HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1949-03-31, Page 10TH?: TIMES’ADVOQATE, EXETER, ONTARIO, THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH 31, 1949
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So much in so short a time" could be taken as a
nutshell history of the RCAF, which on April 1st
notes its 25th Anniversary, the Silver Jubilee of
Canada’s youngest fighting Service, which came
into being April 1st, 1924.
Since then the RCAF has written in the skies a
flaming history of which Canada can well be proud.
In war and in peace the RCAF has established a
reputation for fighting spirit^ operating efficiency,
and determination of purpose that is known and
respected wherever men fly.
In the days before the Second World War the
men of the RCAF flew their tiny machines, flimsy
by today’s standards, over Canada, keeping in being
the nucleus of a Force that was one day to strike
mighty blows for Canada and for Democracy; They
servedCanadain many other ways, helping to develop
uncharted areas, flying .forestry patrols, always
helping to aid aviation throughout the Dominion.
When Hitler struck at Freedom, the tiny Force
called upon the cream of Canadian youth, and the
call was answered. In 1924 the RCAF had some
what over 300 officers and men* In January, 1944; „
the RCAF was a mighty aerial striking force of
215,000. Forty-eight operational squadrons served
overseas. At home the RCAF administered the
British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, which
turned out over 131,000 aircrew ; over half of them
Canadian.
Now; in peace once again, the RCAF is serving
Canada well, building a modern; compact Air
Force to be ready to defend Freedom should the
need arise. Its gleaming silver planes are a common .
sight over all the Dominion, not only training as a
fighting defence force, but serving Canada in many
other ways; Its photo planes are dragging the
Northland’s secrets into view, its mercy flights are
saving lives,' and writing new chapters in the
aviation annals of our country. It is flying proudly,
with the same spirit that flew over Dieppe and
over Berlin;
On its Silver Jubilee its members pause to
glance back over a proud record, brief in years but
lengthy in brave deeds. Canada’s Maple Leaf has
gleaming wings, and Canada can be justly proud of
them;
George Wright