just to raids against Berlin, and not the concurrent maximum efforts. All told, 6 Group dispatched 688 Halifax (all variants) sorties on nine of the Berlin raids, and 532 Lancaster II series on eighteen of the nineteen total raids. Of these, 55 Halifaxes (8.0 percent) and 25 Lancasters (4.7 percent) did not return. A further 6 Halifaxes and 5 Lancasters were destroyed in crashes. With respect to casualties, 437 men were killed, 127 were taken prisoners of war, 9 successfully evaded capture and 9 more were interned in neutral countries. Of the 12 participating 6 Group squadrons, to 434 Squadron fell the dubious distinction of suffering the highest missing rate in the group - 15.6 percent of the 77 Halifax Vs dispatched on seven raids. Indeed, this was the highest loss rate for all Bomber Command squadrons during the Berlin campaign. The blood cost was 59 squadron members killed in action while 21 became prisoners of war. One determined and lucky soul successfully evaded captivity.” Source: No Prouder Place, pg. 310 (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! |
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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: |
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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. |
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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 |
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