Canadian Air Force History

901 Words4 Pages
The history of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) just barely precedes war times; the forces had no practical experience in military operations until 1938. In 1914, striving to be involved in the First World War, Canada's Minister of Militia and Defence inquired to Britain how Canada could be of assistance for the war effort. Britain approved the formation of a small Canadian aviation unit, and the Canadian Aviation Corps (CAC) was created. They purchased one aircraft, but upon arrival to the training grounds, it began to deteriorate from the weather and the craft never flew. By May 1915, the CAC no longer existed. Canada’s prior endeavour to form an air force paved the road for the RCAF’s success. The historical failure of the CAC motivated…show more content…
In 1918, the Canadian government requested a wing comprised of eight squadrons, and was granted two by the British Air Ministry. Soon after, the Canadian government granted authorization for the creation of the Canadian Air Force to take control of these two squadrons. In June 1919, Britain cut financing to the Canadian Air Force in Europe. This lead to the disbandment of the aviation squadrons two years later, which resulted in a third failed attempt to create a Canadian air service. The Canadian Air Force (the title “Royal” was approved by the King later) was formed at Camp Borden in 1920, its primary purpose being recertification training for wartime…show more content…
Although it did not have exposure to wartime conditions prior to the war, the air force ensured the overall success of WWII in the air, sea, and land, and should therefore be given more prominence in history. Clearly, the contribution by the Canadian ground forces and the navy were significant in terms of the victorious outcome of WWII, however, the outcome could have been entirely different without the RCAF. Since WWII, the RCAF has not been sufficiently recognized for its contribution to the war and should be addressed by the Canadian Government today. Without the defensive and offensive contributions of the RCAF to the land invasions both during the Dieppe Raid and on D-Day, the success of the Allied forces would not have been as certain. In addition, the RCAF aided the naval attacks throughout the war, with the purpose of safely ensuring the convoys going from North America to Britain with supplies for the war. Finally, the most significant reason that the RCAF needs to be recognized largely is due to its undervalued recognition since WWII by the Canadian Government. While the National Air Force Museum was opened in 1984 on the sixtieth anniversary of the RCAF, the Canadian Government needs to do more to recognize the contribution of the many Canadian pilots in WWII who gave their lives to ensure the end of fascism in

More about Canadian Air Force History

Open Document