WHAT DO WE DO? WHY DO WE EXIST? SOME THOUGHTS ON THE RCAF ASSOCIATION’S RAISON D’ÊTRE, FOR RECRUITERS AMONG US Aim This paper responds to important questions about the RCAF Association’s purpose: What do we do? Why do we pay membership dues? What, exactly, am I paying for? Can someone explain the benefits of membership?… Read More
No. 427 Squadron Badge: In front of a maple leaf a lion rampant Motto: Ferte manus certas (Strike with a sure hand) Authority: King George VI, October 1943 The combination of a lion representing England and a maple leaf for Canada indicates the formation of this squadron in England. Formed at Croft, Yorkshire, England on… Read More
Reference: The Maple Leaf, VE Day Issue, Vol 8 No 17 RCAF Overseas Casualties Aircrew Killed 13,408 Missing 1,855 PoW 2,276 Died of Natural Causes 33 Wounded or Injured 2,838 Groundcrew Killed 181 Missing 34 PoW 14 Died of Natural Causes 35 Wounded or Injured 216 Total Overseas Casualties Killed 13,589 Missing 1,889 PoW 2,290… Read More
(1952-1970) Jack Gray stepped down as General Manager in March 1970, after 20 years with the RCAF Association. He had served as General Manager of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association from 1952 until his retirement. Jack Gray joined the Royal Flying Corps as a cadet in January 1918. During the Second World War he… Read More
Readers will recall the issue of Airforce and the item “Alphabet Soup” dealing with single letter prefixes assigned to RCAF service numbers in effect from 1 Apr 1924 through to “R” Day, 1 Oct 46. (Airforce Vol. 23, No. 4; page 22) Hugh Halliday, our eminent aviation historian, provided the rationale defining letter prefixes —C,R,J,… Read More
Air Marshall George Mitchell Croil, CBE, AFC, MiD and Cde (Fr) – FIRST CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF Air Marshall George Mitchell Croil, CBE, AFC, MiD and Cde (Fr) , is considered by many to be the Father of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The only offspring of Scottish Immigrants, Thomas Croil and Christain… Read More
Pilot Officer (Retired) Stephen Butte, DFC, P.Eng., hcol An Honourable Journey Steve Butte, DFC, BSc, PEng by Dean Black A legendary life has come to an end. Steve Butte passed away on Remembrance Day, 2010, near Perth, Australia. The name might not be familiar, but Steve is a Canadian veteran worth knowing. The year 1944… Read More
FIRST WORLD WAR HONOURS AND AWARDS TO CANADIANS IN BRITISH FLYING SERVICES. H.A. Halliday, 1594 Delia Crescent, Orleans, Ontario, K4A 1W9, (613) 830-6366, 1997. Acknowledgement: This data base has been prepared with generous assistance from Surgeon Commander (ex F/O) John Blatherwick, CM, CD, MD, New Westminster, British Columbia. NOTES: This data base is drawn primarily… Read More
CANADIANS DECORATED WHILE SERVING AS ENLISTED OR COMMISSIONED MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AND OTHER COMMONWEALTH AIR FORCES. This data base (scroll down to see linked files for downloading) was prepared with generous assistance and editing on the part of Surgeon Commander (ex F/O) John Blatherwick, OC, CM, CD, MD, New Westminster, British Columbia…. Read More
The RCAF Association acknowledges the research done by the renowned RCAF historian, Hugh Halliday, in compiling the information presented below as well as The Battle of Britain London Monument Website. These are the 117 Canadians who fought in the Battle of Britain 10 July-31 October 1940: 90128 Flight Lieutenant (F/Lt) John William Maxwell “Max” AITKEN,… Read More
