The Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War:
The Golden Era and the “Aerodrome of Democracy”
The Second World War was the crucible in which the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) came of age, transforming from a modest peacetime service into one of the largest and most effective air forces in the world. Between 1939 and 1945, the RCAF not only defended Canadian skies and supported Allied operations abroad but also played a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of aviators through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). Dubbed the “Aerodrome of Democracy” by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Canada became the training ground for over 130,000 Allied aircrew—a staggering achievement that showcased the country’s strategic significance and the RCAF’s organizational prowess.
The RCAF’s contributions to the Second World War were monumental, reflecting a blend of organizational ingenuity, technological advancement, and individual heroism. Bruce Catton, with his characteristic sensitivity to both the human and institutional dimensions of history, might have described this era as a “golden moment of unity and purpose, where a young nation found its wings and rose to meet a world in peril.”
Canada at the Outset of the War
When Canada declared war on Germany on September 10, 1939, the RCAF was a fledgling force, equipped with only 4,000 personnel and a collection of outdated aircraft. The air force’s primary role during the interwar years had been civil aviation tasks, leaving it underprepared for the demands of modern warfare. Historian W.A.B. Douglas, in The Creation of a National Air Force, described the RCAF’s pre-war state as “an organization with more ambition than capacity, yet one poised for remarkable growth in response to the challenges ahead.”
The RCAF’s rapid mobilization reflected Canada’s commitment to the Allied cause. Within weeks of the war’s declaration, Canada offered to host a massive air training program that would become the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). This initiative, coupled with the expansion of operational squadrons for overseas deployment, marked the beginning of the RCAF’s transformation into a world-class air force.
The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP): The Aerodrome of Democracy
The BCATP was formally established on December 17, 1939, through an agreement between Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. The plan’s objective was to train aircrew—pilots, navigators, gunners, bomb aimers, and wireless operators—who would serve in the air forces of all participating nations. Canada’s geography, with its vast open spaces and relative safety from enemy attack, made it the ideal location for such a program.
Over the course of the war, the BCATP trained over 130,000 aircrew, including 72,835 Canadians, 42,110 Britons, 9,606 Australians, and 7,002 New Zealanders. These men would go on to serve in theatres of war from Europe to the Pacific, forming the backbone of Allied air power. Historian F.J. Hatch, in Aerodrome of Democracy, aptly summarized the program’s significance: “The BCATP was not just a training effort but a symbol of Allied unity, with Canada at its heart.”
The scale of the BCATP was unprecedented. Canada established 151 training schools and constructed or repurposed over 230 aerodromes across the country. Cities like Winnipeg, Brandon, and Calgary became hubs of aviation activity, while small towns like Goderich, Ontario, and Weyburn, Saskatchewan, hosted airfields that hummed with the sound of engines and the chatter of instructors and students.
Aircraft of the BCATP
The success of the BCATP was built on the dedication of its instructors and the reliability of its training aircraft. Among the most iconic planes used in the program were:
- Avro Anson: A twin-engine aircraft used for navigation, bombing, and gunnery training, the Anson was a workhorse of the BCATP. Its stability and versatility made it ideal for preparing aircrew for operational service.
- North American Harvard: Known for its distinctive roar and demanding flight characteristics, the Harvard was a key trainer for advanced pilots. It was praised for its ability to simulate the handling of combat aircraft, ensuring that graduates were well-prepared for operational squadrons.
- de Havilland Tiger Moth: A primary trainer for novice pilots, the Tiger Moth was a biplane with a simple design and forgiving flight characteristics. It allowed thousands of young men to take their first steps into the skies.
These aircraft, while modest compared to frontline fighters and bombers, were vital to the BCATP’s success. Their durability and adaptability ensured that students could train safely and effectively, often in harsh Canadian winters.
The Organization and Impact of the BCATP
The BCATP’s organizational structure was a testament to the RCAF’s ability to manage a program of immense complexity. Training schools were divided into categories based on their specialization, such as Initial Training Schools (ITS), Elementary Flying Training Schools (EFTS), and Air Observer Schools (AOS). Instructors were drawn from both civilian and military backgrounds, creating a diverse and experienced teaching cadre.
The impact of the BCATP extended beyond its immediate military contributions. The program infused communities across Canada with a sense of purpose and unity, as towns and cities embraced their roles in the war effort. Airports and infrastructure built for the BCATP would later form the foundation of Canada’s post-war aviation industry. Moreover, the program’s emphasis on international cooperation strengthened Canada’s ties with its Commonwealth partners.
The RCAF’s Achievements in the War
While the BCATP was the cornerstone of Canada’s air war effort, the RCAF also excelled in combat and support roles during the Second World War. By 1945, the RCAF had grown to over 215,000 personnel and operated 78 overseas squadrons. Canadian aircrew participated in critical campaigns, including:
- The Battle of Britain: Canadian pilots served with distinction in the RAF’s Fighter Command, contributing to the defence of Britain in 1940.
- Bomber Command: RCAF squadrons, flying heavy bombers like the Lancaster and Halifax, played a central role in the strategic bombing of Germany.
- Coastal Command: Using aircraft like the Lockheed Hudson, the RCAF provided vital anti-submarine patrols and maritime reconnaissance.
The RCAF’s combat record was marked by individual heroism and collective achievement. Pilots like George “Buzz” Beurling, Canada’s top ace with 31 confirmed victories, became symbols of Canadian bravery and skill.
Legacy of the Golden Era
The Second World War was a transformative period for the RCAF. From its pivotal role in the BCATP to its contributions on the front lines, the air force emerged from the war as a mature and respected institution. The training of over 130,000 aircrew under the BCATP not only bolstered the Allied war effort but also cemented Canada’s reputation as a leader in aviation.
Bruce Catton might have reflected on this era with a deep sense of admiration, capturing both the scale and the humanity of Canada’s achievements: “In the skies above training fields and battlefields alike, Canada’s air force proved that greatness is born not of grandeur but of quiet determination and collective purpose.”
The legacy of the RCAF’s golden era endures not only in the history books but in the continued strength of Canada’s air force and its contributions to global security.
References
- Hatch, F.J. Aerodrome of Democracy: Canada and the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, 1939–1945. Ottawa: Department of National Defence, 1983.
- Milberry, Larry. Sixty Years: The RCAF and CF Air Command, 1924–1984. Toronto: Canav Books, 1984.
- Douglas, W.A.B. The Creation of a National Air Force: The Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Volume II. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1986.
- Greenhous, Brereton, Stephen J. Harris, and William C. Johnston. The Crucible of War, 1939–1945: The Official History of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Volume III. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1994.
- Bliss, Michael. A Living Force: Canada’s Aviation Heritage. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1991.
- Granatstein, J.L. Canada’s Army: Waging War and Keeping the Peace. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2002.
- Halliday, Hugh. The Tumult in the Clouds: Canadians in the Air War, 1914–1945. Toronto: Lester & Orpen Dennys, 1989.
- Keshen, Jeffrey. “Canada’s Aerodrome of Democracy.” Canadian Historical Review, 79(4), 1998, pp. 688–716.
- Beurling, George, and Leslie Roberts. Malta Spitfire: The Story of a Fighter Ace. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1943.