Republished Articles

• Personnel | Republished Articles | Units

  In Tribute-Open Letter

  In Tribute / Open Letter (Republished from the 17 April 1985 issue of the Voxair, CFB Winnipeg) In Tribute 429 (T) Sqn mourns the loss of two Squadron members who lost their lives in the tragic crash of the two CC130 aircraft at CFB Edmonton on 29 March 85. Capt John Thornton was born in Ottawa, Ontario, on 12 May 1955. He joined the CF in Aug 73 and served in Portage la Prairie, Moose Jaw and Winnipeg. He is survived by his wife, Allison, and daughter Sarah. Capt Dave Mahaffey was born in Montreal, Quebec, on 18 Apr 1958. […]

• Aircraft | RCAF History | Republished Articles

  Hand-Over of Mentors

  Hand-Over Of Mentors By DON MURCHIE (Republished from the March 1955 issue of the Central Alberta Air News, RCAF Station Penhold) Thursday, February 10, 1955, was a day for nostalgic celebration for R.C.A.F. Station Penhold. This was the day the handsome T34’s were to perform their final official flight at this airfield. The departure of these trainers could not be sentimentally looked upon as the end of an era in the flying training field, but perhaps the beginning of one. The Air Force for some time has been considering various types of training aircraft to supercede the Harvard as a […]

• Aircraft | RCAF History | Republished Articles

  THE C-119

  THE C-119 by F/L P.F. HOPE (Republished from the October 1954 issue of the Central Alberta Air News, RCAF Station Penhold) Canadian Joint Air Training Centre at Rivers and 435 Squadron at Edmonton were the first R.C.A.F. stations to house the Boxcar. The C-119 is built by the Fairchild Aircraft Company situated in Hagerstown, Md. The aircraft has two 3,250 h.p. Wright Cyclone engines that incorporate water injection giving 3,500 h.p. per engine for short take-offs. The propellers are four-blade Hamilton, standard hydromatic, full feathering and reversing for short landings. The engines produce 80% power in reverse pitch. Almost everything […]

• Aircraft | RCAF History | Republished Articles

  NEW WINGS OVER PENHOLD

  NEW WINGS OVER PENHOLD F/O V. VENHOLA (Republished from the July 1954 issue of the Central Alberta Air News, RCAF Station Penhold) (RCAF.info note: there are a few spelling errors that have been pointed out in the text below that dates back to the original publication. As the correction improves the readability and accuracy, I have corrected these errors. I have placed an “*” at the end of any corrected sentences. I will add a footnote with the original text.) Local residents have probably noticed a new type of training plane, silver in colour, in the skies of late. This […]

• Artefacts | RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units

  Squadron Standard

  Squadron Standard HISTORY OF ITS EVOLUTION (Republished from the 15 October 1997, issue of the Voxair) The history of the presentation and display of colours to identify military units stretches back many hundreds of years. In England, colours were used as a rallying point on the battlefield and as an inspiration to lead men into battle. Originally, every company had its own flag which was emblazoned with the coat of arms of the company commander. As armies increased in size, not all company commanders had a coat of arms and so it was ordered that all company flags should be […]

• Artefacts | Republished Articles | Units

  Lieutenant-Governor Participates in Traditional Ceremony

  Lieutenant-Governor Participates in Traditional Ceremony (Republished from the 1 December 1961 issue of The Voxair) In a colourful ceremony held at No. 10 Hangar on Saturday, 25th of November, a Squadron Standard was presented by the Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba, Hon. Errick F. Willis, to 402 Squadron (Aux.) to commemorate their 25 years of service in the RCAF. In the presence of such dignitaries as Air Vice-Marshal W. A. Orr representing the Chief of Air Staff; Air Vice-Marshal H. M. Carscallen, AOC Training Command; Air Commodore R. J. Lane,. AOC Air Transport Command: G/C E. S. Light, Director of Religious Administration […]

• Aircraft | Artefacts | RCAF History | Republished Articles | Stations

  RCAF Det Chater

  RCAF Detachment Chater (Republished from the April 1959 issue of The Voxair) By Ron Baynes Photos by Sgt. Don Askett We thank the C.O. of RCAF Station Lincoln Park and the O.C. and Personnel of the T.S.U. Station Winnipeg for co-operation in the production of this article. Twelve miles North of Brandon, solitary in the prairie farmland, surrounded by the flattened foundations of long-departed buildings stands the hangar at Chater. Within it, in the shape of numerous air frames and aero engines, is contained much of the history of the RCAF, since 1939. Chater, once a detachment of the parent […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units

  The Tigers Lair

  The Tiger’s Lair The Story of 424 Squadron (Republished from the 2 September 1972 issue of Contact) 424 Squadron was formed at Topcliffe, Yorkshire, England on the 15th day of October, 1942 under Wing Commander (Air Vice Marshal) Henry M. Carscallen, DFC, of Hamilton. The City squadron was adopted by the Chamber of Commerce of the City of Hamilton. 424 Squadron began its life as a unit flying Wellington III aircraft in No 4 Group of Bomber Command, transferring to No 6 (RCAF) Group in January 1943 when the all-Canadian group came into being. After an intensive training period, the […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units

  The Flying Elephant

  The Flying Elephant The Story of 436 Squadron (Republished from the 2 September 1971 issue of Contact) The summer of 1944 saw the Allied armies on the offensive in many theatres of war in which were included the invasion of Normandy and — 6,000 miles away — the hard fought campaign in India and Burma to drive back the Japanese invaders. In this latter theatre the Royal Canadian Air Force’s number 436 Squadron was born. The problem in India and Burma was one of transportation and logistics — a need to supply the Allied 14th army at the front lines […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units

  The Husky Squadron

  The Husky Squadron The Story of 437 Squadron (Republished from the 2 September 1971 issue of Contact Magazine) The history of 437 Transport Squadron extends back to early September, 1944 when it was formed at Blakehil] Farm, near Swindon in England. It was the RCAF’s first overseas transport unit, and equipped with Dakota aircraft, the husky squadron soon had a variety of operations to fulfill. The first Commanding Officer was W/C JA Sproule, DFC, a Canadian in the Royal Air Force who later transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force. The motto “Omnia Passim”, (anything, anywhere) was adopted, and the […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units

  On Wings of Fire

  “On Wings of Fire” The Story of 426 (Thunderbird) Squadron (Republished from the 2 September 1971 issue of Contact) The story of No. 426 (Thunderbird) Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force began on 15 October 1942 when it was formed at Dishforth, Yorkshire, as the seventh Canadian Bomber squadron overseas. It commenced operations with No. 6 (RCAF) Group of Bomber Command on 14 January 1943 and for 28 months the Thunderbird Wellingtons, Lancasters and Halifaxes played their part in crushing the defences of Hitler’s European fortress. When the war in Europe ended the squadron assumed a new role as […]

• Artefacts | Construction | RCAF History | Republished Articles

  The Memorial Gates

  The Memorial Gates (Republished from the 2 September 1971 issue of Contact.) The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan brought many things to many people, and one of Trenton’s lasting results can be seen today on the main parade square. The handsome, wrought-iron gates, topped by the badge of the Royal Canadian Air Force, commemorate our part in that massive World War II training plan. Between October 1940 and March 1945, over 131,000 British subjects were trained as aircrew in Canada, many of them at RCAF Station Trenton. These men had come from Canada, Britain, New Zealand and Australia and when […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Stations | Units

  St Hubert Revamped

  St Hubert Revamped Republished from the June 1949 issue of the Roundel by F/O W. M. Lee and F/O M. A. East Introduction The rarid growth of Canada’s fighter defence programme at RCAF Station, St. Hubert, P.Q. may be aptly described by the phrase recently coined for the RCAF’s Silver Jubilee: “SO MUCH IN SO SHORT A TIME.” In less than three years, St. Hubert has risen from a retired wartime flying station to an organization embracing Caneda’s first post-war regular fighter squadron, an operational training unit, two auxiliary fighter squadrons, and a radar and communications unit. In addition, members […]

• Disbandment | Republished Articles

  Closing Ceremonies at Uplands

  Closing Ceremonies at Uplands-Promise to be Memorable Events (reprinted from the 22 March 1945 issue of The Uplands News) No, 2 Service Flying Training School at Uplands has had, since its opening in 1940, a memorable history in the BritishCommonwealth Air Training Plan. The closing ceremonies promise to be equally memorable. At this station on March 29th, the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan will be officially closed. To mark the event, there will be a ceremonial parade, which will probably be attended by His Excellency, the Governor-General, Prime Minister Mackenzie King, the Minister of National Defence for Air, High Commissioners […]

• Personnel | Republished Articles

  My Most Unforgettable Experience!

  My Most Unforgettable Experience! (reprinted from the December 1942 issue of The Paulson Post) (Told by “Eskimo” Abbott, 18 years a trapper in the Arctic, now a Sergeant at No. 7) From Moose Hide to White Sheets in Twenty Years, not bad. Just about twenty years ago around this time of the year I was just waiting for Christmas Holidays to come as I could go North with my Dog-Team. An old chum of mine, George Pies asked me up to spend a couple of weeks at his fishing camp. and boy. was I raring to go. It was about […]

• Post Closure | RCAF History | Republished Articles

  FROM WINGS TO WALLS

  FROM WINGS TO WALLS: THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE BOWDEN INSTITUTION SITE Republished with the gracious permission of the Bowden Historical Society. (Republished from a post on facebook by the Bowden Historical Society – 14 June 2025) Situated on the rolling prairies of Alberta, just north of the town of Bowden, the Bowden Institution site embodies a unique and layered chapter of Canadian history. This land has borne witness to sweeping national changes — from wartime mobilization to juvenile reform and finally to federal incarceration. Each era tells a story of transformation and adaptation, revealing evolving social values, government priorities, […]

• Aircraft | Republished Articles

  111KU to the Rescue

  111KU to the Rescue (Republished from the 2 April 1965 issue of The Voxair) 2nd. Operational Skid Landing for 111KU On Fri. 12 Mar on 111 Albatross flew to the rescue of an injured Northland Fisheries pilot who had crashed at Big Stone Lake, 88 miles ESE of Norway House. The pilot, Mr. Howard Hawley, was pinned in the wreckage of his Barkley Grow for nearly three hours, being freed just prior to the arrival of the rescue aircraft. The 111 Albatross carried out the second operational skid landing of the RCAF (the unit carried out the first landing of […]

• Aircraft | Republished Articles

  RCAF Tragedy at Sea

  RCAF Tragedy at Sea (Republished from the 2 April 1965 issue of The Voxair) The Honourable Paul Hellyer. Speaking to the House of Commons on the 24th of March as Minister of National Defence, confirmed that an RCAF Argus had crashed at sea the night before with total loss of life. At the same time he paid tribute to the “outstanding work of the officers and men of the Maritime Air Command” The Argus, from 404 Squadron, RCAF Station Greenwood, N.S., was exercising with the Halifax-based British submarine Alcide about 60 miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it […]

• Aircraft | Republished Articles

  Advances in Canadian Aviation-Twin Otter

  Advances in Canadian Aviation Refining a Proven Design – The Twin Otter (Republished from the 29 January 1965 issue of The Voxair) The de Havilland Aircraft of Canada has made considerable progress with the tooling, jigging and building of the first batch of five Twin Otters since the project was announced last September. Although similar to the Otter (DHC-3) in fuselage cross section and basic wing form, the Twin Otter (DHC-6) inevitably calls for extensive tooling. While the first five aircraft will go through final assembly at the rate of one per month, tooling is designed to handle an output […]

• Aircraft | Republished Articles

  Advances in Canadian Aviation-Dynavert

  Advances in Canadian Aviation Canadas First V/STOL – The “Dynavert” (Republished from the 29 January 1965 issue of The Voxair) Canada’s new CL-84 tilt-wing vertical take-off aircraft was recently shown for the first time to U.S. and Canadian government and military officials. The prototype aircraft being developed by Canadair in a shared-cost program with the Canadian Department of Defence production. The CL-84 is a versatile aerial support vehicle that has the capability to fill a variety of tactical roles in conditions of dispersed atomic warfare. These operational tasks include close support, utility and assault transport, surveillance, search and rescue, helicopter […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  Central Navigation School

  Central Navigation School (Republished from the 22 January 1965 issue of The Voxair) THE RCAF CENTRAL NAVIGATION SCHOOL The Central Navigation School, or “CNS” as it is more commonly called, has a long and distinguished history of active participation in the development of air navigation and related fields in Canada, and is well known in the RAF and USAF. CNS was originally formed in 1942 at Rivers, Manitoba, on the western plains of Canada. Its function at that time was to train the vast numbers of navigators, bombadiers, and other aircrew required under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, as […]

• Aircraft | Republished Articles

  DHC-5-Buffalo-Goes into production

  DHC-5 “BUFFALO” GOES INTO PRODUCTION (Republished from the 15 January 1965 issue of The Voxair) The Honourable Paul Hellyer, Minister of National Defence recently announced that an initial order will be placed for 15 Buffalo aircraft from de Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, Toronto. The Buffalo is a STOL (short takeoff and landing) transport aircraft of medium range with considerable capacity for airlifting either troops or cargo. Its acquisition will enhance still further the flexibility of the Forces, and is in line with the White Paper concept of developing tactical mobility. The production program for the DHC-5 Buffalo will commence […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  The End of an Era

  The End of an Era (Republished from the 4 December 1964 issue of The Voxair) Tuesday, the 1st of December, 1964, marked the end of an era in Air Traffic Control at Winnipeg International Airport. The handover of Precision Approach Radar (PAR) from the RCAF to the Department of Transport denoted the end of a decade of RCAF Controllers working harmoniously side by side with their D.O.T. counterparts. Winnipeg was the last main D.O.T. Terminal to assume Precision Radar responsibilities from the RCAF, Vancouver having made the change-over in October of this year. The commissioning of the PAR and simultaneous […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  CFS Completes Winnipeg Move

  CFS Completes Winnipeg Move (Republished from the 13 November 1964 issue of The Voxair) Central Flying School is now firmly established in No 11 hangar. The major move involving personnel and equipment was completed in August, but it was not until early November ’64 that the various sections in CFS finally all got together under one roof. The school has been on the move three times since 1959. It moved from Trenton to Saskatoon in ’59, from Saskatoon to Gimli in September ’62, and from Gimli to Winnipeg in August ’64. All these moves involve a great deal of personnel […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  Rough-Hewn Tradition

  Rough-Hewn Tradition The story of the Chinthe Support Services (Republished from the September 1953 issue of The Roundel) By W.O.1 A.J. Dale (This article to which Warrant Officer Dale’s first paragraph refers was entitled Determined to Deliver,” and was written by Flying Officer David Martin. The following sequel to it offers an unusually convincing object-lesson on the subject of morale. Its author is at present employed at Air Materiel Command Headquarters, Ottawa.— EDITOR). The FEBRUARY issue of ‘‘The Roundel’’ contained an extremely interesting story regarding the part played by the Canadian Chinthe Squadron in its tactical support of the 14th […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  Determined to Deliver

  Determined to Deliver The Wartime Story of No. 435 (Chinthe) Squadron (Republished from the February 1953 issue of The Roundel) By Flying Officer David Martin (The author of this story, which was written during the war, was himself a pilot in the squadron concerned. He now lives in the United States, and is the author of a book on Yugoslavia.—EDITOR.) When Wingate’s Raiders set off on their epic expedition into Burma, they chose as their emblem the Chinthe, a mythical monster, half-dog, half-lion, ferocious and eternally watchful, images of which stand guard over the Burmese pagoda. When No. 435 R.C.A.F. […]

• Construction | Republished Articles | Stations

  New Site Progress

  New Site Progress The Building Boom (Republished from the 1 August 1952 issue of The Voxair) 2 ANS is already the largest training school in Canada, but it still is a “little fella” in comparison to what it will be. Just west of the present locale of Station Winnipeg is a bee-hive of construction activity. VOXAIR, on these pages, presents an “interim progress report’. Nearing completion are the airmen’s barrack blocks seen in the picture above. Two barrack blocks having accommodation for 180 men in each are being erected at a cost of $380,000 each. The other two barrack blocks […]

• Republished Articles | Stations

  Uplands

  Stations of the RCAF: Uplands (Republished from the July/ August 1963 issue of The Roundel) By Flight Lieutenant L.D. Wick Contrails above Ottawa, visible reminders to the citizens of the nation’s capital that their air force is on the job, likely are formed by high-flying jets based at an airfield located only six miles from the Peace Tower — RCAF Station Uplands. Long before the RCAF had any interest in what is now Uplands airport, the area was used for civilian flying. On 19 July 1919 a privately-owned JN-4 Jenny aircraft landed in a pasture beside what is now the […]

• 

  Republished Articles | Stations

  Holberg

  Holberg Western Land Anchor of the Pinetree Radar Line (Republished from the April 1965 issue of The Roundel)Note – There was an error in the original article, please see “Error Correction” Below. By Sergeant Bill JohansonPhotos by Corporal Jim Cochrane RCAF Station Holberg, located on the northwest tip of Vancouver Island, is the western land anchor of the Pinetree radar line which stretches across the nation. Two miles of tangled jungle-like forest and underbrush separate this RCAF community of some 800 souls from the “outside world”, but to the inhabitants who live in semi-isolation, it might as well be 100 […]

• 

  Republished Articles | Stations | Units

  Comox

  COMOX West Coast Hub of the RCAF (Republished from the January/ February 1965 issue of The Roundel) By Flight Lieutenant J.W. Kuzyk Each day, high over Vancouver Island against the majestic backdrop of Forbidden Plateau and the snowcapped Comox glacier, search and rescue Voyager helicopters and Albatross flying boats, anti-submarine Neptunes and Voodoo interceptors fly to and from RCAF Station Comox. This air force station, located on a peninsula 100 miles northwest of Vancouver, is home for the RCAF’s west coast SAR, maritime and air defence squadrons. The present day hustle is a marked contrast to the quiet calm of […]

• Republished Articles | Stations | Training | Units

  Post Graduate Training

  Post Graduate Training At Central Navigation School (Republished from the 22 July 1961 issue of The Voxair) The Central Navigation School of the RCAF, located on the top floor of building 84, is one of two schools in the world that provide advanced operational/technical training for aircrew officers. It is the only one in the RCAF. Since its inauguration in 1948 at RCAF Station Summerside, as the Specialist Wing of No. 1 ANS, it has grown steadily in status and ability until today it is recognized as an authority on Radio Navigator training, aircraft guidance and control systems and airborne […]

• Republished Articles | Stations | Units

  RCAF Station Winnipeg

  R.C.A.F. STATION WINNIPEG A Key Base In R.C.A.F. Training (Republished from the 22 July 1961 issue of The Voxair) This establishment is located in the City of St. James, but the mailing address is Westwin. The single quarters are located in the electoral division of St. James, but only some of the residents of the married quarters vote in St. James, as the others live in Assiniboia riding. This Air Force station has no runways of its own, but its aircraft fly 4,100 hours in a typical month, and some of these aircraft provide search and rescue facilities for sixty-six […]

• Artefacts | Heraldry | Republished Articles | Units

  Crusader the deeds that were done

  Crusader “… the deeds that were done.” (Republished from the 20 May 1970 issue of The Voxair) “… the deeds that were done” On the 6th of June in Winnipeg the regimental guidon of The Fort Garry Horse will be laid up in the Legislative Building, on the occasion of that Regiment ceasing to be part of the regular land forces. It may be that some readers would appreciate some description of the background, origins and legends surrounding the colours and guidons carried by combat regiments of the land element. The origin of colours can be traced to the days […]

• Personnel | RCAF History | Republished Articles

  Our Adj

  “Our Adj”… Personality of the month. (republished from an issue of Message To Base, Date of issue is unknown.) The story given below concerns our highly respected Adjutant, Flight Lieutenant Arthur William Hammond, M.C., who wears the ribbons of the Military Cross and Bar, the Mons Star, and an Observer’s Wing. F/L Hammond (“Hammy” he is best known to his many friends) has had a career which has been just packed with vivid adventure, great danger, and thrills galore. His life has taken him over most of the world, he has been at sea as a boy, has seen service […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Training

  Night Flying Training

  Night Flying Training (reprinted from the 15 January 1942 issue of The Fingal Observer) The Editor of our excellent FINGAL OBSERVER requested an informal article on the subject of night flying training. After evading his eagle eye for some months, we were finally cornered and told to produce—or else. The following is fresh off the production line. To begin with, It should be pointed out that to a well-trained pilot night flying is no more difficult than day flying. To be sure, there is the added factor of darkness but with sound basic training and the proper psychological approach night […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  Norwegian Airmen in Canada

  Norwegian Airmen in Canada (reprinted from the December 1942 issue of The Paulson Post) I have been asked, on behalf of myself and the small group of Norwegian lads now at Number Seven, to write a little piece for the Paulson Post and I do this in the hope that the reader will be satisfied with some general accounts. More definite or personal accounts can not be given for reasons which the reader will understand better after having read this. We have been here for some weeks, a small group of Norwegians, studying at this Bombing and Gunnery School as […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  Pioneer Days

  Pioneer Days No 9 S.F.T.S., Centralia, Ont. (reprinted from the December 1944 issue of No 9 Flyer) By Pioneer Days – No 9 S.F.T.S., Centralia, Ont. by Martin Grudnitski, Sgt. When Spring gave way to Summer of 1942, a bee-hive of industry could be noted by anyone arriving, or passing by this Airport tucked behind the Village of Centralia. I can never forget my first sight of this, now modern metropolis, with its tree-lined avenues, and slick white buildings, and the red roofs showing through the maze of barracks and hangars, and the continuous hum of warming-up aircraft. But that […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  Recording Biggest Non-Nuclear Explosion

  Recording Biggest Non-Nuclear Explosion (reprinted from the October 1961 issue of The Roundel) By C.A. Pope, DRB Public Relations Officer The Defence Research Board’s shock and blast program at Suffield Experimental Station (SES), near Medicine Hat, Alta., was given a valuable assist by the RCAF on 3 August when a camera-equipped Lancaster photographed from the air the detonation of 100 tons of TNT. In addition, an RCAF helicopter obtained aerial photographs of the crater formed by the massive explosion. Research agencies from Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States participated in the experiment. Their main objective was to obtain […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  CJATC Rivers

  (reprinted from the October 1961 issue of The Roundel) By Squadron Leader C.L. Heide, DFC As a practical example of service integration, the Canadian Joint Air Training Centre at Rivers, Manitoba, is living proof that the colour of the uniform a man wears is really immaterial when it comes to getting the job done. Permanent strength of 800 servicemen at CJATC is about one-half RCAF and one-half Army. Except for two months each summer when naval jet squadrons come to Rivers for tactical exercises, RCN strength is only a token force — but “blue jobs” and “brown jobs” work and […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  North-west Staging Route-Part 7

  The North-West Staging Route Part 7/7 (reprinted from the September 1957 issue of The Roundel) By Flying Officer S.G. French (Part Seven brings the author from Fort St. John, in British Columbia, back to Ottawa and the end of his journey.—Editor.) Having bidden good-bye to Mrs. Murray, the Powells, and our Department of Transport friends, we set out on the fifty-mile drive to Dawson Creek, where a Staging Route detachment existed in years gone by. Soon we were crossing the Peace River Bridge, which I have been given to understand is the seventh largest suspension bridge in the world. At […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  North-west Staging Route-Part 6

  The North-West Staging Route Part 6/7 (reprinted from the July/August 1957 issue of The Roundel) By Flying Officer S.G. French (The writer, whom we left in Part Five driving back down the Alaska Highway towards Edmonton, now nears the end of his trip as he reaches Fort St. John. —— Editor.) “The entire city of Fort St. John owes its creation to flight. Around 1930, Stan MacMillan (later a Wing Commander in the R.C.A.F.), while carrying trappers and their dogs to various points in the north, landed at what was to become Fort St. John. (MacMillan will be remembered by […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  North-west Staging Route-Part 5

  The North-West Staging Route Part 5/7 (reprinted from the June 1957 issue of The Roundel) By Flying Officer S.G. French (In Part Four the author left Watson Lake, and he is now on his way south back to Edmonton —Editor.) At Smith River, now operated entirely by the Department of Transport, I spoke to Little Louis, a prospector and trapper who was flown in a Fairchild into Lake Toobally in 1937. Little Louis told me that, “when the Smith River airport was built, all of the supplies, including the bulldozers and a sawmill, were flown into Toobally Lake, at the […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  North-west Staging Route-Part 4

  The North-West Staging Route Part 4/7 (reprinted from the May 1957 issue of The Roundel) By Flying Officer S.G. French (In Part Three the writer took us from Aishihik to Snag, then back, down the Alaska Highway to Whitehorse and further glimpses into Mr. MacBride’s unique scrap-~book.—Editor.) From Whitehorse we drove south towards Teslin, our next stop along the Staging Route. On the way, we turned off to visit Carcross, a small town whose present name is a somewhat colourless abbreviation of its original one, Caribou Crossing. There I hoped to have a chat with George Simmons, a bush-pilot who […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  North-west Staging Route-Part 3

  The North-West Staging Route Part 3/7 (reprinted from the April 1957 issue of The Roundel) By Flying Officer S.G. French (Part Two brought the writer by air from Namao to Whitehorse, and then by road to R.C.A.F. Detachment Aishihik.—Editor.) After lunch, the corporal who was second in command of the Detachment told me something of the unit’s history. Construction began in 1942, when bulldozers, pulling supply-sleighs, drove a makeshift road along the Aishihik River. At Jamieson’’s Village, an Indian encampment beside Otter Lake, it was decided to build a barge on the spot and to take the men and supplies […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  North-west Staging Route-Part 2

  The North-West Staging Route Part 2/7 (reprinted from the March 1957 issue of The Roundel) By Flying Officer S.G. French (Part One brought the writer by train from Ottawa to Edmonton. So far he has traced for us the origins of the Route, shared a chance post-prandial with the uncle of “Wop” May, showed himself to the gibbons in the Calgary zoo, related a few episodes from the early days of bush-flying in the North-West, and wrestled with parachute-harnesses while waiting for the sked-run to forward him from Namao to Whitehorse—Editor.) Our aircraft was loaded with airmen, civilians, and supplies, […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  North-west Staging Route-Part 1

  The North-West Staging Route Part 1/7 (reprinted from the January 1957 issue of The Roundel) By Flying Officer S.G. French (In the course of his summer’s work with the R.C.A.F. last year, Flying Officer French’s duties took him over a large part of the territory covered by the Canadian section of the North-West Staging Route. The name of this once-famous airway, though no longer heard as often as it used to be, was familiar to all Canadian ferry and fighter pilots operating in the north-west of this continent during the Second World War. In the present series of articles, the […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units

  Bomber Command R.C.A.F.-Part 3

  (reprinted from the 23 March 1956 issue of The Voxair) PART IIIParts I and II of this story dealt with the crew briefing, preparations for departure. and take-off on a bombing trip over Europe. In this concluding article the author tells of the activity over the target and the return to base. We are now climbing as rapidly as possible—already the German radar screen has picked us up and is vectoring enemy night fighters in our direction. We must be at operating height before they contact us. Our next turning point is Sedan, France, and to reach it on time […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units

  Bomber Command R.C.A.F.-Part 2

  (reprinted from the 2 March 1956 issue of The Voxair) PART IICrew briefing completed the Lancasters take off and join the bomber stream. Shortly after crossing the coast of Europe they pass into enemy-held territory. METEOROLOGICAL BRIEFING The “Met” officer is the usual Englishman nicknamed Cloudy Joe — a somewhat controversial figure on the operational station. At times he has to withstand considerable ridicule and is blamed for the ather, much as the peacetime ather man. He tells the crews at might be expected in the way reather during the flight. e cross section is drawn on a ekboard showing […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units

  Bomber Command R.C.A.F.-Part 1

  (reprinted from the 10 February 1956 issue of The Voxair) Part 1 of a three part story of an actual bombing operation over Dessau, Germany, carried out by Royal Canadian Air Force bomber crews during World War II DURING the early years of World War II the work of Bomber Command was overshadowed by that of Fighter Command. The latter’s victory over the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain was followed by daylight bombing raids on enemy industrial targets. Then, since Luftwaffe had complete control continental skies, it became necessary to resort to attacks by night. By 1942 new aircraft […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  A Brief stop before Europe

  A Brief stop before Europe (Republished from the 18 October 1989 issue of The Voxair) The Air Command Band has just completed a successful tour of Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Toronto and Halifax. Entertaining thousands at the Canadian National Exhibition, Klondike Days and International Air Shows the band captured the applause of the festive crowds. The band also provided music for Prince Andrew’s Royal Inspection of the Guard in Regina. While our busy ensemble catches its breath for a brief period here in Winnipeg, we wish to acknowledge the promotions of some of our personnel. Congratulations to; from Wpg Warrant Van […]

• Artefacts | Republished Articles | Units

  Crusader Bell Finds Permanent Home

  Crusader Bell Finds Permanent Home (Republished from the 18 October 1989 issue of The Voxair) by L(N) B. Burns When a ship is broken up for scrap, not all the parts find their way to the melting furnace. In the case of HMCS Crusader, paid off in 1960, the ship’s bell ended up on board HMCS Haida, the floating Naval Museum in Toronto Harbour. But that was to be just a temporary home … the bell now lies in permanent residence in St. Paul’s High School in Winnipeg. St. Paul’s has had a long and glorious association with Canada’s Navy. […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  Return of the Snowbirds

  Return of the Snowbirds (Republished from the 18 October 1989 issue of The Voxair) OTTAWA — The Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill McKnight, announced that the Canadian Forces’ 431 (Air Demonstration) Squadron — the Snowbirds — will resume air display performances on Thursday, September 28th, at St. Catharines, Ontario. His decision was based on the recommendation of the Chief of the Defence Staff. “The show complies with the most stringent safety regulations for air shows in the world,” said Lt.-Gen. Fred R. Sutherland, Commander of Air Command, following his review of a practiceperformance by the Snowbirds yesterday afternoon […]

• Republished Articles | Visits

  Royal Visit

  Royal Visit (Republished from the 18 August 1982 issue of The Voxair) H.R.H. Princess Anne was a recent visitor to CFB Winnipeg while in Canada to participate in various community anniversary celebrations. The CFB Guard of Honour under the command of Maj. B. MEINDL was on hand to provide the traditional military presence. More information: Story from:

• Personnel | RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units | Visits

  Air Command’s Finest Hour

  Air Command’s Finest Hour Gov – Gen Schreyer Bestows Queen’s and Command Colours (Republished from the 18 August 1982 issue of The Voxair) WINNIPEG — A hall-mark was etched on the pages of Canadian military aviation history here, July 31, 1982. In a prestigious and absorbing array of pageantry, tradition and precision flying, Gov.-Gen. Edward R. Schreyer conferred Queen’s and formation colors on Air Command, inheritor of 73 years of trials and triumphs of Canadian airmen, in peace and war. The event, on the hangar line of CFB Winnipeg, was ‘“‘the most significant for Air Command since its formation in […]

• Aircraft | Personnel | Republished Articles | Units

  Almost Show Time

  Almost Show Time (Republished from the 14 July 1982 issue of The Voxair) Corporal John McCanna, 27, a native of Renfrew, Ont., uses a little ‘elbow grease”’ to clean the windscreen of a Tutor jet aircraft used by the Snowbirds, the Canadian Forces’ aerobatic display team. The team’s 11 pilots and 11 technicians and their aircraft will be in Winnipeg to participate in the Air Command Colours Presentation. More than 5-million people in Canada and the U.S. will see the Snowbirds perform at approximately 65 airshows this year. CPL McCanna, who joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1978, is the […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units

  Air Command Colours to be Presented

  Air Command Colours to be Presented (Republished from the 14 July 1982 issue of The Voxair) SACRED SYMBOLS Above are facsimiles of Queen’s and Command Colors to be presented July 31 by Governor-General E.R. Schreyer to Air Command in an ornate ceremony at CFB Winnipeg. Forerunners of colors were flags and banners flown by lords and barons as rallying points for their followers in battle in early times. Each was of a different and unmistakable hue and gained the name “colours.” The Queen’s Colour, possession of which is granted only by the reigning sovereign, signifies loyalty to country. Command or […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  Farewell Performance

  Farewell Performance (Republished from the 17 October 1979 issue of The Voxair) The 29-member NORAD Band, led by musical director U.S. Air Force LCOL John R, Nalezny, played its farewell performance Thursday afternoon (Sept. 29) at retreat ceremonies held in front of the 46th Aerospace Defense Wing Headquarters building at Peterson Air Force Base, Cola. The deactivation of the band is part of the previously announced Aerospace Defense Command realignment (NORAD PHOTO) More information: Story from:

• Aircraft | Republished Articles

  Dash 7

  Dash 7 (Republished from the 17 October 1979 issue of The Voxair) The de Havilland DHC-7 STOL aircraft, one of 2 such aircraft purchased by the Canadian Armed Forces for personnel and equipment transport in Europe, dropped into Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg recently on its last training flight prior to departing for service in Europe.(CANADIAN FORCES PHOTO BY WO J.F. CASEY) More information: Story from:

• Construction | Republished Articles | Units

  Spence Bay Airfield

  Spence Bay Airfield (Republished from the 17 October 1979 issue of The Voxair) September 5, 1979, saw the completion and official handover of the sixth Arctic Airfield constructed by Military Engineers under the direction of | Construction Engineering Unit, Winnipeg. for Transport Canada. The ceremonies at Spence Bay, NWT, were officiated over by the Minister of National Defense, the Honourable Allan McKinnon. The completed airfield was accepted by Mr. G. Atwood of Transport Canada and subsequently turned over to the settlement’s airport manager, Mr. G. Etoolook. Prior to the construction of this airstrip, the community of Spence Bay, with a […]

• Artefacts | Heraldry | Republished Articles

  RCAF Memorial

  RCAF Memorial (Republished from the 15 November 1978 issue of The Voxair) An event of special significance took place today with the unveiling of a unique display of RCAF Unit Badges at the National Aeronautical Collection, Rockcliffe. In a framed panel, eighty-five feet long and eight feet high, are mounted 170 official badges of units which once formed part of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The device, or symbol, which characterizes each squadron or unit is contained in a circle roughly a foot in diameter, surmounted by a crown and underlined by the unit’s motto, This exhibit has been made […]

• Republished Articles | Training

  RAF Pilot Training

  RAF Pilot Training (Republished from the 23 August 1955 issue of The Voxair) In the tight of recent discussion concerning pilot training methods we thought this article, written towards the end of 1954. might be of interest to our readers.—Ed. At the present time, the R.A.F. and the U.S.A.F. are the only Services to provide pupil pilots with jet experience during prewings training, one-half of the initial course, in fact, being completed in Britain on a type which is still in operational service. Although other air forces are likely to follow the example of the R.A.F. —the French have on […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  Air Command Band on Tour

  Air Command Band on Tour (Republished from the 3 April 2002 issue of The Voxair) By Sgt Sherree Vickers Captain Scott Attridge and the members of the Air Command Band have been extremely busy lately with tours and local school concerts. This thirty-five piece professional military ensemble breaks down into many different groups, including an elementary school ensemble called “The Hornets,” Dance bands, Chamber groups and Parade/Marching bands. They are extremely versatile and anyone that has seen this fine group of musicians in action can attest to this. Whether the band is musically supporting a CFANS graduating parade in Bldg […]

• Aircraft | Republished Articles | Units

  CT-142 Has Arrived

  CT-142 Has Arrived (Republished from the 24 January 1990 issue of The Voxair) By D.F. Collette, Lt 402 SQN On 20 December, 1989, the Commandant of CFANS, LCol Watt, and the CO of 402 Squadron, LCol Patrick, landed in the first of two CT-142s to arrive at CFB Winnipeg. The Commander of Air Command, LGen F.R. Sutherland, and Mr Lyle Bryson, representing Boeing Canada, were present to welcome the aircraft. The CT-142 (DASH8) aircraft is a twin-engine, pressurized, turbo-prop, medium range transport aircraft designed and manufactured by Boeing Canada Ltd – deHavilland Division at Downsview, Ontario. The CT-142 will be […]

• Aircraft | Republished Articles

  T-33 Remounted in Centennial Park

  T-33 Remounted in Centennial Park (Republished from the 13 June 1990 issue of The Voxair) by Kevin Sytsma “Like clock work”, was the operation transporting and fastening the T-33 aircraft to its perch in Centennial Park on 24 and 25 May. The aircraft was removed some time last year for refurbishment. Once the aircraft was refinished, its replacement was left to the careful hands of the CFB Wpg crash and salvage team, along with support from the BTNO, BSECURO, Litz Crane, Wpg Police, Wpg city crews. The operation started, 9:30 pm, 24 May and extended into the wake-up hours of […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  Bison Bits

  Bison Bits 429 Squadron (Republished from the 24 January 1990 issue of The Voxair) Welcome to the first Bison Bits of the 90s. We at 429 Sqn wish everyone a very Happy New Year and hope the 90s go better than the 80s did. All did not start out this year on a good note at 429 Sqn. The big disappointment was the cancellation of SF 591 which was supposed to go to the South Pacific on January 6th. With 591 cancelled it is really going to put a large dent in Col Armstrong’s usual 50 hours of flying time […]

• Artefacts | Republished Articles

  Link Trainer

  The Link Trainer An Appreciation by an Owner (Republished from the May 1942 issue of The Swift) Nobody really understands the Link. It is the squalling infant left on the door step of aviation and as such, accepted by the lords of the air with an airy, fairy indifference. And as a disregarded brat it has grown and grown until suddenly the aerial glamor boys find on their hands a lusty and difficult child. Very well, then let’s have a look at it. Not a thing of beauty surely—nor even of great immediate usefulness—but not to be dispensed with, apparently. […]

• Construction | Republished Articles

  Mind your table manners!

  Mind your table manners! (Republished from the 18 September 1985 issue of The Voxair) CFB Winnipeg engineers tackled a problem that required the move of the Air Command Headquarters conference room table from its old lodgings in Building No. 2 to new digs in the new Headquarters building under construction. It had to be done while there were a few unsealed openings in the new building, to permit access. First step was to remove a section of inner wall in the old Second World War-vintage building to get the hulking table on its way. Next requirement was to get it […]

• Republished Articles | Stations | Units

  BEME

  BEME Base Commander’s General Safety Award – 2nd Qtrs 89/90 (Republished from the 7 February 1990 issue of The Voxair) More information: Story from:

• Aircraft | RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units

  Aerobatic Team to Span Canada

  (Republished from the June 1959 issue of The Voxair) The RCAF’S newly created “GOLDEN HAWKS” precision aerobatic team, now training at Chatham, N.B., will be seen by millions of Canadians this summer during its four-month tour of the country starting in May. Organized to take part in the activities celebrating the Golden Anniversary of Flight in Canada and the RCAF’s 35th Anniversary. The team in their gold, red and white Sabre jets will be one of the few Air Force aerobatic teams to perform on a nation-wide basis since the famed “Siskins” toured the country in connection with the Trans-Canada […]

• Aircraft | RCAF History | Republished Articles

  Herc Tankers Operational

  (Republished from the 20 October 1993 issue of The Voxair) By Lt(N) Dave Scanlon After two years of research and modifications, Canada’s new tactical refuelling and airlift aircraft, five CC-130T Hercules, are operational. After being brought into service late in the Gulf War for tactical airlift, the Hercs were sent back to be refitted with an air-to-air refuelling system, marking the first time in recent history a standard Hercules has been converted into a tanker after purchase. In 1986, the Canadian Forces had identified a need for a tactical refueller and were looking at buying several Hercules tankers, known as […]

• Aircraft | RCAF History | Republished Articles

  Veteran Aircraft Completes Final Flight

  (Republished from the 14 January 1976 issue of The Voxair) OTTAWA—0l’ number 12924 flew her last trip under her own power November 25, from Winnipeg to Ottawa. But the 29-year old Canadian Armed Forces’ Dakota (DC-3), oldest type of aircraft on the Forces’ inventory, will make at – least one more flight, dangling ignominiously from a powerful Chinook helicopter, the Forces’ newest type of aircraft. The old vet, one of six left in the Forces, now is being stripped of engines and other removable fixtures at CFB Ottawa’s Uplandsinstallation, in preparation for the airlift to Ottawa’s Defence Research Establishment at […]

• Aircraft | Personnel | RCAF History | Republished Articles | Stations

  DC-3 Significant to Polish Second World War History Repatriated

  (Republished from the 13 March 2019 issue of The Voxair) By Martin Zeilig, Voxair Photojournalist In the words of 17 Wing Commander Colonel Eric Charron, March 8, 2019, was a “great day for Canada and a great day for Poland.” He was speaking before a crowd of military and civilians in Hangar 10 at the Departure Ceremony for a Second World War Polish DC-3 aircraft, named the Spirit of Ostra Brama. The aircraft is travelling from Winnipeg to a military museum in Warsaw Poland. Ostra Brama means “Gate of Dawn’, a holy site in the city of Wilno (Now Vilnius, […]

• Personnel | Republished Articles | Units

  Second World War Vet Visits Wing

  (Republished from the 13 February 2019 issue of The Voxair) by 2Lt Becky Major, 17 Wing Public Affairs Once a Chinthe, Always a Chinthe When Richard Earl joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) at age 18 in 1942, he never imagined he would end up as a radio operator for one of two brand new Canadian transport squadrons in India. Mr. Earl was placed in 435 Squadron working on the Dakota DC-3, or “Dak’ as it is fondly remembered by its operators. Seventy-five years later, through a chance meeting, Mr. Earl had the opportunity to reunite with his former […]

• Aircraft | Personnel | RCAF History | Republished Articles

  CT-142 Navigation Training Begins at CFANS

  (Republished from the 6 February 1991 issue of The Voxair) On Monday 14 Jan 91 Basic Air Navigation Course 9101 (see photo) began classes at CFANS and became the first group of students to train on the CT-142. The Course is expected to run for 11 months with an anticipated graduation date of 19 Dec 91. At present three of the four CT-142 Navigation trainers are here in Winnipeg. Aircraft 803 is currently being updated to final production specifications; a process that 804 will undergo upon completion of 803. The last aircraft (142806) is anticipated to arrive from De Havilland […]

• Aircraft | RCAF History | Republished Articles

  First One Arrives

  (Republished from the 12 February 1975 issue of The Voxair) On Saturday, 1 Feb the first C-130 was delivered to 429 Squadron. Four of these aircraft will replace the C-47 as navigation training aircraft for the Canadian Forces. Delivery of the remaining three aircraft will be made over the next few months, and the first navigation course to train on the C-130’s commences at the Canadian Forces Air Navigation School 20 May 1975. Story from:

• Artefacts | Republished Articles

  The Pickle Barrel Club

  (Republished from the 15 August 1941 issue of The Fingal Observer) Floating about over Lake Erie in a Fairey Battle aircraft some time ago, one of the air observers in training at this School gazed through the intricate device of a bomb sight. Making the necessary calculations, he released a bomb. The missile struck, and as seen from the air, a cloud of spray or smoke spread completely over the target. The trainee who released the bomb became the only bomb aimer to ever score a direct hit from the height of 10,000 feet. His objective was a thirty-foot triangular […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Stations | Units

  Closure of CFB Portage La Prairie

  (Republished from the 9 September 1993 issue of The Voxair) By Col R.R. Henault, Base Commander, CFB Portage La Prairie RCAF Station Portage La Prairie first opened in July 1940 as a wartime training site of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Since that date, it has proudly served the aircrew training needs of the RCAF and the Canadian Forces, and has become an integral part of Canadian aviation history. In 1989, in support of the Government of Canada’s plan to reduce expenditures, it was announced that CFB Portage La Prairie, one of the oldest and busiest flying training bases […]

• Republished Articles

  CFB Winnipeg Becomes 17 Wing Winnipeg

  (Republished from the 31 March 1993 issue of The Voxair) By Capt J.L.D. Lachance, WPIO Background 1 April 1993 will not only mark the 69th Anniversary of the Air Force, but also introduce a new chapter in the evolution of Canada’s rich and proud history of military aviation, as the Air Force transitions Air Command Bases into a Wing structure. Canada’s military aviation first established Wing organizational structures and nomenclature in World War I, with the formation of No. 1 Canadian Wing Royal Air Force in 1918. Along with Commands, Groups, Squadrons and Flights, Canadian Wings were patterned upon the […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  402 Sqn Pipes, Drums and Dancers

  (Republished from the 20 February 1991 issue of The Voxair) by MWO Neil A. Barbour The 402 “City of Winnipeg” Squadron Pipe Band was formed in 1954, and is currently under the direction of Pipe Major Neil A. Barbour, C.D. He has been a member of the band since 1964, and pipe major since 1979. Over the years, the 402 Squadron Pipes, Drums and Dancers have garnered many honours and have played at, or participated in, many significant events. In 1990, they participated in the Scottish Highland Festival in Estes Park, Colorado, and because of their impressive performance, they have […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Stations

  CFB Winnipeg Awarded “Freedom of the City”

  (Republished from the 18 November 1992 issue of The Voxair) By Capt D. McDonnell, CFANS It began with the rhythmic sound of over 350 smartly dressed military personnel marching through downtown Winnipeg. At the front of the column was Col J.R.B. Proulx, Base Commander of Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg. As they neared City Hall, the formation was stopped by City of Winnipeg Police Chief and Col Proulx was escorted to the front doors of the Council Building. Drawing a ceremonial sword, he knocked three times and requested an audience with the Mayor. Such were the opening moments of the Freedom […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  1 Air Mov Sqn Passenger Terminal Dedication Ceremony

  (Republished from the 17 January 1996 issue of The Voxair) On a very cold and blustery Tuesday, 5 December 1995, the personnel of 1 Air Movements Sqn, along with a number of invited guests, assembled in 19 Hangar for the official dedication of the CWO William Ledingham Clark Passenger Terminal. The brief ceremony, held in the arrivals area of the terminal, was the culmination of nearly eighteen months of work for both Sqn staff, as well as CWO Clark’s family. Although construction of the terminal began in the late summer of 1994, and the building opened for use in October […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Stations

  Air Force Way

  by Capt Neil Kinley (Republished from the 28 February 1996 issue of The Voxair) Living on Air Force Way The Air Force is in Winnipeg to stay. It must be, as the City of Winnipeg now has street signs that say so. The city has renamed Sharp Boulevard north of Ness Avenue, Air Force Way. Air Force Way signs went up at the corner of Ness and Sharp and at Silver Avenue on February 1, 1996. City work crews laboured in -35C temperatures putting up the new signs along the street which leads into 17 Wing and Air Command Headquarters. […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Stations | Units

  17 Wing Welcomes 435

  by Capt Neil Kinley (WPAFFO) (Republished from the 21 September 1994 issue of The Voxair) With its four Allison engines roaring, Canadian Forces Hercules number 333 taxied onto the ramp of its new home at 17 Wing Winnipeg on August 22, 1994. This was the last of seven Hercs to arrive at 17 Wing from 18 Wing Edmonton, completing the move of 435 Squadron to its new base of operation in Winnipeg. The men and women of 435 Squadron were formed up on the ramp to greet the aircraft and crew, carrying the Squadron Colours and Colour Party. Also on […]

• Personnel | Republished Articles

  When boy meets girls…

  by Sgt Ross Mason (Republished from the April 1944 issue of Wings – Log of the RCAF) MONTREAL — Pity poor S Stein of Hamilton who graduated recently from 1 Wireless School, Montreal, as a radio telephone operator. Airman Stein uses the right kind of soap in his shower; brushes his teeth with the proper dentifrices; is right on the bit with his Emily Post; and launders his underthings in Lux. But he wasn’t allowed to associate with his classmates after lessons. AC2 Stein couldn’t drill with them. He couldn’t play games with them. His quarters were separated from theirs. […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  Winged Commandos

  Leadership, stamina, survival-these are the elements of the new grad course that turns RCAF aircrew into… by Sgt – Bombaimer Irv Johns (Republished from the April 1944 issue of Wings – Log of the RCAF) The morning stillness shattered into echoing action as a yelling, leaping group of figures streaked across a field, caromed off the top of high barriers, tore through barbed wire entanglements, and were momentarily silhouetted against the early sky on high-swinging ropes to disappear down the road like Gunder Haegg in a hurry. And that, brother, is how air graduates are being trained to travel now. […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles | Units

  R.C.A.F. Mash

  by Major W.A. March (Republished from the 2 March 1994 issue of The Voxair) By the summer of 1943, preparations in England for the upcoming “Second Front” in Europe began to reach a fever pitch. New Canadian air force units were formed, or transferred overseas, to fill the requirements put forward by Allied commands as they geared up to provide air support to the planned invasion. More and more of these units were attached to the Second Tactical Air Force (2TAF) until by August 1943, approximately fifty per cent of this formation was composed of squadrons and personnel from the […]

• Construction | Republished Articles | Stations

  British Commonwealth Air Training Plan Memorial

  Aims and Intent of 500 (City of Winnipeg) Wing, Air Force Association of Canada (Republished from the 29 April 1998 issue of The Voxair) This memorial is our plan to make a final salute to those Men and Women who, in the tumultuous years 1939-1945, put their lives on hold, whilst they banded together to fight a foe so ruthless and dangerous that, had he succeeded, the world would have become as Sir Winston Churchill said “More perverse by the thoughts and deeds of perverted men and science”. These young men came from all parts of the British Commonwealth, and […]

• Artefacts | Republished Articles

  Battle of Britain Lace Tapestry

  (Republished from the 3 May 1989 issue of The Voxair) INTRODUCTION The Battle of Britain Commemorative Lace Tapestry was created between the years 1942 and 1946 by the Nottingham firm of Dobsons and M. Browne and Co. Ltd., the largest lace producer in Europe at that time. The tapestry is a lace panel measuring 180 inches in height by 65 inches wide and depicts exact reproductions of scenes witnessed during the bombing of London. Also illustrated are the various aircraft in the battle, the badges of the Allied Air Forces involved and the names of the principal craftsmen who worked […]

• Aircraft | Republished Articles

  Dakota – A Last Farewell – Un dernier adieu

  (reprinted from the 22 March 1989 issue of The Voxair) Flew in Burma by Maj. Robert Butt Four of the Dakota aircraft that will retire from RCAF and OF service in March 1989, didn’t start their operational lives with the RCAF. In fact, they started with the RAF and were later returned to the RCAF after service with Canadian squadrons overseas. The first of these is tail number 12963, the 48th Dakota to see service with the Canadian military and one of two still in service that flew in Burma. Built at the Douglas Oklahoma City plant in 1942, this […]

• Republished Articles | Units

  Ghost Squadron anything but frightful

  (reprinted from the 7 February 2001 issue of , The Voxair) 17 Wing Ghost Sqn is here to save the day, or at least some vintage aircraft equip­ment. Reductions in manpower and money has made life a little tougher for all of us and has especially made it tough for 17 Wing to continue maintaining Air Force Heritage Park with existing resources. Members of Ghost Squadron are all vol­unteers who, accord­ing to the Memoran­dum of Understanding between DND and the Air Force Association of Canada (AFAC), “have a willingness and desire to assist 17 Wing to complete non-operational pro­jects.” Air […]

• RCAF History | Republished Articles

  Stations of the RCAF: Victoria Island

  (reprinted from the October 1962 issue of The Roundel) by Flight Lieutenant E.E. Boyd Within sight of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa is an area destined to become one of Canada’s newest federal parks. This small piece of real estate is rich in local lore and military heritage. It is called Victoria Island. Situated in the Ottawa River between Ottawa and Hull, Quebec, this 12-acre island has played a major role in the annals of both Canada’s history and industrial growth. Victoria Island was an Indian settlement long before the white man discovered Canada. Later the island became a temporary […]

• Heraldry | Republished Articles

  The Making of a new badge for 17 Wing

  by CM Walton-Simm, Managing Editor (reprinted from the 9 June 1999 issue of The Voxair, Winnipeg, Manitoba) Back in 1994, with the resurrection of the Wing concept in the Canadian Air Force and thus the stand-up of 17 Wing, it was determined that a requirement existed to select a new symbol to represent the Wing and its important role in the Canadian Air Force. As a result, a contest was held in the fall of 1994, via the Voxair, to come up with a new badge for 17 Wing. There were 10 contest entrants and a committee was formed, in […]

• Construction | RCAF History | Republished Articles | Stations

  The Garden of Memories

  (reprinted from the 1 September 1999 issue of The Voxair, Winnipeg, Manitoba) The old saying “From small acorn grow big oak trees” might well be appropriate for the Garden of Memories. What started as three old guys sitting around sipping on a cup of coffee in August of 1996, discussing what we might do to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the RCAF as a Wing of the Air Force Association of Canada, ended up being a place cherished by thousands of people from across the globe.As one idea after another was raised, discussed, chosen or eliminated, it finally dawned upon […]

• Personnel | RCAF History | Republished Articles

  The George Cross Recipients

  (reprinted from the 1 September 1999 issue of The Voxair, Winnipeg, Manitoba) In a previous issue, the significance of the George Cross was described. This issue we look at the recipients and the acts for which they were recognized. The danger inherent in their actions can be seen in the fact that three of the five died while trying to save their comrades. Aircraftman 1st Class Ernest Ralph Clyde Frost, GC, CD Aircraftman Frost was born in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec. After finishing high school, he worked at a number of menial jobs, before deciding to go to England. He reached England […]

• Republished Articles | Uniforms

  New Uniforms

  (reprinted from the 20 February 1985 issue of The Voxair, Winnipeg, Manitoba) Blue, tan, white and green in your future. OTTAWA — Defence Minister Robert Coates has unveiled plans for the introduction of three distinctive environmental uniforms for the Canadian Forces. While retaining the unified force structure, the sea element will be issued with dark blue uniforms, the land element will wear green and the air element will have light blue uniforms. “This new initiative is tangible evidence of the government’s commitment to the Canadian Forces. Moreover, since the cloth and uniforms will be manufactured in Canada. it will also […]

• Announcements | Construction | Republished Articles

  The New Air Command H.Q.’S Building

  (reprinted from the 30 May 1984 issue of The Voxair, Winnipeg, Manitoba) The Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, Minister of Transport, MP for Winnipeg — Fort Garry, on behalf of Defence Minister Jean-Jacques Blais, has announced Treasury Board approval of a #28.4 million expenditure for the construction of a new Air Command Headquarters building. The 10,600 square meter structure, to be built at Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg, will provide modern, energy-efficient working space for approximately 650 Air Command staff, currently housed in seven Second World War structures. ‘These wood-frame buildings have reached the end of their life expectancy and are too expensive […]

• Aircraft | Republished Articles

  Battle Of Britain Beauty Bailed Out By BAMEO

  (reprinted from the 15 October 1980 issue of The Voxair, Winnipeg, Manitoba) During the recent Commonwealth Aircrew Reunion held in Winnipeg, Hollywood actor Cliff Robertson’s vintage Mk 9b Spitfire developed serious engine oil and coolant leaks. The aircraft was unable to fly without permanent repairs so a plea for help went out to CFB Winnipeg’s Aircraft Maintenance section. To the rescue came SGT Bob Hare, an Aero Engine technician and Winnipeg’s only remaining “Fitter” with Rolls Royce Merlin experience.Ably assisted by a crew of technicians obviously delighted with the chance to work on such a classic, SGT Hare completed all […]

• Republished Articles | Uncategorized

  The Last Bomb Aimer

  (reprinted from the 14 May 1980 issue of The Voxair, Winnipeg, Manitoba) WINNIPEG—Chief Warrant Officer Clemens Bernhardt, 55, center, of CFB Winnipeg, Man., the last serving member of the regular force entitled to wear the World War II bomb aimer badge, is honored at his retirement dinner at the base by LCOL J E Laye (left), Base Technical Services Officer, and MAJ A V Milani (right). CO of 401 Technical Services Detachment. CWO Bernhardt joined the RCAF in 1943 and served in many areas of Canada while earning his bomb aimer’s wings.Demobilized in 1944, he rejoined the RCAF in 1947 […]